Steer Clear of Sulfates

Sulfates are chemicals found in harsh detergents and cleaners like laundry detergent, dish soap and household cleaners. Yes, the same abrasive soaps used to cut through grease, soap scum and ground in stains is often used in cleansers used on the skin and body like shampoos and body washes. Although using sulfates provides a squeaky clean, the stripping of the skin's natural barrier can cause serious issues like rashes, dry skin and acne blemishes. 

Commonly used in rinse off cleansers like body wash and shampoo, sulfates are effective at deep cleaning skin and hair. Sulfates can remove layers of dirt and grime accumulated on skin and hair from a day hard at work or fun at play, but it does too good of a job! Similar to how we have seen dish detergent clean motor oil from wildlife affected by oil spills in our oceans and waterways, the sulfates in these cleansers cut through oil , even the natural oils that protect the skin. Sebum is your skin's natural moisturizer and is released from the pores in your skin and scalp. Its made up of lipids and fatty acids that act as an emollient for the skin, trapping in moisture. Dirt and oil is easily removed by the sulfates found in some products but it removes all the natural oil leaving skin dry, itchy, flaky and in some cases irritated and angry red. Sulfates are best for cleaning pots and pans or shower doors, rather than for skin and hair. The moisture loss from using sulfates on skin and hair over time, can create dry, brittle strands prone to breakage and make skin itchy and prone to dandruff and other flaky scalp conditions. If this is your experience, immediately discontinue use of cleansers with sulfates in the formula and replace with a sulfate- free shampoo like Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo. To combat the dryness created by sulfates, add our Rizos Curls Vitamin C Hair Repair Mask to your deep conditioning schedule to repair and revitalize hair that that was once being repeatedly stripped. With regular use, your tresses will recover and you will see a boost in moisture and shine as well as manageability.