SLS in shampoos: what is it? What is sodium lauryl sulfate and why is it in my shampoo? Sodium lauryl sulfate.

I was looking on the net for information about lauryl sulfate and lauryl sulfate... and this is what I found.

Shampoos contain detergents (detergents or surfactants), foaming agents, conditioners, thickeners, contrasters, softeners, complexing compounds, fragrances, preservatives and special additives. Detergents or surfactants are substances that are mainly designed to remove sebum and dirt. However, excessive sebum removal makes hair dull, susceptible to static electricity, and difficult to comb.

Undesirable surfactants in shampoos:
Lauryl sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate) are present in most shampoos as the main surfactants, as they perfectly wash hair even in harsh conditions. , and in soft water, create good foam and are easily washed off. Substances in this group have good cleansing properties, but they make the hair stiff and can irritate the skin and cause various allergic phenomena.

Powerful surfactants in shampoos:
Laureth sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate) - create good foam, provide good cleansing; After washing with these substances, the hair remains in good condition. Laureth sulfates are also the most used surfactants. They have fewer side effects.

Weak surfactants in shampoos:
Sarcosines (lauryl sarcosine, sodium lauryl sarcosinate) - have unsatisfactory cleansing properties, but excellent conditioning properties.
Sulfosuccinates (disodium oleamine sulfosuccinate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate). This group of surfactants is usually used as additional surfactants, for example, in shampoos for oily hair.

Foaming agents are added to shampoos to create gas bubbles in the water. Many consumers believe that shampoos that create a lot of lather have better cleaning properties than shampoos that create less lather. This is wrong. As the shampoo removes sebum from the hair, the amount of lather will increase as the sebum inhibits blistering. This chemical reaction is what causes the amount of foam to increase when the hair is washed again, that is, when most of the sebum has already been removed during the first wash.

Thickeners and contrasters are not hair cleansing ingredients. They make the shampoo itself more attractive to the consumer. Many people mistakenly believe that thick shampoo has a greater concentration of various substances than liquid shampoo; some prefer opaque or pearlescent shampoos. But all these preferences have nothing to do with the quality of the shampoo.

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

This is a cheap chemical component with a strong washing, cleaning, foaming and wetting effect. widely used in industrial production and in household chemicals (cleaning and degreasing floors, cars and other surfaces), Sodium is also actively used in cosmetics, namely in:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is considered less dangerous than (SCS), but despite this, this substance is still a strong allergen that can seriously worsen the condition of patients suffering from dermatitis. By destroying the hydrolipid film, the substance reacts with skin lipids and destroys them. This component is also a good conductor of toxic substances, easily combining with other ingredients, forming dioxins and nitrates and quickly distributing them to all organs.

This substance is especially often used in the production of shampoos - about 90% of them contain this ingredient. SLES (or SLS, or ALS, or ALES) is the first component in the list of most shampoos and serves as its detergent base. Adding these substances is the cheapest and easiest way to get a thick lather and also cleanse your hair and scalp of sebum. The concentration of sulfates in the product can be different: shampoos for normal and dry hair have less of them, and shampoos for oily hair have more. More expensive products use SLES and SLS, while cheaper ones use ALES and ALS. Finding a shampoo that does not contain Sodium or other sulfates is a very difficult task.

For a long time it was believed that sulfates are one of the provoking factors in the development of cancer. But later this myth was dispelled and it was proven that sulfates are not carcinogens. However, nevertheless, these substances and in particular Sodium Laureth Sulfate can cause significant harm to the body.

Effects of sulfates on the human body


Most of us have a favorite shampoo. We shop around looking for one that will smell delicious and leave our hair soft, full and shiny. However, it is unlikely that we know what is included in our favorite brands, because reading labels on shampoos is like reading a book in a foreign language.

For example, the chemical dimethicone, which makes hair shiny and easy to comb, is found in many shampoos, but Canadian authorities say it may be toxic. How can we know how safe it is to use such products?

Additionally, there is much controversy regarding the safety of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate.

