The scalp is one of the most absorbent parts of your body. What you put on it can permeate quickly and directly into your bloodstream. From there, toxins can accumulate in your organs and tissues.

Shampoo Without Harmful Ingredients

Choosing a non-toxic shampoo for you and your family means reading the label. If we buy hair products based on facts and not on advertising hype, we can have beautiful hair without harming our bodies.

Fragrance

Fragrance, sometimes listed as parfum, is a known irritant, especially for children, and is completely unnecessary in a shampoo. Not only can synthetic fragrances be allergens, but some are related to neurotoxicity.¹

Fortunately, it's easy to find shampoos that are either fragrance-free or have a scent derived from natural, harmless sources. Examples include Terressentials Fragrance-free Pure Earth Hair Wash (smells wonderful, but contains only certified organic herbs, like lavender and mint ), California Baby Fragrance-Free Shampoo, and Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo.

Detergents

But perhaps more dangerous than perfume is an ingredient common to most commercial shampoos: sodium lauryl sulfate. A synthetic detergent, sodium lauryl sulfate does a good job cleaning the hair and scalp - but at great cost. Skin rashes, eye irritation, and even hair loss are possible side effects.²

Rinsing the shampoo out quickly can help prevent toxic reactions, but shampoos made without sodium lauryl sulfate - like Aubrey Organics' Camomile Shampoos or Jason Rosewater Shampoo - are better choices.

Carcinogens

Sodium lauryl sulfate is not, by itself, considered carcinogenic. However, combined with other chemicals that may be in your shampoo, it can cause the formation of nitrosames. Nitrosames do cause possible cancer-risks. Yep, right on your head and through your scalp. So before lathering up, make sure nitrosame-causing chemicals are not on the label. These chemicals are usually called TEA (triethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine), or MEA (monnoethanolamine). Avoid them.

Shampoos without TEA, DEA, or MEA include Logona Balance Shampoo-Lemon Balm, and Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo.

Parabens

And what, exactly, are parabens? Browsing the shampoo aisle at the beauty store, you'll find lots of products with ingredients such as methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and sobutylparaben. These are all preservatives. There's nothing wrong with preservatives. Natural preservatives like citrus seed extracts, and essential oils from peppermint, sweet orange, or rosemary, are totally safe. And they smell good, too. But the paraben family can cause allergic reactions and sensitivities in adults and children.

Fortunately, there are lots of paraben-free shampoos, like Miessence Desert Flower Shampoo and Cocoon's Organic Body and Hair Wash.

Beautiful, and Healthy Too

Beautiful hair is part of a healthy body and intelligent lifestyle choices. Lathering up with safe, non-toxic shampoos is one choice you can make for yourself and your children. Can you have gorgeous hair without the worry of toxins entering your bloodstream through your scalp? Absolutely!

      Footnotes

      ¹ Environmental Working Group, The Skin Deep Report

      ² Mary Beth Janssen, Naturally Healthy Hair, p. 69.