In the realm of personal care and cosmetics, the use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and the environmental impacts of palm oil— from which SLS is derived—have sparked significant debate.
Here we will discuss how banning palm oil can have MORE negative impact on deforestation and how SLS is not the villian the narrative has portrayed it how we have been able to find solutions to its drying effects.
Our article has been meticulously crafted with insights from a team of skilled shampoo chemists in Malaysia, a country renowned as a leading producer of palm oil.
These experts, with over 15 years of experience in creating natural cosmetics and soap products, are well-established veterans in their field.
Their extensive knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in shaping this comprehensive exploration of the contentious issues surrounding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Palm Oil, the environment and of course..Your luscious hair!
Our goal is to provide clarity and insight into the complex relationship between SLS and palm oil, unraveling the myths, unveiling the truths, examining their environmental impact and providing solutions within the context of shampoo production.
Sit down and buckle up as we aim to settle this debate once and for all.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in Personal Care Products
Role and Usage
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commonly known as SLS, has been a foundational safe and successful ingredient in personal care products since the 1930s.
Predominantly found in shampoos, soaps, toothpaste and shower gels, SLS is celebrated for its effective surfactant properties, which essentially means it's great at capturing both oil and water, removing dirt, and making it easy to wash away.
The distinctiveness of SLS lies in its ability to create a rich lather. This foaming action not only enhances the cleaning process but also contributes to the sensory experience of the product, making shampoos feel more luxurious and effective.
However, SLS's role extends beyond just shampoos.
This unique quality makes it an excellent agent for emulsifying or mixing oil and water-based components, which is crucial in personal care and cleaning products.
Safety and Misconceptions
Despite its widespread use and benefits, SLS has been the subject of various misconceptions, particularly regarding its safety.
Over the years, there have been rumors and unverified claims linking SLS to serious health concerns like cancer. However, these claims lack scientific backing.
Extensive research and reviews by reputable scientific bodies, such as the American Cancer Society, have found no evidence to support these links.
In reality, the safety of SLS in personal care products has been affirmed through rigorous testing and review.
Regulatory authorities across the globe, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union, have classified SLS as safe for consumer use in cosmetics and personal care products.
It is essential, however, to understand that while SLS is generally safe, it can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those whose scalps are very sensitive to dryness.
This is often due to the stripping effect SLS can have on natural oils in the skin and hair. As a result, some manufacturers have developed SLS-free products to cater to this segment of consumers.
*If you are one of these people we listed some solutions at the bottom *
However according to dermatologists and our chemists the majority of individuals can safely use products with SLS without concern for skin or scalp irritation because these products are designed to be rinsed off and the exposure duration is brief.
The development of these SLS-free products is not necessarily a reflection of the safety of SLS but rather an acknowledgment of the diverse needs and preferences of consumers.
It highlights the industry's commitment to providing a range of choices to suit different skin and hair types.
In conclusion, while SLS remains a reliable and effective ingredient in personal care products, understanding its role and dispelling misconceptions is key for consumers making informed choices.
Its long-standing presence in the industry, backed by scientific research on its safety, assures its continued use in various products, including shampoos.
SLS and Environmental Sustainability
Biodegradability
One of the critical aspects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) that often gets overlooked in discussions about its environmental impact is its biodegradability.
Biodegradability refers to a substance's ability to break down into simpler, non-toxic components through natural environmental processes.
This characteristic is crucial for any ingredient widely used in personal care products like shampoos, as these products inevitably enter the water system.
According to research SLS has been shown to be "readily biodegradable and not bio persistent."
This means that SLS can decompose into harmless components under normal environmental conditions within a short period (typically 96 hours or less).
By the time products containing SLS reach natural water bodies, they have mostly degraded, significantly reducing the risk of long-term environmental impact.
This property of SLS is vital in mitigating concerns about its presence in aquatic ecosystems.
Eco toxicity studies further support the biodegradability of SLS. These studies assess the impact of substances on aquatic life, and the results for SLS indicate that its low concentrations in natural waters would be essentially non-toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms.
Reassuring indeed!
Myth Busting
Apart from its biodegradability, there is a need to address and debunk some common myths surrounding SLS, particularly its alleged negative environmental impact.
Many of the concerns about SLS's effect on marine life are based on flawed interpretations of scientific literature.
