10 Ingredient Categories To Avoid In A Shampoo And Tricks On How To Find The Best Natural Products
10 Ingredients Categories To Avoid In A Shampoo*
- Formaldehyde. On label: DMDM hydantoin, Diazolidinylurea, Imidazolidinylurea, Quaternium-15: all release formaldehyde which is now a worldwide known carcinogenic contaminant;
- Ethoxylated surfactants. On label: Sodium Laureth Sulfate and all the ingredients that end in -eth (eg. Ceteareth, Laureth-4, Laureth-23: they are all contaminated with carcinogenic agents; these ingredients are caused by a reaction with ethylene oxide, a synthetic chemical known to be carcinogenic and contaminated by a manufacturing impurity listed carcinogenic to humans like 1,4-Dioxane. This chemical is listed to be part of the group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) because of its cancer-causing properties in humans;
- Ethoxylated emulsifiers. On label: PEG, PPG- ..., Polysorbate- (20, 30, 80...): they are all contaminated by carcinogenic substances generated from the reaction caused by ethylene oxide, like the one mentioned above;
- Ingredients containing amines. On label: Cocamidopropyl betaine, Triethanolamine and Cocamide DEA/MEA (and all the ingredients that end in ‘DEA’ or ‘MEA’): these ingredients are contaminated by nitrosamines, a chemical known to have cancer-causing risks to humans named in the Proposition 65 list;
- Polyquaternium. On label: Polyquaternium-XX (10, 14…): Raw material used in manufacturing is contaminated by nitrosamines and is not biodegradable; according to the standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD);
- Endocrine disruptors. On label: Propylparapen, Isopropylparapen, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, BHA, BHT, Phthalate, Triclosan: These substances can interfere with the correct functioning of the hormonal system;
- Isothiazolinones. On label: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): chemicals known to cause skin allergies and eczema. There have been multiple cases of individuals that developed heightened sensitivity and increase incidents of chemical burns due to these ingredients;
- Allergens. On label: Phenoxyethanol, Cinnamal, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene and Linalool: Are all allergenic substances listed by the European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (CSSC) and the EWG. They pose risks of toxicity (aquatic fauna), irritation and skin allergies. The phenoxyethanol is classified in particular as "moderate danger" for health, in particular for its toxicity to the immune system and for allergies, according to EWG. It is an ingredient of concern;
- Silicones and polymers. On label: Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Acrylates crosspolymer: are synthetics compounds, non-renewable and non-biodegradable sources;
- Fragrance and perfume. On label: Fragrance/Parfum. A “secret” combination of ingredients in which endocrine disruptors are often found and/or carcinogenic agents and/or synthetic materials and/or allergens. It is impossible to know the list of ingredients unless it is detailed on the label (now recommended by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI);