Is sulfate-free cosmetics natural?
The "sulphate-free" claim is widely used in the cosmetics sector. What is the meaning? When a product claims not to contain these components, does it mean that it is natural?
Sulfates have been feared among cosmetic consumers for many reasons. However, do you really know what they are and if they would really be harmful to health? Keep reading.
What exactly are sulfate-free cosmetics?
In order for you to understand what sulfate-free products are, you need to know what exactly they are. Chemical compounds called "sulphates" are used in cosmetics mainly to fulfill the functions of cleaning agents.
Something important to note is that a sulfate is not always dangerous , as there are those that are safe and approved by cosmetic certifications. When a compound of this type is found in a product, it is listed as “Sulfate” in the list of ingredients (INCI).
Due to the explanation in the previous paragraph, it is not enough that you avoid the word sulfate . In addition to the fact that not all of them are dangerous, some components originate from sulfation, but that is not specified.
Ingredients that are obtained by sulfation
Bearing in mind that not all sulfates are bad, here are the elements that come from this process :
Sodium Coco Sulfate
This is a component that does have a natural origin, since it originates from pure coconut oil . Once you have it, it is subjected to sulfation so that, first, it reacts with sulfuric acid. Then demonstrate a reaction with sodium carbonate.
With Sodium Coco Sulfate, a detergent is obtained that is characterized by not generating much foam and by its softness .
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This version is used to obtain a purified version of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate . When treated, a large percentage of the fatty acids found in coconut oil are removed. Note that the ones that are discarded are not carbon 12.
Once the named acids are removed, sulfation is applied and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is obtained .
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
One thing to keep in mind about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is that it can cause skin irritation. Therefore, through another process, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is obtained, this compound is not very irritating and makes more foam . This last characteristic is an advantage for companies, since it is usually related to a deep cleaning.
It is true that Sodium Laureth Sulfate comes, like the others we have talked about, from coconut. In addition, the process in which it is prepared is very similar to Lauryl , but it goes through the addition of the fatty alcohols of its composition with ethylene oxide.
The procedure to which it is subjected makes it more soluble in water and reduces irritation. However, 1,4-dioxane is generated, this is considered carcinogenic, as a consequence, part of the product is petrochemical although it originates from coconut .
Are sulfate-free products natural?
Taking into account what we explained, the fact that the phrase "sulphate free" is on a product should not lead you to conclude that it is natural . So, not in all cases, it is convenient that you be guided by it to acquire the cosmetics that meet the characteristics you are looking for.
Likewise, just because you find the term “sulfate” in the list of ingredients, it does not mean that the product is dangerous . As you have seen, many components of natural origin are subjected to sulfation processes. This does not make the product chemical.
Buy natural products free of harmful components!
Surely you want to avoid cosmetics that have ingredients that affect you and the environment . For that, it is important that you know for sure which products and which components are safe for skin and hair. Remember that all bodies are different, and therefore, we all have different needs.
In our store you will find natural cosmetics that not only have a positive impact on your appearance and internal well-being, but also do not have a negative impact on the planet.