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Sodium Laurel Sulfate & Hair Loss

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a chemical found in the majority of commercial personal care products, and also alarmingly in industrial cleaning products such as engine degreasers. Since the American Journal of Toxicity published a report in 1983 linking SLS with skin and scalp irritation, the link to hair loss has been hotly debated.

  1. Significance

    • Read shampoo labels carefully.

      SLS is a proven irritant to the skin and scalp. Inflammation of the scalp is a major contributor to hair loss, thus linking products containing sodium lauryl sulfate with this condition. Studies show that skin irritation was experienced after contact with formulas containing 2 perent SLS--most shampoos on the market contain 10 to 20 percent. Even with these figures, the FDA has labeled this chemical safe for addition in cosmetic and food products.

    Theories/Speculation

    • The American Journal of Toxicology has concluded that SLS corrodes the scalp and damages hair follicles, thus preventing further growth. While this is not seen as the cause of hair loss in most cases, SLS has been linked as a contributing factor.

    Warning

    • Sodium lauryl sulfate has been classed as a medium health priority by the Environmental Canada Domestic Substance List. Further studies and reports found that SLS had the following properties: eye irritant, skin irritant, irritant to lungs and mucous membranes and DNA inhibitor.

    Recommendations

    • The American Journal of Toxicology has recommended only brief, non-continuous use of products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, however there has not yet been a verdict on the effects of using shampoos and body care products containing SLS on a daily basis. It is advised to always rinse off shampoo containing SLS thoroughly and do not use any leave-in products that contain this chemical.

    Solution

    • Refer to the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to see if your products contain SLS. People who experienced dry scalp, inflamed skin or hair loss have reported an improvement in their condition after switching to natural hair products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

    Other names

    • Sodium lauryl sulfate can be found on product labels under the following names: sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt, sodium salt sulfuric acid, sodium dodecyl sulphate, Ai3-00356, akyposal sds, aquarex me or aquarex methyl.

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