Shocking Truth: The Toxic Ingredients Lurking in Your Shampoo

Shampoo is an essential personal care product that we use daily to keep our hair clean and healthy. However, many shampoos contain harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on our health and the environment. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the chemicals that are commonly found in shampoos and why they are unhealthy. We'll also provide a list of shampoo brands that are known to contain these harmful chemicals, as well as brands that offer healthier alternatives with links to their stores.

Chemicals to Avoid in Shampoo:

1. Cocamide DEA (diethanolamine) - This chemical is commonly used as a foaming agent in shampoos, but it has been linked to cancer and other health problems. According to the National Toxicology Program, cocamide DEA is a potential carcinogen, and the state of California has listed it as a carcinogenic chemical.

2. Ethoxylated Ingredients - Ethoxylated ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are commonly found in shampoos and other personal care products. They are known to be harsh and drying to the skin, and can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness.

3. Phthalates – Phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), are used as fragrance ingredients and have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems.

4. Parabens – Parbens, such as methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben are preservatives that have been linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.

5. Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone - These preservatives are commonly used in shampoos, but they have been linked to skin irritation, allergies, and other health problems.

6. Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate - This chemical is commonly used as a preservative in shampoos, but it has been linked to skin irritation and other health problems.

7. DMDM Hydantoin and Diazolidinyl Urea - These preservatives are commonly used in shampoos and they are effective, but they release formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen and can cause skin irritation and other health problems.

Shampoo Brands to Avoid:

• Pantene - contains SLES, which can cause scalp irritation, and may be linked to environmental damage.

• Head & Shoulders - contains SLS, which can cause skin and eye irritation, and may be linked to organ toxicity.

• Herbal Essences - contains SLS, which can cause skin and eye irritation, and may be linked to organ toxicity.

• Dove - contains formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• Suave - products have been reported to contain potentially harmful chemicals such as SLS, SLES, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

• Paul Mitchell - contains synthetic fragrances, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

• Garnier - contains parabens, which have been linked to hormonal disruptions and cancer.

These are just a few examples, and it's important to note that not all products from these brands contain harmful chemicals. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing a product to ensure that it's safe and healthy.

Healthier Shampoo Brands:

• Acure - offers a range of plant-based hair care products free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

• Avalon Organics - offers a range of certified organic hair care products free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

• Briogeo - offers a range of clean and natural hair care products free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens.

• Dr. Bronner's - offers a range of organic and biodegradable hair care products free from synthetic preservatives, detergents, and foaming agents.

• Hask - offers a range of hair care products free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

• Innersense Organic Beauty - offers a range of certified organic hair care products free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

• Rahua - offers a range of natural and organic hair care products free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

• Shea Moisture - cannot claim to be completely free from synthetic chemicals, but is considered to be a more natural and safer option compared to many conventional hair care brands that use potentially harmful chemicals.

• The Honest Company - cannot claim to be completely free from synthetic chemicals, but is considered to be a more natural and safer option compared to many conventional hair care brands that use potentially harmful chemicals.

• Burt's Bees - cannot claim to be completely free from synthetic chemicals, but is considered to be a more natural and safer option compared to many conventional hair care brands that use potentially harmful chemicals.

These brands offer shampoos that are free from harmful chemicals and contain natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing for the hair and scalp. Read the ingredients list off the back of your shampoo bottle and if you see an ingredient that is unfamiliar to you, please do your own research to make sure you aren’t putting your health at risk.

In conclusion, it's important to be mindful of the chemicals that are in our shampoos, and to choose products that are safe and healthy for both ourselves and the environment. By avoiding shampoos that contain harmful chemicals and choosing healthier alternatives, we can help keep our hair and scalp healthy and glowing.

Sources:

• National Toxicology Program. (2018). Report on Carcinogens, Sixteenth Edition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

• California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. (2021). Prop 65 List. Retrieved from https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

• American Contact Dermatitis Society. (2021). Allergen of the Year. Retrieved from https://www.contactderm.org/allergen-of-the-year.