You’ve probably come across these harmful hair ingredients. They’re present in a lot of hair care products that are sold in the market today. These products can cause short-term to long-term health problems and need to be removed from your hair care routine as soon as possible.
Most of these harmful ingredients are used to extend the shelf life of the product, preventing harmful bacteria and mould in them. However, a longer shelf life doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to use because these ingredients are extremely harmful. They can cause a range of health problems from hair loss to cancer. Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to the ingredient list before buying a new hair care product.
There are a lot of bad chemicals in shampoo and other hair products that you need to keep an eye out for. Here, we’ve mentioned nine popular ones that can be found in a majority of readily available hair products.
9 Harmful Chemicals in Shampoo to Avoid
Here are nine common, bad ingredients in shampoo for hair loss that are harmful to your hair and overall health.
Alcohol
Alcohol is found in a majority of hair products because it helps the active ingredients penetrate the hair and scalp. Because alcohol is highly volatile, it dries out your hair and scalp, leaving you with irritated skin as well as dry and brittle hair. Some of these harmful alcohols include ethanol, isopropyl, propanol and propyl alcohol. There are other types of alcohol called “fatty alcohols" which are better choices for your hair such as cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. But to be on the safer side, opt for shampoos that contain oils instead like avocado, coconut, macadamia and olive, which will hydrate and nourish your scalp and hair.
Benzene
This is a petrochemical solvent known to be toxic when used in high doses. It is mostly found in dry shampoos and hair dyes and is potentially carcinogenic in the long term. It can also damage hair follicles which leads to hair loss and thinning. Avoid products with ingredients labelled methylbenzene, phenylmethane, toluene and toluol.
Formaldehyde
This is another well-known carcinogen that is found in a majority of household products from hair care products to building materials. It can be absorbed by the skin and even be released in gaseous form by seeping through the packet of the product. This can cause a series of hair and health problems like hair loss, eczema, allergic dermatitis, skin irritation, asthma and more.
Parabens
Commonly found in shampoos and conditioners, these harmful chemical preservatives can increase the risk of skin cancer. They can cause skin irritation, and hair loss and even disrupt the natural hormone balance. Avoid products with ingredients ending with ‘paraben’ like butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben.
Phthalates
Also known as the ‘everywhere chemical’ as it describes the properties of other ingredients. It is found in shampoos, conditioners and other styling products used to enhance the fragrance, giving products a more appealing smell. It can be easily absorbed into the body and cause developmental and reproductive issues and has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy loss among other things. This ingredient has been banned from certain countries and isn’t always included in the ingredient list of products. Therefore, opt for products that are ‘phthalate-free’.
Silicones
This ingredient has its advantages but the disadvantages outweigh them. They are mostly found in shampoos and conditioners and can leave your hair heavy and unhealthy. They can reduce frizz, but build up on the hair over time and block moisture and nutrients from penetrating your hair strands. This can cause scalp irritation. It is also suspected to be carcinogenic and cause hormonal disruption.
Sulfates
Sulfates are easily detectible in products because they are well-known for their ability to foam/lather and remove dirt, oil and other build-up. However, this strips the hair and scalp from its natural moisture leading to irritation as well as dry and frizzy hair. This powerful detergent can potentially result in damaged, brittle hair and for those with sensitive skin, various skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema and rosacea. The most common sulfates are Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Ammonium laureth sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Synthetic Fragrances and Colours
They smell and look good, but can be harmful to the skin and hair. It is believed that the word ‘fragrance’ is a loophole for manufacturers to avoid listing the chemicals present in a product. Added fragrances are typically derived from hazardous petrochemicals and added colours are derived from coal tar and petroleum. These added ingredients can lead to asthma, cancer, infertility, irritation and also hair loss. Opt for shampoos and other hair products labelled ‘fragrance-free’.
Triclosan
This antibacterial chemical can be found in several products including shampoos, toothpaste and more. It is potentially harmful and has been linked to a number of problems like the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, hormonal disruption, infertility, cancer, immune system issues, constant weight change and many more. Avoid this ingredient and avoid all of these detrimental effects.
Looking for hair care products that do not contain any harmful ingredients to your hair and overall health? Explore our range of products that contain only plant-derived ingredients. We pride ourselves in providing you with clean, cruelty-free products that have been dermatologically tested to ensure they are safe and gentle for even the most delicate skin. Choose Earthraga and lead a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs
What ingredients to avoid in shampoo for curly hair?
Some ingredients you can avoid in shampoos for curly hair include Silicon, Parabens, Sulfates, Alcohol, Fragrance, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Dimethicone, Benzene, Sulphates and so on.
Which shampoo does not contain harmful chemicals?
The shampoos available at Earthraga contain no harmful ingredients. They are clean, cruelty-free products that contain plant-based ingredients like Anageline and Hairgenyl. Anageline is a plant-based chemical used for hair treatment to boost hair growth and Hairgenyl is another plant-derived ingredient used to strengthen and improve the overall health of the hair.
Reference
https://www.genesiscareer.edu/8-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-shampoo-and-conditioner/
https://www.consumernotice.org/products/dangerous-hair-care-ingredients/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/shampoo-ingredients-to-avoid
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-shampoo-ingredients
https://clearstem.com/blogs/skin-care-learning-center/top-chemicals-in-shampoo-to-avoid
https://www.barsoverbottles.com/blogs/news/13-ingredients-you-should-avoid-in-shampoo-and-which-to-look-for
https://seekbamboo.com/blogs/sustainable-lifestyle/what-ingredients-to-avoid-in-shampoo
