9 Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo and Conditioner
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You spend time making sure that the ingredients in the food you eat are healthy, but have you thought about the ingredients that you're putting on your hair?
Figuring out what shampoo ingredients to avoid can be tough, but I'm here to help.
If you're like me, you've tried going gluten-free, eating grain-free, soaking your grains, soaking nuts and seeds, going sugar-free, or you've looked at heavy metals, and done work on your stress, thyroid, and adrenals. But have you thought about your shampoo and it's impact on your health?
Think about it this way.
You've heard about medical patches, right? Pharmaceutical companies put meds into patches you can wear on your skin to deliver the drug.
And there are, of course, creams and ointments that deliver medications through your skin.
Well, medicine isn't the only thing that can go through your skin. Some chemicals in beauty products can be absorbed through your skin as well. And the chemicals in shampoo can be absorbed through your scalp, and also through your face and hands when your hair touches those places.
Furthermore, the fragrances in these products sit around your face entering through your nose and mouth as well.
Toxic Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid
Here are some ingredients you might wish to avoid in your shampoo and other personal care products.
Parabens
Methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butylparabens have been found to mimic estrogen in the body, which can disrupt your hormones. Parabens also seem to cause breast tumor cells to grow and proliferate.
Propylene Glycol
According to the MSDS, propylene glycol can be mutagenic (that means it affects genetic material) and cause adverse reproductive and birth defects.
Synthetic Dyes and Colors
Although these dyes are not classified as carcinogens by the WHO and US EPA, there is evidence that they are a big problem. One study found that women who dye their hair regularly are much more likely to develop bladder cancer. Side note: hair highlighting is likely to be less dangerous since the chemicals don't typically go all the way to your scalp.
Fragrance
The terms fragrance and/or parfum on a label can include so many toxic ingredients. If you're like me, the smell of artificial fragrance can really give you a headache. Additionally, fragrances in beauty products are one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde (and formaldehyde releasers) are known carcinogens that can cause irritation, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even hair loss when used in high concentrations. More recent studies link the frequent use of formaldehyde-containing hair straighteners to an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds
PEGs are made by ethoxylation which uses ethylene oxide (a carcinogen) to react with ingredients to make them less harsh for skin. However, in the process, 1-4 dioxane (a carcinogen) is created and often isn't removed from the final product. There is also some concern about the potentially toxic effects of combinations of PEGS, especially when combined with other ingredients, which of course occurs in shampoos and other haircare products.
Diethanolamine (DEA), MEA, and TEA
These are all endocrine disruptors (hormone-disrupting chemicals) and are known to form cancer-causing compounds called nitrates and nitrosamines. According to Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois, “repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers – liver and kidney cancers.”
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
SLS isn't as toxic as most of these other ingredients, but it can cause skin to be damaged and irritated and therefore more vulnerable to other toxins.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a solvent and denaturant (meaning it's a poisonous substance that changes the qualities of other natural substances). Isopropyl alcohol has been associated with headaches, flushing, dizziness, depression, nausea, vomiting, and even coma. That sounds terrible, but since the alcohol quickly evaporates on hair, a more realistic concern with putting some alcohols (propanol, isopropanol, and other drying alcohols) is that they can dry out your hair.
This is all a lot to consider, but it's worth it for better health.
How to Have Healthier Hair
I used to try all kinds of hair products in my “pre-crunchy” days in search of a product that would give me the style I wanted. And I got a perm about twice a year then too.
I understand the wanting your hair to look nice. I really do. But we don't have to sacrifice our health for nice hair. Here are some ways to do avoid the toxins and still look lovely.
1. Avoid Chemical Treatments
Since my “twice-a-year perm days”, I've ditched perms completely and I'm so glad I have. My hair feels healthier, and I don't have any more burned-off sections or singed forehead spots. (Yeah, not kidding about that.)
Skip the perms and go natural if you can.
