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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

2022-06-23 Mama Minimalist

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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One thought on “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate”

Joanna says:
2022-07-02 at 6:36 pm
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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Hello there, I’m Stephanie. I live a crazy, beautiful life as a full-time wife, blogger + mother to two spirited daughters. I’m on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living so as to greater enjoy life’s sweeter moments.

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