Foaming agents help emulsify oils and hold them in suspension, so that dirt and grease can be washed away. Detergents are used in shampoos, shower gels and body washes, they are surfactants which means that they lower the surface tension of water, making it more able to interact with oil and grease, thus enabling impurities to be easily rinsed away.
However, strong detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) can strip away too much of the skin's natural protective oils, leaving it dry or irritated.
Those with sensitive skins should really consider whether much of their sensitivity is caused by these harsh foams and avoid them altogether. Babies and children’s skin, which is much more vulnerable than adults can often become dry and inflamed if used frequently.
These foams are also non biodegradable in the water supply, ending up in rivers and the sea. We really do not know the long term effect of this but it seems such a shame to damage our wonderful sea life for a foamy bath!
At So Organic we only sell products that combine specially chosen plant based detergents from coconut or sugar so that they complement one another, giving an effective yet skin friendly cleansing action. They do not foam as much as the synthetic detergents but still give a nice foam, so you can wallow in your bath with a clear eco conscience.
