The Truth About Sulfates And What They Can Do For Your Hair Care Routine

Are Sulfates Actually As Bad For Your Hair As Everyone Says They Are?

By now, you may have heard that sulfates tend to get a bad rap when it comes to hair care, but did you know that sulfates are also what gives shampoo its sudsy lather?

This makes it way easier to remove dirt and dead skin cells from the scalp. Depending on your hair type, this can be perfect for removing stubborn residue that collects in hair. Keep reading to learn more about the real deal surrounding sulfates.  

While you may notice that many products out there are listed as sulfate and paraben-free, these ingredients are often referenced together but could not be more different. For starters, parabens are chemicals used to preserve and maintain a specific shelf life, so that beauty products don’t spoil. Sulfates (also known as sodium lauryl sulfate), on the other hand, are also preservatives but are mainly used as a surfactant to help shampoo foam so that it distributes through the hair more easily.  

Despite the rumors that parabens were suspected of causing cancer because of their effect on estrogen, sulfates are often falsely thrown under the same umbrella without any real evidence. According to the FDA, SLS has been approved for use as an additive and is considered safe. In recent years, studies have found that while SLS may irritate the skin if left on for too long, it does not increase cancer risk. Since shampoos are intended to be rinsed out right away, the risk for irritation is even lower.  

Another question that sulfates pose is whether or not they affect hair color. While it’s a completely legitimate concern, the truth is that shampoos that use sulfates like Plantur 39 not only leave hair with a clean feeling, but are also suitable for color-treated hair. To keep your color looking its best, you can also opt for the Phyto-Caffeine Scalp Tonic in between shampoos on days where you need a pick-me-up. Using moderation is always recommended when caring for color-treated hair as excessive washing (not necessarily sulfates) is the culprit that can lead to color fade.  

Treat your hair to the best and see how sulfates can leave your scalp feeling cleaner while using caffeine to promote hair health with Plantur 39!