Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - what is it?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are caustic detergents that are used to produce foam and degrease. They are used in garage floor cleaners and car washes. They are both highly irritating chemicals that cause damage to the hair follicle, skin damage and eye damage. The Laureth version is slightly less irritating but cannot be metabolized by the liver so it has long term negative effect.

I had though that maybe this chemical would be one I could live with as I remember it being in products as a kid. Having read the descriptions of irritation and toxicity I've changed my mind. I notice that the natural products without this (some Tom's of Maine toothpaste) do not have that foamy feel.

Note that many products that claim to be natural and organic still contain SLS's. Tom's of Maine toothpaste has SLS unless it says naturally foaming. 7th Generation dish soap has SLS.

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