Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

So I did some google research and it is pretty amazing that this little words behind the packages we buy have more meaning then what it seems. So this compound is used to dissolve oily stains and residues while its also found in our shampoo and toothpaste to create that lather and foamy effect. I do not understand why would we continue using this if they know that this can be harmful in the long run. Do we really need that lather and foamy effect on our shampoos and toothpastes. There are a lot of websites that are against this compound while in wikipedia the only bad comment they stated was that it my irritate the skin. I mean if this compound was so harmful wouldn't someone do something to get rid of it? Maybe I need to get a closer look at the labels on all the products I use. Makes me want to start trying organic.