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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are found in loads of personal care, beauty, and cleaning products. But there are both environmental and human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES: why, then, do eco-conscious brands continue to include such surfactants in their product offerings?

On today’s show I’m answering a listener’s question about the well-known “green” brand, Seventh Generation. Why does their laundry detergent list SLS as its first ingredient? Is Seventh Generation really eco-conscious, and how does Unilever play into the equation?

 

Here’s a preview:

[1:30] Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is in nearly everything. Here’s why

[3:30] The connection between SLS and palm oil

[4:20] Seventh Generation and Unilever: The problems with mega-corporations

[8:30] Human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES

[12:00] 3 considerations when purchasing health, beauty, and cleaning products

 

Resources mentioned:

 

 

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Seventh Generation markets itself as an eco-conscious brand and, while many Seventh Generation products are indeed more eco-friendly than their conventional counterparts, savvy consumers wonder whether Unilever - the mega-corp that owns Seventh Generation - amplifies its green claims. On this episode of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast: 5 things to consider before buying Seventh Generation products.

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is found in loads of personal care, beauty, and cleaning products. But there are both environmental and human health concerns associated with SLS: why, then, do eco-conscious brands continue to include such surfactants in their product offerings? On this episode of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast: 5 things to consider before buying a product with SLS.

 

 

One thought on “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate”

  1. Thank you for this episode! I have bought Seventh Generation Free and Clear for years and actually wanted to suggest this topic. Now I’ll have to look into the alternatives you mentioned. Thanks for doing the research.

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