Do you know what your hair care is? Here are 5 potentially harmful ingredients in shampoos…and take a sober look at how you should worry.
5 Harmful Ingredients in Shampoos
Shampooing is one of those tedious chores that half of us don’t think about while the other half organize their days. Unfortunately for those of us who just want to wash our hair and get on with our day, we need to put a lot more thought and effort into the safety of our hair care regimen.
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Not only do many shampoo products contain chemicals that can damage hair, but some of these chemicals pose significant health risks. These risks can be as serious as cancer and other long-term diseases. This article discusses the most common harmful ingredients in shampoo products—and what we can do to avoid them.
Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredient list on the back of a shampoo bottle, you’ve probably seen a long list of words that only a chemistry teacher can understandd.
These types of ingredients are not inherently harmful, but we should be aware of what we are putting on our bodies, especially if our skin absorbs it too much 60% of the products we put on it.
1. Sulfate
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One of the most common ingredients in shampoos and hair care products are sulfates.Most prominently Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, acts as a foaming agent to help remove grease and dirt.While sulfates were previously thought to be associated with cancer, this has recently falsifiedHowever, sulfates are known to irritate the skin and eyes, especially in people with eczema and other skin sensitivities. In extreme cases, sulfates can cause:
- swelling
- measles
- itching
- rash
The best indicator of sulfates in shampoos is the lathering effect because Sulfate-Free Shampoo Usually does not lather in the shower.
2. Perfume
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“Fragrance” is a broad term used for synthetic fragrances that impart fragrance to shampoos. These products may contain a variety of chemicals, including phthalates, which are known to cause hormonal imbalances and reproductive health risks.
In addition to our personal health, fragrance also affects those around us.Fragrance in the air can trigger even when the smell is subtle or imperceptible Asthma, Migraine, Chronic Lung Disease and Other Conditions among those who come into contact with them.
These synthetic fragrances not only affect human health but also pose a threat to environmental health.When we wash our hair, these chemicals can seep into our waterways, affecting water quality and wild animal population.
3. Triclosan
Triclosan is another common ingredient in many shampoos. It is often used as an antibacterial agent to reduce bacterial contamination. However, it may support bacterial resistance to antibiotics because it does not act as a thorough enough antibacterial.
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Some reports suggest that triclosan may act as a endocrine disruptors Through its ability to interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism.
Research also suggests that triclosan may help human skin cancer. These studies have not been completed or reviewed, but it is best to avoid using this product until further testing.
4. Phenoxyethanol
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Phenoxyethanol, used as a solvent and preservative in many shampoos, is known to be neurotoxic if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Federal regulations limit the concentration of phenoxyethanol in products to less than 1 percent, but people who use multiple products with the chemical may be at higher risk.
In addition to causing skin irritation in people with sensitive skin, phenoxyethanol can cause reproductive and kidney damage. Because infants are sensitive to these types of toxins, its use in baby products is prohibited, but it can also be dangerous for adults who are regularly exposed to these toxins.
Phenoxyethanol can have multiple names on the label, including:
- Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether
- 2-phenoxyethanol
- PhE, phenoxyethanol
- β-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
5. Congratulations
Parabens are another product used to help prevent antimicrobial contamination. Common since the 1920s, parabens have recently become a topic of concern due to their hormonal disturbances. They contain hormones similar to those in the human body, and when absorbed through the skin, can cause a hormonal imbalance in our body. This can lead to a higher risk of cancer and reproductive problems.
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These chemicals also cause significant harm to the environment.Low levels of parabens can kill coral, and have been detected in waterways, fish and sediments.this will lead to further pollution Our waterways and environment, in turn, affect us through our food chain.
Parabens are usually listed in the ingredients:
- Methylparaben
- Butyl paraben
- Propylparaben
Avoid bad ingredients in shampoos
The toxin levels in our products can be alarming, but not necessarily overwhelming.Look for brand that use Quality Control Limit the use of toxic chemicals and stay abreast of the latest research on how our products affect us.
Be aware of ingredients in shampoos and makeup, and look for products that use natural ingredients. While not all natural ingredients are good and not all synthetic ingredients are bad, it’s important to understand what our products contain and how they affect us.
What do you think?
what shampoo do you use? Do you have any suggestions for safe, natural brands? Let us know in the comments!
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