Are Sulfates Bad For You?
Short answer
Yes, sulfates are bad for you. They have negative effects on the hair, skin, and mouth.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Sulfate is a polyatomic anion that is produced when a single sulfur atom bonds with four oxygen atoms. Lauryl alcohol reacts with sulfuric acid to create a sulfate compound. You can find sulfates in many of your personal hygiene products including shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream and body wash. Sulfates cause the products to foam, lather, and cut through grease. The most common sulfates are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). While both of these are known to be irritants, SLES is considered milder than SLS. These irritants cause skin redness, drying, and itching. It is estimated that 90% of shampoos and body washes contain one of these two sulfates.
Sulfates are the additive that makes the shampoo or body wash lather during application. That lathering effect is what gives you that clean feeling. However, that “clean lather” is actually stripping the moisture and protective barrier away from your skin and hair. This can make your skin dry and cause your hair to look dull and damaged. When you purchase a sulfate free shampoo, your first few showers may feel a bit awkward, as people often associate thick lather with being clean. However, following your shower, you can expect to have clean and healthier hair and skin.
Another step in your hygienic routine is brushing your teeth. Since you were a small child, you likely remember the toothpaste lathering as you brushed your pearly whites. Many studies have linked that clean and fresh lathering toothpaste that contains sulfates, to canker sores and irritations in the mouth.
Sulfates are labeled as safe for use in cosmetic products even though they are known to be an irritant. However, some by-products of sulfates are extremely dangerous. When sulfates are combined with other common cleansing ingredients, they produce toxic nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.
In addition to hygiene, cosmetic, and skin care products, sulfates are also present in many household cleaners. Be sure to take precautions when dealing with and household cleaner that contains sulfates. Utilize proper attire, including gloves and a mask while working with the cleaning agents. Even when shielded through masks and gloves, skin often comes into contact with the harmful chemicals. If possible, opt to purchase sulfate free household cleaners.
Topically applied sulfate products seep into the skin and are absorbed into the body. Long-term exposure to sulfates can cause organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cancer. It is best to look for products that contain no sulfates or have a less than 1% concentration.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergic reactions
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skin irritation
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canker sores
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dull hair
Possible long-term side effects
- reproductive problems
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organ toxicity
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cancer
Benefits
- provides lather to products
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 03-17-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 03-17-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
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