What’s the Skinny on Sulfate-Free Shampoos?

Sulfate based shampoos contain products like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. They are some of the most popular cleansers used not only in hair shampoos but also in facial and body cleansers. This is because they create a rich, creamy lather and rinse out easily. Recently these shampoos have been touted as troublesome for persons with color-treated or chemically treated hair. There is the suggestion that the longevity of their color may be impaired by various sulfate shampoo. However there is only anecdotal evidence of this. While we know that some patients with eczema or sensitive skin may develop sensitivity to SLS products, we have no proven case reports of this in the medical literature. The only published evidence is that a small percentage of individuals may develop a contact dermatitis.

Citation:
Schwitulla J, Brasch J, Löffler H, Schnuch A, Geier J, Uter W. Skin irritability to sodium lauryl sulfate is associated with increased positive patch test reactions.
Br J Dermatol. 2014 Jul;171(1):115-23.