Our hair is one of the most cared parts of the body. It’s also susceptible to damage, which is why it’s important to be meticulous and keen when choosing products that we use on it.
Accordingly, with numerous products being introduced in the market every year, choosing the right ones can be difficult. Moreover, these often contain chemical ingredients that regular consumers have never heard of. In this case, a lot of people tend to ignore the components and base their purchases solely on elements like marketing and packaging.
Warning! Warning! Warning!
There is more to be mindful of than superficial aspects. In fact, a lot of products out there consist of a whole host of harmful chemicals that can damage your crowning glory or worse, affect your overall health. With that, we will provide a list of chemicals to watch out for and avoid the next time you shop for hair care products.
- Parabens
First on our list are parabens, a type of chemical that is widely used as a preservative to prevent the development of bacteria, mold, and other pathogens in cosmetic products.
Hmm, seems good, right? Although parabens appear amiable, they can do more than preserve quality. Parabens have estrogen-imitating properties that can increase the risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, parabens are used in common cosmetic and body hygiene products like makeup, body washes, deodorants, and shampoos. Beware of this chemical and try to avoid products that contain parabens as much as possible.
- Fragrance
This particular ingredient that’s commonly found in most cosmetic products is dangerous. But, what does the term “fragrance” truly mean? Is it simply the scent of the product?
The answer is no. This so-called “fragrance” is created to hide or protect the manufacturer’s “secret formula.” Given that such formulation is not explained in detail on the product label, the consumer can be exposed to health dangers upon frequent usage of hidden chemicals.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, using products that contain “fragrance mixes” can lead to severe allergies, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system. It is commonly included in formulas of many products like perfumes, shampoos, hair conditioners, and moisturizers.
- Sulfates
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are chemicals that are present in almost all types of personal care and cleaning products. SLS is known to be dangerous to the skin, lungs, and eyes.
One vital concern about it is its capability to combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a type of carcinogen. This can lead to serious health conditions like kidney and respiratory damage. They can be found in acne treatment solutions, shampoos, and mascara. To evade the negative effects of sulfates, it’s best to invest in products that are proven to be sulfate-free, such as caviar nourishing shampoos.
- Formaldehyde
Surprised? Yes, a lot of manufacturers still use formaldehyde to preserve their products despite the fact that many are already aware of the harm posed by this human carcinogen. In fact, it has been proven by a number of studies and lab tests that formaldehyde can be easily absorbed through the skin. If you’re wondering how formaldehyde stays hidden, look for quaternium-15 in the products’ ingredient labels.
What You Can Do Now
Because of our busy schedules and innate trust towards known hair care and cosmetic companies, we tend to skip checking the ingredients in products whenever we shop. But, it’s indispensable for every educated consumer to be careful with making purchases. It’s recommended to only buy products that are certified and legitimately organic if you want to avoid toxic chemicals.
Remember, you only have one body and life to live. Therefore, be cautious of what you apply to your body so you can prevent future complications.
