Why doesn't Typology use sodium laureth sulfate?

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is an ionic surfactant endowed with a powerful detergent property. Once in contact with water, it foams and eliminates greasy substances. It allows two immiscible substances, such as oil and water, to mix together and form a stable emulsion. It is found in the majority of cleansing products, such as soaps, shower gels, and shampoos. This ingredient is controversial for two main reasons:

1. Its polluting acquisition process:

   It is obtained by ethoxylation from the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This chemical reaction involves ethylene oxide, a compound that is not easily degradable and harmful to the environment, particularly to aquatic life. This is why SLES is banned in organic products. REACH (European Regulation on the safe production and use of chemical substances) classifies SLES as an ecotoxic species.

2. Its potential to irritate:

   Highly detergent, sodium laureth sulfate can be drying, even irritating for the skin, the mucous membranes, and cause tingling if it comes into contact with the eyes.

blacklist of ingredients .

There are various alternatives to sodium laureth sulfate, which are more suitable for sensitive skin, particularly that of infants. Here is a non-exhaustive list of these gentler and more environmentally friendly substitutes:

• The caprylyl/capryl glucoside (INCI: Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside): is a natural non-ionic surfactant, derived from coconut oil, very gentle on the skin and non-irritating. It produces a less abundant foam and acts as a surfactant to help mix water with oils and dirt, thus enabling their removal. It is suitable for sensitive and dry skin.

• The coco betaine (INCI: Coco-Betaine): is a gentle and non-polluting amphoteric surfactant, made from coconut oil derivatives. It is valued for its excellent cleansing and foaming properties, used in the production of shampoos, shower gels and other washing bases. Coco betaine is very well tolerated by the most sensitive skin types and helps to prevent irritation.

• The cocoamphodiacetate disodium (INCI: Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate): is an amphoteric surfactant of plant origin derived from the coconut. Highly foaming, it gently cleanses and is very well tolerated by the skin and scalp. It is widely used in shampoos, facial and body cleansers, hand soaps, shaving products, etc... as a primary or secondary surfactant.

• The coco-glucoside (INCI: Coco-Glucoside): is a non-ionic surfactant derived from fatty alcohols from coconut oil, and glucose. It is among the least aggressive cleansing bases for the skin and is thus suitable for sensitive skin. Used alone, it has little foaming power. That's why it is combined with coco betaine and decyl glucoside;

• The cocoyl glutamate of sodium (INCI: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate): This is an anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid (a natural amino acid obtained through sugar fermentation). It possesses cleansing properties and generates a fine, creamy foam. It allows for gentle skin cleansing without causing dryness. Indeed, the cocoyl glutamate of sodium enhances the moisturising effect of rinse-off products. It is very well tolerated by the skin, even the most delicate ones.

• The decyl glucoside (INCI: Decyl Glucoside): A non-ionic co-surfactant foam booster, derived from corn glucose and fatty alcohols found in coconut oil. Also known as "sugar foam", it is often combined with coco betaine and coco-glucoside. Valued for its non-aggressive nature, it is suitable for sensitive skin;

• The sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (INCI: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate): This is a biodegradable anionic surfactant and foam booster derived from a natural fatty acid found in coconut oil and an amino acid (sarcosine). It acts as a gentle detergent agent, non-stripping, non-drying, and non-degreasing. Therefore, it is compatible with delicate skin. In an acidic environment (around pH 5), it also has the ability to increase the viscosity of products;

• The lauryl glucoside (INCI: Lauryl Glucoside): A biodegradable non-ionic surfactant formed from fatty alcohols derived from coconut oil and sugar from corn. It produces a light and delicate foam, ideal for gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to its cleansing function, lauryl glucoside helps to thicken solutions.

In all our Typology cleansing treatments intended for the scalp, face or body, we exclusively use gentle surfactants that are respectful to the skin.

• HAPPLE R. & al. Profile of irritant patch testing with detergents: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and alkyl polyglucoside. Contact Dermatitis (2003).