If you really feel the need to add some color to your hair, try henna or at least do highlights instead of overall color to avoid chemicals being in contact with your scalp.
2. Buy or Make Toxin-free Products
Basically, you should start thinking about your hair products just like you think about what you eat. Read labels and be discerning about what you use on your hair.
Simply put: If it's not safe, don't put it on your head.
Over the years, I've tried a number of natural hair products. I've made my own shampoo (haven't been pleased with the results) and have tried a bunch of more natural shampoos that I didn't really care for. I've considered the “no poo” method, but have heard too many horror stories about hair being ruined after doing this for a few months.
I'm really happy with my Homemade Hair Spray and I use my Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse as well. These DIY Hair Masks are great for intense treatments too. I also use this essential oils for hair growth blend which is nourishing for the scalp.
Non-toxic Shampoos and Hair Care Products
It's hard to find non-toxic haircare that works well but I've found some great solutions.
- Shampoo: Poofy Organics Mighty Mane Shampoo is my favorite all-natural choice for your hair that I truly love. My hair feels so much stronger with this.
- Shampoo Bars: Both Poofy Organics and Rowe Casa have shampoo bars and Rowe Casa has a Conditioner Bar. The shampoo bar didn't work well for me, but many many people love both of their products.
- Leave-In Conditioner: I love Poofy Organics Leave-In Conditioner.
- Detangler: Rowe Casa's Detangler is fabulous and I sometimes use Poofy Organics Leave-In Conditioner as a detangler as well. However, when I use an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, I don't get that many tangles.
- Hair Spritz: Rowe Casa has a great Hair Spritz for hair growth.
- Hair Oil: I really like the Poofy Organics Argan Oil and also this hair oil. They strengthen your hair and nourish your scalp. A little goes a long way with both of these.
- Hairspray and Other Styling Products: Rowe Casa has the BEST clean hairspray I've ever tried (and I've tried a LOT)! Their gel and mousse are nice as well.
You can get 20% off your first order at Rowe Casa with code WNM, and 10% off your first order at Poofy Organics with the same code.
Note: if you end up moving to healthier hair products, your hair might act kind of funky for a while. Typically this is a result of your hair losing the icky coatings. After that, you should be on to naturally nicer, healthier hair.
Hope that helps you move towards a more natural beauty routine. Cause a nice “do” for sure isn't very pretty if it makes you sick.
Now that you know which shampoo ingredients to avoid, will you do it?
Great information. Thanks.
What would you recommend for safe hair color? I don’t want to go grey I’m only 37. I Def don’t want to develop bladder cancer.
Hi Melissa.
Good question. I see this brand has a good rating on EWG: (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2gGZmDP
I am taking an herb that is supposed to be great for hair color. This is my affiliate link there. You might be interested in the reviews and information there. https://www.hyperionherbs.com/?ap_id=WholeNewMom
I would love to have some recommendations for volumizer that doesn’t get gummy or itch.
I have fine swavy hair, and I have struggled with it all my life.
I used Aveda volumizer tonic the other day and it was fantastic! Now itching and burning my scalp. Any suggestions ladies?
I would look at the Beautycounter recommendation in the post. I love it. Holds great and really a little goes a long way.
Try Poofy Organics!
Loved this article!
Thanks much!
I’m so glad I discovered your blog! I was taking topomax for migraine issues and it made my hair fall out. I stopped it 6 mths ago and have been using rogaine to try and get some of it back! The hair loss finally tapered off and I am back to normal there but it still doesn’t seem to be replacing the hair in those areas where the loss was worse. I also have fine curly hair. I cut my hair short above the shoulders. Will your DIY blend help or is the RMO blend just as good? And I would assume I should stop the rogaine? Also- what shampoo would be best for me at this point? Thanks so much!!
