{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIt’s important to recognise the significant advantages sulfates bring, and to understand that not every claim made about sulfates is true.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1741370182675/sulfates-fact-or-fiction-header.png","alt":"Mother and daughter wash their hands at kitchen sink","width":3798,"height":2145}},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"Business customers","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers.html"},{"name":"Shell Chemicals","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals.html"},{"name":"Resources & Insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources.html"},{"name":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeaderBanner","color":"semitransparent","model":{"title":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIt’s important to recognise the significant advantages sulfates bring, and to understand that not every claim made about sulfates is true.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header.shellimg.png/1741365138827/sulfates-fact-or-fiction-header.png","alt":"Mother and daughter wash their hands at kitchen sink","width":3837,"height":1680}},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe role of sulfates in personal care manufacturing remains driven by consumer preferences. Evolving perceptions about sensitivities and environmental risks have spurred a growing number of shoppers to opt for sulfate-free products.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EProducts marketed as “free from sulfates and parabens” have recently experienced more than double the growth rate of overall personal care products, according to NielsenIQ.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIt’s important to recognise the significant advantages sulfates bring, and also to understand that not every claim made about sulfates is true.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003EFacts about sulfates\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ELet’s start with two concerns that are legitimate:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E1. Sulfates can have a negative impact on certain hair types:\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis can be true when the user has very sensitive skin. Sulfates remove oils, so if left on the skin for too long, irritation can result. Consumers experiencing sensitive, dry, or damaged scalp or hair are often advised to seek out sulfate-free formulas. This can include people with rosacea, eczema and contact dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E2. Sulfates can have a negative impact on certain hair types:\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBecause sulfates strip away natural oil from hair, sulfated products can lead to dry, brittle, or frizzy hair. People who already have dry, damaged, coarse, or overly processed hair may want to avoid sulfates.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThough these challenges exist, personal care brands can alter their combination of sulfates with surfactants to produce a gentler product that still achieves the desired cleansing effect.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003EPerformance benefits of sulfates\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESulfates, including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are often preferred for their exceptional cleansing abilities.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThese surfactants effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair, making them a staple in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThey produce a rich lather that enhances the sensory experience, giving users a satisfying feeling of cleanliness.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESulfates also help distribute other active ingredients evenly, ensuring that products work more effectively. For instance, in shampoos, sulfates aid in the even application of conditioning agents, leading to smoother, more manageable hair.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally, sulfates are cost-effective and widely available, allowing formulators to produce high-quality products at accessible prices. This affordability makes premium cleansing more widely available.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003EThree myths fuelling growth of sulfate-free shampoo, body wash\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are things some consumers believe about sulfates that deserve an evidence-based response. Let’s go through a few of them:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003EMyth #1: Sulfates are always harmful to the skin\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAs discussed above, sulfates can cause skin irritation in individuals with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions. However, they are generally safe for most people when used properly. Products are usually formulated with other ingredients to mitigate any potential irritation. Some consumers may believe that sulfates are corrosive to the skin, but it should be noted that material safety data sheets do not categorise SLS as a corrosive material.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003EMyth #2: Sulfate-free shampoos don’t fade colour-treated hair\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EColour-treated hair needs to be well conditioned to protect it from fading. While it’s true that sulfates can contribute to fading, water plays just as big a role in causing dye molecules to escape from hair. Sulfate-free formulations may be better for some with dyed hair, but ultimately, there is no such thing as a “colour-safe” shampoo, whether sulfated or otherwise.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003EMyth #3: Sulfates are bad for the environment\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWhile sulfates can be moderately toxic to aquatic life at higher concentrations, by the time they reach natural waters, they are mostly degraded.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E “...product formulations that contain dilutions of SLS are not necessarily moderately toxic and, in fact, can be non-toxic to aquatic life,” a study from Environmental Health Insights said.