chemicals - what are they and why should we avoid them?
Sodium laureth/lauryl sulphate
Sodium laureth/lauryl sulphate (or SLS) is a harsh foaming agent and detergent present in many shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths and even toothpastes. Worryingly, it started life as an industrial garage floor cleaner due to its corrosive nature and its ability to remove grease.
SLS is commonly known as a skin irritant, especially for those with sensitive skin or suffering from eczema and psoriasis, as it strips the protective oils from the skin, leaving it raw and irritated.
When combined with other ingredients, it can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
The Journal of the American College of Toxicology, in their final report on the safety assessment of SLS, have even stated that it is used around the world in clinical studies as a skin irritant. Tests have shown the use of SLS can cause eye damage, and can leave residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact alone.
This is why we have made a promise at Beaming Baby that ALL of our products are SLS free and are therefore safe to use on even a baby’s sensitive skin. |