Sulfates

"Synthetic" has become a dirty word in today's increasingly naturally-inclined beauty market. Over the past several years, the press has largely steered consumers away from ingredients like artificial fragrances and sulfates and toward formulas that are more "natural." Although, as we've explained surrounding this the topic before, this word doesn't actually mean much, since there are no industry-wide requirements for what constitutes a "natural" beauty product. Sulfates in particular have been the victims of a particularly nasty campaign—so is it warranted?

To clear up the pros, cons, and potential risks of using hair products with sulfates and artificial fragrances once and for all, we consulted a duo of haircare experts, and dermatologists Dr. Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC and Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in Manhattan, who together provided a balanced view. Keep reading to learn the truth about what sulfates are and if they're really that bad for you (plus, the 411 on synthetic haircare ingredients in general).

What Are Sulfates?

I know dozens of beauty obsessives who won't even touch a hair product that contains sulfates. I once heard a beauty editor audibly gasp at the word, like you might after hearing someone tell you they use a tanning bed. In fact, some people think they're similarly dangerous: In the late '90s, information began circulating in the media that some of the chemicals found in shampoo, including sulfates and lab-made fragrances, could potentially cause cancer. Since then, many consumers have become particularly wary of anything synthetic—sulfates included.

But the difference between, say, sulfates and tanning bed use is that study after study has revealed that subjecting your skin to UV rays heightens your cancer risk (according to the American Academy of Dermatology, using tanning beds before age 35 can increase your likelihood of developing melanoma by 59 percent). By contrast, most of the cautionary tales we hear about the synthetics found in hair products are actually hearsay, according to scientific studies. That's not to say there aren't toxic synthetics, it's just that sulfates aren't exactly one of them.

But what exactly are they? Chang has the answer: "Sulfates encompass a large group of synthetic ingredients found in many personal care products, like body washes, facial cleanser, shampoo, and toothpaste. Sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate." Although she acknowledges that there's been some hype around sulfates possibly having carcinogenic effects, she goes on to say that "There is no research confirming that sulfates cause long-term harm when used in skincare or hair-care products. 

Authorities, including the FDA and American Cancer Society, consider sulfates safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products and do not consider it a carcinogen."

Are Sulfates Safe?

Sulfates are probably the most controversial synthetic ingredient for naturally minded consumers, but before writing them off as evil, it's worth clarifying what exactly they are. "Sulfates are the detergents responsible for the super-sudsy lather you get out of most shampoos," explains celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. Sulfates are indeed the number one most common ingredient found in haircare products even today, and you know you're encountering them when you see names like sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate on an ingredient label.

The Issue with Sulfates

Again, there is absolutely no evidence that sulfates cause cancer or any other health problems. When used as directed (meaning, you use to wash your hair in the shower or bath and not to ingest, for example), they are 100% safe. But just because a product is safe for your health doesn't mean it won't irritate. Dr. Farber shares: "Sulfates may irritate sensitive skin, especially the skin around the eyes and the facial skin. They also may cause acne around the hairline when found in shampoo."

Chang, similarly, is concerned about skin health: "Sulfates that are used in facial cleansers and body washes should be applied and rinsed off completely. I recommend using moisturizers along with sulfate-containing products, given they can cause dryness."

Sulfates are so effective at removing the dirt from your hair that sometimes they strip the hair of its natural oils and the proteins that make it look shiny and healthy. In addition, if a sulfate-containing product gets in your eyes, it can sting, and Cleveland says sulfates can also cause premature fading of hair color and keratin services. Chang suggests you ask your colorist if it's safe for your particular color to use a shampoo with or without sulfates. Plus, if you have super-sensitive skin, the combination of sulfates and synthetic fragrance may cause a rash.

Main Benefits

"If you are not sensitive, sulfates can be helpful in getting a deep clean in washes and shampoo," says Farber. "Stick to your oiliest and least sensitive areas— underarms, groin, and feet." She continues, "They are not dangerous unless your skin is sensitive, but sulfate-free products are gentler. In general, sulfates are prevalent in skin care products and are fine in those who do not have gentle skin as long as they are used properly."

How Sulfates Work in Shampoo

"All shampoos strip your hair of natural oil. That’s how they clean," says Ewell. "If you are concerned about losing your hair's natural oils, the only thing you can do is stop washing your hair. But I wouldn't get too attached to your natural oils, because they capture dirt, pollen, and pollution, which we definitely don't want in our hair."

Ultimately, washing your hair with a shampoo of any kind and following up with a conditioner will keep your hair clean and hydrated—that's why this has become the standard routine of most haircare consumers. Ultimately, Ewell says, sulfates "often get bad press and the natural crowd hates them, but they are perfectly fine ingredients."

However, that doesn't mean sulfates are good for your hair either—the natural oils your hair has do serve the purpose of protecting your hair's shafts from everyday wear and tear. Like with most things, if you use a shampoo with sulfates, you just need to do it in moderation. "If overused, left on too long, or used as to scrub the skin, sulfates will strip oil and lead to irritation," Farber shares.

On that note, "synthetic" doesn't have to be a dirty word either. "For example, if there is an animal-derived ingredient with outstanding benefits to your hair, some companies choose to re-create that ingredient in the lab rather than source it directly from animals," Cleveland explains. Not to mention, artificial fragrances (which, again, are not dangerous to your health) won't cause any irritation unless you have super-sensitive skin.