There has been quite a backlash against the sulfates lately. The most common sulfate in shampoos in Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This should not be confused with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (which is more harsh). You might see SLS and often the two are seen as the same ingredient. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is actually SLES.

Why use SLES? One, it is a very effective cleanser, great emulsifier and foamer. It also is a cost effective ingredient. So it works and it's cheaper than other surfactants which you might know as secondary surfactants. What are these secondary surfactants? They are effectively used to decrease the harshness of the SLES. Often they will be used at similar percentages to really soften the effect of SLES, but the shampoo still retains the higher cleaning effectiveness by having the SLES. These combinations are very effective and only slightly raise the price of the product.

Often you'll see secondary surfactants such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Cocamide DEA added. Pure Wholesale has recently added Lactylates in combination with Cocamidopropyl Betaine as a main surfactant system to go sulfate free. But is sulfate free always the way to go?

If you are looking for more of a clarifying shampoo, you'll probably see SLES in the formula. Follow any shampoo with a nice moisturizing conditioner.