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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are found in loads of personal care, beauty, and cleaning products. But there are both environmental and human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES: why, then, do eco-conscious brands continue to include such surfactants in their product offerings?

On today's show I'm answering a listener's question about the well-known "green" brand, Seventh Generation. Why does their laundry detergent list Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as its first ingredient? Is Seventh Generation *actually* eco-conscious, and how does Unilever play into the equation? 

Here's a preview:

[1:30] Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is in nearly everything. Here's why

[3:30] The connection between SLS and palm oil

[4:20] Seventh Generation and Unilever: The problems with mega-corporations

[8:30] Human health concerns associated with SLS and SLES

[12:00] 3 considerations when purchasing health, beauty, and cleaning products

Resources mentioned:

• Molly's Suds
• Tandi's Naturals
• Episode #187: A Palm-Oil Primer
• Episode #194: Safer Nail Polish Ideas
• The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate

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