We look at the effects of SLS and the benefits of using an SLS-free shampoo and understand how using organic hair care differs from your regular high street products.
At a glance:
- SLS is an effective foaming agent used in many shampoos
- Some people can find it causes scalp or skin irritation
- If you are sensitive to shampoo, it is worth trying an SLS-free shampoo
- We recommend: Green People Protein-Boost Shampoo & Shower Wash
What is SLS-free shampoo?
An SLS-free shampoo does not contain the harsh and irritating ingredient sodium lauryl sulphate, which is a foaming agent (detergent) used by many hair care brands in the UK.
If you have an itchy or flaky scalp, one of the simplest things you can try is washing your hair with an SLS-free shampoo.
What are the benefits of SLS-free shampoo?
We offer a wide range of organic, SLS-free shampoos for different hair types. We use much gentler foaming agents based on Coconut and Yucca, which work just as well but are less likely to cause scalp problems.
As well as SLS, our organic shampoos are free from parabens and silicones, and instead contain pure, organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Avocado and other powerful, yet gentle, natural plant actives.
Our shampoos are perfect if you have extremely sensitive skin and will gently cleanse your hair without stripping your scalp of its protective oils. Your hair will be left looking naturally healthy, glossy and lustrous.
You only need use a small amount of our SLS-free shampoos and natural conditioners. They are based on Aloe Vera instead of water, highly concentrated and not watered down like most high-street brands. In fact, using less can mean even better results - less is more.
Choose the best shampoo for you
Are you searching for a new shampoo? We provide a wide range of SLS-free shampoos, including SLS-free shampoo bars.
Our hair routine finder is the perfect place to begin. Simply answer a few quick questions, and we'll recommend the best shampoo for you. Alternatively, keep scrolling to explore our SLS-free top sellers.
Best-selling SLS-free shampoos
See all our natural, SLS-free shampoos.
Don’t forget your conditioner! Naturally free from SLS and silicones, our conditioners are gentle on your hair and scalp. Find your perfect match here:
Browse all natural conditioners.
Why is SLS in shampoo?
There are two main reasons that SLS is such a popular ingredient in shampoos. Firstly, it is cheap as it is produced synthetically, making it ideal for low-cost brands. Secondly, it is a very effective cleansing agent and creates lots of foam when mixed with water.
However SLS is a too powerful detergent and not all of its effects are good which is why many people are now trying to find SLS free shampoos as it can cause scalp problems.
What are the effects of SLS?
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is irritating to the skin/scalp because of how it interacts with both the skin’s barrier and nerve endings.
SLS is a known skin and scalp irritant and is used as a laboratory standard for irritating skin due to its ability to penetrate and damage the skin barrier.
It is not surprising then that SLS can cause scalp problems when frequently applied as part of a shampoo. It is recognised as being one of the most irritating foaming agents used in shampoos.
Its irritating effects can create an itchy, flaky scalp and now more and more people are looking for a shampoo without SLS in the UK.
The science of SLS
SLS is an anionic surfactant with a small molecular size, meaning it can easily penetrate the outer skin layer (stratum corneum). Its main job in cosmetics is to break up oils and grease, but this same property strips away the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
Removing the protective oils increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaving skin/scalp dry and more vulnerable to irritation. SLS can also bind to and denature skin proteins, and thereby trigger an inflammatory response.
Once the skin barrier is compromised, SLS can interact with immune cells in the skin resulting in redness, itching, or even burning.
SLS irritation is dose- and time-dependent and the irritation is cumulative - a high concentration can give an immediate irritation, and lower concentration will over time result in skin barrier damage. That’s why even the most diluted SLS formulations can cause problems for people with sensitive skin.
For more information about SLS read our essential guide to SLS-free products.
Would you like personal hair care advice?
We are happy to help if you have a question about SLS in shampoo or you'd like to find out about our natural and organic shampoos. Our UK customer care team is available on 01403 740350 or you can contact us on social @GreenPeopleUK.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to What is SLS-free shampoo and is it good for my hair? Please do not use an affiliate link.
