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SITUATION: I am not a...

SITUATION: I am not a baby, but was born with sensitive skin. For years I tolerated itchy scalp. After awhile, my ears also started itching. My doctor suspected I was allergic to my shampoo and suggested switching to another type. I tried several shampoos over the last couple of years, but nothing s...olved the problem. I was prescribed medication for my ears, but preferred a preventative approach. WHAT ARE Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate? My online research revealed that many shampoos contain an ingredient called Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a foaming agent that produces that nice thick lather we love. The problem is that some people find it irritating. I looked at the label of my shampoo and saw that it was the second ingredient on the list. It is associated with another ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is also an irritant. I should mention that these two ingredients are *not* to be confused with another ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is derived from coconut and palm and is considered safe. These three names are all very similar which can make things confusing. NATURAL PRODUCTS: I eventually found J&J;'s Natural Baby Shampoo which doesn't contain Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate. This shampoo is in their Natural line of products. Although it's made for babies, I hoped it would work for me because I have fine hair and sensitive skin. First of all, it was difficult finding this shampoo locally. Many stores carry J&J;shampoos, but not the Natural line. If they carry the Natural line, it was usually out of stock. I went to at least five stores before finding it. Although I chain-link my errands, I suppose it would have been better to just buy it on Amazon from the start, but I wanted to try it before buying the 2-pack. RESULTS: Anyway, the first thing I noticed is that this shampoo is watery. But I can accept that because it doesn't include those thickening ingredients that might be irritating my skin. Just be careful when you pour it so that it doesn't drip out of your hand. It also doesn't lather as easily as "regular" shampoo, so you have to get over yearning for a head full of lather. I do miss the lather, but it's a trade-off. I do miss the fragrance of my old brand, but then again perfume can be an irritant as well. *Update: Please note that I received a helpful tip (see comment) to first lather the shampoo in your hands and add water before putting it on your head. However, it does what it's supposed to do... it cleans just as well as my other shampoos. It doesn't leave my hair oily as I was expecting. So the bottom line is that I am happy with this shampoo and am willing to trade-off thick shampoo and rich lather for a mild and effective shampoo. PROS: - Does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. - Cleans gently, but cleans effectively - Reasonable price CONS: - Doesn't lather - Watery RECOMMENDATION: - In spite of the CONS, I still recommend this shampoo to someone who is sensitive to other shampoos. I am still giving 5 stars since I like the idea of less irritating synthetics and more natural ingredients. Of course everyone's chemistry is unique, so the only way to know how it works for you is to try it. At least it's not expensive. Hope this helps.