What is sodium laureth sulfate?
It's no secret that the averagea person in his daily life uses a huge amount of a variety of chemicals. All of them are useless to list, so let's just mention a few: dishwashing detergents, shampoos, window fluids, polishes and even toothpastes (do not think that the Herbal series is made from plants alone). Obviously, it is unlikely that they will be able to find useful ones. Rather, it is about partially harmless and having a negative impact. Recently, the substance "laureth sulfate sodium" has fallen under suspicion.
Long it does not have to look: it is enough to read carefully on the back of the package the composition of your favorite shampoo or other cosmetic. Almost certainly there will be indicated the laureth or lauryl sulfate of sodium. Moreover, these substances are the first in the list, which indirectly indicates their relatively high concentration. To drink such, really, it is not necessary. What is interesting, manufacturers, trying to protect the buyer of their products from excessive fluctuations, sometimes indicate the English. name - sodium laureth sulfate.
Currently, the main surfactants(surfactants) in the vast majority of detergents are derived compounds of sulfoethoxylates. The task of these additives is reduced, first of all, to the splitting of fats and, of course, the formation of foam. Alas, all of us are accustomed to that if the shampoo does not foam, then something is wrong with it.
The most famous is sodium lauryl sulfate. It is one of the by-products of oil distillation. Advantages include high detergency in water at any temperature (remember the advertising of funds for dishes). It would seem - an ideal surfactant. However, not all so simple. Lauryl sulfate destroys the lipid protective layer of human skin, so irritation does not take long to wait. At a high concentration, the substance is capable of causing a chemical burn. Note that before adding to detergents, this surfactant is pre-ethoxylated, which reduces its aggressiveness by several orders of magnitude. In addition, since the final product contains a whole list of different components, including softeners and moisturizers, the negative effect of sodium lauryl sulfate is less pronounced.
At the same time, now more and more manufacturersthey refuse lauryl sulfate, starting to use sodium laureth sulfate. Compared with the previous, it has a more gentle effect on the skin, while maintaining a high detergent efficiency. Sodium laureth sulfate retains the ability to accumulate on surfaces, so it is always necessary to follow the recommendations of the manufacturers and thoroughly flush the product after use. Often on tanks with shampoos, they instruct twice to wash their hair. Is it accidental? In any case, if there is anything to choose from, sodium sodium laureth sulfate should be preferred, and not its close "relative" - lauryl sulfate.
In order to remain competitive,some manufacturers have expanded their product range, partially or completely abandoning the use of the above-mentioned surfactants. All the same, both lauryl and sodium laureth sulfate are classified as rigid surfactants.
Their modern alternative is "soft"compounds that do not cause excessive skin irritation. Among the well-known it is worth noting cocamidopropyl betaine and glycerol monostearate. This is a new generation of detergents, suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Sometimes on the shelves of cosmetics stores you can find compromise options when the concentration of the main surfactant (laureth or sodium lauryl sulfate) is reduced by the addition of cocamidopropyl betaine.
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