In response to the "urban legend" site - i thought i would post this info. from lindachae.com - she gives good info. on all sorts of chemical additives in beauty products. This is what she has to say about.........
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
There is a lot of information – and misinformation – in the media about these surfactants. Several internet websites, particularly those concerned with human health and environmental safety, list all of the reasons their products do not contain SLS or SLES. Other sites, such as "urban legends" sites, and specifically those sites that advertise products containing SLS or SLES, claim that all of the information showing SLS and/or SLES to be at least worth further study, if not downright dangerous, is nothing but hype.
SLS/SLES is a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifier. It is used in about 98% of all "personal care" products as well as other products; hand and body creams, depilatories, bubble baths, hair color kits, shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes, shaving cream, shower gel, facial cleansers, "baby wipes", "soapless" shampoos, and many others.
It is sometimes listed as "coconut oil" or "from coconuts" because it is originally derived from coconuts. However, pure, unprocessed coconut oil is NOT SLS. The American College of Toxicology says that SLS stays in the body up to five days. Other studies show it easily penetrates the skin, and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs, and even the brain. X6
Cosmetics-industry apologists often claim that the same American College of Toxicology study also reports: "Both Sodium and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate appear to be safe in formulations designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin. In products intended for prolonged contact with skin, concentrations should not exceed 1%."
Well, yes, it does say that. Please notice the words "discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing…." – how many of America’s children have a "discontinuous, brief" bubble bath? And "should not exceed 1%" – yet, in a number of shampoos, SLS is the FIRST ingredient listed. It definitely comprises more than 1% in those products.
In addition, since it is in nearly every product used for personal cleaning, any one person taking a shower, shampooing and conditioning hair, using a special cleanser for "sensitive" skin, and brushing teeth, has just absorbed far more than the supposed "safe" amount.
Worse, now some toothpastes containing both SLS and Triclosan are claiming that their toothpastes "continue working" or "stay on the teeth" for up to twelve hours after brushing. That is hardly a "discontinuous, brief use".
Here is a synopsis of what some reports show about Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate:
SLS penetrates eyes and tissues. Tests show that SLS can penetrate into the eyes as well as systemic tissues (brain, heart, liver, etc.) and shows long-term retention is those tissues. There is an immediate concern relating to this eye penetration, especially when used in soaps, shampoos, and bubble baths: Dr. Keith Green, Ph.D., D.Sc., reports that…."Sodium Lauryl Sulfate denatures the proteins of eye tissues, impairing development permanently. Because it is absorbed through the skin, it does not have to enter the eye directly….", And "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate impairs proper structural formation of young eyes and causes permanent eye damage. SLS causes eye irritation, is linked to cataracts, and delays healing of corneal tissue….".x8
SLS can form nitrates and nitrosamines (potent carcinogens that cause the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than even nitrate-contaminated food, such as some hot dog meats or some bacon). Particularly in combination with the DEA, TEA, and MEA (Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine, and Monoethano- lamine, themselves very questionable ingredients) SLS/SLES has been found capable of producing these carcinogens. The FDA is currently studying the problem of the Di-, Mono-, and Tri- ethanolamines and is considering legal options at this time.
SLS/SLES can strip moisture and oils from the skin. It is a degreaser as well as a sudsing agent. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, and the above-mentioned J. Am. College of Toxicology report, SLS produces skin and hair damage, including cracking and severe inflammation of the derma-epidermis tissue. The denaturation properties can also separate and inflame skin layers. SLS has a "degenerative effect on the cell membranes" and SLS causes slight to moderate skin irritation in low concentrations, and skin corrosion and severe irritation in high concentrations.x9
SLS/SLES may not "cause" cancer, but definitely can produce carcinogens in combination with other common ingredients. That alone should be enough to initiate further studies. And the questions regarding eye damage, particularly to babies and children, are certainly deserving of more investigation.
