How to Choose a Chemical Free Shampoo: The Top 8 Ingredients to Avoid
1. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) & Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)– These are surfactants and emulsifying agents that help create suds and are very common in shampoos. SLES is associated with organ system toxicity and skin, eye, or lung irritation. Another major concern is that often, when SLS or SLES are present in shampoos, the contaminant 1,4 dioxane is too. That’s because the manufacturing process for these sulfates results in their being contaminated with this carcinogenic by-product. To avoid these, look for shampoos that say “sulfate free” and confirm they are not listed on the ingredient label. 2. Parabens – Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products like shampoo. They prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbes which is great, except that scientists have found trace amounts of parabens in malignant tumors. Parabens can cause endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, and cancer. To avoid parabens, skip shampoos with ingredient names that contain the word “paraben”. Examples include: methyl paraben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben. 3. Fragrances – We know the fragrances in shampoos are great for making you feel clean, refreshed, awake, ready for the day, etc. But before you decide that you can’t live without your favorite shampoo and its delightful smell, there are some things you should know about fragrances:- They aren’t actually making your hair more clean – they are just giving you that perception.
- Fragrance chemicals can pass through the skin and into the blood.
- Many of the chemicals used to make fragrances are classified as allergens, hormone disruptors, and asthma triggers. Others are classified as carcinogens or neurotoxins.
- The fragrance industry regulates itself, so the ingredients in fragrances aren’t listed because they are considered “trade secrets” and aren’t required to be safety tested.
- Often only one word, “fragrance”, is used on the label and can hide more than 100 potentially toxic ingredients.
- So called “natural fragrances” can be just as toxic as synthetic fragrances.
- Most fragrances contain phthalates (# 7 below).
- Cancer – According to The National Toxicology Program, phthalates are “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”.
- Human reproductive and developmental risks
- Endocrine disruption
- Birth defects
- Respiratory problems