I asked hair transplant specialist Dr. Robert Dorin what ingredients to avoid and why. Here's what he said.

Ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate. Be careful not to list this ingredient on the label because it is a very strong detergent.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is another potent substance that is added to many shampoos to make them highly foamy, as we see in many advertisements.

Exposure to this chemical in the long term destroys hair by stripping it of natural oils that are essential for maintaining healthy hair, destroying protein and disrupting normal hair growth.

Sodium chloride. This substance is commonly known as table salt and is used as a thickener in shampoos and conditioners containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Salt can lead to dry, irritated scalp and hair loss. People undergoing keratin treatments should avoid this ingredient because it will negate the treatment.

Polyethylene glycol (Polyethelyne Glycol, also called PEG/Polyethelyne or Polyoxyethelyne). This component plays the role of a thickener in shampoos. It thins the hair and deprives the scalp of natural moisture.

Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA). Products containing DEA or TEA cause scalp irritation and allergic reactions. They also destroy the beneficial substances in your hair, such as keratin, leaving hair dry, brittle and lifeless.

Parabens. They are used to extend the shelf life of funds. Parabens, like methylparabens and propylparabens, are known to be toxic. Not only do they irritate the scalp, but they can affect hormonal balance, leading to hair loss.

Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde, found in large quantities in some shampoos, can cause hair loss.

Alcohol. Almost all hair care products contain some amount of alcohol, which in high concentrations can dry out your hair. Avoid buying shampoos that list alcohol as one of the first four ingredients, which means they have a higher alcohol content than other products.

Synthetic fragrance. They may contain dozens of different chemicals. It happens that one fragrance consists of 3000 chemicals. Many fragrances are irritating to the scalp.

Synthetic dyes. Artificial colors are often added to hair care products. These ingredients are often referred to as FD&C and D&C, and these letters are usually followed by a color and number. Colored pigments can lead to sensitivity and irritation of the scalp.

Propylene glycol. Propylene glycol, which is used as an antifreeze in cars, is also a common ingredient in shampoos and other body care products. It prevents cosmetics from freezing during loading and transport. This substance irritates the skin, causes an allergic reaction and changes the structure of the skin.

Lanolin, petroleum products and mineral oils (Lanolin, Petroleum, Mineral oil). These ingredients are often used in lubricants and lipsticks and have no real moisturizing effect. They actually make the hair heavy and prevent the hair shaft from absorbing the natural oils produced by the scalp.

Dimethicone. Dimethicone is a synthetic polymer similar to silicone with two methyl groups attached (hence its name DIMETHICONE). It is added to hair and skin care products to coat the skin with a film to retain moisture and soften it.

Its safety is questionable because some people are allergic to the substance. It irritates the scalp, causing cracks, rashes, burning and itching.

In some people, it causes cystic acne because demythicone seals the pores, causing sebum and bacteria to become trapped in the skin. It prevents our skin from breathing, worsening acne and irritating hair follicles, which can trigger hair loss.

It is still unclear whether demythicone can cause changes and tumors in the skin and internal organs, such as the liver and lymph nodes. But when choosing cosmetics, skin creams, shampoos and hair conditioners, avoid products that contain dimethicone.

Sodium lauryl sulfate controversy

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant, emulsifier, strong detergent, which, without exaggeration, is included in thousands of cleaners and cosmetic products: shampoos, hair dyes, decorative cosmetics, toothpaste, oral care liquids, soaps and washing powders.

SLS is made from coconuts, but during processing it undergoes ethoxylation, which produces an unwanted byproduct - 1,4 dioxane. There are suspicions that when decomposed it has a carcinogenic effect. Although no relevant studies have been conducted, the available data are sufficient for these concerns to be serious.

The same applies to sodium laureth sulfate. Not only does it contain 1,4 dioxane, but it also contains ethylene oxide, another potential carcinogen.

These by-products are found in many cosmetic products. But not only do these two substances contain bad byproducts, but their molecules are small enough to penetrate our skin. As a result, these byproducts end up in our body.

