What the heck is this and why should I avoid it? We keep hearing SLS and that it's bad, avoid it. But why?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and it's relative Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), is the chemical that causing the foaming action in soaps, shampoos and anywhere else you expect to see suds. Both are esters of sulfuric acid. These chemicals are irritants. Itchy scalp, eye irritation, swelling of hands, etc. Most are likely attributed to SLS or SLES. While SLES is usually less irritating, it's commonly used with dioxane, a known carcinogen. While both are easily absorbed by the skin, SLES can not be metabolized by the liver, making it stay in your body much longer.
SLS dissolves oils on your skin, leaving you dry. It denatures the skin, allowing easier access for other contaminants. Once SLS is absorbed, it acts like Oestrogen and could lead to PMS, low male fertility and cancers. SLS and SLES are not cancer causing alone, but they do seem to facilitate other carcinogens.
It's important to not that Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is a larger molecule that can not penetrate the skin and is not as irritating.