A notable myth about SLS is its potential to form harmful by-products like nitrosamines.
Nitrosamines are a concern because some of them have been identified as carcinogens. However, the production process of SLS does not involve chemicals containing nitrogen, which is a prerequisite for the formation of nitrosamines.
This fact dispels the myth that SLS contains these harmful compounds.
In summary, the environmental profile of SLS is much less concerning than often portrayed.
Palm Oil & SLS: The Underlying Concern
So why is everyone trying to get rid of SLS despite its safe and successful usage being relatively safe for most people?
It’s the narrative that Palm oil's environmental impact is a significant concern, primarily due to deforestation, loss of biodiversity and critical habitat for many endangered species including Orangutans, Tigers and Elephants in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
However, a complete ban on palm oil isn't necessarily the solution it might seem.
According to a study done by scientists from the University of Bath, along with researchers from the University of Oxford and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, have indicated that banning palm oil could inadvertently lead to INCREASE in deforestation.
This is because the existing economic demand would likely shift to less efficient edible oils like sunflower or rapeseed, which require more land, water, and fertilizer.
Palm oil, sourced from the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), is a crucial ingredient in many products, including shampoos. It is efficient and more versatile than its suggested alternatives.
The demand surge has led to extensive deforestation to establish oil palm plantations, causing habitat loss for endangered species and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s the same argument as saying we all need to switch to soy protein vs animal protein because of the land agriculture needs for grazing is causing Amazon deforestation
Yet industrial soybean farms have converted extensive areas of the Amazon and other ecosystems, accelerating deforestation as well as the roads built to transport it.
On top of that, while agriculture is the largest proponent to deforestation in the amazon, let’s not forget that a lot of that land is being destroyed to plant soy for the animals too.
So it’s not as simple as switching alternatives, it’s about consumerism and the way we produce these things and treat the lands.
The environmental implications extend beyond deforestation, encompassing soil erosion, water pollution, and impacts on local communities.
The conversion of peatlands for palm oil cultivation is particularly concerning due to the significant release of carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.
Sustainability Efforts
Addressing the sustainability of palm oil production remains a complex issue. Despite increasing awareness, real-world action lags.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was created to encourage sustainable palm oil production, but its effectiveness is under scrutiny.
Critics point out ongoing deforestation and environmental degradation, highlighting weak enforcement and gaps in certification processes.
This is mostly because RSPO, is a purely voluntary scheme targeted at larger corporations which makes it very expensive to obtain. This makes it difficult for smallholder farmers to navigate which of whom make up half of all palm oil landholdings.
Malaysia however has made significant strides in improving the schemas towards sustainable palm oil production by introducing MSPO (Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil) scheme.
The scheme is legally mandatory and designed to be far more accessible to smallholder farmers who account for some 40% of production of all plantations, it is enforceable by the law and the first of its kind around the world.
This includes penalties and sanctions for non-compliance.
The effectiveness of the MSPO in enhancing accessibility is evident, as evidenced by the certification of nearly all organized smallholders in Malaysia.
Within a year of MSPO certification becoming mandatory, 87% of Malaysian producers, including almost all organized smallholders and plantation companies, and 39% of independent smallholders, achieved certification.
(decrease in Malaysian deforestation rates of the years by Global Forest Watch)
The World Resources Institute and Global Forest Watch have observed a consistent decrease in Malaysia's deforestation rates over the past four years, possibly due to improved forest management and stricter law enforcement, including mandatory moratoriums.
While acknowledging the MSPO scheme isn't flawless and recognizing areas for improvement, Malaysia emphasizes its greater impact compared to the RSPO, particularly in addressing the economic reliance on palm oil in producer countries and facilitating the transition to sustainable practices.
As of August 2020, more than 85% of Malaysia’s 5.9 million hectares of oil palm plantations and about 90% of its 452 palm oil mills had obtained the MSPO certification. And by January 31, 2023 nearly 97.88% of the 5.9 million hectares had MSPO and 100% of the palm oil mills had MSPO by November 2023.
Additionally, 260 of these certified mills were certified under the Supply Chain Certification System (SCCS) for traceability.
This figure represents a considerable step toward sustainability in the palm oil industry, highlighting Malaysia's commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
The MSPO certification process is a key indicator of the nation's dedication to balancing economic growth with ecological conservation in one of its major industries.
