What are Sulfates, and are They Bad?

Unlocking the Power of Sodium Coco Sulfate in Shampoo Bars: A Gentle Cleanser for Your Hair

Sodium Coco Sulfate is a plant-derived surfactant, and it's derived from coconut oil. This gentle cleanser is used in various personal care products, including our shampoo bars, because of its excellent foaming and cleansing properties.

The Science Behind SCS

When you lather up your shampoo bar and massage it into your wet hair, SCS gets to work. It's an anionic surfactant, which means it has both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) part. This unique structure allows SCS to attract both water and oil, making it an effective emulsifier.

 

As you massage the shampoo bar into your hair, SCS surrounds and lifts away dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your hair and scalp. When you rinse, it carries these particles away with water, leaving your hair clean and refreshed.

The Benefits of Sodium Coco Sulfate

  • Effective Cleansing: SCS is known for its ability to create a rich lather, ensuring that your hair is thoroughly cleaned.
  • Gentle on Hair: Despite its powerful cleansing action, SCS is generally considered milder than some other sulfates commonly used in shampoos. It's less likely to strip your hair of its natural oils, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or dry scalps.
  • Biodegradable: SCS is derived from coconut oil, a natural and renewable resource. It's also biodegradable, which means it breaks down into harmless substances in the environment, reducing its ecological impact.
  • Low Irritation Potential: SCS is less likely to cause skin and eye irritation compared to some harsher sulfates. It's a more skin-friendly option for your hair care routine. 

      Sodium Coco Sulfate vs. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

      It's important not to confuse Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), another commonly used sulfate in personal care products. While both are surfactants, there are crucial differences:

       

      peppermint shampoo bar

      peppermint shampoo bar

      $15.00
      argan oil shampoo bar

      argan oil shampoo bar

      $15.00
      purple shampoo bar

      purple shampoo bar

      $15.00

      Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS):

      • Derived from coconut oil.
      • Generally considered milder and less likely to cause irritation.
      • Cleanses effectively without stripping natural oils from hair and skin.
      • Biodegradable and eco-friendly.

            

          Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS):

          • Often derived from petroleum.
          • Known for its harsher cleansing action, which can strip natural oils.
          • More likely to cause skin and eye irritation.
          • Less eco-friendly due to its petroleum-based origin.


          In our Parrotfish shampoo bars, we prioritize Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) to provide a gentle yet effective cleansing experience for your hair. We steer clear of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and other harsh sulfates to ensure that your hair remains healthy and vibrant. 

           

          Sodium Coco Sulfate is a hero ingredient in the world of Parrotfish shampoo bars. Its ability to effectively cleanse while being gentle on your hair and the planet makes it a standout choice for eco-conscious consumers. The next time you reach for a shampoo bar, know that Sodium Coco Sulfate is working behind the scenes to deliver a beautiful, sustainable hair care experience, and that it's not to be confused with its harsher counterpart, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

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          Let customers speak for us

          from 196 reviews

          I have been wanting to switch to bar shampoo to lower my plastic use and love this option. It works just as well maybe better thank liquid shampoo.

          Brooke K.
          argan oil shampoo bar
          Travel Case

          I am thrilled to have a case specifically for my shampoo and conditioner bars when I travel. No more plastic baggies! It is a perfect addition to my travel cases.

          Mary P.
          travel case

          I found this Nourishing Shampoo Bar at our local HEB Central Market. I wasn't sure what to expect but was super impressed after I tried this shampoo bar. I love the mint scent and that it was effective at cleansing my hair and scalp. I loved the soft feeling afterward. I plan to buy the conditioner bar the next time that I run to HEB Central Market.

          matt B.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          Wow! This is my first experience with shampoo in a bar, and I am a big fan. It lathers easily and feels good on your scalp. It rinses out easily and left my hair feeling soft and moisturized when it dried. I like how convenient and small the packaging is, and I like that it claims to replace up to three shampoo bottles.

          Shannon C.
          argan oil shampoo bar
          Luxurious lather

          These bars smell amazing- create beautiful lather while being non toxic! AMAZING

          Kristi B.
          lavender teak soap bar
          Best. Duo. EVER.

          My family and I are obsessed with the smell, texture, and softness that it leaves our hair after washing. As a blonde, I had to wash my hair once/day or once/two days due to my hair appearing oily after using liquid products, which would then aggravate my scalp; now, I wash my hair once every 3-4 days because my hair maintains shine and softness. For blondies and gray/silver-headed beauties, do yourself a favor and try this pairing.

          Chandler M.
          purple shampoo and conditioner

          I have to admit I was skeptical about how this product would preform. I had never used a shampoo bar before. I have very dry long fine hair. A little goes a long way. It foamed up in a great consistency and made my hair feel clean and soft. Gentle yet effective. Great for travel and great for the environment. Smells great and made my hair look (shiny) and feel great.

          Amanda C.
          argan oil shampoo bar
          Best shampoo and conditioner ever

          I came back for more because I
          love how it makes my hair feel. It controls frizz and also makes it feel soft. I was afraid if I didn’t stock up a little I would run out .

          jane d.
          argan oil shampoo and conditioner

          I’m always looking for clean and natural products that are safe for me and Mother Nature. I was happy this soap foamed, but it’s not big enough for the cost. I have a lot of hair, but only wash it once a week. Fingers crossed it lasts long.

          Heather O.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          I love how this product lathers in my hair and leaves it feelings super clean and strong! I have tried other shampoo bars and this one is definitely one of my favorites.

          sophia C.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          this is a great concept and product. no plastic bottle and clean, natural ingredients. there's nothing not to like about it. i hope more companies start doing this. i wish there were more kinds of products like this so i love it but it's very niche and not easy to come by in a regular store.

          Leslie C.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          i have never seen or tried any product like this, i really liked the smell of the peppermint and it did a nice job cleaning my hair, i found this at a local store

          Ilana N.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          I recently found the Peppermint Nourishing Shampoo Bar by Parrotfish at our local Central Market. I was both intrigued and skeptical because many of us don't associate anything in soap bar form with good for our hair. However, Parrotfish figured it out and this is the coolest thing ever! Not only do I love it for the way that it improves my scalp health, scent, and makes my hair shiny, but let me tell you that parents need to know about this! My son is so messy with shampoo and conditioner. I don't even know what he does in there but he goes through liquid shampoo and conditioner like crazy. I also find it spilled. These shampoo and conditioner bars are great for him! I don't know why I didn't know about these sooner, but now I am hooked! My son loves them too because they are so easy to use. He also loves the peppermint scent! Definitely look for these and give them a try!

          Daisy B.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          I really liked the Nourishing Shampoo Bar by Parrotfish. . My only complaint is it is a little pricey. I would like to try the conditioner as well.

          Debbie S.
          argan oil shampoo bar

          I have never tried using a bar form shampoo but this works. The clean ingredients was a plus and my hair felt fabulous after. Who knew this would work so well?! It is pricey so perhaps it will be an occasional treat!

          Norina L.
          argan oil shampoo bar

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