Transparency regarding ingredients in the hair care industry remains a rarity. The majority of consumers are unaware of what exactly they're applying to their hair. They lack knowledge about the composition, production processes, and the potential adverse effects on personal health. You shouldn't have to fret over every ingredient in your hair care routine and its short and long-term consequences.
Here are some unexpected ingredients to watch out for that other brands might be adding to your hair care regimen, potentially impacting both your health and the environment.
1. Parabens
These synthetic chemicals are commonly used as preservatives to extend product shelf life. They are prevalent in various beauty products, particularly those with high water content like shampoos and conditioners. However, using products primarily composed of water not only means you're getting shortchanged but also exposes you to a cocktail of chemicals. Parabens, with their antimicrobial properties, are effective against fungi and bacteria. What's alarming is that everyday items, including makeup, moisturizers, cleaners, sunscreens, deodorants, shaving gels, and toothpaste, often contain parabens. Moreover, cosmetics frequently contain combinations of different paraben types, with methyl- and ethyl parabens being commonly used together. Butylparaben is typically used alone. The complexity of these chemical names is a major red flag.
Even more concerning:
Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting hormone function. This interference affects reproductive system functioning, development, fertility, and birth outcomes in both males and females. Additionally, they can hinder hormone production. Parabens also pose environmental threats; even trace amounts can harm coral reefs. They've been detected in surface waters, fish, and sediments. When combined with chlorinated tap water, they can form chlorinated paraben byproducts, the toxicity of which remains largely unknown.
The fact that corporations and regulatory bodies permit the inclusion of these substances in products is deeply disconcerting.
2. "Fragrance"
What could be wrong with wanting to smell good? Often, the first thing you do before purchasing a product is take a whiff. However, the term "fragrance" is merely a cover-up for the undisclosed ingredients used to create a particular scent. While fragrance itself isn't a chemical, its presence on product labels should raise suspicions. Companies aren't required to reveal the constituents of their "fragrance" due to proprietary concerns. Essentially, it's a trade secret shielded from disclosure, even from regulators or manufacturers. You'll find "fragrance" listed on countless consumer goods, especially cosmetics, personal care items, and cleaning products. It's nearly impossible to avoid.
A single "fragrance" can contain anywhere from 50 to 300 distinct chemical ingredients. A 2018 study revealed that three-quarters of the toxic chemicals detected in 140 tested products originated from fragrance. If you thought some of your personal care products might contain harmful chemicals, you've underestimated the extent by about 75%.
In essence, a hair product might seem transparent by highlighting beneficial ingredients while concealing harmful ones behind the veil of "fragrance." It's unfortunate, but even in 2021, skepticism is warranted.
3. Phthalates
Phthalates serve to artificially soften hair, enhance spreadability, improve absorption, and prolong fragrance longevity. However, their long-term effects are concerning, potentially leading to obesity, allergies, various cancers, and infertility, regardless of gender. Phthalates constitute a group of chemicals used to impart flexibility to plastics, making them less prone to breakage. They're present in products such as detergents, personal care items, beauty products, and even toys. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people are also exposed to phthalates through food and beverages stored in containers containing these chemicals.
Studies have revealed that men with high phthalate concentrations experience a 20% decline in fertility, leading to longer periods to conceive compared to those with lower concentrations. The legality of such chemicals raises questions about the priorities of those responsible—manufacturers producing these items and regulatory bodies approving them.
4. Sulfates
Sulfates, commonly found in hair care products, serve to strip oils and dirt from the hair. While effective cleansers, they can excessively dry the hair and leave the scalp prone to irritation. Individuals with naturally dry, curly, or frizzy hair may benefit from avoiding sulfates, which can exacerbate dryness and frizz due to increased friction resulting from the removal of natural oils and moisture. Those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis may experience itching and inflammation of the scalp after using sulfate-containing shampoos.
In conclusion, the complexity of ingredient lists often discourages consumers from scrutinizing them, highlighting a significant issue. Despite FDA approval, harmful chemicals find their way into common consumer goods with minimal oversight. Furthermore, some of these companies are household names with decades of presence in the market.
But here's the good news: our products are free from these harmful ingredients—and they work better too!