There are other cleansers that contain small amounts of these byproducts, but their molecules are much larger in size so they don't end up in our bodies. As a result, the risk of their negative effects on the body is much lower. In any case, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are strong detergents that can cause irritation to the scalp and body.

What the Research Says

The safety of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate is being studied, and thousands of small tests have already been conducted with varying results. There is still no clear answer to the question of whether these substances can lead to diseases.

But I believe that the evidence is sufficient to classify them as mild irritants that have molecules small enough to penetrate the skin.

Therefore, I prefer not to buy products containing these two substances. However, I am not prone to panic and am not against products that contain small amounts of unwanted by-products, as long as they cannot penetrate the skin.

Dr. Robert Dorin has 10 years of experience working with patients with hair problems. TrueDorin.com

Four tips for protecting your hair

1. Look for shampoos that do not contain ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate.

2. Look for shampoos that contain milder cleansers, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate. Such shampoos do not create a lot of foam, but they cleanse the hair and scalp well without thinning the hair.

3. Look for dimethicone-free conditioners.

4. One of the best alternatives is to find a conditioner that contains 18-MEA (18-methyleicosanoic acid). One of the natural lipids our hair produces as it grows, 18-MEA coats it and acts as a natural sealant, helping to retain moisture, increasing hair strength and adding natural shine.

List of Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid

Alcohol when listed as one of the first four ingredients.
Ammonium lauryl sulfate
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Dimethicone
Formaldehyde
Lanolin
Mineral oils
Parabens, such as methylparaben or propylparaben
Petroleum (petroleum products)
Polyethylene glycol (Polyethelyne glycol, other designations PEG/polyethelyne, polyoxyethelyne)
Propylene glycol
Sodium chloride
Sodium laureth sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Synthetic dyes (often have FD&C or D&C designations after the color or number)
Synthetic fragrance, Synthetic parfum
Triethanolamine (TEA)

Depending on the type, the product solves many problems: bleeding and sore gums, plaque and the formation of harmful microorganisms.

But, despite all the advantages, the product can cause damage to health due to the content of chemical compounds such as lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Knowing which elements in dental care products should be avoided, you can protect your body from their negative effects.

Composition of toothpastes

The contents of pastes vary depending on the manufacturer, price and type. In addition to water, the main components of hygienic, therapeutic, preventive and specialized products are abrasive substances (aluminosilicates, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate). They perform the main function of all toothpastes - cleaning and polishing teeth.

Specialized products are divided into:

  1. Anti-caries. They contain fluorides, xylitol, calcium glycerophosphate, phosphorus, and sodium bicarbonate.
  2. Pastes for sensitive teeth. Contains potassium chloride and nitrate, silicon oxide, strontium chloride.
  3. Anti-inflammatory. May include aluminum lactate, herbal extracts, hexiditin, chlorhexidine, triclosan.
  4. Whitening. Produced with silicon hydroxide, sodium and potassium pyrophosphates.
  5. Sorptive. The active ingredient is enterosgel.

Most pastes include viscosity agents, colors and flavors. The latter can be natural (essential oils, menthol, limonin) and artificial.

Foam is created by surfactants, the use of which in products is permitted in an amount of no more than 2%. Of these, manufacturers give preference to sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates. Binders (pectin, glycerin, dextran, cellulose) help to give the paste uniformity.

What is sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant whose main properties are to dissolve fats, cleanse, form foam and wet.

The cleansing function of lauryl sulfate is its ability to oxidize, which is why after using cosmetics with SLS a film remains on the skin and mucous membranes. Its effects are manifested by the following symptoms:

  • rash;
  • redness;
  • irritation;
  • peeling;
  • allergic reactions.

In addition, the water-fat balance of the skin is disrupted and sebum production is stimulated. Lauryl sulfate easily enters the internal organs through the epidermis, accumulating in them. The kidneys, heart, liver, brain and especially the eyes can be affected. The chemical affects the protein tissue of the organs of vision, causing cataracts.

