Sulfates and Skin: Why Your Soap Could Be Stressing You Out
Because harsh doesn’t mean clean.
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We’ve all seen it—ads that promise a “rich lather” or “deep clean.”
But here’s the truth: that satisfying foam in many conventional soaps and shampoos often comes from a group of ingredients called sulfates—and for many, they do more harm than good.
We’ve said a firm no to sulfates. Here’s why.
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What Are Sulfates?
Sulfates are synthetic detergents (surfactants) used to create foam and break down oil.
The most common are:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
They’re found in:
Body washes
Shampoos
Toothpaste
Facial cleansers
Household cleaning products
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The Problem with Sulfates
Sulfates are very effective at cleaning—in fact, they’re also used in industrial degreasers. But on skin, that deep cleaning can come at a cost:
Strips away natural oils
Disrupts the skin’s protective barrier
Leads to dryness, irritation, or inflammation
Can increase sensitivity over time
If your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky after washing—sulfates might be the culprit.
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For Sensitive Skin, They’re Often Too Much
People with:
Eczema or dermatitis
Rosacea
Acne-prone or sensitized skin
are especially vulnerable to sulfate-related flare-ups.
Children’s and baby skin is also more absorbent and less resilient, which makes sulfates a poor choice for little ones.
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Sulfate-Free (Always)
We’ve built every formula on gentle, non-stripping alternatives that:
Cleanse without over-cleansing
Maintain skin barrier integrity
Support a calm, balanced microbiome
Our cleansers are safe-foam by design, so you still get that refreshing clean—but without compromising your skin’s health or your peace of mind.
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Caring for Skin Starts with What You Leave Out
We believe clean should never equal harsh.
You deserve products that feel good in the moment—and are good for you long after.
So if your current soap leaves you dry, red, or uncomfortable, it’s not you.
It’s your formula.
And it might be time for something softer.
