ingredients equally as harsh as sls/sles?

[sarahthegemini]

I'm thinking of trying to go sulfate free but I'm curious if there are any other harsh ingredients that I should be avoiding in my search for a good sulfate free 'poo? Obviously I don't want to give up sulfates and use something equally as damaging.

Thank you - also any recs would be great! :)

X

[Firefox7275]

It's not as simple as equally, but many of the anionic surfactants are pretty harsh, as are alkaline soaps. The overall formula is important too, the pH especially - skin is pH ~5.5 and hair ~4.5
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/home/curlchemist-porosity-and-curly-hair?page=4
http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2012/06/sulfate-free-shampoos-genuinely-gentle.html
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/celebrities/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products

[melusine963]

Check out this (http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2012/06/are-sulfate-free-shampoos-really.html) page from 'The Natural Haven: Science and Natural Hair' website on what to watch out for in sulphate-free shampoos. Olefin sulfonate is definitely something to avoid.

[sourgrl]

I have fine swavy hair. I've found there are some non sufate cleansers, decyl glucoside specifically, that don't agree with my hair. My hair hates decyl glucoside when it's derived from sugar beets, but not when it's from coconut oil. It also depends on where it falls on the ingredient list.

[sarahthegemini]

Wow, lots of info to try and get on board with. I find it hard to get my head around it but I am trying.

[Leeloo]

Thanks for starting this thread. I didn't even check the rest of the ingredients in my sls free shampoo.

[WilfredAllen]

baking soda is harsh, and, although it's not often used in shampoos, people use it as a shampoo. Much, much too harsh, imo


good thread topic, btw!