Sulfate is a natural substance that's formed when sulfur and oxygen combine. It naturally occurs in soil, air, and water. And it's part of several processes in your body's cells.
But there's a human-made form, too. Human-made sulfates are found in many products you likely use to clean your home or body. Several industries use sulfate to create their products, including foods and beverages. Some industries burn fuels that contain sulfur. That leads to the formation of sulfate in the atmosphere. Those sulfates in hazy, polluted air may be acidic (as in acid rain), but they also reflect light, which helps cool the climate.
Where Is Sulfate Found?
Beyond nature, consumer product companies combine sulfate with other chemicals to form sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Those common forms of sulfate are used as:
Detergents in cleaning and personal care products, such as:
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Bodywashes
- Laundry detergents
- Dish detergents
- Hand soap
Additives in some foods, such as:
- Liquid egg whites
- Marshmallows
- Beverage concentrates
- Cooking oils and fats
Is Sulfate Dangerous?
Sulfates in personal care products used on the body are not harmful to humans. Most products containing sulfates are rinsed off after brief use. Or they may be spit out and not swallowed, like in the case of toothpaste or mouthwash. They may irritate your eyes, skin, scalp, or lining of your mouth. If you have eczema or rosacea, your skin could become inflamed and could develop contact dermatitis.
Sulfates in the outside air, such as sulfuric acid, may trigger a breathing problem if you have chronic heart or lung problems, including asthma. Your eyes may itch or water, and your skin may be irritated.
Sulfates in foods may irritate your digestive tract if you are sensitive to them, causing diarrhea. The U.S. FDA strictly regulates the amount of sulfates used in foods. However, the European Union has banned them.
Do sulfates cause cancer?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the form commonly found in cleaning products and cosmetics, has not been found to cause cancer. It is not included on the list of carcinogens published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. National Toxicology Program, California Proposition 65, or the National Library of Medicine's TOXNET® database.
SLS also does not build up in your body, including in organs like your eyes or liver. It can be absorbed through the skin, but whatever small amount might get into the bloodstream is quickly broken down and sent out of the body through pee, poop, or breath.
Why Are Sulfates in So Many Products?
SLS is a detergent. It's also called a surfactant. That means it sticks to oil, grease, fats, and dirt to remove them from the surface of your skin, dirty clothes, or dishes. SLS helps products to foam, lather, and be applied more easily.
As a food additive, SLS is used as an emulsifier. That means it allows liquids that don't normally mix (like oil and water) to stay together. In liquid egg products, SLS helps keep the liquid from separating. In marshmallows, SLS helps them be light and fluffy.
Can You Avoid Sulfates?
Sulfates are a broad group of mineral salts found in many places, so it's hard to avoid them. You can decrease your exposure to sulfates by:
- Using sulfate-free products
- Filtering your drinking water
- Reading labels to look for ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), or sodium dodecyl sulfate
If you are sensitive to products containing SLS or SLES, speak to your doctor. They may refer you to a dermatologist who can help you rule out possible causes and find out whether sulfates are causing your irritation.
Takeaways
Sulfates exist in nature and your body. It is found in some foods, many products used for cleaning your home or body, and sometimes in the air you breathe. It has not been shown to harm health or cause cancer. If you have sensitive skin, it may irritate you and cause dryness or itchiness. It may cause diarrhea if too much is consumed from water or foods. It is possible to avoid exposure to sulfates by avoiding products containing SLS or SLES and filtering your drinking water.
Sulfate FAQs
Are sulfates bad for hair?
Sulfates in the detergent forms used in personal care products, such as SLS and SLES, can strip oil from the hair. That may cause your hair to become dry or brittle, especially if the product is harsh or overused. Sulfates don't cause hair loss.
Is sulfate safe in drinking water?
Yes. In fact, sulfate is found in the majority of public drinking water supplies, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
All living things can break down sulfate. In humans, bacteria in the gut break down sulfate and form hydrogen sulfide. Some people may experience gut inflammation or diarrhea when the level of sulfate is higher than 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
The EPA doesn't include sulfate on its list of national primary drinking water regulations. That's because high levels of sulfate (higher than 250 mg/L) make water taste bad, so you likely wouldn't drink enough to cause a problem.
If your drinking water comes from a well and you're concerned about it, you can get it tested through a state-certified laboratory in your state.
What removes sulfates from water?
When the level of sulfate in your drinking water is higher than 250 mg/L, it may smell or taste bad. You can remove sulfate from water coming into your home by using a reverse osmosis filtration system or nanofiltration membrane.
What are the benefits of sodium lauryl sulfate-free toothpaste?
If you use a toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate, you avoid these possible risks:
- Irritation of the gums or tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Erosion of skin inside the mouth
