Parabens

Parabens are chemicals that mimic estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system. They have been linked to breast cancer, and they are used in shampoos and conditioners as a preservative. The word paraben is often found on the ingredients list of products. If you see it, avoid that product!

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a degreaser that strips the hair of its natural oils, causing scalp irritation and dandruff. It’s also a surfactant, which means it cleans by bonding with oil and water and dissolving oil.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and is linked to several types of cancer. It’s also a strong irritant that can cause skin allergies, respiratory and immune system problems, headaches and fatigue.

Formaldehyde can be found in many hair products like shampoo, conditioner or styling gel. The chemical is added as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth on the product. This means that if you have sensitive skin or an allergy to formaldehyde (which affects around 1 in 10 people), then this ingredient may trigger symptoms such as itching or hives.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a petroleum byproduct, and is found in antifreeze and brake fluid. It is used in shampoos and conditioners to help the product spread evenly across the hair and scalp. Propylene glycol can be irritating to skin, so it’s important to check if your shampoo or conditioner contains this ingredient before use.

If you are allergic to propylene glycol, you may want to avoid using products that contain it. If you have any doubt about whether or not a product contains propylene glycol (or any other harmful chemicals), always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it on yourself or another person who may be sensitive to such chemicals

Synthetic Colors

Synthetic colors are a group of chemicals that are added to shampoos and conditioners to add color. They can be found in the ingredient list as FD&C or D&C followed by a number, such as FD&C Red 40 or D&C Yellow 7. The purpose of these ingredients is to add pigmentation (color) to shampoos and conditioners so that you can see what shade you’re using before you purchase it.

The problem with synthetic colors comes from the fact that they are manmade chemicals. There’s no telling what their long-term effects will be on your body, especially when they’re being used on areas like your scalp where there isn’t much protection from the sun or other environmental factors in place to limit exposure.

Imidazolidinyl Urea & DMDM Hydantoin

Imidazolidinyl Urea & DMDM Hydantoin are used as preservatives to prevent fungal and bacterial growth. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, dryness and itching. Most shampoos and conditioners contain this ingredient because it’s cheap, effective, and has been deemed safe by the FDA – but that doesn’t mean you should use it! There are many other ways to preserve your favorite shampoo or conditioner without adding harmful chemicals.

Some products that contain these ingredients include:

• Aveeno Nourish+ Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner (1.5% Imidazolidinyl Urea)
• Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect 2-in-1 Shampoo (0.25% Imidazolidinyl Urea)

Fragrance

• Fragrances can be derived from natural sources or synthetic chemicals.
• Synthetic fragrances are used in many beauty products and have been shown to cause allergic reactions, headaches and asthma.
• Avoid products with fragrance as much as possible. Essential oils are a better alternative!

Triclosan

Triclosan is a pesticide, and has been shown to be carcinogenic. It is also a known endocrine disruptor, which can cause skin irritation and hair loss.

Triclosan was originally used in toothpaste as an antibacterial agent, but use of the chemical has been banned in the European Union since 2012. It’s still available for use in America, though some states are taking measures against triclosan-containing products (California).

You may have noticed that triclosan is already being removed from many personal care products like soaps or toothpastes; this is due to concerns over its safety profile as well as its effectiveness as an antibacterial agent.

Read your labels and keep your body free of harsh ingredients.

Be aware of the chemicals in your hair products. Read the labels, and look for these harmful ingredients:

• Parabens
• SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
• Formaldehyde