Protect Yourself from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Other Synthetic Ingredients in Skin Care

There is growing concern about synthetic chemicals and detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens in skin care products.

This is pushing educated consumers to turn toward natural and organic skin, food and clothing products.

You will not find these synthetics in 100% USDA Certified Organic products. However, these certified products can be expensive and sometimes hard to find.

So what can we do?

Read labels! First you can familiarize yourself with some of the most commonly used chemicals in skin care products.

The ingredients are listed in order as to the most prevelant being first to the least amount being last.

Synthetic chemicals in skin care are usually used as fillers, preservatives, colors, wetting agents and fragrances.

Some of these chemicals have been deemed to be safe in extremely small doses. Unfortunely, there is no real regulation as to how much a skin care company can use in their products.

Some people feel fine with using products that carry small amounts of man-made chemicals, while others avoid them completely.

Once you start reading labels (if you haven't already) you may be shocked about how much of this chemical soup is being applied to our bodies every day.

Avoid these common detergents found in skin cleansers and bath products...
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - sometimes it is a truly natural derivative from coconut oil. Usually it is not. You can contact the manufacturer to get a verbal guarantee. The synthetic version (most popular) has been linked to hair loss, eye damage (including cataracts), and eczema flares.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

These are found in NUMEROUS skin and bath products. They strip our skin of its natural protective barrier. Leaving us vulnerable to other potentially dangerous chemicals that may be in the products we use or in our environment.

They are thought to be absorbed through the skin and in and of themselves pose potential health risks.

Other skin care ingredients to be avoided...
• Parabens - common preservatives and implicated in the rise in breast cancer. Often associated with the terms: Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl. Widely used even though toxic.
• Propylene Glycol, PPG (Polypropylene glycol) and PEG (Polyethylene glycol) compounds - Material Safety Data Sheets warn users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as it can cause liver and kidney damage. This substance and it's relatives are considerd toxic.
• Synthetic Colors and Fragrances - sometimes carcinogenic and toxic. Never necessary. Attention parents! I have seen these in many bubble baths for children. What's worse, is that they were combined with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, making them more likely to be absorbed through the skin.

• Isopropyl Alcohol - extememly irritating and drying to the skin.
• Phthalates - this is used as a plasticizing agent in lotions, shampoos and cleansers. Due to growing concern about endocrine disruption, use of this chemical is quickly becoming out of favor.

  This is especially true for use in baby procducts, inluding plastic chew toys, pacifiers and bottles!

Why People With Oily Skin Should Avoid Detergents

Making sure chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate are not included in your face creams, bath products and lotions will be a gigantic step in the right direction toward healthy skin and well-being.

As this site grows, I will be expanding the list of dangerous ingredients. In the meantime, look for organic and natural skin care products that contain little or no man-made chemicals.

Knowledge is Power

I hate to leave you on such a low note. But knowledge really is power. Please visit often to see what's new and to help you continue to make healthy choices for you and the ones you love.

"Here's to Your Health and Glowing Skin - Naturally!"

Return from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate to Everyday Skin Care
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Go to Natural Treatment for Eczema

The claims about ingredients and products throughout this site have not been evalutated by the US Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended nor approved to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent disease. The content of this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute from your physician or health care provider.