Shampoos and conditioners top the FDA’s hate list because, of all beauty products, they are the most reported. In most cases, the complaint is irritation of the skin, eyes or scalp and the reason is often the same, a chemical called sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS. Animal and human tests showed SLS to be a severe irritant, but it is still used in many, if not most, shampoos. Tests in the 1980s showed that SLS was absorbed into the skin and left deposits in internal organs, so why is it used? Largely because the beauty industry thinks you want it that way.

Truly organic shampoos and conditioners don’t contain SLS, but that’s a problem. It means they don’t lather like other shampoos. They will still cleanse your hair, but they won’t give you that satisfying foamy feel, and since most companies believe that feeling foamy is really important to consumers, SLS remains.

So without SLS, do organic shampoos really work? The truth is that there is no relationship between bubbles and beauty. Just because a shampoo lathers really creamy doesn’t mean it will make your hair more beautiful. SLS-free shampoos cleanse hair, and since they don’t strip every last bit of natural oil, they’re much better than their SLS-laden cousins.

However, there is another problem.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is cheap. Use an alternative (even one that doesn’t foam as much, it’s more expensive, and as we know, consumers like to keep costs down.

So why would we want a more expensive shampoo that then doesn’t work as well?

Here are some reasons:

• There is less chance of skin irritation and long-term health problems due to SLS.
• Your hair will retain moisture better and this will improve its condition.
• Your hair will be less damaged when you use heat tools, again improving its condition.
• Your hair will be less dry since it doesn’t strip all of its natural oils, and yes, that will improve its condition.
• Many users of SLS-free shampoos report better hair volume and control. But most of all, users report that the hair color lasts longer.

Despite all the benefits of SLS-free shampoos, the beauty industry continues to produce SLS-containing shampoos.

So what can you do?

Check your shampoo and see what chemicals it contains. If it’s SLS-free, congratulations.

Otherwise, go to a store or shop online and look for an SLS-free shampoo. Use it for 3-4 weeks and consider the results. You can live with less suds.

Then, write to the manufacturer of your original shampoo and explain why you’re switching brands. You can change the world, but only if you try.