Ban Laurel Sulfate

Hotels owe it to their guests to provide soap and shampoo that don't contain sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). It doesn't matter which chemical name it's labeled as, it's harmful. Hotels would be kinder to their guests to not even offer shampoo and soap than to provide amenities with laurel sulfate.

Reactions to this chemical, used as a surfactant, detergent and/or foaming agent, vary but include itchy skin, red rashes, and respiratory problems. Why would you do that to your guests? And if the solid form is handled can be a choking hazard.

In talking to vendors I hear arguments against them providing laurel-sulfate-free products because they are told by their suppliers that SLS isn't a carcinogen. They don't know how to reply to my comment that it's a known irritant. If more hotels demanded SLS-free toiletries more vendors would look for it and more suppliers would provide it. Education is the missing element here, and that's what I'm trying to provide -- education about the problems with SLS.

Tom's of Maine is using what I call double talk on their toothpaste, which contains laurel sulfate, by saying their products are made of natural products. The SLS contained in their products comes from organic flowers and herbs, according to the label and their website. This is double talk because it's not the source of the ingredients that's the problem here, it's the process of creating SLS that is the problem.

Hoteliers go to great lengths to make their guests feel comfortable and at home, and strive to not harm them. Knowing that, let me say to hoteliers -- here's another issue you need to be aware of and act on. Don't shrug your shoulders. Don't pass it off to your buyer. Don't let your vendors and suppliers double talk you out of your conviction to drop products that contain laurel sulfate.

Ban Laurel Sulfate from your hotel, and your home.

(See the related article: Irritating Your Guests)

There have been some interesting comments left on YouTube with this video. I thought I'd share them here, in case you haven't made it to YouTube.

** There are some interesting comments below here, Pokerfacemama, in case you didn't read them. I don't know about Aveeno, but you can contact the manufacturers/distributors for a list of ingredients. My quick search indicates Aveeno isn't the healthiest of products.
Kit Cassingham

** I developed hand eczema. I notice my hands start itching after showers. Does anyone know if there are any soaps without it? Does Aveeno have it?
ThePokerfacemama

** Alright everyone. Listen to this very useful tip.There is this detergent that is used for a variety of things. Its called Borax. I recommend you get it. Very good for body wash and used as a hair shampoo. You will get the best results ever give it a try and see for yourself. You can get it even at your local Walmart, very affordable. I hope this has helped some of you.Research it for yourself but I give you my word, I've done the research already. You will truly love me for this.
206Revolution

** Laurel Sulfate IS a Carcinogen, and it IS proven. You just say that it isn't because you listen to the FDA, who gets the majority of its funding from the very same companies that it's supposed to monitor. (Read the Wall Street Journal).
hisbeatnik

** yeah it is true. to obtain natural stuff go to Muslim Shops and you will find many healthy products and you will discover new for you but old recommended products.
onhario0

** Thanks,I found out it was drying my mouth out and damaging my hair.
smellsogoody

** Stephen, I'm not arguing that SLS isn't in many more things than just shampoo, but shampoo is a common one. Look at the title of this video -- Ban SLS ; I don't care what we take it out of, as long as we get rid of it. Since my site is geared toward the greening of the hospitality industry, most specifically hotels, I'm tackling one issue at a time.

Time for us all to clean up our lives, and demand hotels do too.

Kit Cassingham

** Palmolive bar soap does not have it and can be found in dollar stores for a buck a bar and there is a brand of shampoo called ABBA in Kroger's grocery stores that is SLS free as well. It's about $13.00 a bottle. Hope this helps.
Xcorgi

** Read your labels. Sulfates are in EVERYTHING! It's even in the 'Natural" products.

Shampoo is the last thing you should be worried about. Do you tan? Do you smoke? Do you drink bottled water? Do you use laundry detergent? Do you use bounce sheets or fabric softener? Do you eat frozen foods? Do you eat meat? Chicken?

All of these things are bad for you in some way. Probably more so than using shampoo or conditioner. Think about it.
StephenCraigSalon

** oh the FDA isnt trying to harm is, it is doing everything in their power TO HARM AS, and from the looks of things, its sure the hell working.
mfgunit