If it is sold in the shops it can’t hurt you – or so it is generally believed. Unfortunately this is not always true. There is very little regulation of personal care products and minimal warnings, especially for hair care products.
Eight out of ten shampoos sold in Australia still contain ‘sulfate’ cleaners. The most common of these is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Researchers warn that SLS may be responsible for a dry, itchy scalp, dandruff and hair loss due to corrosion of the hair follicle.
Researchers recommend we avoid products containing SLS
SLS is also readily absorbed by the skin tissues and known to damage the eyes. Any wonder researchers recommend we avoid using products containing SLS.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a popular alternative to SLS. Although SLES has undergone a chemical process to make it less irritant, it is still potentially harmful to the hair and skin.
We have all used products containing SLS or SLES. Truth be known most of us have probably never given it a second thought.
Eczema and Psoriasis sufferers most at risk
Those most at risk of these harmful sulfates include people with a known skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, or those who have a dry, red or itchy scalp. Infants, chemotherapy patients, the elderly and the allergy prone are also at risk and it would be wise for them to avoid these sulfates.
Finding a hair care product that is sulfate free but will clean your hair leaving it feeling fresh and shiny is not easy. 80% of the products sold in Australia still contain ‘sulfate’ cleaners.
Ideally you’d switch to a shampoo range that matches the skin’s natural pH and has no known irritants making it as mild as possible on the skin and eyes. The sophisticated combination of cleansers leaves the hair feeling beautiful and extra clean whilst retaining the essential natural oils and moisture.
Sulfate Free hair care products – The only way to go
For those suffering from psoriasis and eczema of the scalp using hair care products that are sulfate free is important. The Grahams Natural Shampoo and Conditioner have been designed specifically for people with eczema, psoriasis and a sensitive scalp and most importantly they are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) FREE.