Sodium lauryl sulfate-or SLS according to the English term sodiumlauryl sulfate. A complex and cumbersome word, as is typical in chemical jargon. And often these complex and cumbersome words do not mean anything good. At least with this word there is something wrong - and we explain why.
Brusher, we live in times when we have to be very careful about what we slather on our skin, in our hair or on our teeth. In fact, in so many cosmetic products we find substances that because of their harmful effects on the body and the environment should no longer be used.
One such substance is the sodium lauryl sulfate in our toothpastes. A product with a well-defined task and involving a very specific effect.
But as is often the case: something is one hundred percent wrong - and we feel compelled to give you a reason why.
What is sodium lauryl sulfate?
SLS is a chemical compound that due to its cleansing effect was used in bubble baths and shampoo. In addition, we find it to this day in creams and lotions where it acts as an emulsifier. Because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties it is also added in toothpastes.
As in bubble bath, toothpaste forms the characteristic foam that cannot be missed when we bathe or brush our teeth. Without foam, the product is worthless - whatever, that's not really true. In fact, speaking of Sls it would be better to do without the foam in our mouths or on our skins.
What are the negative properties of Sls?
SLS is a surfactant whose main property is to dissolve grease from surfaces. That's why we find Sls so often in cleaning products, including toothpaste. But there's a problem with surfactants: they don't just dissolve what they're supposed to dissolve-they remove all the grease they find on the way.
This results in skin irritation as the substance degreases and dries the skin. Redness, itching and burning are the result.
Same story for tooth brushing. Because of Sls, small white ulcers, called canker sores - annoying and painful.
If you happen to be shopping and are holding a toothpaste, check the label and look for the English term sodiumlauryl sulfate. If you find it, put it back on the shelf. There are healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Why is Sls bad for the environment?
The environment does not lose out with minimal doses of Sls. However, if doses increase, goes to affect aquatic life.
A big problem, brusher! Because if everyone brushes their teeth twice a day, subsequently high doses accumulate in wastewater, which in turn is released into the natural water cycle.
What are the alternatives?
So it's up to you to avoid products with added Sls. Fortunately, in cosmetics-unlike food-chemical ingredients must be referred to by their chemical term.
So: if you find those three magic words - sodiumlauryl sulfate - on the label, do without buying the product. There are alternatives without Sls.
We recommend natural products such as those from promis. Our toothpastes are not only free of microplastics, and both the contents and packaging are composed of 99 percent biodegradable substances-we also lack Sls.
Buy our SLS-free toothpaste now.