How to Replace Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

The bubbles from shampoo, soap and even toothpaste can be harmful due to the foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a chemical found in many beauty and cleaning products on the market. It is a foaming agent, also known as a surfactant. Natural Health Information Centre suggests that it is dangerous and may even cause some cancers. The website claims that it is the same stuff used in car-washes as a degreaser, and thus dissolves natural oils in skin the same way. Skin Deep suggests that sodium lauryl sulfate can cause female reproductive issues and even cancer. Replacing products like soap, shampoo, toothpastes and cosmetics is possible and may be healthier.

Things You'll Need

• 1 large lemon
• Conditioner
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Computer with Internet

Instructions

Replacing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate by Making Your Own Shampoos

1. Squeeze one large lemon into a bowl.

2. Add 1/4-1/2 cup conditioner of your choice (make sure this is sulfate free; many are), and mix.

3. Apply the mixture as you would any shampoo. Rinse out. Condition if necessary.

Another Shampoo Option

1. Pour 1/4 cup baking soda into a bowl.

2. Slowly add vinegar until the mixture forms a thin paste. It may bubble at first, but this will slow.

3. Apply the new shampoo to scalp and hair. Rinse and condition afterward.

Replacing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate by Making Your Own Toothpaste

1. Mix 4 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl.

2. Slowly add peroxide until the mixture forms a thick paste. This will foam.

3. Dip your toothbrush into the bowl and brush as you normally would.

4. Store any remainder in the refrigerator for later use.

Buying Sulfate Free Products Online

1. Go online to lushusa.com/shop and scan through product ingredients, which are all listed with pictures on the product pages.

2. Read ingredient lists carefully. Lush is a natural cosmetic line and most of their products lack sodium lauryl sulfate, but not all sulfates.

3. Buy products on BareEscentuals.com--Bare Escentuals claims all its products are sulfate free.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be easier to drive to a store that sells sulfate-free products. There are beauty supply shops that carry completely sulfate free hair products, including natural hair dye like henna. Some examples of sulfate-free shampoo and product brands are DivaCurl and Hercut. Lush and Bare Escentuals both have stores and Sephora sells the Bare Escentuals line.

• Be careful not to get any of these products in your eyes. Although they are natural, lemon and baking soda can sting the eyes. Do not swallow the homemade toothpaste; it can cause upset stomach.

References

• Natural Health Information Centre: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Skin Deep: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Resources

• Natural Health Information Centre: SLS-Free Products
• Lush Cosmetics: US Shop
• Bare Escentuals: Mineral Makeup Home