Understanding Sulphates, Parabens, and Other Common Ingredients in Soap and Shampoo

Modern consumers are more ingredient-aware than ever. Labels like "sulphate-free" or "paraben-free" have become common on soap and shampoo packaging. But what exactly are these ingredients? Where did they come from? Why were they used so widely? And should you avoid them?

This guide explores the most common "nasties" found in conventional body care products—including sulphates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic fragrances—to help you make informed choices.

Sulphates (or sulfates) are cleansing agents derived from sulphur-containing compounds. The most common are:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)

These ingredients are surfactants that help water mix with oil and dirt, making them effective foaming and cleansing agents.

• Create a rich lather (which many consumers associate with cleanliness)

• Effectively remove oil, dirt, and product buildup

• Inexpensive and widely available

• Can be harsh on sensitive skin

• May strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation

• SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen, during manufacturing

• Frequently require other synthetic ingredients to balance out their drying properties.  

• Lots of lather = lot's of water. The result, a soggy soap bar that evaporates and it's performance and life time are compromised. 

• Coconut-derived surfactants (e.g., Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate)

• Soapwort, clay, or plant-based cleansers

• Savon de Marseille soap and other traditional, oil-based Castille formulas

Parabens are a group of synthetic compounds used as preservatives to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast growth in products. Common types include:

• Methylparaben

• Propylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Ethylparaben

• Extend shelf life of water-based products

• Protect consumers from microbial contamination

• May mimic estrogen in the body (endocrine disruption theory)

• Found in trace amounts in breast tissue, though causality is unproven

• Can trigger contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in some individuals

• Phenoxyethanol (a safer preservative)

• Natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract, vitamin E, or rosemary extract

• Water-free formulas (e.g., solid bar soap, oil-based balms)

• Found in synthetic fragrances and plastic packaging

• Linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues

• Not always disclosed due to "fragrance" label loopholes

Alternative: Choose products with 100% essential oils and transparent labeling

• Used to add slip and shine in shampoos and conditioners

• Can build up on hair and block moisture

Alternative: Lightweight oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter

• Proprietary blends of chemicals (sometimes hundreds)

• Common allergens and triggers for asthma or migraines

Alternative: Essential oils or unscented products

• Formerly used in antibacterial soaps

• Banned in many countries due to hormonal and environmental concerns

Alternative: Natural antibacterials like tea tree oil, thyme, or alcohol

• To make products affordable and shelf-stable

• To enhance performance with foam, scent, or texture

• To meet mass-market demands for cleanliness and beauty

However, the modern clean beauty movement has highlighted their long-term effects on skin, health, and the environment.

If you're trying to simplify your skincare routine or avoid synthetic ingredients, consider these options:

• Artisan bar soaps made with natural oils and traditional saponification

• Liquid Castile soaps (olive oil-based, often sulphate- and paraben-free)

• Fragrance-free or essential oil-scented options

• Brands with transparent ingredient lists and eco-certifications (COSMOS, Ecocert, etc.)

French soapmakers from Marseille and Provence have been crafting soaps without synthetic "nasties" for centuries. Savon de Marseille uses only natural oils (often olive or coconut), lye, salt, and water—no sulphates, parabens, or artificial fragrance. These products represent:

• Minimalist, skin-kind formulas

• Sustainable sourcing and plastic-free packaging

• A return to simple, effective, and nourishing skincare

Understanding what's in your soap or shampoo is the first step to taking control of your skin health. Sulphates, parabens, and other additives aren't evil by definition, but many people choose to avoid them for personal, health, or environmental reasons. With natural alternatives more available than ever, switching to gentle, traditional, or organic formulas could be a better choice for your body and the planet.

OUR POLICY

We do not stock any brand that regularly uses what we define as 'nasties'. Our products do not 'lather' in the way that readily available products do. At least once a week we are contacted by a customer concerned by this, that they have received a poorly made soap or similar. Lather also depends upon the water in your area. Softer water will have minimal lather, harder water area will have less. The more your product lathers, the more additives it contains. no lather = a proper soap!

Our products are Sulphate & Paraben free. 

Occasionally a formulation changes and stock arrives before we are informed. 

July 2025 - we have one product in stock that contains a gentle sulphate. 
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.