So I’ve recently joined the No-‘Poo movement, avoiding harmful shampoo ingredients that can cause damage to your hair and scalp, even leading to hair loss. Here are some ingredients to avoid if you value your hair and want it to be shiny and healthy:
Formaldehyde and Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
Formaldehyde, a suspected human carcinogen found in various brands of shampoos, can cause headaches and respiratory problems. Formaldehyde may also cause damage to the DNA in some individuals. MIT, which is a biocide, also ends up on the ingredient list of some shampoos, according to the Organic Consumers Association. MIT can damage the nervous system and inhibit the growth and development of specialized neuron extensions, which are responsible for cell communication.
Phthalates and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Phthalates are industrial compounds found in shampoos that enter the body through the skin and wreak havoc on the endocrine system. In fact, phthalates are associated with male obesity, insulin resistance and reduced sperm production. Sodium lauryl sulfate, another bad shampoo ingredient, creates lather. It also cleans car engines. Northwestern Health Sciences University explains that sodium lauryl sulfate, found in some shampoo formulas, may actually alter your skin’s structure, allowing for deeper chemical penetration. Deep penetration makes it easier for dangerous chemicals to enter your blood stream.
Triclosan and Paraphenylenediamine
The University of Vermont lists triclosan as an antibacterial found in shampoos that interferes with normal bacterial levels in the body with continued use. Dilution in water can cause triclosan to mutate into a form of dioxin. Paraphenylenediamine, or 1,4-diaminobenzene, is a contact allergen that is often used in the manufacture of black hair dyes and shampoos.
Extremely common ingredients
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos)
Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos)
Less common ingredients
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Thiosulfate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Alkyl Sodium Sulfate
Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
TEA-Dodecylbenzene
Sodium C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate
