SLS: The Silent Killer

Did you know that the average woman puts on 200 different chemicals onto her skin daily, 60% of which penetrate her skin and go directly into the blood stream. Add to that the profusion of chemicals she adds to her hair through to the scalp and the intake is mind boggling. (Pun intended.) The most common of these culprits is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It can be found in most body washes, shampoos and toothpaste.

SLS is a chemical detergent that essentially breaks and separates molecules in order to allow them to create a lather and a gel that aids in the efficacy and appearance of soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. It is so effective and so inexpensive that is also used in industrial cleaning agents such as engine de-greaser and industrial strength detergents. It is so damaging that it is used as a skin irritant when testing products used to heal the skin. Studies have shown that residual levels of SLS end up in the brain, lungs, liver and heart. Links have been made between SLS and hormone imbalance and lower rates of male fertility, especially in western countries, where SLS is so prevalent in so many products. Like parabens, although considered “safe” when 1% or less of the ingredients, over time the amounts absorbed into the bloodstream result in residual levels high enough to cause cancer.

Soaps and shampoos without SLS tend to be lighter, with less viscosity, because that gelling agent isn’t there. That said, Earth Seed’s liquid black soap lathers noticeably better than any SLS soap and it cleans better too. This is because we use powerful, natural ingredients that SLS was invented to imitate. Our old-fashioned formula, takes more time and cost a bit more to make, but the benefit of using a chemical-free soap on your body daily is completely worth it.

Earth Seed is the brand for discerning consumers.