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In shampoos, sulfates create suds and help cleanse the hair of dirt and oil. Olson also says that most brands like to use sulfates because they are an inexpensive ingredient that is really effective in stripping away dirt and oil. Luckily, shampoo formulations have evolved for the better, so shampoos with sulfates aren't as drying as they used to be. "There's been a greater appreciation for scalp and hair health over the past 10 to 15 years," says Dr. Garshick.
Are sulfates really bad for your hair and skin?
Again, this is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but below are some typically “safe” ingredients to use on your hair. “Antioxidants, naturally derived extracts and peptides can all be very beneficial to your hair and scalp,” suggests Small. “The term ‘sulfates’ is colloquially used to refer to a type of cleansing agent—sulfate-containing surfactants. Surfactants are chemicals that effectively remove dirt from surfaces,” said Dr. Love. While SLS, SLES, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate are some of the most common sulfates to look out for, it's not quite as simple when looking for sulfate-free detergents, since there are so many. Personally, I like to refer to a surfactants list to see which surfactants are harsh, mild, or gentle before buying a shampoo.
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Surfactants are also responsible for the foaming action which makes showers more pleasurable, but also "thicken" the water (à la whipped cream) so we can work it into hair instead of it slipping through our fingers. While the majority of the shampoos I use these days are free of sulfates, I'm not afraid to admit that I still wash my hair with a sulfate-based shampoo from time to time. I won't say that you definitely should use one, too, but I will provide you with the expert-backed information you need to make that decision for yourself, so keep reading. Sulfate-free shampoo is also recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for people with rosacea.
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People with sensitive skin and hair who experience side effects from using sulfate shampoos may want to try a sulfate-free product to see whether their symptoms persist or clear up. A person with a sensitive scalp or sensitive hair may experience strong drying effects from sulfates. Those with a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis who use shampoo containing sulfates may also experience itching, redness, and cracking in their scalp after use. For the most part, the effects of sulfates are mild, and many people benefit from the effectiveness of shampoos that contain them. People with especially greasy hair or dandruff may notice that shampoos containing sulfates are the only products that clean their hair effectively. Every Saturday morning, my mom would sit us down to oil our scalps with a special blend of coconut oil, amla oil, almond oil, and castor oil.
23 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners - Us Weekly
23 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners.
Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Sulfates were once perceived to be cancer-causing agents, but further scientific evidence debunked these claims. This sulfate-free shampoo from OGX might only be $7, but it still has all the ingredients to strengthen and nourish hair. There have been claims that sodium lauryl sulfate, which is used in cleaners, is a carcinogen and can lead to serious health issues like cancer or infertility. However, both Camp and a study published in Environmental Health Insights journal and listed in the US National Library of Medicine have debunked this claim as a myth.
Similarly, if you have dandruff, avoid oiling your scalp, says Reavey. “Malassezia, the bacteria that causes dandruff, feeds on the oils secreted by your scalp," she says. "Adding more oil to your scalp increases the chance of an inflammatory response.” Um, no thanks! Believe it or not, it's the water you're washing your hair with — more specifically, the copper in your water — that can cause damage. "Often, when people think, 'Oh, the sulfates in that product caused my color to change,' they really didn't," Wilkerson explained. "It's really actually due to the level of copper that the hair is absorbing — especially if somebody washes their hair frequently." Copper can change your hair hue, regardless of whether it's processed.
People who color their hair or regularly straighten or curl it may want to avoid sulfates as these processes can damage the hair. Finding ways to prevent any additional stress or dryness in the hair can help keep it healthy. There are a few different ways to oil your hair, depending on your hair type and goals.
But we have to keep in mind that for certain ingredients, the very reason they don't work for one hair type is what makes them so successful for another. Keep reading to learn the truth about sulfates and whether sulfate shampoos ultimately help or harm hair. Still, the use of sulfates in shampoo has been controversial in recent decades. Since shampoo is used daily in many cases, the thought is that this much exposure to sulfates can lead to serious risks.
Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set
They're a popular choice in the beauty world because they act as surfactants, Camp says. Additionally, if you produce a lot of oil, this formula will remove excess oil, which may help lift your hair and give you more volume. However, don't go overboard, and only use it when you need it to reduce the risk of drying out your hair. However, sulfate-free shampoos will generally clean the hair just as effectively as those that contain sulfates.
Nowadays, you can’t reach for a shampoo without seeing the words ‘sulfate-free’ displayed in bold on the bottle. The second I made my switch to curly hair products, any utterance of the word ‘sulfates’ was followed by a gasp in the natural hair community. But while brands slap ‘sulfate-free’ on their products for marketing purposes, do we really know why they’re so bad?
These man-made polymers consist of alternating silicon and oxygen bonds with at least one organic group attached to the silicon atom via a direct carbon-silicon bond, according to Global Silicones Council. They are used to coat the shaft of the hair, which “smooth the cuticle and get rid of frizz,” says James. Silicones are also often what creates that silky, smooth finish on the hair. Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love.
Not to mention, for those who get treatments like a Brazilian blowout, sulfates can strip the smoothing benefits of keratin treatments. While there is a variety of sulfate-free shampoos available, it is important to note that many of these products still contain chemical compounds that are similar to sulfates. The foaming action means that a person can spread the shampoo over a greater area of their head. It may also help any active ingredients in the shampoo work deeper into the hair to remove dirt and excess oil.
Since sulfates are essentially a detergent, they typically appeal to those with greasy hair. In fact, they can be so effective at cleansing that sometimes they actually strip the hair of its natural oils and nutrients. However, "If you are not sensitive, sulfates can be helpful in getting a deep clean in washes and shampoo," says Farber. If you've got oily hair, look for a shampoo with the ingredient "sodium lauryl sulfate" which is tough on grease. Meanwhile, sodium laureth sulfate is a great option for normal-to-dry hair since it offers a gentler cleanse.
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