To get to the bottom of the often-asked question, we reached out to Linda c. Below, we break down everything to know about sulfates, and what the experts have to say! These are classed as anionic surfactants negatively charged , which help remove dirt and sebum from the hair. They are very efficient in cleaning and produce good flash foam.
These sulfates are cationic positively charged and are attracted to the negatively charged hair surface to deposit and condition hair. Additionally, sulfates can be drying on the scalp. When formulated well, the negative attributes of sulfates can be overcome by blending with milder surfactants, and adding conditioning polymers and care benefit ingredients in the shampoo formulation.
I find the trend of not shampooing or only using products completely sulfate-free to be very bad for the hair and scalp. But is it all a marketing gimmick, or is sulfate-free really the way to be? Put simply, sulfates are what make shampoo sudsy. Put technically, they are a type of surfactant which is a term for various detergents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents that attracts both oil and water.
Sulfates allow grime and dead skin cells to be removed from your skin and scalp and washed away with water, says Eric Schweiger, M. The downside is that they can also strip natural oils from the scalp and hair. That can make hair dry and brittle. And if your scalp is sensitive , sulfates can cause irritation like redness, dryness, and itching. The three most commonly used sulfate compounds within the beauty industry are sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate.
Each type of sulfate is different in intensity, but all can be irritating to your skin or hair. Over the past several years, the press has largely steered consumers away from ingredients like artificial fragrances and sulfates and toward formulas that are more "natural. Sulfates in particular have been the victims of a particularly nasty campaign—so is it warranted? To clear up the pros, cons, and potential risks of using hair products with sulfates and artificial fragrances once and for all, we consulted a duo of haircare experts, and dermatologists Dr.
Claire Chang , a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in Manhattan, who together provided a balanced view.
Keep reading to learn the truth about what sulfates are and if they're really that bad for you plus, the on synthetic haircare ingredients in general.
Meet the Expert. I know dozens of beauty obsessives who won't even touch a hair product that contains sulfates. I once heard a beauty editor audibly gasp at the word, like you might after hearing someone tell you they use a tanning bed.
In fact, some people think they're similarly dangerous: In the late '90s, information began circulating in the media that some of the chemicals found in shampoo, including sulfates and lab-made fragrances, could potentially cause cancer. Since then, many consumers have become particularly wary of anything synthetic—sulfates included.
But the difference between, say, sulfates and tanning bed use is that study after study has revealed that subjecting your skin to UV rays heightens your cancer risk according to the American Academy of Dermatology, using tanning beds before age 35 can increase your likelihood of developing melanoma by 59 percent.
But what exactly are they? Chang has the answer: "Sulfates encompass a large group of synthetic ingredients found in many personal care products, like body washes, facial cleanser, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate. Authorities, including the FDA and American Cancer Society, consider sulfates safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products and do not consider it a carcinogen. Sulfates are probably the most controversial synthetic ingredient for naturally minded consumers, but before writing them off as evil, it's worth clarifying what exactly they are.
Sulfates are indeed the number one most common ingredient found in haircare products even today, and you know you're encountering them when you see names like sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate on an ingredient label. Michelle Cleveland is a celebrity hairstylist, extension artist, and educator. In terms of chemistry, sulfates are a type of ingredient called a surfactant, which is a combination of molecules that attracts water and oil.
Kevin Ewell is a research and development cosmetic chemist. Again, there is absolutely no evidence that sulfates cause cancer or any other health problems. But just because a product is safe for your health doesn't mean it won't irritate. Farber shares: "Sulfates may irritate sensitive skin, especially the skin around the eyes and the facial skin.
They also may cause acne around the hairline when found in shampoo. Chang, similarly, is concerned about skin health: "Sulfates that are used in facial cleansers and body washes should be applied and rinsed off completely. I recommend using moisturizers along with sulfate-containing products, given they can cause dryness. Sulfates are so effective at removing the dirt from your hair that sometimes they strip the hair of its natural oils and the proteins that make it look shiny and healthy.
In addition, if a sulfate-containing product gets in your eyes, it can sting, and Cleveland says sulfates can also cause premature fading of hair color and keratin services. Chang suggests you ask your colorist if it's safe for your particular color to use a shampoo with or without sulfates. Plus, if you have super-sensitive skin, the combination of sulfates and synthetic fragrance may cause a rash.
In general, sulfates are prevalent in skin care products and are fine in those who do not have gentle skin as long as they are used properly.
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