Have you noticed the fast-growing number of hygiene and beauty products advertised as “sulfate-free”? Is it just a passing fad or is the market offer really evolving? Here’s how you can choose the right shower gel for you. 

How do we spot sulfates?

Sulfates are in fact cleansing agents. There are dozens of them: ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and the list goes on. Like every ingredient used in shower gels, they can be either synthetic or plant-based. Unfortunately, the INCI list, which mentions the composition of cosmetic products, does not specify the origin of ingredients. The Cosmebio label for organic cosmetics is the only guarantee that a sulfate compound is plant-based. This is a positive factor in terms of the environmental impact, both in the pre-processing stage of this cleansing agent and afterwards, when it comes to its biodegradability.

Why do we use sulfates?

Sulfates act as cleansers that, in some cases, can damage the skin, causing itchiness, irritation, and redness. The distinctive feature of these cleansing agents is their ability to remove oil and produce a good foam. However, they are not necessarily suited to everyone. If the formulator has not included ingredients in the formula to compensate for the irritating nature of sulfates (for example, a plant oil or aloe vera), products may cause irritation if the skin is not properly rinsed.

Carole Breux, head of Research and Development at Coslys, explains: “Coslys is a family brand, and the products we develop must be suitable for everyone. That is why, before being marketed, all products are submitted to skin and eye safety tests. If the results show an excessive risk of irritation, we rework the formula.”

When it was founded in 2003, Coslys positioned itself as a ‘made in France’ brand that was committed to protecting the environment and the health of its customers.

What are sulfates replaced by?

Other ingredients such as sodium cocoyl glutamate, obtained from coconut oil and sugars, can replace ingredients from the sulfates family. They are less abrasive and produces less foam. This ensures that the skin’s hydrolipid film is better protected. “By proposing sulfate-free products, we offer highly sensitive individuals (children, people with sensitive skin, etc.) a solution that takes their needs into account.”

With the new Dermosens range, Coslys proposes sulfate-free shower products. Because the brand it committed to offering customers only the best, a final clinical safety test was also carried out on 50 individuals to guarantee that the formulas are hypoallergenic. Do you like the richness of shower creams? Does your dry skin appreciate the nourishing action of shower cream? Do you prefer gel formula that produce a creamy foam? Everyone will find a formula and fragrance that suits them!