You may have heard of sulphate free shampoo and you may even use it. The answer is if you have oily hair with a lot of buildup, you could tolerate sulphates, as they do clean your hair thoroughly, although best to find out more first.

What are sulphates and why are sulphate free shampoos a better alternative?

What are sulphates?

Sulphate is a salt that forms when sulphuric acid reacts with another chemical. The most common type of sulphates - sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are compounds generally produced from petroleum and plant sources such as coconut and palm oil. Sulphates are often found in shampoos, giving these products the ability to foam and lather and remove dirt and grease.

Do sulphates damage your hair?

The harsh chemicals that create sulphates can dry out your skin and hair, stripping the natural oils and proteins. Sulphate shampoos can ruin your hair’s cuticle, leading to split ends, dullness, and breakage.

Ingredients to avoid for healthy hair and skin

Sulphate free shampoo are gentle on your skin and hair. They don’t strip away the hair’s protective oils or disrupt the skin’s delicate balance. This means, by using sulphate free shampoo your hair becomes softer, brighter and more manageable. Other ingredients to avoid are parabens, synthetic fragrances and mineral oil, particularly if you have:

• Allergies
• Chemical sensitivity
• Dry flaky scalp
• Irritated / itchy scalp
• Split ends
• Dull hair
• Breakage

These ingredients have been known to exacerbate allergies, disrupt the hormonal cycle of women, and have been found in blood and urine samples, evidence that even when used on the skin, they are absorbed into the blood stream. So, if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or are washing your children’s skin and hair, there is even more reason to switch to sulphate free.

The problem with parabens and fragrances

Parabens are preservatives designed to inhibit growth of moulds and fungi. Unfortunately, parabens have also been known to mimic oestrogen, therefore disrupting the natural hormonal cycle in women and have also been blamed on early puberty in children. Cancer causing parabens have since been banned from cosmetics, although this illustrates that personal due diligence is necessary when choosing what you put on your skin.

Synthetic fragrances should also be avoided. Not only are they one of top 5 allergens, causing allergic reactions and exacerbating asthma, fragrances can also contain a number of endocrine disruptors. Vatéa products are 100% fragrance free with no synthetics. Formulates with a blend of essential oil Vatéa products have a natural fragrance, which is good for your skin, hair and you.

The only argument for using sulphate products is that are very effective at cleaning, although take part in the Vatéa challenge and receive 40% discount on Vatéa products. 

The challenge, if you already use sulphate free products,  tell us how much you love your clean bathroom in a review and receive a direct message with this months coupon code to claim your discount.