This guide gives you all the information you need on sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) free shampoos.
We look at the effects of SLS and benefits of using an SLS-free shampoo and understand how using organic hair care differs from your regular high street products.
What is SLS-free shampoo?
An SLS-free shampoo does not contain the harsh and irritating ingredient sodium lauryl sulphate, which is a foaming agent (detergent) used by many hair care brands in the UK.
If you have an itchy or flaky scalp, one of the simplest things you can try is washing your hair with an SLS-free shampoo.
What are the benefits of SLS-free shampoo?
We offer a wide range of organic, SLS-free shampoos for different hair types. We use much gentler foaming agents based on Coconut and Yucca, which work just as well but are less likely to cause scalp problems.
As well as SLS, our organic shampoos are free from parabens and silicones, and instead contain pure, organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Avocado and other powerful, yet gentle, natural plant actives.
Our shampoos are perfect if you have extremely sensitive skin and will gently cleanse your hair without stripping your scalp of its protective oils. Your hair will be left looking naturally healthy, glossy and lustrous.
You only need use a small amount of our SLS-free shampoos and natural conditioners. They are based on Aloe Vera instead of water, highly concentrated and not watered down like most high-street brands. In fact, using less can mean even better results - less is more.
Choose the best shampoo for you
Are you searching for a new shampoo? We provide a wide range of SLS-free shampoos, including SLS-free shampoo bars.
Our hair routine finder is the perfect place to begin. Simply answer a few quick questions, and we'll recommend the best shampoo for you. Alternatively, keep scrolling to explore our SLS-free top sellers.
Best-selling SLS-free shampoos
See all our natural, SLS-free shampoos.
Don’t forget your conditioner! Naturally free from SLS and silicones, our conditioners are gentle on your hair and scalp. Find your perfect match here:
Browse all natural conditioners.
Why is SLS in shampoo?
There are two main reasons that SLS is such a popular ingredient in shampoos. Firstly, it is cheap as it is produced synthetically, making it ideal for low-cost brands. Secondly, it is a very effective cleansing agent and creates lots of foam when mixed with water.
However SLS is a too powerful detergent and not all of its effects are good which is why many people are now trying to find SLS free shampoos as it can cause scalp problems.
What are the effects of SLS?
SLS is a known to be irritating to the skin so it is not surprising then that it can cause scalp problems when frequently applied as part of a shampoo. It is recognised as being one of the most irritating of the foaming agents used in shampoos.
Its irritating effects can create an itchy, flaky scalp and now more and more people are looking for a shampoo without SLS in the UK.
SLS is a known skin and scalp irritant and is used as a laboratory standard for irritating skin due to its ability to penetrate and damage the skin barrier.
For more information about SLS read our essential guide to SLS-free products.
Would you like personal hair care advice?
We are happy to help if you have a question about SLS in shampoo or you'd like to find out about our natural and organic shampoos. Our UK customer care team is available on 01403 740350 or you can contact us on social @GreenPeopleUK.
