All About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 
What is sodium lauryl sulfate, (SLS),? It's a coarse powder used as a foaming agent produced by combining sulfate and lauric acid. It's used in many commercial products including: detergents, soaps, shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths, cosmetic cleansers, toothpastes, deodorants, mouthwash, candy, aspirins, laxatives, engine de-greasers, garage floor cleaners, car was soaps, beauty and skin care products. There are arguments on both sides relating to the dangers or safety of this compound. What's the truth about sodium lauryl sulfate? Here are the facts. For years the public has perceived SLS as a carcinogenic risk. On the contrary, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (OSHA), the National Toxicology Program, (NTP), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, (IARC), have all rated SLS as non-carcinogenic. So why the confusion? When this compound is absorbed into the body, it mimics the activity of the estrogen hormone. Breast cancers in women, PMS problems and drop in male fertility have all been linked to high estrogen levels. Some claim that SLS reacts with ingredients forming nitrates, potential cancer causing carcinogens. In the 1970's some shampoos were contaminated with small amounts of nitrates, due to "ethanolamine lauryl sulfate", not "sodium lauryl sulfate".
SKIN CARESodium lauryl sulfate is used in laboratories to cause skin irritations on animals and humans. Healing agents are then tested to see how well they respond to the irritations. This compound cleans by corrosion. It dissolves oils on skin by stripping it of its protective surface lipids, interrupting moisture regulation. Skin becomes dry and irritated. Rashes, infections, inflammation and contact dermatitis can be a common reaction. Environmental contaminants can invade the lower surfaces of skin, more easily. Those with sensitive skin, especially, should take caution using products with high amounts of SLS. The American College of Toxicology states: 0.5% SLS concentrations can cause skin irritation and 10% - 30% can cause skin corrosion or severe irritation.
HAIR CARESodium lauryl sulfate can be found in commercial shampoos. It de-greases hair and gets rid of dirt. The problem is, residue may be leftover on the scalp after rinsing. This may cause different problems for the hair and scalp. Some claim it dries out the scalp, causing flakiness, dandruff and scalp irritations. Even though there is no hard evidence, others claim when using shampoos with SLS, long enough and repeatedly, it can weaken hair follicles, leading to baldness or split hair, causing it to look dull or frizzy.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES: Goat milk soap is handcrafted with a combination of soap making oils and essential oils not harsh chemically manufactured ingredients. Find fresh goat milk, avocado oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, soybean oil and more. Essential oils may include: lemon, lavender, orange, peppermint, spearmint, patchouli, tea tree, rose, chamomile and more. Ingredients can be added to these soaps such as aloe vera juice or oatmeal for soothing effects on dry itchy skin, minor skin irritations, acne, inflammations and more. It cleanses and protects against bacterial spread, helpful for oily skin and acne.
Homemade lotion and creams, made with goats milk, are healthful for skin. Goat milk is a buffer that leaves skin close to its natural pH level. It does not strip the skin, instead the acid layer mantle is left intact. Goat milk has natural, moisture attracting, properties so skin is not left dried out. Recent studies show that goats milk has anti-aging properties. It aids in the regeneration of collagen under the skin, negating some of the visible signs of aging.
Goat milk shampoo can help get rid of dandruff and improve scalp conditions. This homemade shampoo is handcrafted with saponified oils, goat milk, pro-vitamin B 5, silk, sugar, beer and oat protein. Hair can be strengthened, shinier, softer, silkier and more manageable. Split ends can show signs of improvement. Tea tree oil, (melaleuca oil), may be added for those with, especially, oily hair. Scalp conditions, such as dryness, flakiness and dandruff may begin to subside. Goat milk, homemade, shampoo can prevent scalp build-up and reduce minor scalp irritations.
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