Kristin casts kudos: Hi Beauty Brains!! I am an avid fan and loyal reader of your blog – it has not only changed the way I use and consider beauty products, but has inspired me to become a more informed and educated consumer in all respects. Congratulations and keep up the fantastic work!! Now for my question:
I found a shampoo I like a lot called Flawless – No Sulfates Allowed from Paves Professional. It`s made me wonder: Are sulfates really too harsh and unnecessary in shampoos and body washes? Is it my imagination that the sulfate-free products I use are less drying? The Right Brain bashfully replies:
Kristin, you make us blush! But seriously, thanks for the kind words about our blog. We do strive to educate and entertain. But on to your question¦
As you know if you`ve read our previous posts on sulfates here and here, these are ingredients that are good foamers and strong cleansing agents. If you use a lot of styling products or have really dirty hair, sulfates are probably the best thing you can use.
But, because they are such good cleansers, they can also strip hair and skin of some of their natural oils. For most people, this isn`t a problem. But if your skin is prone to being very dry, you might want to consider one of the many sulfate-free products on the market. So to quote ourselves from a previous sulfate free post:
“Yes, sulfate free formulas will still clean and no they`re not more dangerous. In fact, if anything, they`re a bit milder to your skin and eyes. So feel free to experiment. The Ren and Mir products are perfectly fine but they`re very overpriced. If you just want to experiment with sulfate free but don`t want to spend a lot of money, try a baby shampoo.”
Loading ...
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
i used to be a big fan of paves… it is only about 6 bucks a bottle, but only sold at walgreen’s (and if you buy in bulk from the website, free shipping).
however, i think it makes my hair really flat and limp.
and, on another note, HORRIBLE packaging (has broken almost everytime i’ve bought it from a typical in shower drop).
p.s., they are now selling paves professional products at ulta for the same cheap price…
I have been researching products in my spare time for fun and came upon some interesting info. on sulfates. They irritate skin and scalp and although they do foam well and strip hair’s oils and dirt, they aren’t so great long-term. I used regular stuff my whole life but now, as a grownup, I wanted to make some changes to the positive. Burt’s Bees is a cool shampoo. It’s not normal-feeling but it doesn’t dry out my skin. I have experimented with every shampoo out there, salon and regular, and find that they don’t do what they claim to do for your appearance, whereas lesser-advertised natural ones offer more pleasing results. Anyone try Burt’s Bees? Anyone like it or hate it? I find the harsher shampoos don’t make my hair clean, they make it dry. But I am very open to anyone’s opinion regarding this subject. Thanks.
We’ve written about Burt’s Bees previously and you can find it by doing a search.
On the subject of sulfates, where did you find evidence of long term harm? I’m not aware of any scientific organization (or legal for that matter) who agrees with that assessment.
I stopped using sulfate shampoo and sulfate soaps, I had eczema on my back for about 15 years, it moved from area to area, in about 2 months it is completely gone! I also use sulfate free toothpaste, it has brought my gum disease to a halt and my dentist is shocked at the improvement.
Weird you say that Barb!
I have had eczema and sensitive skin my whole life!I started using sulfate free shampoo years ago because it was the only thing that woulndt make my back and scalp itch like crazy.
It just dawned on me like 2 months ago that my body wash may be doing the same thing(ya I know im a ding dong)So i started using my shampoo as body wash(and I am a pureology user so this isnt being too cheap to invest in body wash)
Then i started using my conditioner as an in shower moisturizer for my skin and it is crazy how much of a difference there is !
Im going to look into this sulfate free toothpaste thing too.I wonder if it actually an allergic reaction to sulfates?
I dunno im no scientist but it sounds good to me!