Wondering if organic shampoo is worth the higher price tag? For many people, buying natural personal care products brings peace of mind. We tend to feel more secure when the label contains ingredients we recognize rather than a list of unpronounceable chemicals.
But are traditional shampoos really hazardous to our health?
Toxic Chemicals in Shampoos
Although the dangers of ingredients commonly found in personal care products have, at times, been exaggerated—sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has not been proven to be a carcinogen, for example, despite widespread rumors to the contrary—chemicals in many shampoos may still pose a health hazard to many individuals. Among some of the suspect ingredients are:
Methylisothiazolinone: Used as a preservative in shampoos and lotions, methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is an allergen for many people. Moreover, University of Pittsburgh researchers found that MIT can affect the growth of developing nerve cells, which suggests implications for the health of fetuses in pregnant women who use products containing this ingredient.
Parabens: Parabens are also preservatives used by the cosmetic industry. Although there’s been no solid evidence that labels them as a carcinogen, a University of Reading study found parabens concentrated in the tumors of breast cancer patients.
Diethanolamine: Diethanolamine (DEA) is a compound that is used as a foaming agent in shampoos and other personal care products. University of North Carolina researchers have linked DEA to abnormal brain development of fetal mice. However, the researchers cautioned that the results do not necessarily apply to humans.
Other shampoo ingredients—such as SLS, propylene glycol, and alpha hydroxy acids—are irritants for many people. For folks who are sensitive to allergens, using shampoos with these chemicals could result in dermatitis, rashes, or headaches. Benefits of Natural Shampoos Buying and using organic or natural shampoos is one way of avoiding many of the toxic chemicals found in traditional shampoos. And most contain familiar ingredients that have a positive effect on your hair and health, such as:
Rosemary: Rosemary stimulates the hair and scalp, and it’s commonly found in natural shampoos. It also conditions the skin and improves the vitality of the scalp.
Green tea: More than just a tasty beverage, green tea is known for its antioxidant properties. It protects the hair against free radicals to preserve its health.
Shea butter: Found in an African tree, shea butter is a well-known moisturizer. This makes it the ideal natural ingredient in shampoo designed for dry hair. It also helps moisturize the scalp and prevent dandruff.
Grapefruit:Citrus ingredients, such as grapefruit derivatives, tend to be packed with healthy antioxidants. They also protect the hair and coat it to create a beautiful shine.
Jojoba:Common in shampoos and other personal care products, jojoba oil is extremely moisturizing. It softens the skin and helps maintain the strength of your hair.
Organic shampoos contain numerous other natural ingredients, such as lavender, coconut, chamomile, rosewater, aloe, and wheat protein. Many of these ingredients offer health benefits to both your body and your hair.
Remember: Not every natural shampoo eschews the use of toxic chemicals. Smart consumers carefully read the ingredient label to find the most natural products. When buying shampoo, first look for ingredients that are familiar to you—and, in some cases, can be found in your kitchen! The healthiest shampoos tend to be the ones with recognizable ingredients and few chemicals.—Carla Firey Shives