SLS has not been proven to be carcinogenic, but it is known that it can cause cancer when it reacts with other substances. In men, SLS can lead to decreased fertility.

What is sodium laureth sulfate

Another aggressive component of household chemicals and cosmetics is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). It is especially valued by manufacturers because, being cheap, it creates thick foam and the illusion of an economically consumed product.

Sodium laureth sulfate irritates the oral mucosa and epidermis, especially in people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Like SLS, it reacts with other ingredients in skin care products to form dioxins and nitrates, and increases the risk of cancer. Laureth sulfate, like its analogue, suppresses the immune system and destroys skin proteins.

At first glance, it seems that both types of sulfates cause the same harm to the skin, hair, mouth and internal organs. But laureth sulfate (SLES) has a less aggressive and irritating effect on the skin, although it dries it more. Its side effects on the body are lower than those of lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Why are SLES and SLS in pastes?

SLES and SLS are anionic surfactants whose molecules are attached at one end to a water particle and at the other to a fat particle. Therefore, sodium sulfates have excellent degreasing and cleaning properties. They have neither taste nor color and dissolve well in water. With magnesium and calcium salts they create poorly soluble substances that form plaque.

Lauryl sulfate is made from lauryl acids (fatty acids from coconuts) by reaction with sodium carbonate and sulfuric acid. Instead of natural raw materials, synthetic ones based on petroleum products are often used. Laureth sulfate (SLES) is obtained by modification of SLS.

Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates are added to care products for strong foaming. It is thanks to them that a pea-sized amount of paste creates a mouthful of foam. When brushing your teeth, SLS and SLES penetrate the blood vessels of the mouth and are carried throughout the body. This is explained by the increased ability of oral tissues to absorb.

Sodium sulfates in toothpaste have a negative effect on teeth, namely:

  • thin the enamel;
  • aggravate gum sensitivity;
  • dry the oral mucosa;
  • provoke stomatitis.

They enter the gastrointestinal tract by ingestion and cause disease. No matter how thoroughly a person rinses his mouth after brushing his teeth, a small amount of the product still penetrates the stomach. This can also happen during oral hygiene. According to research, people swallow about 2.5 kg of toothpaste during their lifetime.

Where else is SLES and SLS used?

Initially, sodium sulfates were used in industrial cleaning agents for machines and mechanisms, for degreasing engines and various surfaces.

In medicine, substances have found use as skin irritants for experimental purposes. In this way, scientists tested the effectiveness of drugs to relieve irritations.

Sulfates are most widespread in the production of household chemicals, decorative and caring cosmetics. About 90% of all shampoos contain sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates. Also, these elements are often found in shower and wash gels, shaving foam, dishwashing liquid, makeup remover and intimate hygiene, washing powders, and liquid soap. Sulfates in creams and products that are not washed off the skin are especially harmful.

What are parabens in toothpastes?

Parabens are found in almost all dental care products. They act as preservatives, extending the shelf life of the product.

On the packaging of the product they are indicated by the following names:

  • methylparabens;
  • propylparabens;
  • butylparabens;
  • ethylparabens.

They are allowed to be added to cosmetic products in an amount of no more than four tenths of a percent of the total weight of the product. Scientists have proven the involvement of parabens in the incidence of breast and reproductive organ cancer.

This is explained by the fact that their accumulation in the body causes an excess of estrogen and changes hormonal levels. Also, preservatives in hygiene products cause allergies and corrode the skin, interfere with the DNA structure, and accelerate aging.

How dangerous substances are masked in formulations

Often, manufacturers of hygiene products deliberately distort the names of harmful components in the composition and replace them with others. Thus, lauryl sulfate, obtained during oil refining, is often disguised as an analogue extracted from coconuts or coconut oil (Sodium Coco Sulfate).

The inscription “Paraben free” (without parabens) on the label is not always true. The manufacturer may deceive customers by indicating methyl paraoxybenzoate or ethyl paraoxybenzoate in the composition. But this does not change the essence: these substances still remain parabens, although the word “paraben” is not present in their name.

