SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Solfate, is responsible for aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores and is found in 99.9% of toothpastes on the market today.
What is SLS?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commonly known as SLS is a very effective foaming agent and a caustic detergent which is useful in removing grease. Although commonly included in personal care items such as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes, SLS can irritate skin and should not be swallowed. The sodium lauryl sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines. In the same way that SLS can dissolve engine grease, it can also dissolve the oils in our skin.
Why is SLS bad?
A report published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that concentrations as low as 0.5% could cause irritation and concentrations of 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. It is also well documented that it denatures skin proteins, which causes not only irritation but also allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower, sensitive layers of the skin. Perhaps most worryingly, SLS is also absorbed into the body from skin application. Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and Menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved.
Why is it in our toothpaste?
The answer is simple – it is cheap. SLS is an effective was of dissolving oils and grease so it is used despite the fact that there are health issues the public is not aware of. As silly as it sounds, another reason is because people don’t feel like they are really cleaning their teeth unless there are bubbles or fizz.
Where can I find the best SLS Free Toothpaste?
Included on this page, and on this website, are a number of links to other sites that may provide further information and discount prices on SLS free toothpaste. I have also included a search from Amazon, which has great deals on SLS Free Toothpaste.
Do not believe that just because a product is labeled as “natural” that it is free from SLS. Most common brands of “Natural” or “Herbal” shampoos and cleansers still use these harmful chemicals as their main active ingredient – read the labels to be sure! More and more companies are starting to realize that we are becoming more and more informed about the ingredients in the products they sell us. For marketing purposes, some companies now clearly label their products as SLS Free Toothpaste to draw more attention. Always read the label to make sure.
