Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

[Guest guest]

I think it presumptuous to say that this is a " KNOWN CARCINOGEN " .

 

Many reputable sources have debunked this as a myth.

 

Here is what Dr. Weil says about it:

 

I've been getting a lot of questions about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, also

known as " sodium laurel sulfate " or " sodium laureth sulfate " ) and, frankly,

I'm at a loss to know where this concern comes from. SLS is a detergent, and

while it's true that strong concentrations are used for heavy-duty cleaning,

that doesn't mean the much lower amounts found in shampoo are unsafe. In

trying to track down the source of concern about SLS, I found repeated

instances of unsubstantiated, alarmist claims coming mostly from the

purveyors of natural shampoos.

It is irresponsible to brand anything a carcinogen without providing the

source of information. If SLS is carcinogenic, there should be hard evidence

somewhere, but a search of the medical literature failed to turn up any

reports of adverse effects from SLS. I did find that, like soap, it can

sting if it gets into your eyes and that, at higher concentrations than

you'll find in any shampoo, SLS can irritate the skin.

 

Compare this to similarly alarming reports about diethanolamine (DEA),

another shampoo component. Here, a study from the National Toxicology

Program linked residual levels of DEA to cancer in laboratory animals.

Although the study didn't even address the question of whether DEA can cause

cancer in humans, the FDA announced that it would evaluate the data to

determine the risk, if any, to consumers. I could find no record that the

NTP or the FDA is looking into SLS and no report of a link between SLS and

human or animal illness.

 

SLS has a long history of use in shampoos and other personal care products

and overall I don't think you need to worry about it. If you'd rather not

take any chances, you should have no trouble finding alternative products

that do not contain it.

[Guest guest]

In response to SLS, our school hosted an evening with the EPA they DO have

conclusive evidence of harm caused by this; there is a site stemming from

Massachusetts I believe called cleanwater... maybe with a search engine it

could be found and the evidence should be listed there.

Whatever....

my personal feelings are if you can do without it, why NOT! As a vegan I

make it a point to go without so many other things, what's one more. If

there's any questions surrounding it, avoid it, that's my policy especially

if it involves children.

I personally make all my own shampoos, conditioners and creams, it's not

that difficult and I know what all the ingredients are. Wholesome and free

of the whatevers.

Pam

----

 

 

Wednesday, January 15, 2003 3:25:13 PM

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

 

I think it presumptuous to say that this is a " KNOWN CARCINOGEN " .

 

Many reputable sources have debunked this as a myth.

 

Here is what Dr. Weil says about it:

 

I've been getting a lot of questions about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, also

known as " sodium laurel sulfate " or " sodium laureth sulfate " ) and, frankly,

I'm at a loss to know where this concern comes from. SLS is a detergent, and

while it's true that strong concentrations are used for heavy-duty cleaning,

that doesn't mean the much lower amounts found in shampoo are unsafe. In

trying to track down the source of concern about SLS, I found repeated

instances of unsubstantiated, alarmist claims coming mostly from the

purveyors of natural shampoos.

It is irresponsible to brand anything a carcinogen without providing the

source of information. If SLS is carcinogenic, there should be hard evidence

somewhere, but a search of the medical literature failed to turn up any

reports of adverse effects from SLS. I did find that, like soap, it can

sting if it gets into your eyes and that, at higher concentrations than

you'll find in any shampoo, SLS can irritate the skin.

 

Compare this to similarly alarming reports about diethanolamine (DEA),

another shampoo component. Here, a study from the National Toxicology

Program linked residual levels of DEA to cancer in laboratory animals.

Although the study didn't even address the question of whether DEA can cause

cancer in humans, the FDA announced that it would evaluate the data to

determine the risk, if any, to consumers. I could find no record that the

NTP or the FDA is looking into SLS and no report of a link between SLS and

human or animal illness.

 

SLS has a long history of use in shampoos and other personal care products

and overall I don't think you need to worry about it. If you'd rather not

take any chances, you should have no trouble finding alternative products

that do not contain it.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

<<there is a site stemming from Massachusetts I believe called

cleanwater>>

 

That would almost certainly be Clearwater, although I don't know their

exact web site address....

 

Liz

[Guest guest]

I personally make all my own shampoos, conditioners and creams, it's not

that difficult and I know what all the ingredients are.

 

I am interested in this. What are your recipes??

 

Sara

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

This is something I've been interested in doing for some time. Would you be

willing to share some recipes, books or other resources on the subject? Feel

free to email me directly.

Maria

-

alemapyeksnip <Alemapyeksnip wrote:I personally make all my own

shampoos, conditioners and creams, it's not

that difficult and I know what all the ingredients are. Wholesome and free

of the whatevers.

Pam

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

I personally make all my own shampoos, conditioners and creams, it's not

that difficult and I know what all the ingredients are. Wholesome and free

of the whatevers.

Pam

 

 

---------------------------

 

 

Interesting........... Do you have any recipes or sources for your favorite

recipes in this area?

 

I've made bar soaps from premade glycerine base, but haven't ventured into the

other items you have mentioned yet. Please share.

 

Debbie

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

To those interested in back to basic recipes....here are some favorites

 

" Make it yourself Shampoo "

8 oz. of strong herbal infusion

3 oz. of liquid castile soap

1/4 tsp of jojoba oil (or rosemary oil for oily hair)

20-30 drops of essential oil

 

I use 1 part chamomile flower

2 parts calendula flower

1 part comfrey

for my herbal infusion

 

Simmer the 1 ounce of herb to 8 oz. of water over low heat for 15-20 minutes

Strain and cool. Slowly add castile soap to the tea, then mis in the jojoba

oil and essential oils. Store in a plastic container with a flip top in the

shower or bath.

Shake before using.

 

Some other herbal blends to try are

2 parts garden sage leaf

1 part black walnut hull, chopped

1 part comfrey

 

or

1 part calendula flower

1 part marshmallow root

1 part nettle leaf

 

or

1 part witch hazel bark (not extract)

1 part rosemary leaf

1 part yarrow leaf and flower

 

I have tried all these and I love them all!

 

For a rinse use:

1-Choose one of the above herbal blends then fill a qt. jar half full with

the blen. Completely cover the herbs with vinegar ( only apple cider, never

white vinegar) cap tightly. Place in a warm spot for 3-4 weeks. Sharke daily

to aggitate.

2-Strain thru cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Add a few drops of

essential oil. Rebottle in plastic for bathtub or shower.

3- for oily hair, dilute 1 pt. vinegar to 4 parts. water. For dry hair

dilute 1 pt rinse to 6 parts of water.

You will soon discover what dilution is good for your hair.

 

These recipes are taken from

Rosemary Gladstar's

" Herbs for Natural Beauty " available from Amazon Books$8.95 Also

available sometimes at Barnes and Noble or Borders Books.

 

There are several of these books in the series... " Herbal Remedies for Men's

Health " " Herbs for the Home Medicine Chest " " Herbs for longevity and

well-being " " Herbal Remedies for Childrens Health " and " herbs for Reducing

Stress and Anxiety "

 

You can also find a GREAT recipe called

Perfect Cream which is incredible!

Go to www.sagemountain.com and look in the header for recipes.

 

Blessings and have fun

I make these all in bulk, it's all I use and like I said before I know

exactly what's in them!!

 

Pamela

 

----

 

 

Friday, January 17, 2003 8:52:51 AM

 

Re: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

 

I personally make all my own shampoos, conditioners and creams, it's not

that difficult and I know what all the ingredients are.

 

I am interested in this. What are your recipes??

 

Sara