Why Should We Avoid Sulfates in Hair Care Products?

Although sulfates are common ingredient in many cosmetic and cleaning products including shampoos and conditioners, studies have invariably linked them to cell damage. They are considered safe only in concentrations below 1% or if they were only used for short periods of time.

Get to Know Sulfates

Sulfates generally cause a foaming action like soaps and are an additive to many cleaning products. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS in short, is found to be an ingredient in several shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates combine with water to emulsify grease and are therefore used as a foaming agent. They effectively disperse into water and get washed away. Primarily used as a foaming agent, sulfates emulsify grease and disperse into water so that it can be washed away. They act as a surfactant which reduces the surface tension of water which helps shampoos loosen grease and sebum from hair and scalp. However, the bad news is that most shampoos typically have a concentration of about 15 percent.

Sulfates Damage Skin

Although linked to eco-toxicology, skin irritation and organ toxicity, sulfates are considered as ‘low hazard’. They are considered to be safe in small quantities below 1% or higher concentrations intended for discontinuous usage by the American College of Toxicology. It is found to pose no significant health risk to humans but can cause cellular damage in higher concentrations. Harmful effects of prolonged exposure include skin irritation, depression, labored breathing and diarrhea. Studies have recorded that damage increases with higher concentrations but is limited in hair care products which are designed for discontinuous use like in some shampoos.

Go for Sulfate-Free Shampoos

This is essential if you particularly have sensitive skin. Sulfates can cause irritation if your skin is sensitive. However, sulfate-based shampoos effectively clean hair, they can at the same time strip hair of essential oils and irritate scalp. Moreover, sulfate-free in hair products shampoos can help maintain hair color if you dye your hair. Otherwise detergent in shampoos which contain sulfates can strip the color applied. But then sulfate-free shampoos do not foam and lather like conventional shampoos do. This in fact is practically the aesthetic difference for the widespread use of sulfates in shampoos and conditioners. Despite the reduced lather, your sulfate-free shampoo will be doing a better job.

Ristrah’s Schild Hair Color Stain Remover

Ristrah’s Schild Hair Color Stain Remover is gluten-free and does not contain any sulfates, parabens, Phthalates, PEGs, petrochemicals, silicone, ammonia or artificial fragrances. It is 100% vegan and made of green tea extract, vegetable glycerin and witch hazel. It is easy to use and gently removes hair color stains from skin. Just apply the Schild Hair Color Stain Remover on to a cotton pad and rub the stained areas of skin for removing excessive hair color for best results.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfates#controversy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfate

https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/the-truth-about-sulfates/