4 Nasties Lurking In Your Shampoo

While we use many different products and chemicals to take care of ourselves, those products can often contain things that aren’t ideal for our health. While eventually, many of those chemicals and agents become banned, we also need to be diligent and make sure that we’re aware of what products we’re using. 

Many shampoos contain various potentially harmful chemicals, including sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Here’s a brief overview of these four “nasties” and why they are potentially harmful.

Sulfates

Sulfates are a group of chemicals used in shampoos to create a lather. However, some sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), can be harsh and dry on the hair and scalp. 

Sulfates can also strip the hair of its natural oils, making it more brittle and prone to breakage. If you have hair that’s naturally quite dry, the damaging effects of sulfates will be even more noticeable.

Parabens

Parabens are a type of preservative that is commonly used in shampoos and other personal care products. However, some research has suggested that parabens can be absorbed through the skin and may have estrogen-like effects, which are potentially harmful. The adverse effects are observable in both men and women and are not something to overlook.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and are commonly found in fragrances and other personal care products. Research has suggested that phthalates can be absorbed through the skin and may have hormone-disrupting effects, which could potentially be harmful.

Synthetic fragrances

Many shampoos and other personal care products contain synthetic fragrances and chemical compounds that create a pleasant scent. However, synthetic fragrances can irritate the skin and may contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as phthalates. 

In addition, the exact chemicals contained in synthetic fragrances are often not disclosed on product labels, so it can be difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are exposing themselves to. If you see a label that notes a fragrance but doesn’t explain what’s in it, it’s generally best to steer clear.

Like us, you’ll likely be surprised by how common these four disagreeable chemicals are in products such as soap and shampoo. It’s important to be aware of what’s in the products we use, but once we have that knowledge, what are we supposed to do about it?

If you’re looking for an alternative to shampoos that don’t contain any nasty chemicals, you might want to check out natural shampoo soap bars. They’re made from natural ingredients, with natural oils and fragrances that are highly beneficial for your scalp and hair. While it might seem a slight difference, it’s a small but significant part of the bigger self-care puzzle.