Here is a savvy guest post from a HTHG reader and hair blogger/writer named Abby. We thought you would all like an informative list of chemical ingredients to avoid in your hair and beauty products. I feel very strongly and personally about this subject and I hope that you will take the time to read and consider and share this information. We all need to be informed about what we are buying and consuming and putting into our bodies. And we need to teach our children to do the same.

The skin is your biggest bodily organ, and your hair is an extension of your skin. Everything you put in and on it becomes part of your system. Love and honor it. #shamphree

10 ingredients to avoid in your beauty routine

Be honest – do you take time to check the product label before buying a hair care product? Or you base your purchasing decisions on chic packaging and the like? If you said yes to the latter, then I got some news for you – you could be putting your hair, skin, and body at risk to a whole range of damage.

Take note of the top ingredients that are found in a few hair care products that can have damaging effect to your general beauty and health. Thus, it goes without saying that you need to steer clear of them:

1. Formaldehyde

A lot of hair care products have been identified to contain formaldehyde as an ingredient. This chemical is suspected to have carcinogenic effects and thought to cause respiratory illnesses and even cancer. The biggest concern about the manufacture of most cosmetic products containing formaldehyde, including hair and skin care, is that they are often not listed as an ingredient.

2. Propylene Glycol

This product offers no benefit to your hair but added to the formula to prevent the product from freezing during the shipment process. This chemical has been known to trigger allergic reactions and make alterations to your skin structure such that harmful toxins can penetrate through your skin and enter the bloodstream.

3. Synthetic Fragrances

Hair care products containing synthetic fragrances cause damage to hair because they are made of chemicals known as phthalates. Aside from causing damage to hair with overexposure, it has been associated with other conditions such as infertility and birth defects or sperm damage in men.

4. Synthetic Colors

Artificial colors added to hair care products offer no benefit at all. And yet, they are known to trigger skin sensitivity when comes in contact with the skin and even result to skin irritation. Other possible health impacts remain unknown and subject to further investigation.

5. Aminomethyl Proponal

This ingredient is used to adjust the pH levels in hair care products like color and straighteners. However, it has been known to be highly toxic, which makes it dangerous when exposed to humans.

6. DEA or Diethanolamine

This ingredient acts as an emulsifier for hair care products. However, it can oftentimes be used together with other chemicals such as Triethanolamine or TEA that can be dangerous to your skin and lead to eye irritation. Be extra cautious when buying natural hair care products because a lot of companies manufacturing them had been caught using it in creating formulas but not listing it in the label.

7. Petroleum or Mineral Oil

You can find these ingredients in hair care products like pomades and greases but offer no benefits to your hair whatsoever. It even blocks the hair shaft from absorbing moisture from the natural oils produced by the scalp. Hence, it is best to go for hair care products containing natural oils such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil.

8. Coal Tar

You should be wary about anti-dandruff products because most of them contain this particular ingredient. However, a lot of manufacturers do not list it in the label and they use other terms such as “medi-tar” or “clinitar” to disguise its presence in the formula. One reason why you need to avoid hair care products that contain coal tar is due to its carcinogenic properties. Apart from the risk of acquiring cancer, it is also believed to cause headaches, asthma attacks, fatigue, and allergic reactions.

9.  Parabens

This is made up of a combination of chemicals commonly used in shampoos and conditioners, which include ethyl, butyl, methyl, and propyl. They are added into the formula to fight bacteria and extend the product’s shelf life. But several research studies are currently being conducted to determine the truth behind claims that parabens can lead to breast cancer.

10. Sulfate (also known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS)

This ingredient is used in hair care products due to its foaming and cleaning properties. However, they can get extremely harsh and strip away natural oils from your hair to make it more prone to breakage. There are a few studies claiming that it is a potential carcinogen although no real evidence has been shown that link it to any type of cancer yet.

Savvy consumers are more vigilant with their buying choices these days, particularly when it comes to products they use on their hair. Opt for chemical-free alternatives or hair care products that utilize natural ingredients that not only enrich your hair, but protect your body from further harm.

Author Byline:

Abby is a writer/social media manager for My Hair Care. She offers tips, tutorials, and other useful information with regards to hair care for all types of hair problems and types. You can read more articles from the official My Hair Care blog here.

Email: abbypringles30@gmail.com
Pinterest: pinterest.com/abbycastro
Blog: http://www.davaofoodguide.blogspot.com