The Best Non-Toxic Natural Shampoos and conditoner

This hair-washing mantra has us obsessed with the idea that a rich, frothy lather means soft, silky, healthy hair. But that rich, foamy lather doesn’t mean the shampoo is better or more effective at cleaning hair, nor does it necessarily equate to healthier hair. This guide explores what to look for when choosing a safe natural shampoo and conditioner, hair care durability, and some of the best brands to explore when shopping for natural products.

Is natural shampoo and conditioner toxic to humans?

Like many personal care products, natural shampoo and conditioner are full of toxic ingredients that can harm you and the planet, and while the FDA classifies personal care products, it does not regulate them. Is. Since your skin is the first barrier between you and the environment, it’s important to know what you’re putting into it, and therefore absorbing.

Shampoos contain a plethora of toxic ingredients with long, complicated names you may be used to seeing on the labels of cosmetics and other personal care products. Some may be toxic by their mere presence, while others may pose a risk with continued or regular use. These toxins can cause many harmful effects, including dry and damaged hair, hair loss, skin and eye irritation, scalp irritation, allergies and respiratory problems. Some ingredients are even known or potential carcinogens.

Can the harsh chemicals in my natural shampoo and conditioner damage hair strength and shine?

In conventional natural shampoo and conditioner, sodium laureth sulfate is a popular ingredient you’re likely to find, along with sodium lauryl sulfate. These are the surfactants that cause shampoo to foam, often as a result of a chemical reaction. The FDA currently reports that SLS is nontoxic to humans when applied briefly and washed off, but it can cause irritation. And products that last longer on the skin should contain no more than a 1 percent SLS concentration. Given the limitations of this ingredient…it’s probably not the most ideal product to put on our heads multiple times a week.

It’s also been reported that sodium lauryl sulfate is formulated for laundry use…so it’s not the gentlest product to use on your beautiful hair. Hair Story reports that many natural shampoo and conditioner today are still made with sodium lauryl sulfate and its close cousin sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and these soaps can cause hair problems, since the soaps are amphiphilic. This means they form extremely strong chemical bonds with both oil and water. When we wash our hair with soap, it not only absorbs oil and grease, but also our scalp’s natural protective barrier. This barrier of sebum keeps our scalp hydrated and protected from allergens, sun and dryness. The detergents then reach the water, which removes dirt and oil from our hair, good and bad, and flushes them down the drain when we rinse. So it is important to pay attention to the key ingredients and choose hair products that promote healthy hair and are gentle on the scalp.

Here are some other ingredients you may want to look for in your favorite natural shampoo and conditioner. As hard as it is to part with your favorite brand of hair care products, it’s important to choose a shampoo that promotes healthy hair.

Cocamidopropyl betaine. Another common ingredient in shampoos, it can cause skin irritation and allergies with prolonged use.

Polyethylene glycol. A thickener that is possibly carcinogenic.

Ethanolamines such as diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). These are emulsifiers or foaming agents. When combined with other chemicals, they can form nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which is a carcinogen.

Silicones such as dimethicone or simethicone. They can make your hair soft and shiny, but they can also cause dryness or damage.

sodium chloride. A thickener that can become irritating.

Preservatives that make products last longer, such as parabens, quaternium-15, bronopol and triclosan. Some preservatives (such as quaternium-15) release formaldehyde, which can cause cancer.

Artificial fragrance. A number of ingredients are used in fragrances and may contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates and polysorbate 20.

Is shampoo harmful to the environment?

Not just your hair and your health