15 Harmful Ingredients in Shampoo to Avoid
Did you know that your shampoo can contain harmful ingredients that can both harm you and the environment? One of the most common ingredients found in soap is sulfates. What are sulfates, and what are some other ingredients to avoid in shampoo? We’ve compiled a list of 15 common shampoo ingredients to watch out for, and why.
These ingredients can be harmful if used excessively, so it’s important to choose a shampoo that doesn’t contain them. To find out more about the subject, continue reading.
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
I think it’s tough right now. What do you think about the current state of the economy? Sulfates are a type of salt that are used in many products, including shampoo and soap. They are important because they help to make the products wet and lathering. Sulfates are strong detergents that work by binding to oils and sweat on our scalp and with water.When you rinse out the shampoo, the sulfates remove all the oils and residue. Cleaning can damage hair, making it brittle and increasing frizz.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Some people love the lathering foam created by sulfates, but sulfates can compromise hair follicles when left on the scalp and they have other toxic effects on the human body. Wow, that looks scary! If you have color-treated hair or dry hair, you should avoid using sulfates, as they can fade your color and strip your hair of its natural oils.
3. Parabens
Parabens are also known to be harmful to the body. They are used as a preservative in cosmetics and shampoo to help prevent bacteria from growing. Parabens can act as hormone mimics and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.
4. Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is another name for salt. It is a mineral that is found in the earth’s crust and is essential for the survival of many organisms. The main purpose of sodium chloride in shampoo and conditioner is to make the products thicker. Salt can make an already dry and itchy scalp even more sensitive, which can lead to hair loss.
5. Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
PEG is a thickening agent that is derived from petroleum. It is often contaminated with byproducts, which can make it difficult to use. There is not enough evidence to show that PEGs themselves are toxic, but there are potential harmful side effects that can be produced by the byproducts of PEGs use.
6+7. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
DEA and TEA are also emulsifiers and foam agents that help water-soluble and oil-soluble materials mix together by lowering surface tension. Researchers discovered a relationship between topical DEA administration and cancer in animals in 1998, but the effects on humans remain unknown. Cosmetics containing DEA have been banned by the European Commission.
8. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a recognised human carcinogen that has been shown in animal studies to be absorbed via the skin. It’s commonly added to items as a preservative, but it can also be released over time through a chemical reaction from other preservatives. If you’re not sure what to look for, quaternium-15 is a popular ingredient in shampoos. They’re also in the chemicals used in hair salons for Brazilian blowouts.
9. Alcohol
Most alcohols have a drying effect, and the higher they appear in the ingredients list, the more alcohols the product contains. Cetearyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol are two alcohols that aren’t as terrible for dry hair. They may even aid in the retention of moisture in your hair. Isopropyl alcohol or propanol are two examples of products that are detrimental if you already have dry hair.
10. Synthetic Fragrances
Thousands of secret compounds can be found in products labelled “fragrance.” Some fragranced cosmetic compounds can cause cancer or asthma by disrupting the reproductive system. They can also irritate the skin and cause hair loss by irritating the skin and scalp.
11. Synthetic Colors
To make shampoos and conditioners look good, they are usually dyed with a synthetic hue. These colours are derived from petroleum or coal tar, both of which have negative health consequences. Synthetic colours are usually identified by the letters FD&C or D&C followed by a number.
12. Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a form of silicone found in many hair products that contributes to product buildup and greasy hair. It serves as a barrier on the hair’s surface, preventing moisture and nutrients from entering and collecting dirt and residue instead. It can block pores on the scalp and irritate the skin.
13. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Another foam booster is Cocamidopropyl betaine. Despite the fact that it is made from coconut oil, it can have severe consequences. This surfactant, along with dimethylaminopropylamine, is used in hair products and can cause skin irritation, allergies, rosacea, and eczema.
14. Triclosan
Triclosan was outlawed in antibacterial soaps in 2016, although it remains legal in toothpaste, shampoos, and deodorants. It’s a chemical antibacterial agent that has been linked to hormone disturbance, which can lead to cancer and have an impact on prenatal development, among other things.
15. Retinyl Palmitate
The ester of retinol and palmitic acid is retinyl palmitate. Peeling, scaling, redness, and itching are all symptoms of this skin irritant. Cancer, reproductive issues, and organ toxicity are all possible side effects of retinyl palmitate.
Harmless Shampoo Ingredients
While there are many dangerous ingredients in shampoos and brands, many shampoos employ solely natural, non-toxic, and organic ingredients, and you can even prepare your own homemade hair treatments with ingredients from your kitchen. If you’re experiencing hair loss or unruly hair growth and suspect chemicals like those listed above are to blame, consider switching to a natural alternative. You can also try taking natural supplements with elements derived from plants that work together to promote natural hair growth.