Top 8 most harmful substances in toothpastes

In addition to SLS and SLES, the paste contains many more harmful components, which are also very important to know about.


How to choose a safe toothpaste?

When buying a hygiene product, you should look at the order of the ingredients in the composition. The higher the concentration of a substance in a product, the closer to the beginning of the list it is listed and vice versa. It is important that all ingredients, not just the active substances, are listed both on the packaging and on the tube. If this is not the case, perhaps the manufacturer is unscrupulous and is hiding something from the consumer.

If you have any doubts about whether to take a product with or without fluoride, you should review your diet and roughly calculate your daily intake of the microelement. It is also important to take into account the fluoridation of tap water and the degree of filtration. In some cities, water is saturated with fluoride in large quantities, and then it is better to abandon fluoride-containing pastes.

The percentage of fluorine in the product is indicated on the packaging by the abbreviation ppm and should not exceed 1500 ppm, that is, 0.015% of the total mass. If there is no such mark, it is better to refuse to purchase the product.

Too long a shelf life should also be a concern, as it indicates an excess of preservatives in it.

It is also worth focusing on the color of the strip on the tube, which determines the degree of its danger.

  1. Black. The strip means that the composition contains ingredients that aggravate periodontal disease.
  2. Red. The strip warns of the presence of fluoride, sulfates or antibiotics.
  3. Blue. A product containing synthetic elements.
  4. Green. Completely natural product.

List of toothpastes without SLES and SLS

No matter how hard manufacturers try to put sulfates in all cosmetic products, products without them still exist. The almost harmless component sodium lauryl sarcosinate is responsible for the foaming in them. Often, sulfate-free packaging is labeled “SLS-free.” But it still doesn’t hurt to read the composition and check that the toothpaste does not contain sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate or their Latin names (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).

Here is a list of safe toothpastes without SLS and SLES:

  • President Classic;
  • R.O.C.S. (standard, Bionica, Energy, coffee and tobacco, for children);
  • Silca Multicomplex;
  • Natura Siberica Arctic protection;
  • Biomed Superwhite;
  • Splat (biocalcium, Sensitive, Sea Minerals, green tea, Organic, Extreme White);
  • Grandma Agafya's recipes;
  • New pearls with calcium;
  • Jason Natural Power smile, sea freshness.

Toothpaste is an important component of oral hygiene. Its role in human life cannot be underestimated. However, if you read the composition, it becomes obvious that in addition to the benefits, it also brings a lot of harm. And irritation of the oral mucosa turns out to be the least of the evils, considering that DNA mutation and the development of cancerous tumors can also be a consequence of brushing your teeth. Fortunately, all this can be avoided by purchasing products without the dangerous substances described above.

Ammonium laureth sulfate is a surface-active chemical compound that provides foaming properties to cosmetic products. This component can be used as an emulsifier and is often added to skin cleansers. Of the entire group of sulfate esters, it is considered the least irritating. In addition to the beneficial properties that help enhance foam formation and improve the lubricating and cleaning properties of the product, ammonium laureth sulfate also has some harmful qualities in relation to the human body.

Why is the component needed?

Ammonium lauryl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate, is a chemical component used in cosmetic preparations. It is classified as a surface-active component.

The main functions of such a component in cosmetic products include:

  1. Disinfection. The component helps remove grease particles and other types of contaminants from various surfaces. It binds grease particles with water, which helps to quickly clean dirty surfaces. This feature is explained by the structure of the molecule of the surfactant component, which captures fat on one side and combines it with water on the other. This is the fastest way to remove any contamination from surfaces - hair, mucous membranes, teeth, and skin.
  2. Improved foaming. When the product is combined with water, a persistent foam is formed. The amount of foam obtained will directly depend on the number of described components in one product. This component is present in large quantities in cosmetic products: shampoos, soaps and shower gels.
  3. Normalization of the ratio of active components in the mixture. Ammonium lauryl sulfate in cosmetics helps reduce changes in the chemical and physical properties of the substance that are part of a particular drug. Thus, the component helps to maintain all the positive properties of the product for a long time. The component also facilitates the mixing of heavy, complex components, including the dissolution of oily particles.

