Sulfate Free/SLS Free Shampoo: Facts, Benefits and Sources

Sulfate free shampoos, also known as SLS free or SLES free shampoos, are one of the hottest products in hairstyling today. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly concerned about the chemicals in everything they use, from food to beauty products. Sulfates are particularly common and insidious. Many sulfates, including SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) and ALS (ammonium laureth sulfate) are powerful and inexpensive surfactants (sudsing agents), which makes them a popular and cost-effective ingredient choice for shampoos, especially cheaper brands.

However, sulfates like SLS are known irritants of skin and hair cells, and may have harmful effects on the environment in addition to people's health and well being. They can be absorbed by the liver and can mimic the effect of the hormone estrogen in the body. Additionally, sulfates can contain 1.4-dioxane, which is considered a probable carcinogen by the EPA. Due to increased demand from concerned consumers and beauty professionals, manufacturers are now offering more environmentally friendly, sulfate free shampoos.

If you are concerned about the harmful effects of sulfates like SLS on your skin and hair, identifying the surfactant in your shampoo is simple - just read the label. Most drugstore shampoos contain SLS, SLES or ALS (or a combination thereof), and they will usually be the second ingredient on the label (after water). Make sure to read the entire label, though, to make sure there is not a smaller amount of sulfate listed farther down the ingredient list.

Unfortunately, sulfate free or SLS free shampoos can be difficult to find and are often expensive, due to the higher quality ingredients required. Also, sulfate free shampoos may leave your hair with a different "feel" than a traditional shampoo due to the alternative surfactant. Choosing a sulfate free shampoo that is PH balanced and appropriate for your individual hair length and texture will give you the best results.

Finding a sulfate free shampoo doesn't have to be a chore. Start by looking for organic or all-natural products at the drugstore, grocery store or wherever you normally buy your shampoo. Organic or natural shampoos are much less likely than regular brands to contain sulfates. However, not all organic products are created equally, so read labels carefully and reject products containing SLS, SLES or ALS. Many major retailers like Walmart and Target now carry sulfate free shampoos and soaps at very reasonable prices. Organic retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are also an excellent source of sulfate free shampoo. Many of these stores carry a house brand of sulfate free shampoo in addition to other organic product lines.

If you are unable to find a suitable sulfate free or SLS free shampoo at a drugstore or organic store, talk to your hairdresser. Although many salon products contain sulfates, there are some lines, like Pureology, that do not - but you can expect to pay a premium for these products. Your hairdresser should be able to recommend one that will work for your hair type. If salon products are out of your budget, check out beauty websites like folica.com. Online retailers carry sulfate free products in all price ranges, and most allow you to search by ingredient to ensure that you are getting a sulfate free shampoo.

Using sulfate free shampoo may cost a little more, but it is money well spent when you consider the possible health and environmental benefits. Having beautiful hair is also a plus!