Why We Avoid Sulphates in Our Products
At Bondi Wash, our mission has always been to create products that are as gentle on the planet as they are on your skin. We choose every ingredient with intention, blending the power of Australian botanicals with carefully considered formulations that cleanse effectively, yet safely. One class of ingredient we consciously avoid across all of our ranges—body, baby, and home—is sulphates.
What Are Sulphates?
Sulphates are chemical surfactants commonly used to create lather and remove dirt. You’ll often find them listed as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) in the ingredient list of many commercial shampoos, body washes, dish liquids and laundry detergents. While effective and inexpensive, sulphates come with a series of environmental and health concerns that for us mean we'd prefer not to use them.
Why We Say No
1. A Known Irritant
Sulphates are known to strip the skin and scalp of their natural oils, which can lead to dryness, irritation and imbalance. For those with sensitive skin, eczema, dermatitis, or allergies, products containing sulphates can exacerbate symptoms, leading to redness, itching and inflammation. Even in people without sensitivities, prolonged exposure to sulphates can disturb the skin's natural protective barrier.
We believe that cleansing should be effective yet gentle, restoring balance rather than disrupting it. That’s why we choose alternative plant-based surfactants derived from coconut or sugarcane—ingredients that cleanse without compromising your skin's integrity.
2. Petroleum-Derived Origins
Another reason we avoid sulphates is their origin. Many sulphates are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource with a heavy environmental footprint. While some forms of SLES are marketed as being "ethoxylated" to make them milder, this process can leave behind traces of potentially harmful contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane—a byproduct that has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.
Our philosophy is to work with nature, not against it. Choosing plant-derived, biodegradable ingredients helps reduce the impact on waterways and ecosystems, staying true to our values of transparency and sustainability.
3. Residue on Surfaces, Fabrics & Floors
In household cleaning, sulphates are often used for their foaming action and grease-cutting properties. However, they can leave behind a chemical residue on surfaces, fabrics and floors—even after rinsing. This residue may attract more dirt over time or cause irritation to the skin when in contact with cleaned surfaces, such as kitchen benches or baby toys.
For our Bench Sprays, Floor Washes, Laundry Washes and Fabric Sprays, we use gentle, non-toxic cleansers combined with natural Australian botanicals such as Lemon Myrtle, Tasmanian Pepper and Rosalina. The result is a surface that is not only clean but free from harsh chemical build-up—safe for children, pets, and the environment.
Our Commitment
At Bondi Wash, we are committed to formulations that respect both body and earth. This means carefully excluding ingredients like sulphates that don't align with our standards of gentleness, effectiveness and ecological responsibility. Instead, we harness the natural power of plants, guided by science and inspired by the Australian bush, to create luxurious yet safe products for everyday life.