Safety of use

This substance is distinguished by its low cost, which, when combined with beneficial properties, ensures a wide range and high frequency of use of detergents, cleaning products and various cosmetic products.

If we talk about the safety or harm of use, experts still have not been able to accurately explain the impact of such products. The first tests were carried out 30 years ago.

Some experts say that such a component has a high degree of biodegradability - above 90 percent, without the formation of any harmful components. Many claim that products containing ammonium sulfate do not provoke a carcinogenic or embryotoxic effect, but are irritating.

Other sources of information claim that ammonium accumulates in large quantities in tissues and in some cases reacts with other components, leading to the formation of carcinogens.

This opinion about the negative effect of the component on the human body was formed after several experiments on animals. Upon contact with their skin, many of them experienced negative reactions associated with problems in the functioning of the skin's protective system, allergies and other unpleasant consequences. A particular danger to the human body occurs when components enter the body or onto the mucous membrane of the eyes.

Those who defend such a substance do not deny the possible negative effect, but draw special attention to the fact that there are certain dosages at which, even with regular use of a cosmetic product with a component in its composition, a person will not experience any problems with the skin and health.

When can ammonium laureth sulfate be dangerous? A negative effect can occur when:

  1. High content of the component in the volume of the cosmetic product (more than 2 percent).
  2. When entering the human body. It should be noted that adding ammonium sulfate to food products is prohibited.
  3. With prolonged contact with hair or skin, unpleasant symptoms may appear even with a normal dosage of the active substance.

The dangers of ammonium sulfate in shampoos

It is difficult for any ordinary user of cosmetic products to independently choose a quality product, even if he knows the permissible dosage of many substances in the composition, since the instructions for the product do not contain quantitative and proportional standards.

You should not believe the information provided by many manufacturers. In this case, it is important to choose something in between that will help minimize the risk of damage and get maximum effect. To do this, it is important to remember about possible negative reactions and stop using specific cosmetics with such a component in the composition if there are certain contraindications.

Lauryl sulfate in toothpaste

The most dangerous combination of active substances is ammonium lauryl sulfate and nanoparticles. Such substances can be found in many toothpastes from different manufacturers.

Experts were able to prove the negative impact of such components on the condition of the oral cavity; they can provoke genetic mutations, the development of cancer cells and their penetration into the bloodstream, which can occur with increased cell permeability.

Adverse reaction

Side effects from using toothpastes:

  • severe dryness of the oral mucosa;
  • progression of stomatitis;
  • the formation of small ulcers or an increase in the area and overall depth of already developed ones;
  • increased general sensitivity of the gums;
  • thinning of tooth enamel.

The main contraindications for the use of toothpastes with this composition include: the presence of open wounds in the oral cavity, ulcers on the oral mucosa and gums, bleeding gums, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Shampoo and ammonium lauryl sulfate

When purchasing shampoo, many consumers pay special attention to the volume of foam formed and the strength of the cleansing properties. But not everyone knows about the harmful properties of such foam. It should be noted that a shampoo that foams too much will contain a high concentration of ammonium lauryl sulfate, which may differ greatly from the permissible standards. It is better to replace such a product with products that form less foam when in contact with liquid, even if their cleansing properties are slightly worse.

It is important to remember that with prolonged contact with the skin or with large amounts of ammonium laureth sulfate, shampoo can cause severe harm to health. As a rule, such products, when used regularly, do not separate fats into unnecessary and natural ones, which are important for the skin - they eliminate them all.

Negative effect

  • severe dryness of the scalp;
  • deterioration of protective functions;
  • the appearance of dandruff;
  • accelerated hair loss;
  • the beginning of an irritative process in the mucous membrane of the eyes;
  • severe fragility of curls;
  • the appearance of split ends;
  • production of excessive amounts of sebum by the sebaceous glands due to severe degreasing with a cosmetic product.

