I bet you don’t like the idea of showering and lathering your body with something that’s been known to cause skin corrosion as well as a host of other issues. The culprit is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This is a common additive used in bath and body products. Unfortunately, the FDA regulated it for wide-spread use, because it’s cheap.
I was devastated when I realized my seemingly all natural shower gel contained SLS. Read labels and check out these suggestions for SLS-free bath and body care below:
Avalon organics is a company that is dedicated to organic agriculture and creating a cleaner environment for its consumers. They seek to help you obtain healthy benefits by creating bath and body products that are pure and safe. They use quality organic ingredients from science-based nutrients and natural botanicals. Avalon organics offers a wide range of shower gels that are free of harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors and, most importantly, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
My favorite is their Grapefruit & Geranium Bath & Shower Gel (left). It has an uplifting scent that really serves to rouse me from sleep when I lather it on during my morning shower. The organic grapefruit and geranium extract purify and replenish dry and tired skin.
Avalon organics says “Our products are created with organic agriculture and long-term sustainability in mind. Choosing ingredients like organic essential oils, organic plant oils and organic botanical extracts serves a two-fold purpose: creating the best natural products available and producing a measurable expansion of organic acreage cultivation.”
Nurture My Body is another company dedicated to providing products that have no toxic chemicals and are SLS-free as well. From their website: “Our calling is clear. Love our body, love our Earth, and take care of both because they each demand respect and care.” They feature an Organic Skin Care, Organic Body Care, Organic Hair and Organic Baby Care line.
From their Organic Body Care line, my favorite body wash is their Ginger Body Wash (right). I love using it after hitting the gym, because the ginger works to soothe achy muscles. The blend also includes sweet orange to tone your skin and energize your mind. This body wash also contains the extract of cinnamon leaf creating a warming sensation that stimulates your skin cells.
Nurture My Body says, “Our body washes are premium quality washes that use a rich formula of natural botanicals and vitamins to clean and condition your body in one easy step. They respect your skin's natural balance thanks to their SLS-free cleansing base enriched with moisturizers that make your skin silkier, healthier and more beautiful.”
You can purchase products from both of these companies online. I have also spotted Avalon organics at QFC and Whole Foods in the natural foods section.