Should You Avoid Sulphates In Skincare?

What Are Sulphates?

Sulphates, or sulfates, are a group of chemical compounds commonly used as cleansing agents in various personal care products, including shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers. They belong to the class of surfactants, which are substances that lower the surface tension between a liquid and a solid. This unique property allows sulphates to mix oil and water effectively, which helps to wash away dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin and hair.

The most common types of sulphates found in skincare and haircare products are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES). Both are derived from fatty alcohols sourced either from petroleum or from plant-based oils like coconut and palm oil. Their primary purpose is to create a lathering effect and ensure a thorough cleanse by breaking down oils and grime.

While sulphates are excellent at providing that satisfying “squeaky clean” feeling, their strong cleansing action and environmental impact have made them controversial. Many people are now questioning whether sulphates are too harsh for certain skin types, especially those with sensitive or dry skin who are looking for alternatives. Let's take a closer look at how they're used, why they might not be the right choice for you and why we prefer more gentle alternatives here at Clever Soap.

So Why Are Sulphates Used In Skincare?

Cleansing Power. There's no doubt that sulphates are excellent at cutting through oil and debris on the skin. This is why they are commonly found in facial cleansers, body washes, and soaps. However, as we'll soon see, many people find they're actually 'too' good at this as they also strip away the body's natural oils.

Affordability. This is without a doubt one of the key reasons they are so common in many skincare products. Sulphates are cost-effective to manufacture, making them an attractive choice for brands producing high-volume, affordable skincare lines.

Foaming Properties. One of the most distinctive features of sulphates is their ability to create a rich foam. People often associate a good lather with cleanliness, so sulphates help give that satisfying “clean” feeling by making the product foam up quickly. This is a myth, however, as the amount a product foams up does not directly correlate to cleaner skin.

The Downsides To Sulphates

While there are some benefits to sulphates in skincare, there are a large number of downsides that may make you reconsider incorporating them into your skincare routine.

How Sulphates Can Actually Harm Your Skin

While sulphates are highly effective cleansers, they have the potential to irritate the skin, particularly for those with sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin. Sulphates can strip away not only dirt and oil but also the natural oils your skin needs to stay healthy and hydrated. This can lead to dryness, tightness, and irritation after use, especially when used frequently and by individuals with a more delicate skin barrier. 

The Environmental Impact Of Sulphates

Beyond their potential effects on skin, the environmental impact of sulphates has become a growing concern. While sulphates are effective and widely used, their production, usage, and disposal can have significant environmental consequences.

One of the primary concerns with sulphates, particularly Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), is their potential to contribute to water pollution. After rinsing products containing sulphates down the drain, these chemicals enter the water supply. Although wastewater treatment plants can filter out some contaminants, many synthetic chemicals like sulphates can remain in the water system.

When sulphates reach rivers, lakes, and oceans, they can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. High concentrations of sulphates can harm aquatic organisms, including fish, algae, and invertebrates. Sulphates can break down cell membranes in aquatic species, which can lead to weakened health and even death.

Some studies have shown that the accumulation of sulphates and other synthetic chemicals in bodies of water can also affect reproductive systems, growth rates, and overall health in marine organisms. This disruption can have a cascading effect on the entire food chain, potentially impacting larger marine animals and biodiversity.

Sustainability Concerns in Manufacturing

The process of manufacturing sulphates, particularly when derived from petroleum-based sources, can raise concerns regarding sustainability:

• Petroleum-Based Derivatives. Many sulphates, such as SLS, are derived from petrochemical sources, which are non-renewable and contribute to the carbon footprint. The extraction and refinement of petroleum for these ingredients can lead to the depletion of natural resources and contribute to pollution and habitat destruction.
• Palm Oil Concerns. Some sulphates are derived from palm oil, and unsustainable palm oil production has been a significant driver of deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.

Bioaccumulation and Toxic Byproducts

Another issue associated with sulphates, especially SLES, is the formation of toxic byproducts during manufacturing. When SLES is created, it undergoes a process called ethoxylation, which can lead to the production of 1,4-dioxane—a potentially carcinogenic compound. This compound is not always completely filtered out during the manufacturing process, and trace amounts can be left in products.

When products containing 1,4-dioxane are washed off, the contaminant can end up in groundwater, posing a risk to both human health and the environment. This compound is not biodegradable and can persist in water systems, making it a long-term pollutant.

Should I Go Sulphate-Free?

For individuals with sensitive or dry skin, and those concerned about the environmental impact sulphates can have, sulphate-free products can offer several key benefits:

• Gentler on the Skin. Sulphate-free cleansers are less likely to strip away the skin’s natural oils, which helps maintain the skin’s hydration and barrier function.
• Reduces Irritation: If you’ve ever experienced redness, itching, or a tight feeling after washing your face or body, switching to a sulphate-free cleanser could alleviate these symptoms.
• Better for Sensitive Skin: Those with eczema, rosacea, or other skin conditions often find sulphate-free products much more tolerable.
• Maintains pH Balance: Sulphate-free formulas are often better at maintaining the skin’s natural pH, which is crucial for overall skin health and preventing breakouts or inflammation.
• Environmental Concerns. There are a number of environmental concerns surrounding the use of sulphates compared to their biodegradable and far less harmful alternatives.

What Can I Use Instead Of Sulphates?

The good news is that there are a number of alternatives to sulphates which can be equally effective as cleansing the skin and producing a lather, whilst being more gentle and environmentally friendly. Some of these include:

• Coco-glucoside. A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and sugar which is biodegradable.
• Sodium Cocoamphoacetate. Another biodegradable surfactant that’s gentle on the skin.
• Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract (Soap Bark). Derived from the bark of the quillaja tree, this offers gentle foaming and cleansing properties.

These are just some that we use in our products, but there are many more alternatives too.

Conclusion

Sulphates have long been a staple in skincare products for their cleansing and foaming properties, but as we’ve discussed, they may not be the best choice. For those with sensitive or dry skin, or for people looking to reduce their environmental impact, sulphate-free alternatives offer a gentler, more sustainable solution. Ingredients like Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, and Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract cleanse without the harsh effects of traditional sulphates, maintaining the skin’s natural balance while being biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

When choosing skincare products, it’s important to consider not just the immediate benefits but also the long-term effects on your skin and the planet. By opting for sulphate-free formulations, you can enjoy effective cleansing that leaves your skin healthy and hydrated, while also making a positive choice for the environment.

At Clever Soap, we’re committed to providing gentle, eco-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on performance. Our sulphate-free products are designed to nourish your skin while respecting nature, helping you feel good about your skincare choices in every way.