The main contraindications to the use of shampoo with ammonium lauryl sulfate include the presence of dandruff and severe hair loss. If the shampoo has already been purchased, then to reduce the severity of adverse reactions after using it, you should thoroughly wash your hair with warm tap water. You should not increase the length of time the product remains on your hair.

Negative effects of shower gels

The process of skin cleansing is associated with high tissue permeability. Under the influence of lariulsulfate, skin cells increase in size and swell, which provokes accelerated cleansing and improved results.

Skin contact with gels and soap solution formed after combining soap and water lasts a short period of time. It is for this reason that the negative effect of sodium lauryl sulfite when washing hands or using foaming shower gel is considered minimal, and in most cases is completely absent if the product is thoroughly washed off with water.

Bath foams containing this component cause severe harm to the human body. The duration of such a bath should not exceed fifteen minutes, otherwise negative effects will be unavoidable. Over such a period of time, in conditions of high humidity and elevated temperature, the skin becomes very susceptible. As a result, harmful components gain direct access to the deep layers of the skin, which becomes very dangerous.

Such a component is also undesirable in the composition of intimate hygiene products, which, when used, come into direct contact with the mucous membrane. Such exposure can result in severe dryness of the mucous membranes and deterioration of immune defense.

Negative reactions

With prolonged exposure to a negative component on the skin, a person may experience the following reactions:

  • damage to the lipids of the stratum corneum, which provokes increased permeability of the skin, severe dryness and decreased protective functions;
  • increased absorption of harmful components;
  • severe irritation begins, as well as allergies;
  • skin dehydration;
  • accelerated cell aging process;
  • slow regeneration;
  • severe dryness of the mucous membrane.

Contraindications to the use of a genetic product containing sodium lauryl sulfate: development of dermatitis, presence of skin damage, intolerance to the components of the drug.

Caring cosmetics for body and face

Creams and gels for the face and body are characterized by prolonged contact of the skin and the components of the product. It is for this reason that the presence of lauriosulfates in their composition is a very dangerous sign that can cause various problems.

Emulsifying abilities, of course, help to achieve demand for products, as they increase their characteristics - presentation, comfort in use, efficiency due to strong foaming. But almost always such products - masks and creams for the face and body, cosmetic oils, makeup removers - have a negative effect on the body itself. The composition of care cosmetics should contain no more than one percent ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Possible negative reaction:

  • development of comedones;
  • onset of dermatitis;
  • increased skin dryness;
  • decreased protective properties of the skin;
  • accumulation in the lens of the eye if used incorrectly, which increases the risk of cataract formation;
  • accelerated aging of the skin of the face and body;
  • excessive consumption of harmful components by cells.

The main contraindications for the use of such products are considered to be severe dryness of the skin, atopic dermatitis and the development of acne.

Components in children's products

A distinctive feature of a child’s skin and mucous membranes is insufficient maturity, which provokes increased susceptibility to any negative factors. The rapid development of cells and organs requires the consumption of large amounts of nutritional components through the surface of the skin. But along with useful components, harmful ones often penetrate into the baby’s body.

Ammonium lariulsulfate should not be used when cleansing the skin of a child, as this may increase the sensitivity of the epidermis and other tissues.

Danger for baby

The main adverse reactions of the child’s body include:

  • problems with the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
  • problems with thermoregulation;
  • the appearance of crusts on the scalp;
  • disturbances in water balance, severe dryness of the skin;
  • development of allergies;
  • decrease in protective properties.

Children's age is considered an absolute contraindication to the use of cosmetics containing lauryl sulfate. Also, you should not use washing powders with this component.

To protect your body and the health of your loved ones from the negative effects of lauryl sulfates, it is important to select cosmetic and hygiene products with substitutes, for example, laureth sulfate, which has a gentle effect on the body as a whole.