lavanderina
The ingredients
What are surfactants?
Let’s start with the obvious: the water does not work alone. This is because the dirty is basically “fat” and is not “drawn” to the water. For this reason surfactants are added: substances capable of attracting the dirt and the water both and therefore drag the dirt out, down the drain.
The surfactants we do not use
You’re probably familiar with the SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and the SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). SLES is not sustainable: the -ETH suffix indicates a chemical reactions of ethoxylation, that is derived from petroleum. Both are aggressive since they do not distinguish between the fat of the dirt and the fat of the epidermis and therefore they attack our skin causing irritation and dryness. For this reason we have preferred alternative solutions.
Following our principles of ecology, for the same reason we do not use: EDTA, DYES, OPTICAL WHITENERS, ENZYMES, PHOSPHATES AND PHOSPHONATES, etc.
Our choices
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
This surfactant is sugar-based, born from coconut oil and glucose, so of vegetal and ecological origin. It is particularly delicate and compatible with the skin, the reason why is often used to produce shampoo, shower gel and intimate plant-based cleansers.
Sodium Coco Sulfate
It is a vegetable surfactant of natural origin (born from coconut oil) and it is biodegradable, thus guaranteeing a very low ecosystem impact. It is a relative of SLS, since the creation process is the same, but it is made up of larger molecules which are unable to penetrate deeply in the epidermis and therefore damage it.
CAPRYLOYL / CAPRYL METHYL GLUCAMIDE
It is an incredibly potent green surfactant, made up of 95% bio-based materials such as sugar. This innovative co-surfactant is the result of a perfect balance between ecology and performance, because it is powerful, but does not damage the user’s skin or the ecosystem. It contains palm oil of certified derivation: the RSPO certificate is the main sustainability standard in the sector worldwide and guarantees the use of oil derived from crops managed according to environmental and social sustainability criteria.
POTASSIUM OLIVATE
Potassium olivate is a soap of natural origin obtained thanks to the saponification of pure olive oil. This delicate surfactant is green as it has no long-term toxicity, is highly biodegradable and also sustainable.
TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE
It is an chelating agent whose job is prevent the formation of precipitated inside of the product that could modify its stability. It is a green ingredient which renders metal ions harmless and it is easily biodegradable.
CITRIC ACID
Citric acid is considered a “weak acid” because it acts at a low concentration and is not harmful. It has interesting properties, in fact it is an anti-limescale, descaler and is able to soften the fabrics.
SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE
They are considered harmless preservatives, as they are metabolized in the human body through water and CO2. They protect products, usually cosmetic, from yeasts and fungi and are very compatible with the skin.
Organic plant extracts
