Category: Ingredients

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SLS and SLEs

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)

Many products labelled ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ still contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES). Learn more about these two very common ingredients and their potential health problems.

What are they?

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a synthetic organic compound which is used as an emulsifying agent, behaving similarly to soap. Being derived from inexpensive coconut and palm oils, SLS is a common component of many household products (hand soaps, washing-up liquid) and personal products (soaps, body wash, mouthwash, bubble baths, shampoo, mascara).

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) is a very effective foaming agent and in part for its thickening effect. Derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol and used in many cosmetic products for their cleaning and emulsifying properties behaving similarly to soap.

SLS and SLES can be used in varying concentrations as a detergent and an effective surfactant in any tasks requiring the removal of oily stains and residues; for example, it is found in higher concentrations in industrial products including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and car wash soaps.

Should we be worried about SLS and SLES?

 

Although there is debate surrounding SLS and cancer, studies have so far shown that SLS is not carcinogenic when applied directly or consumed. It also appears “to be safe in formulations designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin” in a report by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) in 2005.

Nonetheless, like all detergent surfactants, SLS and SLES do remove oils from the skin so therefore, can cause skin and eye irritation and may worsen skin problems in people with hyper sensitive skin.

A major concern with SLES, is contamination with the potentially toxic 1,4-dioxane which is formed as a by-product during the ethoxylation step of its production. Some products containing SLES have been found to contain traces (up to 300 ppm) of this substance which has been classified as carcinogenic. The worry is that there is currently no regulation for the removal of 1,4-dioxane from contaminated products.

Another concern with SLS is that it is an ingredient in aqueous cream products which, as anyone who suffers from eczema knows, is the go to treatment dispensed by health professionals. In a report by the MHRA UK in 2013, aqueous cream products have been found to contain SLS and other ingredients which are likely to irritate damaged skin. Despite documented skin reactions, aqueous cream remains a popular product with eczema patients and patients with other chronic skin conditions.

How to avoid?

 

Many brands that claim to be ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘eco friendly’ still contain SLS and SLES so read labels carefully. There should be no SLS, SLES, Lauryl sodium sulphate, Lauryl sulphate sodium salt, Sodium dodecyl sulphate or Sodium n-dodecyl sulphate in the ingredients list.

Choose products that are 100% natural, 100% plant-based to be sure that they are free from potentially harmful SLS and SLES.

All products sold by Pure Company is 100% SLS and SLES free because we believe that having beautiful skin and hair should not come with health risks but health benefits!

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Parabens

Parabens

Found in almost every skin care and beauty product we use, should we be concerned about this much talked about ingredient?

What are Parabens?

Parabens have been used since the 1950s as a preservative in products like shampoos, moisturisers, deodorants and mascaras. It works by preventing the growth of any bacteria, fungus and other potentially damaging microbes within the product itself. They are also used in glues, oils, soft drinks, sauces, processed meat and hundreds of other everyday products.

The main parabens used as preservatives in cosmetics come in two forms: “short chain” (methyl-and ethyl paraben) and “long chain” (propyl- and butyl paraben). There is also some limited use of isobutyl- and isopropyl parabens, also known as “branched chain parabens”.

How do you know if the product has parabens? Look out for methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben in the list of ingredients in the products you are using.

Should we be worried about Parabens?

Although it has often been quoted that parabens were originally developed as an active ingredient in antifreeze, it may not necessarily mean they’re bad for you in individual cosmetic and skincare products. It just does not sound too good when you think we use over at least 20 different products a day that contain parabens on ourselves.

A few studies have suggested that “long-chain” parabens could interfere with the body’s hormones, particularly reproductive hormones, causing developmental disorders, fertility problems and cancer.

In 2004, a small British study from the University of Reading found traces of five parabens in the breast tissue of 19 out of 20 women studied. While the study didn’t prove that parabens can cause cancer, it did confirm parabens were able to enter the skin and remain within tissue.

While strict EU laws have limited a safe amount in all cosmetic products sold in the EU (usually less than 1%), health campaigners have warned that cumulative exposure to the chemicals from several different products could be overloading our bodies and contributing to a wide range of health problems.

It has also been advised that pregnant women and young children avoid products with parabens. In Denmark some forms of parabens have been banned (propyl and butyl paraben, their isoforms and their salts) in cosmetics products for children 3 and below.

How to avoid

Look for products labelled “paraben-free” and read ingredient lists on labels to avoid products with parabens. Many natural and organic cosmetics manufacturers have found effective alternatives to parabens to prevent microbial growth in personal care products. Some companies have created preservative-free products that have shorter shelf lives than conventional products (six months to a year).

Of course, you won’t have to worry about parabens in any of the products that are sold on Pure Company as they are all 100% paraben free.

Start shopping for paraben-free, 100% natural skin care and beauty products here.