Its done this by contributing and funding landscape conservation projects and protecting wildlife such as pygmy elephants and Bornean orangutan by reconnecting fragmented forests.
It also implemented robust regulations for human and labor rights along with controlling the amount of land that can be used by plantations.
Palm oil presents a more viable and economically diverse solution compared to its alternatives, being better suited to meet the demands of product production.
This makes enhancing the sustainability of palm oil plantations a more practical approach than shifting to a different oil. Such initiatives significantly contribute to reducing the environmental impacts of palm oil production.
The progress in Malaysia, particularly with the adoption of certified sustainable palm oil, marks a significant step forward.
This development underscores the complexities of environmental challenges within the palm oil industry.
It highlights the importance of not simply boycotting an ingredient, but rather understanding the necessary trade-offs and working towards a balanced, sustainable approach.
So if you are going to use any cosmetic products derived from Malaysian palm oil and SLS you can be sure 97.88% sure that it’s been obtained sustainably.
Malaysian palm oil however is only accountable for over 56% of global supply.
Alternatives: Shampoo Bars
Now that we’ve debunked all the SLS myths, and looked at the data on palm oil and environmental impact, we can talk about better alternatives that are applicable for you, after all you are here because you are looking for better shampoo and soap alternatives!
Shampoo bars have emerged as a notable alternative in the realm of hair care, particularly for those with sensitive scalps or those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
These solid bars of shampoo are not only compact and travel-friendly but also represent a more sustainable option in terms of packaging and transport.
A key advantage of shampoo bars, is their concentration and usage. Although they may contain a high concentration of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) they are actually less striping.
The advantage of using shampoo bars lies in their efficiency; they require less product to produce a lather compared to liquid shampoos, which must be applied directly to the scalp to achieve the same effect.
This reduced application not only minimizes the risk of irritation but also offers economic benefits.
For instance, a single 100g shampoo bar is roughly equivalent to three 400ml bottles of liquid shampoo, offering value to consumers while simultaneously cutting down on waste and the environmental impact from producing and discarding plastic bottles.
An even more effective approach is the use of shampoo and conditioner bars combined.
These dual-purpose bars mitigate the stripping effects of SLS, thanks to their natural moisturizing and conditioning ingredients.
While it's commonly believed that the cleansing agents in shampoos can negate the effects of conditioning agents, this isn't always the case.
With carefully balanced chemistry and natural alternatives, it's possible to create a synergistic formula where the cleansing and conditioning components complement rather than counteract each other.
Additionally using natural cleansing agents like activated bamboo charcoal for example, help reduce the excess need for SLS as in most shampoo bars.
This results in a bar that is less stripping and friendlier on the scalp and skin than almost any other formulae, you can see list of ingredients here.
After conducting research and development within our company, we've discovered that our formula has been particularly effective for customers prone to eczema.
Many have greatly benefited from this alternative, expressing a fondness for the formula.
Consequently, we highly recommend this soap for individuals with sensitive skin and dry scalps, as it seems to be especially beneficial for them.
When it comes to personal care products, consumer education and guidance play a pivotal role.
The shift towards shampoo bars also reflects a broader consumer trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable products.
By choosing shampoo bars, consumers can contribute to less plastic waste and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning their personal care routine with environmental sustainability goals.
In conclusion, while the choice of hair care products is a personal one, informed by individual needs and preferences, shampoo bars present a compelling alternative.
They offer the benefits of traditional shampoos while addressing environmental concerns and the need for gentle, effective cleansing.
Conclusion:
The journey towards more sustainable personal care is ongoing. It involves not only individual choices but also collective efforts in industry practices, regulation, and scientific research. While alternatives like shampoo bars offer a step in the right direction, they are part of a larger puzzle that includes responsible sourcing, production, and consumption.
In conclusion, reconciling with the reality of ingredients like SLS and palm oil involves a nuanced understanding of their benefits, risks, and the efforts being made to mitigate their environmental impact. It's about striking a balance between our personal care needs and our responsibility towards the planet.
That being said, if you’re intrigued with trying out some handcrafted shampoo and conditioner bars from Malaysia using SLS from sustainable palm oil, you can click here