SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

SLES (sodium laureth sulfate):

a milder version of SLS. It is an inexpensive detergent and surfactant. Often claimed to be natural because it is derived from coconut oil, it is the manufacturing process that is the problem.

Hazard: 3-4

Ingredients:

- Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLES, Sodium dodecyl Sulfate, Sulfuric acid

Product Types:

- Shampoos, body wash, facial cleanser, exfoliant scrub, bubble bath, conditioner, toothpaste, soaps

Health Concerns:

- Eye irritant

- Denatures skin proteins

- Can cause skin irritation and dermatitis

- Can damage hair follicle

- Can cause permanent eye damage

- Can be metabolized by the liver causing the effects to last much longer

- Contamination concerns with Ethylen Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane a carcinogen

Environmental Concerns:

- Lethal to fresh water fish

The major concern with SLES is the strong evidence supporting it as a human irritant of skin and eyes. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a harsh chemical ingredient that can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Manufactures use SLS because it is cheap to use. Another concern with SLES is a contamination concern with 1,4-Dioxane which is a possible carcinogen. Prolonged contact to SLES can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the genitals, resulting in urinary tract and vaginal inflammation and infection. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology reported that animals exposed to SLES experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion, and death. Some studies have shown that SLS can possibly denature proteins in the eye and the damage it causes can be permanent.

BTrue Naturals is promoting products for clean living. We have sought out to bring you companies that focus on using natural ingredients, create higher standards for our company, help educate people on safe and effective products, find companies who are environmentally aware. All the products we carry at BTrue Naturals do not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfates (SLES) along with many other toxic chemicals. The products we carry have no artificial colors, no artificial fragrances, no parabens, no phthalates, no propylene glycol, no SLS/SLES, no animal testing.

A few products of interest might be that do not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfates (SLES) are:

John Maters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair

Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Classic Liquid Soap 16oz.

Juice Beauty Cleansing Gel

Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser