Found in 90% of all commercial shampoos and in many other health and beauty items, especially skin creams and toothpastes. In Japan and Sweden SLS has been prohibited in bubble baths because it has an adverse affect on skin protection and causes rashes and infection. It is also found in industrial cleaners. Laboratory clinical trials use SLS as an irritant to test the effectiveness of healing agents. 

Health effects: Transported through the bloodstream, SLS/SLES will build up in the heart, liver, lungs, brain and eyes. It will be retained in tissues for a long time and could cause the following effects:

Cancer - SLS/SLES reacts with other chemicals to form cancer-causing nitrosamines and dioxane;

Endocrine (hormone) disruption - SLS/SLES can mimic the action of hormones and disrupt the associated mechanisms that control our day-to-day bodily functions; it is known to mimic oestrogen action and interfere with the reproductive system and sexual development;

Eye damage - SLS is especially readily absorbed into the cells of the eyes (through absorption through the roots of hair, not direct eye contact); it damages their function and development - particularly in children;

Hair loss - SLS is a harsh enough corrosive agent to attack the hair follicle;

Increased skin sensitivity - SLS damages the skin's ability to act as a barrier against harmful substances, enhancing allergic responses;

Dry skin - protective lipids are stripped from the skin's surface by SLS's corrosiveness, and skin becomes less able to retain moisture.