Bath & Body

There has been much debate regarding the use of Sulphates (or Sulfates) in skincare: are they or are they not toxic? Are they or are they not carcinogenic? Do they or do they not accumulate in our body?

As with Parabens, I prefer to err on the side of caution, particularly since there are really good and affordable alternatives out there, so I stopped using shampoos, shower gels or hand washes that contain them a few years ago. However, I’m not manic about this, I use products outside of my home that contain them (ie hand wash in the office, shower gel at friends’ homes, etc) but, from my perspective, this constitutes a small percentage of use, and, short of making my friends convert or carry products around with me, I don’t have much choice really!

I’m not going to harp on about the effects of Sulphates, there are plenty of studies and websites you can visit to make your own mind up, but, if you’re keen to make the switch, then these are the basic facts you need to know:

-    Sulphates are essentially surfactants, this means they dissolve dirt, so in skincare they are used to dissolve grease and sebum from the hair and skin, however, they are also used in household cleaning products, commonly labelled as “Anionic Surfactant”. Would you use Fairy liquid on your face?

-    They are foaming agents used by manufacturers because subconsciously we don’t “feel” something is cleaning us unless it’s foaming. Natural detergents will foam less, but clean just as well.

-   They are used because, like mineral oils, they are cheap, therefore keeping manufacturing costs down and increasing profit margins.

-    Sulfates are found in shower and bath gels, shampoos, hand and face washes and toothpaste!

If you want to avoid them, simply check the ingredients listing on the back of your product, these are the most commonly used:

-         Sodium lauryl sulphate

-         Sodium laureth sulphate

-         Ammonium lauryl sulphate

-         Sodium myreth sulphate

-         Sodium pareth sulphate

-         TEA lauryl sulphate

-         Sodium trideceth sulphate

Non sulphate alternatives include: Decyl glucoside,  Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.

As with the rest of my skincare, price and ingredients do play an important role, but, when it comes to body wash, the scent and how it leaves my skin is the most important factor, so I’m more than happy to pay a little bit extra for something I really like. 

In terms of body oils, scrubs and lotions, the same applies as per my face: no mineral oils, parabens or silicones thank you, so look out for those containing "Paraffinum Liquidum" which basically means: Liquid Paraffin=Mineral Oil=Baby Oil. As detailed in "Nourish Me", plant, seed and nut oils are the best thing you can put on your skin.

Here are some of the latest bath & body products I've been using:

Balance Me RRP £12 for 200ml

Famed for their SuperOil, Balance Me also make a wonderful line of body washes: Rose Otto for sensitive skin, Super Moisturising with Shea Butter and Wind Down with Ylang Ylang, among others. They are all made with with essential oils and are sulphate free. www.balanceme.co.uk

Living Nature RRP £13 for 200ml

Living Nature's nourishing body wash contains Manuka Honey with Shea Butter and Ginger extract. Comes in a convenient squeezy bottle. www.livingnature.com 

Occo Mirnavina Bath & Body Oil RRP £25 for 200ml

A beautiful oil inspired by the Dalmatian Coast, it's made with Grapeseed Oil and has a delicate scent of Grapes, Blackberry and Apricot. If, like me, you're a bit lazy about applying body oils, then add this to your bathwater, lie back for half an hour and arise with soft skin! www.occo-online.com

 Avalon Organics Lemon Bath & Shower Gel RRP £6.49 for 350ml

Citrus scented products are my favourite and this, by Avalon Organics, is by far the best: smells sharp and zesty, just like freshly sliced lemons. Contains organic Aloe Vera and Lemon essential oil. www.avalonorganics.com

John Masters Organics Body Milk RRP £18 for 236ml

This luscious Blood Orange & Vanilla body lotion is light, sinks in fast and leaves skin smooth. Containing a blend of Aloe Vera with Coconut and Sunflower oils, plus a host of essential oils, it smells like Opal Fruit Sweets! www.johnmasters.co.uk

With thanks to Rebecca, Jo, Alice and Eva