If you are someone who does laundry regularly, you may have seen sodium lauryl sulfate listed among your detergent ingredients. Have you wondered what it is and what impact - if any - it has on your laundry and your skin and health?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate might be unfamiliar to some, but this chemistry-based agent used in detergents, skin care products, and house cleaners can be the ultimate solution for better cleaning without sacrificing the quality and integrity of your garments.
Or, it could be a harmful ingredient that causes issues for you and your family. In this blog post, we'll look at sodium lauryl sulfate and why it might be worth reconsidering before using any products on clothes or around your home.
What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?
Sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS, is an anionic surfactant, which means it has a negative charge and is effective at removing oily substances due to its foaming properties. This makes it a popular ingredient in cleaning and laundry products, as it is versatile and relatively inexpensive.
SLS can be derived from plants in many cases, although some types are made using petroleum. Plant-derived SLS is not significantly more expensive than the petroleum-based variety and performs similarly to the latter.
Benefits
Sodium lauryl sulfate mainly works by helping to break down grease, oil and other residues that may accumulate on surfaces or fabrics. In the home, common uses of SLS include removing food stains from carpets, degreasing range hoods and ovens, and general kitchen and bathroom cleaning.
On an industrial scale, SLS is a primary ingredient in engine degreasers as well as other heavy-duty cleaning products designed to remove stubborn dirt, grime, and oils from surfaces. Other benefits of SLS include the following:
- Dissolves oily residue more effectively than plain water alone
- Has detergent-like properties that allow it to capture dirt particles so they can be rinsed away easily with water or wiped off with a cloth
- Its mild nature also makes it safe for use on most materials without causing damage over time.
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly due to its non-toxic nature
- One of the most popular choices for both household and commercial cleaning applications.
Disadvantages
On the other hand, there are some serious dangers of using products with SLS. Some of these disadvantages include the following:
- Health: SLS and SLES can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Long-term use of these chemicals can lead to more serious health problems such as an increased risk of cancer due to contamination with a substance known as 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
- Environment: Palm oil is widely used in products containing sulfates; however, its production is linked to the destruction of tropical rainforests and consequent environmental damage. In addition, when products containing sulfates are washed down the drain, they can be toxic to aquatic animals. As such, many people and manufacturers now choose more environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Testing on animals: Many products that contain sulfates have been tested on animals for safety reasons; however, there is strong opposition from animal rights activists who oppose any testing on animals for consumer products. This has led some manufacturers to develop alternatives that do not require animal testing or use SLS or SLES in their ingredients
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Safe?
SLS has been used for decades in both commercial and consumer products due to its low cost, ease of production, and effectiveness at cleaning a variety of materials. Despite its widespread use, SLS has also come under scrutiny due to allegations that it can be irritating or even toxic when absorbed by the skin or ingested.
However, research into the safety of SLS has generally concluded that it is an effective and safe ingredient when used appropriately. In fact, studies have shown that SLS is an extremely mild irritant compared to other commonly-used detergents.
Furthermore, the SLS typically found in consumer products is well below the levels considered harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Despite public concern about its safety, sodium lauryl sulfate remains one of the most widely-used ingredients in everyday consumer products due to its effectiveness as a surfactant and its low cost.
Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for many industries where it can be used for cleaning tasks ranging from industrial applications like laundry detergent to personal care products like toothpaste.
While some concerns remain regarding potential irritation or toxicity from prolonged exposure or ingestion of higher-than-normal concentrations of SLS, overall, it has been deemed safe for use in consumer products when used as directed with proper precautions taken by users.
What Kinds of Products Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate In?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant, a type of detergent commonly found in everyday items such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, and toothpaste. It causes products to foam and lather when mixed with water and is used to remove dirt and oil from various surfaces.
Some of the most popular products that SLS is found in include the following:
- Household cleaning products
- Liquid detergents
- Pet grooming products
- Hair care products
- Assorted dental care products
- Bathing products and shower gels
- Facial and body creams or lotions
Why Tru Earth Products Are Sulfate-Free
After looking at both sides of the argument when it comes to using detergents, or household products with SLS, you can decide for yourself. Of course, many will deem it safe if manufactured from a quality location, but you never know.
If you want to be on the safe side, and use detergents or household cleaners that are made 100% safe for your family, your home, and your environment, then Tru Earth is the best choice. For starters, our laundry detergent strips are steps above the rest.
These laundry strips pack a strong punch when it comes to cleaning! For starters, it is ultra-concentrated, so you can use less detergent while still getting the same level of cleanliness. Moreover, its hypoallergenic formula is suitable for those with sensitive skin and allergies, as it has been certified by independent dermatologists. It also contains zero added dyes or chlorine bleach, making it even gentler on fabrics.
Finally, this eco-friendly detergent is free from parabens and phosphates plus has been tested and certified to be readily biodegradable in accordance with OECD 310D standards and free from 1,4-dioxane. In short, this laundry strip is an efficient and gentle way to clean your clothes without compromising quality or safety!
Additionally, another product that is free of all dangerous ingredients is Tru Earth's household multi-cleaner is another great and safe alternative. Using our multi-surface cleaner and strip, you have access to an incredibly powerful solution that is capable of eliminating 99% of germs, bacteria, fungi, mold, and viruses from your hard surfaces.
Not only does this mean that your household is kept safe from these potentially harmful agents, but it also offers a great deal of convenience. With this revolutionary product at your disposal, you can rest assured knowing that your family's safety is taken care of with superior efficacy against even the toughest microorganisms.
