How to avoid the toxic chemicals in shampoo
I’m wrapping up this series of articles on eco shampoo with some comments on ingredients.
If you’re in a shop about to buy eco shampoo, (and you don’t have EcoExpert’s list of recommended eco shampoos with you!), then check the ingredients inside the shampoo you want to buy, to make sure they don’t contain toxic chemicals.
Due to varying legislation, not ALL the ingredients are always listed.
So it’s difficult to really tell what’s inside.
But there are some ingredients you can look out for. If these are in your shampoo, it isn’t eco shampoo!
- PEGs, ceteareths and polyethylene
- Parabens: propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl
- DMDM hydantoin
Fragrance
Now fragrance is used in a number of products. Most eco shampoos and eco products will use essential oils for fragrance. But they’re expensive compared to chemical alternatives, so manufacturers prefer to use artificial fragrances in order to keep their costs down so their products aren’t expensive to us, the consumers.
The problem with many chemical fragrances is that they can include hundreds of chemicals and trigger allergic reactions.
Bonus Tip: Try to avoid products that use the term “fragrance” in the list of ingredients – that one word hides a multitude. Instead opt for those that list each fragrance ingredient.
Many common fragrance ingredients can contain impurities linked to cancer and other health concerns. Avoid these where possible:
- DMDM hydantoin,
- Diazolidinyl urea,
- Imidazolidinyl urea,
- Ceteareth,
- Polyethylene glycol and PEG
Finally, one of the worst products for hair health is hair straighteners. Common ingredients in hair straighteners are linked to cancer, allergies, skin and scalp irritation, hair damage and hair loss.
Healthy Hair
Remember, you’ll get better results – in terms of healthy, shiny, manageable hair – from a healthy diet and lifestyle (and a good hairdresser who can cut really well), than any chemical-based shampoo can give you. By using eco shampoo, you’ll dramatically reduce the amount of toxic chemicals you put on your skin, and your hair will thank you for it!
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More information on Eco Shampoo:
Is your shampoo really good for your hair? Or could it be toxic?
Recommended Eco Shampoos – the Best Brands
Photo Credits: All microsoft
Great advice on ingredients. All are definitely things to avoid.
Cherie Miranda
Clare, this is a great guide on eco friendly shampoos.
Scott Sylvan Bell
Thanks for listing some of the chemical ingredients to stay away from in shampoos. Very helpful info!
Michael
Clare, this is a great series. Because I dislike fragrances on my head so much, I will definatetely be trying your baking soda and vinegar idea as soon as I next wash my hair!
Thanks!
Sonya Lenzo
Your recent posts have got me wondering about other common items like deodorant, soap, and toothpaste. I’m now on the lookout for ingredients.
Hair straighteners can be carcinogens?
Mark Hogan
Not the machines but the products that are used as shampoos / treatments to straighten hair. They use some pretty horrible chemicals, and if people use them regularly…..
Clare ~
I always wonder why some legislation makes companies from one industry list all ingredients, while letting companies in other industries “slide by” … it is sad! That’s why it is great to have someone like you to help us understand what is the best thing we can do for ourselves and the environment!
Stay Amazing and Do Great Things, Neil
Clare,
Again you have offered a very valuable post. Avoiding as many carcinogens and harmful chemicals as we can is, obviously, a very good idea. With your recommendations, this has just become a bit easier to do.
Thank you
Dennis
I have gone shampoo free for 3 days now . Will keep going until the weekend and then check the result .
Hi Green Goddess,
What about the green ecofriendly qualities of salon level hair shampoos?
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Hi Clare,
I am with Kevin, I just wonder what is the extent to which we are exposed to harsh chemicals and we don’t even think about it.
I like using the ocean to condition my hair. It works wonders!
Andrew
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