What is a syndet bar and how does this differ from our current organic based shampoo soap bar? Everyone's hair is different so these bars for those folks whose hair and/or scalp simply does not like a shampoo soap bar!
Syndet solid shampoo bars are synthetic detergent bars (aka syndet). These types of solid shampoo bars have flooded the internet, amazon and even some big box stores and are currently all the rage! They are NOT completely natural given their ingredient list. They are generally very similar to the liquid shampoo your hair is used to simply without the water content and extra "fluff" that is not necessary to clean your hair. This was appealing to me because it eliminates the need for plastic bottles and more plastic pollution! They are also super portable, just like our other shampoo bars! Since these types of bars are super concentrated a little goes a long way. One bar can replace 2-3 bottles of your liquid shampoo depending on your hair wash pattern.
There are other upsides and downsides! Since they have similar ingredients and work the same as commercial liquid shampoos you will likely not have to go through a transition period. Sydnet shampoo bars also have a lower pH and you will probably still need to use a conditioner bar with this type of shampoo bar. The ingredients required to make syndet bars are more expensive, so these shampoo bars will be more expensive than soap-based bars.
Let's look at surfactants (synthetic detergents)...the bubble makers!
Sydnet bars can be made with gentle surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLES) and sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) or you may see some made with a harsh surfactant called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Some people are sensitive to harsh surfactants and they can dry and irritate your scalp. I have chosen to keep this bar to be free of sulfates.
Sodium lauryl sulfate has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, and endocrine disruption, however in my research, these links have not been fully proven. It also has a potentially toxic effect on aquatic organisms. Consumer advocacy groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) advise using SLS-containing products with caution. It's not something I wanted in our shampoo bars.
I do, however, have a fond affection for SCI! It is a gentle mild surfactant with rich, creamy foam, excellent lather, and thick, fluffy bubbles, all of which contribute to the elegant and conditioned skin and hair feel. It is often referred to as baby foam due to its mildness! This lovely surfactant forms the base for our syndet bars!
Our bars are naturally colored using plant based clays and are scented lightly with USDA organic essential oils! Our bars can also double as a mild face wash bar and even an all over body wash bar! Simply lather in your hands and wash your face or rub your damp loofah or sea sponge over the damp bar a few times to get copious amounts of skin softening lather for your body! It's really is a 3-in-1 bar and perfect for travel!
Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Broccoli Seed Oil, Water, Natural Clay (French Green, French Rose, Purple Brazilian and Yellow Brazilian depending on which color you choose), Iota Carrageenan, Organic Essential Oils (varies depending on which fragrance you choose)
Directions for Use: Simply wet hair and rub bar on hair strands. You can also wet the bar in your hands and then rub the lather into your hair. Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner bar.
