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What Are Sulfates and Why Should You Care?

If you’ve ever flipped over a shampoo bottle or a household cleaner, you’ve probably noticed “sulfates” listed in the ingredients. It’s one of those buzzwords that seems to pop up everywhere, especially if you’re trying to make more eco-friendly choices.

I remember coming across it myself and thinking, “Are sulfates really that bad, or is this just another ingredient we’re told to worry about?”

There’s so much information out there, and it can be hard to know what’s really worth avoiding. So, I decided to dive in and find out what sulfates actually are, why they’re used, and if they’re something we should consider avoiding in the name of sustainability.

What Are Sulfates?

So, what exactly are sulfates, and why are they in so many products? Sulfates are salts that come from sulfuric acid. They’re commonly used in cleaning and personal care products because they’re really effective at breaking down oils and grime. This makes them especially popular in products where we expect a lot of lather—like shampoos, body washes, dish soaps, and laundry detergents.

There are a lot of different types of sulfates, but two you’ll probably recognize are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These are the ones most commonly used because they create that bubbly foam we’ve come to associate with a deep clean. I’ll admit, I love a nice, foamy lather—it somehow makes everything feel cleaner. 

SLS and SLES can be found in shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other daily use items. 

But it turns out that’s more about marketing than actual cleanliness, as the lather doesn’t necessarily mean the product is more effective.

Why Are Sulfates Controversial?

Sulfates do their job well, but they’ve raised some concerns that are worth considering, especially if you’re interested in sustainability.

Health Concerns

For some people, sulfates can be a bit too harsh. They’re known to strip away not just dirt and oil but also the natural oils that our skin and hair actually need. This can lead to dryness, irritation, or even breakouts, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. I’ve had times where my scalp felt dry and itchy after using a new shampoo, only to realize it was packed with SLS. It made me wonder why such a strong ingredient is used in everyday products.

For this reason, many people with sensitive skin have started switching to sulfate-free products. It’s worth trying if you notice that your skin or hair feels stripped or overly dry after using regular shampoos, soaps, or facial cleansers.

It is also one of the reasons I only buy handcrafted soaps or make our own. 

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of sulfates is another big issue. When we rinse sulfate-based products down the drain, they eventually make their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once there, they can disrupt water ecosystems and harm aquatic life. Some sulfates take a long time to break down, which means they can persist in the environment, building up over time.

If you’re someone who’s trying to make more sustainable choices, this might be a concern. It’s easy to feel like one bottle of shampoo won’t make a difference, but when you consider all the sulfate-based products being used worldwide, it adds up quickly. This cumulative effect is one of the reasons many eco-conscious people have started looking for sulfate-free options.

Are Sulfates Sustainable?

When it comes to sustainability, sulfates sit in a bit of a gray area.

Production and Sourcing

Sulfates are often derived from palm oil or petroleum, two ingredients that aren’t always produced sustainably. Palm oil, for example, has been linked to deforestation, habitat loss for endangered species, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. And petroleum, of course, is a fossil fuel, meaning it’s non-renewable and contributes to pollution and climate change. So, the way sulfates are made can definitely impact the environment.

Biodegradability

Not all sulfates break down easily once they’re in the environment. Some sulfates will degrade fairly quickly, but others linger in soil and water, affecting water quality and potentially harming wildlife. The fact that they don’t always break down quickly can be an issue if we’re trying to reduce our impact on natural ecosystems.

Alternatives

Thankfully, there are alternatives to sulfates! Many brands now use milder, biodegradable ingredients in place of SLS and SLES. These alternatives may not foam as much, but they still clean effectively without being as harsh. And if they’re biodegradable, they’ll break down more naturally in the environment, which is better for both our health and the planet.

Should You Avoid Sulfates?

Deciding whether or not to avoid sulfates really comes down to your personal needs and values.

The reality is, in small quantities most people do not see any real adverse affects. But, is that risk worth it for your family?

In larger quantities some may experience diarrhea, lung irritation, or dry skin. Avoiding it may be best for those that have some of these issues after using certain products. I would also only use sulfate-free on delicate baby skin! 

A 1983 study by The American College of Toxicology did find that low concentrations could result in skin irritations. With many products containing 10% and more or sulfates, the risk may not be worth it. 

📰 Related article: Avoiding the greenwashing trap

Health and Environmental Factors

If you have sensitive skin, sulfates might not be the best choice since they can cause irritation and dryness. And if you’re working toward a more sustainable lifestyle, switching to sulfate-free products can be a small but meaningful change. But if you’re not sensitive to sulfates and love the foamy lather, you might be okay sticking with them, keeping in mind the environmental impact.

How to Decide

Reading labels can help a lot here. Sulfate ingredients are usually listed as “sodium lauryl sulfate” or “sodium laureth sulfate,” so you can spot them fairly easily. If a product specifically says “sulfate-free,” that’s a quick way to know it’s using alternative ingredients. Trying sulfate-free products might help you decide if they work better for your body and align with your environmental goals.

How to Find Sustainable Alternatives to Sulfates

If you’re interested in going sulfate-free, there are lots of options that can keep your routine eco-friendly.

  1. Sulfate-Free Products
    The good news is that you don’t have to look far to find sulfate-free options these days. Many brands have sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, and cleaners available. Some brands go a step further by prioritizing sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing, which is a bonus if you’re looking to reduce waste and support responsible companies.
  2. Eco-Friendly Certifications
    Look for certifications like USDA Organic or ECOCERT on products you buy. These labels often mean the product meets environmental standards, from sustainable sourcing to safe ingredient processing. Certifications aren’t everything, but they can help you choose products that align with eco-friendly values.
  3. DIY Options
    If you’re up for a little DIY, making your own sulfate-free products can be a fun and sustainable project. I’ve tried making a homemade cleaning spray using just vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oils. Not only is it sulfate-free and safe for the environment, but it also cuts down on plastic packaging. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about knowing exactly what’s in the products you’re using, especially when they’re made with simple ingredients you trust.

Sulfates are a bit of a mixed bag.

They’re great at creating that bubbly lather and breaking down grime, but they also come with potential downsides for both our bodies and the environment. If you’re on a journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle, choosing sulfate-free products can be one small but impactful change.

In the end, it’s about finding what works best for you and your values. For me, I’m leaning more and more toward sulfate-free options. They’re gentle on my skin, better for the environment, and give me a bit of peace of mind knowing that I’m making a choice that aligns with my goals. If you’re curious, give sulfate-free a try and see if it’s a change you want to make—it might just become a new staple in your routine!

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