FYI - Here's What Dr. Epstein Has to Say About SLS

Phillip Day: "During recent months, a number of members of the public have challenged my assertions over the dangers of the shampoo toxin, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). So, who better to issue a rebuttal and clear up the matter than perhaps one of the world's leading toxicologists, Professor Samuel Epstein."

There is no evidence that SLS is carcinogenic. However, SLS is a harsh ionic detergent which is a strong irritant to skin, depending on concentration and the duration of exposure. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) 2000 Compendium, of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, admits that SLS "Causes severe epidermal changes -- of the skin of mice -- (indicating) a need for tumor-enhancing activity assays,"(1). The Compendium also admits that SLS containing products are "designed for brief discontinued use, following which they are thoroughly rinsed from the surface of the skin."

Furthermore, as reported in model studies, published by the Danish Institute of Public Health, a single 24-hour exposure of SLS to human skin damages skin protein and causes prolonged disruption of "the skin barrier integrity of the skin," to allow the penetration of carcinogens such as nickel and chromate (2,3). Thus, skin absorption of the multiple carcinogenic ingredients commonly found in mainstream industry cosmetics and toiletry products (4), including shampoos, could be greatly increased by SLS type detergents.

Clearly, the American Cancer society is unaware of this information, beside the fact that mainstream industry cosmetics and toiletries contain a wide range of carcinogenic ingredients, precursors, and contaminants, besides ingredients that break down to release carcinogens such as formaldehyde. Furthermore, laureths, besides other ethoxylated alcohols, are generally contaminated by the volatile carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, as admitted by the CIR Compendium (1), and also the carcinogen ethylene oxide.

Samuel S. Epstein, M. D.

PHILLIP DAY'S COMMENT: Does this sound like the sort of chemical you and your family should be using? SLS gets into products everywhere. SLS is a very harsh detergent found in almost all shampoos and more than a few toothpastes. Pick up a cross-section of these products next time you visit the supermarket and you will find SLS or SLES in pride of place under the ingredients label. SLS started its career as an industrial degreasant and garage floor cleaner. When applied to human skin it has the effect of stripping off the oil layer and then irritating and eroding the skin, leaving it rough and pitted.

If you are using a shampoo with this chemical in it, best change your brand for one that doesn't. This subject is covered in detail in my book: "Cancer: Why We're Still Dying to Know the Truth" complete with annotated studies and suggested product sources.

1. CTFA. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Compendium 2000.
2. Nielsen, G. D. et al. Effects of Industrial Detergents on the Barrier Function of Human Skin. Int. 1, Occup. Med. 6(2):138-142, 2000.
3. Neilsen, G. D. Effects of Four Detergents on the In-Vitro Barrier Function of Human Skin. Int. 3, Occup. Med. 6(2):143-147, 2000.
4. Epstein, S. S. and Steinman, D. The Safe Shopper's Bible. Macmillan/Hungry Minds, Inc., New York, 1995.