With all the talk about sulfates and how bad they are, it seems that we have been too distracted to take the time to ask, what is taking the place of the sulfates in my shampoo? It is understandable. It takes a while to read through a shampoo label, trying to find the word sulfate to pop out. It is the where’s Waldo of the haircare industry.
Taking the time to understand what sulfates are and what they do is very important. It is equally important to understand what is replacing the sulfates in these now sulfate free shampoos. Two words, Decyl Glucoside. This is plant derived non ionic surfactant is made from a reaction between a natural plant oil and a natural plant sugar.
Let’s take a closer look. Decyl Glucoside is a very mild surfactant that is good for all hair types and is mild enough for even the most sensitive skin. It is a compliment to Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Some benefits this ingredient can bring to a formulation are:
– Good foaming power
– Compatible with all surfactants
– Mild, but still has very effective cleaning
– Maintains balance without drying
– Does not contain any impurities
– Environmentally friendly
– Suitable for the most sensitive skin
Decyl Glucoside has a moisture binding property that allows for a smoothing effect. This natural ingredient is definitely becoming a front runner for surfactants.
SLI Beauty has selected to use this ingredient as one of its surfactants to replace the use of sulfates. To learn more or find out about other natural ingredients that SLI Beauty has chosen to use in its products, contact us;
1.888.595.7999 or info@salonlabel.com
We look forward to speaking with you soon!
SLI Beauty Team
” Put your salon’s name on the most natural and organic private label hair care products possible.”
Private Label Hair Care 
I am interested in my own Hair Care and Skin Care line. I am seeking your assistance in my new venture. Thank you for your support.
Alva Scott
It was great speaking with you on the phone.
We’d love to offer you our guidance for your new venture.
Thank you Syd, I am working on my research and wwasill be in contact with you shortly. By the way it was very very nice as well informative speaking with you.
Thank you.
Alva Scott
Sorry Syd about that spelling error. I meant to say “will” in that confusing word I have there. Forgot to spell check.
Thanks
Thanks for your kind words Alva. 🙂
Hi Syd,
This is Alva. Hope you are well. I am still working on some things. Could you tell me what is replacing the sulphates in the shampoos.
Thanks.
Alva
Lauryl sulfates are very high-foam surfactants yielding significant flash foam. Despite the bad rap in the hair care industry, most of us EAT, yes, I said “eat”, Sodium laureth sulfate or Sodium lauryl sulfate daily — think toothpaste. If this concerns you, you might want to consider looking into Tom’s of Maine.
We’re here to help you sell products, not debate research conducted by reputable sources such as the “International Agency Research on Cancer” and the “American Cancer Society” who support the position that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not a carcinogen.
Our years of organic formulation chemistry have helped us develop highly marketable non-SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate) and non-SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate) formulations without sacrificing foaming ability.
Our preferred ingredients for sulphate-free formulations include:
– Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (CAHS); a natural surfactant from the hydroxysultaine group, derived from coconut.
– Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB); an organic compound derived from coconut oil; does not irritate skin or mucous membranes.
– Decyl glucoside; a mild cleansing agent; also used in baby shampoo and sensitive skin cleansers. It is plant-derived (sugar, coconut oil, corn), biodegradable, and gentle for all hair types.
– Lauryl glucoside; a gentle surfactant; It is produced from sugar and palm kernel &/or coconut oil.
– Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (NOT to be confused with sodium lauryl sulphate); derived from coconut and palm oils; This mild plant-derived cleansing ingredient creates luxurious, rich lather and rinses easily saving time and money.
– Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate; a very gentle surfactant, it is non-irritating to sensitive skin types, even when used at very high concentrations.
– Sodium lauryl lactylate; derived from palm kernel and sugar; a safe, skin friendly cleansing agent.
These sulphate-free alternatives work without stripping or drying sensitive scalp skin or hair.
One of the reasons that sulfates tend to be irritating is because they are small molecules, which can penetrate and interact with skin chemistry. The larger molecule alternatives that I’ve listed are less likely to disrupt the body’s natural systems.
Hope this helps.
Syd