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Writer's pictureLatara Boodie, Lifestyle Writer

5 Ingredients to Stay Away From



When using our products for the first time, many of our customers mention that our shampoo does not seem to sud and create that vast white foam they are used to, and our conditioner does not give them the slippage they associate with “well-moisturised hair”. Well, girl, we have some news for you. The reactions that we have grown to associate with “good” and “effective products are from chemicals that are not supposed to be in your hair!

But before we dive into the top 5 harmful chemicals common in most mainstream hair products, you should have a solid understanding of why it’s necessary to eliminate toxic products from your hair care routine. First, your health is a high priority (if not, the top). It can be impacted by various chemicals absorbed through the skin that act as allergy triggers, carcinogens, and even endocrine disruptors.

The following five ingredients will do everything from strip your hair of its natural oils to cause significant build-up on your scalp. So, be sure to avoid these five nasties and be on the lookout for their common pseudonyms often used to mask their true identities.

1.Parabens & Methylisothiazolinone

These preservatives can cause skin sensitivities, whether that’s an allergic reaction or rash. Some research points out that it can contribute to organ toxicity as well. Parabens and Methylisothiazolinone are so harmful that The European Commission has banned them from cosmetics that come into long-term contact with skin.

Alternative names to look for: MIT, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and Isothiazolinone


2.Mineral Oil

This oil can lead to build-up on the scalp, and it causes strands to become stiff and lifeless as a result of being weighed down by leftover product residue.

Alternative names to look for: Petroleum, White Petroleum, Paraffin, Liquid Paraffin, Liquid Petrolatum, and Paraffin Wax


3. Sulphates

These cleansing agents are too harsh for the scalp and lead to dryness and irritation. Because of this, they can also strip natural oils from your strands.

Alternative names are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, SLS, SLES, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.

4. Chemical UV Filters

Although there’s still ongoing research, some studies suggest chemical UV filters can mimic hormones and contribute to hair loss. Plus, they aren’t too great for the environment, being that UV filters can accumulate in water, causing a build-up inside the cells of fish and other marine life.

Alternative names to look for: Benzophenone and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate


5. Phthalates


Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals that are used as solvents in cosmetic products. They have shown that they can damage the liver, kidneys, and reproductive systems.

Alternative names to look for: phthalate esters.

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