Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: this is DEFINITELY one chemical you want to avoid!
Sodium dodecyl sulfate–or ‘sodium lauryl sulfate’ as it’s more commonly known–is a chemical you’ll find in a lot of your cleaning and personal hygiene products, such as cleaners that get rid of oil and stains, any de-greaser, or car wash soap, cosmetics like eyeshadow and foundation, and even in certain foods (thanks to its emulsifying or thickening properties).
Here are a few reasons that you’ll want to stay away from products that contain SLS (the short name for sodium lauryl sulfate):
- It releases toxic fumes when it is heated. If you take a hot shower using a shampoo that contains SLS, the heat will cause toxic fumes to be released. The sulfur oxides and sodium oxides released by the heating of the SLS can be dangerous for your health!
- It’s irritating to your skin. SLS has been linked to skin irritations, rashes, and other skin health problems. Not only can it cause them to break out in the first place, but the SLS can cause current skin problems like dermatitis, psoriasis, or dandruff to worsen. Definitely a good reason to stay away!
- It can be corrosive. Remember how SLS was used in the formulation of car wash soaps, de-greasers, and cleaners that help to remove oils and stains? This is because the chemical is effective at breaking down fats and proteins, making it easier to remove stains. But what happens when that chemical comes in contact with your skin, your eyes, or the sensitive tissue of your respiratory tract? There is minor damage at best, and more serious problems at worst!
- It may contain traces of other harmful chemicals. There are a number of toxic solvents that are used in the formulation of SLS, including nitrates, which have been proven to be carcinogenic. There is a high risk of cross-contamination, and there may be traces of these chemicals still in the SLS when it comes in contact with your skin.
READ MORE: 9 Chemicals in Shampoo You Should Know About
- It can permeate your body’s tissue. SLS is easily absorbed into your body, where it takes up residence in your eyes, your heart, your liver, and your brain. The chemical can wreak all kinds of havoc on your internal organs!
- It can lead to eye problems. Not only is SLS an irritant that can make your eyes red and itchy, but it has been known to increase the formation of cataracts in adults. Among children, exposure to concentrated SLS has led to inhibited eye development. All in all, not an eye-friendly chemical!
- It may help other chemicals enter your body. If you are trying to detoxify your body, adding SLS into your life is NOT the smart play! SLS permeates your skin, but it also helps to break down other chemicals into smaller molecules that can also penetrate your skin more easily. These chemicals then enter your body’s cells, and the compromised cells become more susceptible to damage by other chemicals.
- It can promote the absorption of carcinogens. SLS has been connected to nitrosamines, carcinogens that can increase your body’s absorption of nitrates. Nitrates are known carcinogens, so an increased exposure to these compounds can cause all kinds of cancerous damage to your body.
Something to think about before your next big soap purchase, huh?
