Not sure how many of you are aware of the marketing uproar around Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
There is a big push right now to find products that are SLS free. Specifically hair products. Like another article on palm oil, there is a lot of marketing mis-information about SLS being released today.
I am in the process of doing research on different surfactants available and in use for expansions in the product line.
If you didn't know (and I didn't until I began researching) The word surfactant is short for "surface active agent" and has ahydrophilic (water-loving) head and a lipophilic (oil-loving) orhydrophobic (water-hating) tail. This means it can bring things together like oil and water.
You can imagine the importance of surfactants in items like lotion and shampoo... even body butters..
Here is a great read on the different types of surfactants..
http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com/2009/03/surfactants-short-guide-to-things.html
Now.. the interesting thing is that much of the uproar about SLS has been about it's impact on the environment...
If you really look into the research you find that SLS as a product:
- Scores a 100 on the bio renewable carbon index (the BCI was created for consumers evaluate "green products" on an even basis)
- It is naturally sourced from coconut oil
- Is completely safe in wash off formulas
- Lets off NO VOC (it won't vaporize into the atmosphere)
- Is biodegradable
- Is Ethylene Oxide/Propylene Oxide Copolymer Free (EO/PO)
This seems like the perfect green product. So you have to wonder...why all the hoopla??
Here's where it gets interesting..
SLS is good for wash off products only...shampoos, toothpaste, and shower gel.
If you are finding SLS in any leave on products, lotions, conditioners, foundations, sunscreens,etc. then you need to throw them away. It is an irritant and can cause reactions/problems.
So while people are still wanting SLS free products, the best advice I can give you is to READ, READ, READ..
As you can see from the link above, there are a LOT of surfactants available to manufacturers, so they should be choosing the right ones for the products they create.
I also know that there are people with dermatitis and eczema that when stop using products with SLS, their issue lessens significantly.
And there ARE soaps on the market with this product in it. Again, it's a wash off products, so it is safe..
But at BestSoapEver, if there isn't a reason for the man made ingredient to exist in a product (like the need for a preservative in lotions) then we don't add it... and we are happier, our skin is happier..and our customers are happier without it.
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Becky & Nic