Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Shampoo


Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a chemical ingredient which is found in number of products such as shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, face cleaners etc. It is manufactured synthetically and at lower cost. This makes it easier for manufacturers to produce it on large scale, at economic cost. The reason why SLS is used in these products is that, it acts as surfactant, and removes dirt and grime. Besides, it produces rich lather when mixed with water. It is responsible for providing you with that clean feeling in your hair and scalp after washing your hair. A few years ago, a research showed a possible link between SLS and cancer. Since then, attempts are made to replace this harmful ingredient with safer substitutes.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Shampoo

There are many advantages of using SLS in shampoos and other products. It is cheap, easily available, produces suds and cleans dirt and grime effectively. However, apart from these advantages, this very strong chemical also has a dark side. SLS gets absorbed through the skin and can bring about various undesirable changes in the body. It can affect liver, kidney function, interfere with hormonal regulation and cause several other hazardous effects in body. Exposure to SLS also causes dry, itchy scalp, irritation to eyes, hair loss, dandruff and many other scalp and skin problems. It strips the hair of its moisture and protective protein layers that encapsulate it. Besides, its possible link with cancer has earned this ingredient a very bad reputation. As a result, people are now looking for substitutes for this ingredient. Since, almost 95% shampoo brands have SLS in more or less amount, finding an SLS free shampoo becomes a task.

Shampoos without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

As mentioned above, there are quite a few SLS free shampoos available in the market. These products are often aggressively marketed. Hence, you should not face any difficulty spotting them. You can also find these shampoos on Internet. Alternatively, you can do a personal research while buying a shampoo off shelves. Read the ingredient's label carefully and look for SLS. If it is not listed there, you can be sure that the product is free of it. If you must buy a shampoo with SLS in it, at least look for one with lower levels of SLS. If the ingredient is listed at the bottom of the table, then it often implies that it is present in smaller units. Besides, you can also choose from the following list.

  • Alba Shampoo
  • Allafia Shampoo
  • Aloe Jojoba Shampoo
  • Aubrey Organics Shampoo
  • Avalon Organic Shampoo
  • Beauty Without Cruelty Shampoo
  • Body Shop's Honey Moisturizing Shampoo
  • Burt Bees Shampoo
  • Desert Essence Shampoo
  • Jason Shampoo
  • John Masters
  • Shampoo
  • Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo
  • Kiss My Face Shampoo
  • Logona Shampoo
  • Nature Gate Organic Shampoo
  • Neutrogena
  • Triple Moisture Shampoo
  • Pureology Shampoo
  • Real Purity Shampoo
  • Shikai Shampoo
  • Silken Shampoo
  • Ultimate Shampoo
Most of these shampoos are of natural origin, hence perfectly safe for use. However, one must note that 'SLS free' does not necessarily translate to 'safe'. There are some SLS free shampoos which contain other hazardous ingredients. Hence, it is a must that you do your research properly before using it.

SLS free shampoo may take some time getting used to, because it does not provide that clean feeling like regular shampoo. Besides, they produce less lather, which can be problem for some. However, with time you may get used to it and notice a positive change in your hair and scalp.

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