At Skinny & Co., it is extremely important to us not to use any manufacturing chemicals in our pure coconut oil products. We recently started writing a series of blog posts about the different types of chemicals commonly found in beauty products that we will never include in any of our products. Last week’s chemical of choice? Phthalates!
This week, we’ll discuss sulfates.
What are sulfates?
The easiest way to describe what a sulfate is to explain it as a salt that forms when sulfuric acid and another chemical react. The most concerning thing about sulfates is that they are derived from petroleum. As a result, the long-term side effects of sulfate production remain a major concern for the environmentally-conscious. Petroleum products, after all, are commonly associated with climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gasses.
Are sulfates harmful to humans?
You are most likely to come into contact with a sulfate in the form of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, SLS is considered to be a “low hazard”. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned, though. SLS has has been linked to skin irritation, organ toxicity, and harm to the environment.
Despite it all, the Food and Drug Administration and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review consider sulfates safe if used in small quantities.
Sulfates in hair products
Sulfate is a surfactant, meaning it attracts both oil and water. It is used in soaps, shampoos, and detergents for the foaming and lathering effect, neither of which actually indicate hair cleanliness. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, sulfates can cause irritation to your scalp and increase your sensitivity. Beyond just that, sulfates can also strip your hair of its essential oils.
No sulfates in Skinny & Co. products
Using Skinny & Co. Shampoo Bars are actually better for the environment, if that’s your thing! Made from saponified coconut oil, they lather on their own, without relying on sulfates. Better yet, you can get quite a few uses out of the Shampoo Bars because you lather them in your hands like a bar of soap, preventing overuse of the product and saving you from contributing a plastic shampoo bottle into the environment when you’ve finished.
Final thoughts
We want our customers to always feel safe about putting Skinny & Co. products in and on their bodies. Make sure you check back in with our blogs to learn about the other chemicals we refuse to put in our products.