Hi Sandy,
I’m glad you are here! And glad your hair loss is tapering it off. I know how hard that can be. I would say do whatever you like re: the make your own or buying the blend. I like my blend but just bought their blend too :). I can’t tell you to stop the rogaine – that’s up to you. I don’t know enough about minoxidil to say but of course it is a medication. I personally have been working on choosing a good shampoo – it’s not easy. It depends what you are looking for. In the post above you can see my reference to Morrocco Method. I like their products but you do need to go b/t different shampoos and you might not want to do that. There is also potentially a detox period. In the Neal’s Yard site I would probably recommend the Seaweed Shampoo. I tried the Rose and Lavender. I like them but feel that since my hair tends to be a little oily I am going to get the Seaweed instead. One of my friends has very fine thin hair and she said she really likes the Seaweed version. They have a 45 day return policy as well. I know others with thyroid issues who said they like the Seaweed Shampoo as well. Let me know if I can be of more help.
OMG – the hair loss has been so upsetting! Thanks so much for your quick responses – can’t wait to see your new blogs (and catch up on the old). I usually do two shampoos (alternating) at once. Right now I have Aveeno and Pureology. I’m almost out of both so wanted to try something that would be good to my hair – and I’ve been slowly moving to organics on many fronts. I also do the migraine trigger diet (mostly) which seems to help. You should look that one up! It’s in the Heal Your Headache book by David Buchholz. It eliminates a lot of preservatives – especially the many forms that MSG takes. You are right – would rather not detox or deal with a lot of shampoos. I usually do shampoo plus conditioner. Does the seaweed smell ok? I was leaning to the lavender! Glad to hear it on the return policy too. Thanks SO much for your help!! I’m just very happy to have discovered your page!! 🙂
I know. Really. I don’t know what Aveeno you are using but they often have things I don’t care for. Both brands seem to have artificial fragrance in them. So here are my thoughts….Again, I really like the MM shampoos, but I have 5 shampoos. I tried their samples. I overall feel my hair looks thicker but find it seems I have buildup in my hair and have heard others say that. The company says it’s detox but I don’t know. When I used the NYR shampoos the back of my hair was the prettiest I think it has ever been. I have fine wavy hair and it almost looked like I had used hot rollers (which I don’t have time for now!). I did feel that those 2 (lavender and rose) were a bit heavy for my bangs and scalp area which is why, in addition to the nourishing quality of seaweed, and the testimonials of 2 friends, I am going to buy that this time. I also know that using a DIY dry shampoo helps me a lot between shampoos and that gives me some fullness as well. I haven’t posted about that but it’s so simple – just some arrowroot, a little clay (sometimes) and depending on your hair color use a little cocoa. I haven’t smelled the seaweed shampoo but it has Rosemary Essential Oil in it so that is what it will smell like. I don’t get migraines, but I should look at that book. Does he caution you against eating gelatin in that book? I have done a lot of research into the MSG thing and some of it is malarky, in my humble opinion. I won’t eat MSG, but some of the other things aren’t well founded. If he is leaning on the Truth in Labeling info just I recommend taking it w/ a grain of salt.
I’m looking at the seaweed shampoo and conditioner now – but got distracted by the mascara and frankincense eye cream!! LOL! I’m super sensitive to stuff – and have been using OBvita organic creams, but don’t think they really help the puffy under eye stuff much. Back to the migraine stuff – he doesn’t say anything about jello. There are major categories to avoid – Caffeine, chocolate (I still eat that!), MSG, processed meats and fishes, cheese and other dairy (aged mainly, you can have fresh), nuts, alcohol and vinegar (you can have clear vinegar and I do ketchup/mayo/mustard), certain fruits/joices, certain veg, fresh baked yeast goods (wait a day – but I don’t), aspartame, and fermented like soy products. The diet seems to have helped me – I think my big triggers are the aged and fermented stuff as well as molds like mushrooms. I really miss the darn parmesan cheese though!! I also have the fine curly and wash every other day. So it sounds like seaweed! Do you also use the frankincense intense eye cream or the mascara?
Yes, the eye creams are really nice. The first ones that have worked for me.
