Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant derived from plant (coconut, palm) or animal sources and commonly used in household products such as soap, bubble baths and shampoo for its ability to create a rich, bubbly lather.

SLS is an industrial grade detergent/degreaser, corrosive by nature and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, the severity of which is concentration related. It's thought that washing with products that contain SLS may result in the skin becoming dry due to its protective oils being stripped away; oils that are essential for keeping skin both supple and soft. A variety of studies on the effects of SLS as an ingredient in cosmetics and toiletries have proved inconclusive with some concluding that in such a diluted form, SLS isn't harmful at all and others the complete opposite.

What's certain is tests conducted on animals demonstrated that if eyes are not irrigated following exposure to preparations containing 10% SLS damage to the eye may result. Further tests showed that dermal exposure to SLS at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 21% produced irritation and concentrations in excess of 10% produced moderate to severe skin irritation. Additionally, repeated exposure to SLS may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

The risk that SLS presents to human health is still open to dispute and is clearly related to the level of SLS in any product and how (often) the product is used. Probably the best advice for those individuals with sensitive or chronic skin conditions is to avoid products that contain SLS.

For Naturally You products that are SLS free, please click here.