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003EGoing deeper on the sulfate-free debate\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWant to explore more about shifting consumer perceptions about sulfates?\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EDive deeper into the benefits and drawbacks of this ingredient with “Do Sulfates Belong in Personal Care Products?”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis download explores sulfates from procurement, performance, and environmental perspectives, offering a balanced perspective to help shape your brand's approach to sulfated and non-sulfated formulations.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"CallToAction.Stacked","color":"brand1","colspan":6,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section/call_to_action","model":{"links":[{"name":"Download Do Sulfates Belong in Personal Care Products?","value":"https://cloud.chemical.shell.com/balanced-guide-to-sulfates","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/travel/globe.svg"}]}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_523779043","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003ESources\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003Ehttps://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2021/2030-glow-up-the-future-of-clean-beauty/\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://www.byrdie.com/what-are-sulfates\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://www.healthline.com/health/sulfate-in-shampoo#when-to-avoid-sulfates\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/sulfates-hair-care-rcna140701\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-sulfate\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://wastefreeproducts.com/do-sulfate-shampoos-really-strip-color-from-hair/\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoFull","color":"brand3-solid","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section/promo","model":{"title":"A balanced guide to sulfates in personal care formulations","text":"\u003Cp\u003EMany consumers don’t think sulfates belong in personal care products, but some product formulators disagree. There’s a growing consumer perception that this ingredient is harmful, such as fear of skin irritation. However, sulfates can have several practical benefits, such as dissolving dirt and oils and creating lather and suds.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"Discover a few of the pros and cons of sulfates","value":"https://cloud.chemical.shell.com/balanced-guide-to-sulfates","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/travel/globe.svg"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/_jcr_content/root/main/section/promo.shellimg.png/1741631162884/woman-washes-her-face-outside.png","alt":"Woman washing her face outdoors in a robe","width":3840,"height":2160}}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318/promo_copy_197669916","model":{"title":"Chemical solutions for personal care","text":"\u003Cp\u003EShell Chemicals works with our customers to implement flexible chemical solutions that can help businesses manufacture personal care products more sustainably without compromising quality or performance.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/personal-care.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/_jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318/promo_copy_197669916.shellimg.png/1741373857526/personal-care-new-image.png","alt":"Shower clothes and a duck","width":3840,"height":2160}}},{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318/promo_copy_970573072","model":{"title":"Consumers are more informed about personal care ingredients than ever before – and it’s impacting their buying","text":"\u003Cp\u003EGone are the days of the uninformed personal care consumer. The Internet has armed your customers with an array of information about product ingredients that help them make more informed purchasing decisions.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/consumers-are-more-informed-about-personal-care-ingredients.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/_jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318/promo_copy_970573072.shellimg.jpeg/1711820262468/personal-care.jpeg","alt":"a lady with the short white hair holding the two PC bottles","width":3834,"height":2160}}},{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318/promo_946874998_copy","model":{"title":"Combing through strategies to innovate shampoo and conditioner formulations at scale","text":"\u003Cp\u003EExplore shampoo trends reflecting personal care preferences, prioritizing effectiveness, pleasant scents, and sustainability. With the market projected to reach $41.5 billion by 2028, adapting presents growth opportunities, notably among millennials and Gen X.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/combing-through-strategies-to-innovate-shampoo-and-conditioner-formulations.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/_jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318/promo_946874998_copy.shellimg.png/1712937422627/lady-using-shampoo.png","width":7680,"height":4320}}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main/section_773487318","model":{"title":"Related resources"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"Business customers","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers.html"},{"name":"Shell Chemicals","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals.html"},{"name":"Resources & Insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources.html"},{"name":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction","text":"The role of sulfates in personal care manufacturing is driven by consumer preferences. Evolving perceptions about sensitivities have spurred a growing number of shoppers to opt for sulfate-free products.","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Global"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-GB"},{"name":"title","value":"Sulfate-free in personal care manufacturing: fact and fiction | Shell Global"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/business-customers/chemicals/resources/sulfates-fact-or-fiction"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\n\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell global website.\r\n\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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