Question from Kerri

I contacted Ecover regarding the use of sodium lauryl sulfate and this is what they said: “Some of our products do contain sodium lauryl sulfate, of vegetable origin, derived from coconut oil. This functions as a surfactant which is listed on our labels.

SLS has a long history of safe use in a variety of cleaning products. Wide-spread Internet rumors regarding its use as being harmful have been investigated by respected publications such as THE WASHINGTON POST and THE BERKELY WELLNESS NEWSLETTER and have been proven to be unfounded. THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY also has an information page debunking the claims.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.”

My question is, if it is plant derived does that make it ok to use and non-toxic? I know you recommend this brand to use so I am guessing if it is plant origin derived it is ok? From all that I have heard about SLS’s in whatever form they are in. they are toxic and not safe to use, is this true?

Here are the ingredients, do you know which one is the SLS? “Oxygen chlorine free bleach, plant based non-ionic tensio-active surfactants, enzymes, salts, silicate, citrate, polypeptides, plant based bleach activator, plant based frangrance (lemon type).” Is there a website for people that are new to this whole thing that lists what ingredients are toxic are which are safe to use in all of its different name forms, not just its chemical name? I would have assumed that all the ingredients listed above are safe, since they did not use SLS in the ingredient list.

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

“If it is plant derived does that make it ok to use and non-toxic?” Yes and no. In general, plant-derived ingredients are more bio-compatible with the human body, however there are some plants that have poisons. Some herbs, for example, need to be used with caution.

Coconut is very safe and good for bodies in many ways. Coconut oil is very good for the skin, however, products made from it, such as even coconut oil soap, can be drying to the skin and mucous membranes.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is derived from coconut oil, however, it is made by adding sulfuric acid (made from sulfur taken from direct mining or processing of low-grade ores such as coal and petroleum) followed by neutralization with sodium carbonate (a natural mineral).

Like all detergent and soaps, it removes oils from the skin, can cause skin irritation. and is also irritating to the eyes.

You can read more about the health concerns at Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website–Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Now, to your quesiton, “From all that I have heard about SLS’s in whatever form they are in. they are toxic and not safe to use, is this true?” One of the primary determining factors of toxiciy is method of exposure. There is a huge difference between brushing your teeth with SLS and washing your clothes with it. The primary problem is skin irritation. If you are going to use this product, I would make sure that you have soft water or add a water softener (such as baking soda) to your wash to make sure there are no residues left in the fabric that could irriate your skin. Otherwise, I’m not concerned. Every laundry product and cleaning product contains some similar surfactant.

Add Comment