What Alternative To Use Rather Than Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

Sodium laureth sulfate, also known as sodium lauryl ether sulfate, is found in many toiletries including toothpaste, shampoos and soaps. Sodium laureth sulfate makes these products foam in contact with water. Health concerns regarding sodium laureth sulfate center upon its potential to irritate the eyes and skin in some people, and the discovery of low levels of carcinogenic -- cancer-causing -- substances in some products that contain sodium laureth sulfate. If you are concerned about the health risks of sodium laureth sulfate, there are alternative substances or strategies you can use.

Sodium Coco Sulfate

Although the name of this detergent is pretty similar to sodium laureth sulfate, sodium coco sulfate appears safer than SLS in terms of carcinogenic byproducts. Unlike SLS, sodium coco sulfate does not lead to the formation of the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane as SLS can. Sodium coco sulfate is derived from coconuts, and is commonly used in toiletries marketed as "natural" or "SLS-free."

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

Ammonium lauryl sulfate is marketed as an alternative to sodium laureth sulfate or sodium laurel sulfate. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is most commonly used in body washes or shampoos as a foaming agent. Some shampoos are made up of almost one-third ALS, with few health complaints regarding ALS products. Some consumers find ALS products caused itchy scalp, eye irritation or hair damage, but these complaints are a very small minority. High concentrations of ALS can causes significant skin and eye irritation, as can inhalation or ingestion of ALS.

No Shampoo

One surefire way to avoid using sodium laureth sulfate is to stop using shampoos altogether. People who never shampoo their hair are known as "no-pooers," and some claim that their hair is healthier and better looking without regular shampooing . The idea behind "no-pooing" is that regular shampooing strips your hair of its natural oils, prompting increased oil production. Without shampoo, your hair can achieve a more balanced state, producing less oil from the scalp.

Considerations

The labeling and marketing of cosmetic products can be misleading. Sodium laureth sulfate is derived from coconut products, and can be termed -- to some degree -- a "natural" substance. Therefore, you may well find SLS in products labeled as "all natural." The only way to be sure of a product's ingredients is to check the ingredient list. Sodium laurel sulfate is another detergent and surfactant that is closely related to sodium laureth sulfate.