The term ‘sulfate free’ has become a popular buzzword, but is that all it is? Are all sulfates bad for you? From detergents and household cleaners to shampoos, sulfates are everywhere. The commonality of this ingredient is owed to the fact that sulfates are known to be effective cleansers. Though this is true, too much of anything can be bad for you, especially when it comes to your skin and hair. This is why there has been a high demand for sulfate-free products, especially in the beauty industry - but why so?
Sulfates are known irritants in hair products, especially shampoos, that contribute to cell damage and deplete the natural oils from hair. They’re surfactants that reduce the surface tension between shampoo and skin, thus forming a sudsy lather and cleansing the scalp of dirt and oil. However, they do more than just strip away oils, often causing an array of hair and scalp problems that can be detrimental in the long run. To simply explain it… sulfates are detergents.
The most common kind of sulfate-based ingredients you’ll often see in hair care products are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLE), both produced from petroleum and plant oils. Then, what’s the problem? Since sulfates give you that squeaky clean feeling, they can leave your scalp and hair extremely dry. They also cause irritation to the eyes and skin, redness, frizz, brittleness, inflammation, and in some cases, even increased hair fall. Since they are derived from petroleum, they’re not very environmentally friendly either.
Moreover, did you know? Sulfates also strip away protein from hair, making it weak and prone to damage. If your hair is already damaged from colouring and chemical hair treatments, sulfates can worsen matters. In fact, sulfates are not recommended for hair that is coloured or chemically treated as they could lessen the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you’re uncertain about using sulfate shampoos, then don’t. It’s better to be safe than sorry. With so many sulfate-free alternatives, it is possible to find hair products that are nourishing and less damaging. For instance, iluvia’s Sulfate Free Shampoo is as gentle-as-ever but effective all the same. It is pH balanced with a micro-emulsion formula that effectively cleanses porous hair and repairs damage. It is also perfectly compatible with coloured and chemically treated hair, making it one of the best sulfate-free shampoos and most recommended by leading salons.
If you’re currently using a sulfate shampoo, then now’s the right time to make an informed change. Choosing a sulfate-free shampoo will never mean compromising hair quality or settling for less. In fact, it could change your hair game for the better and help you achieve your hair goals more quickly. We believe it’s never too late to change your hair care routine and start using products with good-for-you ingredients. It may be a good idea to look into products that are naturally derived and healthy for your hair and scalp.
For more products like this, check out the iluvia official website. iluvia’s luxury haircare range is sulfate and paraben free with naturally derived ingredients and 100% safe to use.