I tried all of the eye creams. Can’t say I know which one works best, but currently I am using the Frankincense Eye and Lip Serum. I have heard repeated testimonials about the Frankincense Intense Eye Cream and just saw a friend the other day who just started using the Frankincense Intense Line and her face is clearly more youthful.
Typically the White Tea Gel is for dark circles and puffiness or irritated eyes from working. Rose protects from aging, the Lip and Eye is technically for fine lines around the eyes, but I think is has really helped my puffiness. The Frankincense should target the lines and puffy. I would say look at the reviews on the UK site and see what you think sounds best and try it. https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/
I love parm cheese too. I love nutritional yeast as an alternative.
I use the mascara. I was using another brand, Ava Anderson, but they had major labeling and ethics issues so I left them. I loved their mascara….but anyhow, at first I didn’t like NYR’s, but now I do. It takes 2 coats and is lighter than the Ava one, but I like how natural, yet enhancing it looks. It doesn’t take a lot of eye makeup remover to remove it either. Hope that helps.
It helps SO much!! The intense eye cream gets great reviews! Was thinking of getting that aging pack – looks like samples of each, but it doesn’t include the intense.
Nutritional yeast is an alternative to parm cheese?? really? Does it taste similar?
Sounds good on the mascara too – I hate having to remove makeup, especially mascara. 🙂
Thanks so much for all the answers!!
Yes, you would have to add the eye cream onto that kit. The kits are fairly new to the company – not sure why they didn’t put the eye cream in there, but seems those are just a separate category.
Nutritional yeast is kind of nutty / cheesy. Like in this recipe.
https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/dorito-flavored-popcorn-dairy-free/
You are welcome!
Hey girl I’m on a generic pill for Topamax. On it a year. Hair hasn’t fell out. But my hair has lost its body. It ust to have so much curl and wave to do it. Now it’s pretty flat. My doctor says it’s just natural aging. But I’m not convinced
My hair went curlier as I got older—-are you sure your hair hasn’t gotten thinner as in the strands are thinner?
I have been using a cleansing conditioner for 10 years and my hair is extremely healthy so I would not be “scared” of no-poo. My stylist told me that my color lasted longer than any of her clients and asked me what products I used. If you want to color your hair, don’t you at least want the results to last as long as possible? Thanks for the helpful tips!
Yes, of course you want that! Thank you!
I too have been using WEN (no poo) for years and also color my hair and my stylist has asked me what shampoo or product I use on my hair because it was so healthy and so manageable. I am a senior and have thin hair but after I wash it brings the fluff back into it very nice. I can go up to four days sometimes before I need to wash my hair again and not look greasy. I am very satisfied with this product.
Thanks. I have heard about it and it’s tempting, but their ingredients leave a little to be desired. Have you looked at them?
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Amodimethicone, Polysorbate-60, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone (a “6” on EWG)
Fragrance is a big problem: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/dangers-of-fragrances/
I think you would like Morocco Method if you like Wen. I think I have information in the post – check them out :)!
A HUGE problem ingredient in most shampoos, conditioners, soaps, cleansing wipes of many types, detergents, lotions, makeup, some toilet papers and more is the ingredient methylisothiazolinone (and the many varieties of isothiazolinone that have different prefixes). This is a neurotoxin and a chemical that can cause you to develop an allergy to it. Many people have mystery rashes and eczema that they attribute to extra sensitive skin and can’t figure out why even though they use all the “free and clear” or “sensitive skin” products they still react. Those products are free of fragrance and dyes but NOT isothiazolinones. It’s even in brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs.Meyers that claim to be hypoallergenic. It was the 2013 Allergen of the Year as voted by the American Contact Dermatitis Society yet many Drs., allergists and Dermatologists don’t think to test for it via a Patch test. Google it – VERY nasty and one that people need to hear about. Thanks for all you do!!
Yuck. Thanks so much for sharing. I hadn’t heard of that and you would think that I should have.