Would you use a bottle of kerosene to wash your hair? What about a jug of anti-freeze as conditioner? No, because that would be absurd but, the truth of the matter is that many of the chemicals that are in some of the hair and beauty products that we use on a daily basis contain these types of ingredients.
The bad news is that a lot of these ingredients have some very serious consequences and poor long-term effects on the body. Did you know that the average person has over 91 toxic, "industrial" chemical ingredients floating around in the body. The majority of these chemicals are foreign to our bodies and cannot be naturally broken down properly for excretion and waste.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is mostly used in anti-freeze and has been linked to cancer, allergies, developmental issues, reproductive issues, immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity, and skin irritation according to the Environmental Working Group. Even in a concentration as low as 2%, it has reportedly shown sensitization and irritation to human skin, eyes and lungs.
You also want to be cautious with this ingredient because it has been classified as a "penetration enhancer." That's right, it allows any other toxic ingredients that you may be putting in your hair or on your body to penetrate the skin and head straight for your bloodstream within minutes. Sounds wonderful, huh? Propylene Glycol can also be spotted on labels under names such as: 1,2-Dihydroxypropane; 2-Hydroxypropanol; Methylethy Glycol; 1,2-Propanediol; Propane-1,2-Diol.
Olefin Sulfonate
Olefin Sulfonate is very comparable to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in its ability to irritate the skin. This ingredient has also been found in a few shampoos that have claimed to be "sulfate free" and is better used for its foaming ability. It is a component of both coconut oil and petroleum but, it is in fact a sulfate. It is a tricky ingredient to formulate due to known stability issues and can also be drying to the hair, scalp and skin when used in high doses.
No one should have to be limited to using ingredients that could potentially harm us. The beauty of being a consumer is that you have a choice and as many larger corporations have jumped aboard the "natural and organic bandwagon," we find that many corporations attempt to cut corners or believe that we don't research these ingredients.
True organic and natural shampoos and conditioners will offer many benefits to your hair and scalp, most of which will be immediately noticeable. Organic products will gently infuse your hair and skin with natural minerals, herbal extracts, and oils. If you are looking for shampoos that stimulate healthy hair growth, look for products that are made with aloe vera, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba to name a few, as these will naturally moisturize your scalp.
References: Environmental Working Group, Paula's Choice, The Natural Haven.
Image Sources: Curly Nikki, My Own
