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What the Foam is SLS? Why Your Toothpaste Matters

by SRW Analyst on March 31, 2023

What the Foam is SLS? Why Your Toothpaste Matters

Over the course of a year, a person can end up spending over 24 hours on brushing their teeth alone. We’re all very familiar with that foamy cleaning sensation, but have you ever stopped to wonder what ingredients we’re spending so much time foaming over each and every day?

 

Why Ingredients Matter

Oral care is essential to our overall health and well-being. While keeping a clean mouth is imperative, it’s also important to remember that our mouths are extremely absorbent. This is great for processing the nutrients we need, but it can also lead to ingesting ingredients and chemicals we don’t.

 

What the Foam is SLS?

You may have heard the buzz around fluoride vs. fluoride-free toothpastes. But what is SLS? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a chemical foaming agent used to help create a lather and lift debris. It’s also cheap and abundant, which is why manufacturers opt to use it in most toothpastes, shampoos and body washes. It’s also used in many industrial-level carpet cleaners, degreasers and detergents - yikes!

 

Potential Side Effects of SLS

According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, SLS can have “a degenerative effect on the cell membranes,” and “high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration.” Meaning that even a small amount in toothpastes can be an irritant to your oral health with effects that can lead to increased sensitivity canker sores, dry mouth, and bad breath.

 

Foam with a FRESH Perspective - The SLS-free Alternative

Yes, SLS is a common ingredient but it’s not necessary for a proper clean. Our Himalaya Botanique line of better-for-you wellness toothpastes are crafted with plant-based ingredients so you can experience that same foamy freshness, without SLS.

The gentle foaming agents we use, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, are derived from amino acids and salt in coconut oils for a satisfying clean you can feel good about. Both components are ranked at an EWG SCORE of 1, which indicates the lowest possible risk of health hazards.

 

Toothpaste without Compromises

You don’t have to compromise your clean in order to feel good about the ingredients you put in your mouth. Try switching your toothpaste to a botanical formula that’s free from fluoride, triclosan, SLS and gluten, Himalaya Botanique’s toothpaste lineup delivers the same foamy fresh experience you know and love with real ingredients that have been trusted for centuries; like Neem, Pomegranate, and Triphala to promote cleaner, fresher and brighter smiles.

For more ways to incorporate plant-based and herbal alternatives into your wellness routine, subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page. For questions about our products, please see our FAQ.

All of our solutions are backed by a 60-day guarantee. Give us a call at 800-869-4640 or email us at writetous@himalayausa.com with any questions you may have.

 

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