Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo and Conditioner
If you’re trying to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and soft, it's the harmful ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner. Some ingredients can cause dryness, irritation, or buildup, which can leave hair looking dull and feeling rough. Here’s a simple breakdown of ingredients to avoid and why skipping them can lead to healthier hair.
1. Sulfates: Overpowering Cleaners
What They Are:
Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are strong cleansers that help shampoos foam up and remove dirt and oil. Basically the suds that you see when rubbing it together with the palm of your hands.
Why Skip Them?
Sulfates strip away the natural oils that keep hair soft and moisturized. Over time, this can leave hair dry, frizzy, and more prone to damage. They’re especially harsh on color-treated or curly hair, which needs more moisture.
What to Look For Instead:
Choose a sulfate-free shampoo that uses milder, plant-based cleansers.
2. Parabens: Preservatives With Possible Health Concerns
What They Are:
Parabens are chemicals added to shampoos and conditioners to keep them fresh by preventing bacteria growth. Look out for methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben on labels.
Why Skip Them?
Parabens may mess with your hormones because they can mimic estrogen in the body. While research is still ongoing, some people prefer to avoid them due to concerns about long-term health effects.
What to Look For Instead:
Go for paraben-free products or ones with natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract.
3. Silicones: Fake Shine That Leads to Buildup
What They Are:
Silicones, like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, are ingredients that coat hair to make it look shiny and feel smooth.
Why Skip Them?
Silicones are only a temporary fix; they don’t actually nourish hair. Over time, they can build up on the hair and block moisture, making hair look dull and feel heavy. They’re also tough to wash out, so you often need stronger cleansers (like sulfates!) to remove them.
What to Look For Instead:
Look for silicone-free products that use natural oils like argan or jojoba oil for shine and moisture without the buildup.
For more information on jojoba oil, visit
4. Synthetic Fragrances: Hidden Irritants
What They Are:
If you see "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label, it’s usually a mix of synthetic chemicals designed to give the product a specific smell.
Why Skip Them?
Synthetic fragrances can contain dozens of hidden chemicals, some may irritate your scalp or cause allergic reactions. For people with sensitive skin, fragrances can be especially irritating.
What to Look For Instead:
Try fragrance-free products or ones scented with natural essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, which are gentler on the scalp.
5. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols): Petroleum-Based Thickeners
What They Are:
PEGs are chemicals used to thicken shampoos and conditioners or make them feel creamy.
Why Skip Them?
PEGs can be contaminated with toxic byproducts, which may be linked to health concerns. They also strip your hair’s natural oils (sebum), which can lead to dryness over time.
What to Look For Instead:
Products thickened with natural ingredients, like aloe vera is a better choice.
Healthier Choices for Better Hair
When choosing shampoo and conditioner, go for options labeled as sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free to keep your hair and scalp happy.
These products skip the harsh chemicals and use plant-based or natural ingredients to keep your hair healthy and moisturized. The result? Softer, shinier hair that’s genuinely healthy, not just temporarily smooth.
FAQs
Which ingredients should not be in shampoo?
Any ingredient ending in ‘-cone’ is a type of silicone. You’ll also want to steer clear of ingredients ending in ‘-conol’, ‘-xane’, and ‘-silane’. Also, avoid anything that says ‘parabens’ and that includes paraben in their name as well.
What shampoo and conditioner is the safest to use?
If you’re searching for a sulfate-free shampoo or a fragrance-free conditioner, these clean beauty brands are an excellent choice to consider:
SheaMoisture.
Hello Bello
Faith in Nature based in the UK
GISOU also based in the UK
How to check for bad ingredients in shampoo?
To spot harmful ingredients in your shampoo, begin by checking the product label's ingredient list.
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