Should you avoid shampoos with sulfates?

Have you ever wondered why shampoo quickly turns to foam when mixed with water? The answer for many supermarket shampoos is the inclusion of chemical foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. What all can sulfates cause and why is it a good idea to avoid them?

What are sulphates?

Sulfates are chemicals used as cleaning agents. They are found in household cleaners, laundry detergents, and even shampoos.

There are two main types of sulfates used in shampoos: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. The purpose of these sulfates is to create a foaming effect to remove grease and dirt from your hair. If your shampoo lathers easily, there's a good chance it contains sulfates. Sulfate-free shampoos make less lather or no lather at all.

Compared to other cleansing ingredients in shampoo, sulfates are said to have the deepest cleansing effects. They belong to a class of cleaning agents called anionic surfactants that remove impurities.

Sulfates are considered an essential ingredient in shampoos. Yet the use of sulphates in shampoos has been controversial in recent decades. Some studies prove that sulfates can harm your health. Since shampoo is used daily in many cases, it is believed that such exposure to sulfates can lead to serious risks. Sulfates can damage some hair types and can even cause skin irritation in some people. Possible carcinogenicity has also been discussed. Learn more about these potential risks and what you can do about them.

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Who should avoid sulphates?

While sulfates are effective at removing dirt and grease from hair, the problem is that these ingredients can be too strong for some people. You may not react well to sulfates if you have sensitive skin or if you have any allergies or sensitivities to these types of chemicals.

Sulphates should be avoided if you have eczema, contact dermatitis, rosacea or sensitive skin. Any potential foaming effects of sulfate shampoos could irritate these types of skin conditions.

If you are sensitive to products with sulphates, you may experience an unpleasant allergic reaction. After using a sulfate shampoo, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms on your scalp and face:

  • Redness
  • rash
  • island
  • Itching
  • Urticaria

Avoiding products containing sulphates is a good idea even if you have dry or fine hair. These hair types are more fragile, and the foaming effects of sulfate shampoo can remove too many of the natural oils needed to maintain healthy hair. Sulfates can also wash the color out of your hair more quickly.

In addition, sulfates are known to cause frizz. When sulfates come into contact with hair, they create a negative electrical charge that can cause frizz after shampooing. However, if you are particularly prone to frizz, it may be best for you to skip sulfate shampoo altogether. Overall, sulfate-free shampoos are more expensive than their regular sulfate-containing counterparts. But the trade-offs can be worth it, especially if you have sensitive skin or hair.

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