Ok, I have a question. I read in the book (I believe the OSPW chapter) that we should stay away from sodium laurel sulfate. What is the difference between that and sodium laureth sulfate?? Are they both no-no's???
I've read in other postings where people make them sound like they are pretty much the same thing. I noticed that sod. laureth sulf. is in the Eucerin redness relief face wash. I was going to try it but now I'm not so sure.

Thanks for any advice...
Sondra

Ok, I have a question. I read in the book (I believe the OSPW chapter) that we should stay away from sodium laurel sulfate. What is the difference between that and sodium laureth sulfate?? Are they both no-no's???
I've read in other postings where people make them sound like they are pretty much the same thing. I noticed that sod. laureth sulf. is in the Eucerin redness relief face wash. I was going to try it but now I'm not so sure.

Thanks for any advice...
Sondra

Sondra,

Sodium laureth sulfate is gentle, and sodium laurel sulfate is a skin irritant.

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Ooooohhhhhh.

Man how confusing! Ok, I guess I'll go ahead and give the Eucerin wash a go!

Thanks for the clarification...
Sondra

From what I've read, some people have reacted poorly to both substances.  Sodium lauryl sulfate is definitely the harsher detergent of the two, but sodium laureth sulfate can also cause skin and eye irritation, especially with long-term use.  My shampoos and facial soaps in recent years have contained sodium laureth sulfate instead of sodium lauryl sulfate, and unfortuntely skin irritaiton persisted for me during use.

You might want to check and see if either ingredient is in your shampoo.  If you've never experienced any major hair or scalp problems while using your shampoo, then you might be fine with a SLS/SLES product.  Me, on the other hand... well, my hair problems were a mystery for years before I picked up on the SLS/SLES sensitivity issue.

Even if they don't bother your scalp, if you color your hair, the color will
last longer without sulfates.