What are sulphates in shampoo?

Sulphates are chemical substances that are mainly used in skin and hair cleansing products because of how effective they are removing dirt and impurities. To know if your shampoo contains sulphates, just look on the label for “Sodium Lauril Sulfate” or “Sodium Laureth Sulfate”, which are the most common. 

Parabens, on the other hand, are chemical products that are added to creams and shampoos as preservatives to avoid them being broken down by micro-organisms, fungi and bacteria. They are shown on labels as names ending in –paraben, or -parabens such as Benzylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben (E214), Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben (forbidden), Methylparaben (E218), Propylparaben (E216). The alternative to products containing parabens is to find products with “paraben free” on the labels. (There is currently a Spanish Agency Medical Directive that forbids commercial claims stating “paraben free”). In these cases, to avoid shampoo spoiling, other types of preservatives are used. Try to store products away from direct sunlight, at very high or low temperatures, and close the lids after each use.

Do sulphates damage your hair?

Sulphates, and other surfactants are responsible for the foam that shampoo produces, and they also cause stinging of the eyes. Therefore, the more bubbles your shampoo makes, the higher the concentration of chemical products in the composition, and consequently the more aggressive it will be.

Sulphates are not dangerous for the hair, but they do cause it to dry out and they eliminate the natural oils. They work well on greasy hair, since the purpose of these ingredients is to remove grease. Nevertheless, with normal or fine hair it is not as good, since it removes the layer of fat leaving the skin unprotected and exposed to dehydration, allergens, etc. (no, also fine hair can be greasy)

Sulphates cause dryness, itching and dandruff. Hair becomes less manageable and your skin can become oilier by trying to compensate for the loss of natural oils. You should never use sulphates if you have had allergies or eczema caused by these ingredients.

However, most dermatologists and pharmacists do not believe that they are harmful for your scalp, since they are mixed with other ingredients that counter any possible irritation. It is true though that they usually dry out hair, and if your hair is dyed, the colour will lose intensity earlier.

Reasons for choosing sulphate-free shampoo:

• The colour of your dye will last longer.

• Your hair will not become so dry.

• If you have a sensitive scalp.

• If you wash your hair every day or very often. 

• If you think about the environment, because they are less harmful for nature.