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What are sulfates (sulfates)?

 What are sulfates (sulfates)?
A sulfate (sulfate) is a salt that forms when sulfuric acid reacts with another chemical. It's a broader term for other synthetic sulfate (sulfate)-based chemicals that you may be concerned about, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These compounds are produced from petroleum and plant sources such as coconut and palm oil. You will find it mostly in cleaning and personal care products.
The main use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in products is to create foam, which gives a stronger impression of cleaning power.
 
Sulfate Concerns
the health: SLS and SLES can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs, especially with long-term use. SLES may also be contaminated with a substance called 1,4-dioxane, which is known to cause cancer in lab animals. This contamination occurs during the manufacturing process.
the environment: Palm oil - a source of sulfates (sulfates) - is controversial due to the destruction of palm tree plantations by tropical rainforests. Products with sulfates (sulfates) washed down sewers may also be toxic to aquatic animals. More often than not, many people and manufacturers choose alternatives that are more environmentally friendly.
Animal testing: Many sulfate-containing products are tested on animals to measure the level of irritation to the skin, lungs, and eyes. For this reason, many are against the use of consumer products that contain sulfates.
 
Products that contain sulfates
Sulfates are commonly found in personal products and cleaning agents such as:
soap
shampoo
Laundry detergent
Dish detergents
toothpaste
The amount of sulfate (sulfate) in the product depends on the manufacturer. It can range from small amounts to nearly 50 percent of the product.
There are some sulfates (sulfates) in nature around us and they are also found in water. Together with other salts and minerals, sulfates help improve the taste of drinking water. Some sulfate (sulfate) products are found in fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides.
 
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Are sulfates (sulfates) safe?
Sulfates (sulfates) in shampoos strip hair of oils, but hair needs to retain a little of its natural moisture and oils to stay healthy. Sulfates may strip away too much moisture and leave hair dry, brittle, and unhealthy. It may also make the scalp dry and prone to irritation, and this can eventually lead to hair loss.
There is no direct evidence linking sulfites (sulfates) to cancer, infertility, or growth problems. These chemicals may slowly build up in your body over the long term, but in small amounts.
The biggest risk of using sulfate-containing products is irritation of the eyes, skin, mouth, and lungs, and dryness and brittle hair. For people with sensitive skin, sulfates (sulfates) may clog pores and cause acne.
Many products contain a lower concentration of sulfates (sulfates) in their formulation. But the longer the products stay in contact with your skin or eyes, the greater the risk of irritation. Rinsing the product immediately after use reduces the risk of irritation.
The sulfate (sulfate) concentration in cleaning products may be higher. As with many cleaning products, whether or not they are sulfate (Sulfate) free, prolonged exposure and skin contact with high concentrations can cause irritation. Remember to keep windows open or to have ventilation available to prevent lung irritation.
 
Should you use sulfate-free products?
Sulphate elimination depends on your concerns. If you're concerned about skin irritation and you know sulfate (sulfate) products are the culprit, you can look for products that say they're sulfate-free or don't list SLS or SLES in their ingredients. How the sulfate affects your skin may also depend on the brand and manufacturer. Not all sources are the same.
 
Natural alternatives include:
To cleanse the skin and hair: Choose sulfate-free soaps and shampoos. Lather is not necessary for cleansing skin or hair - sulfate-free products can just as well do the cleaning job as sulfate-free ones.
For cleaning products: You can make your own cleaning products using diluted white vinegar. If you find vinegar irritating, try lemon juice. As long as you can ventilate your space while cleaning, there should be no irritation.
Sulfates have gotten a bad rap over the years due to their production process and the myth that they are carcinogens. The biggest side effect sulfates may have is irritation to the eyes, skin, or scalp.
Finally, sulfates are not necessary for personal care or cleaning products. If that works for you, try to choose products that are sulfate-free.
 
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