As a sulphate free brand, we're aware of the media attention surrounding the launch of a major multi national skincare company's sulphate shampoo.  Read below why we won't follow.. 

This can be ok, like Grandma or Grandpa who drinks and smokes their whole life, or uses basic soap on their skin without issues, although, for many of us, including half the world’s population, we need to go gently.

2019 - Research published in 'Frontiers in Medicine' indicated that more than half of the population in over 20 countries on 5 continents have experienced some form of sensitivity.

The basic problem with sulphates are similar to those problems many experience with their gut.

Firstly, sulphates scrub away our beneficial bacteria that thrive in our skin and scalps natural oil that maintains our PH balance. We need PH or acid / alkaline level to be in balance to provide a healthy environment for our beneficial bacteria to thrive and help fight unhealthy bacteria when exposed, just like in our gut. This is why a lot of thought and science goes into creating skin and haircare that is PH balanced with our skin, so as to not disrupt our skin’s bacteria.  Eradicating these bacteria creates imbalance in our PH leaving exposure to skin irritation.

Secondly, although sulphates are known skin irritants, they are valued in the skin and hair industry as they provide the foaminess and lather that is used to remove grease and dirt by the friction created, more on the science of this is below, although the key point is, you have to be very careful to fully rinse sulphate shampoos from your scalp as if left on the skin or scalp, they will cause skin irritation and flakiness.  This is particularly concerning for children sitting in bubble baths (which are sulphates) or teenagers who might not rinse the shampoo adequately from their scalp. 

Therefore, we support and will only sell, sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, bath and shower products.

Why? Because, sulphate free skin and haircare, is safer, more nutritious and nourishing to the skin and hair and will still leave the hair and skin feeling clean, soft and free of irritation for you and your loved ones. 

When referring to sulphates, the scientific term is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and it has been linked to scalp and skin irritation, hair loss and many other concerning issues. It is a chemically toxic surfactant, which means it is a wetting and foaming agent and lowers the surface tension in the water, allowing shampoo to spread and penetrate easily when applied to hair. SLS is often disguised by other names such as diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA), which are all common in most shampoos.

Another chemical commonly found in shampoos is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), which is very similar to SLS, but processed differently. It is considered less irritating on the skin and hair but can be the cause of other health conditions including respiratory irritation, headaches and in severe cases, cancer.

More disturbing is that SLS has traditionally been used to degrease engines in industrial factories and both SLS and SLES are commonly used in carpet cleaners, car wash liquids and machine wash detergents because they are highly corrosive to remove oil and grease. The same corrosiveness is used to remove our skins grease and dirt, although as discussed earlier, our skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance.

Both SLS and SLES are the hardest ingredients for the cosmetic industry to avoid as these chemicals are a cost-effective way of providing the foaming action required to remove grease and dirt from your skin and hair. You’ll be surprised at how many products you turn over and see contain these ingredients.

SLS and SLES first came to light when research showed that they irritate the skin when used regularly. Follow up research [1] has determined that using these ingredients is not harmful when the formulations are rinsed off immediately after use and the products are used sparingly. Given these chemicals are found in everyday products such as toothpaste and other household cleaners, many have preferred to avoid using them altogether to prevent skin irritations.

Having grown up in a family who put skin issues first, I was always aware of the products I used and the ingredients in them. For most families, this information is not readily available and needs to be brought to the forefront, particularly when one in three children are affected by some form of dry skin condition. Check your labels and be aware of what you are using.

Our “Kind” Shampoo and Nurturing Conditioner were created in conjunction with professional cosmetic scientists who specialise in natural and organic shampoo. It is formulated to give hair a thorough wash by using a natural foaming system, leaving hair soft, healthy, pure and clean.

Here are some shared thoughts our on Shampoo;

Love the shampoo and conditioner!⁠
Review by Alison J. on 9 Apr 2022 "Love the shampoo and conditioner! My hair is soft and has stopped falling out."⁠
⁠
No more itchy scalp!⁠
Review by Amanda P. on 4 May 2021 "No more itchy scalp! This is my third purchase of this amazing duo. I was so pleased with the results, I told my husband and he secretly bought me two bathroom bundles. I have a whole carton full of Vatea products now! If you don't receive an order from me for a few months, that's why. :-)."⁠
⁠
Lovely shampoo. Husband loves it⁠
Review by Jo T. on 13 Jan 2022 "Lovely shampoo. Husband loves it too! I have coloured fine hair and it's perfect. I use it with the conditioner that also has an amazing scent that transports you to far away places :)."