Harmful components of shampoos - what to look for when
AT composition of all shampoos contains various harmful components that accumulate in the body, can harm human health in general.
They can cause allergies, provoke aging, lead to nervous disorders and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. But despite this, these substances cannot be excluded from the composition of modern shampoos, because without this cosmetic products will lose their properties.
Moreover, the human body is capable of self-cleaning, and health problems, in most cases, begin when the immune system is impaired.
Choosing the right shampoo will help reduce the risk of adverse effects, but for this you need to know how negatively this or that ingredient may affect your health.
Detergent - a mandatory component of any shampoo
The most harmful components of the components that make up shampoos are detergents, which relate to surfactants. They have detergent properties and foam well, so that various types of dust and grease contaminants are easily removed from the hair.
If we place the detergents in order to reduce the adverse effect, the list will look like this:
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - ammonium lauryl sulfate;
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - ammonium laureth sulfate;
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - sodium lauryl sulfate;
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate - sodium laureth sulfate;
• TEA Lauril Sulfate - TEA lauryl sulfate;
• TEA Laureth Sulfate - Laureth Sulfate TEA.
The first three substances, as a rule, are always components of cheap shampoos. They are recognized carcinogenic, easily penetrate the skin, accumulate in the body, and with disorders in the immune system can lead to health problems.
If you find these three components in your makeup, then the best option would be to throw out these products. Laureth sodium sulfate is less harmful than sodium lauryl sulfate.
The last two substances, in most cases, used in expensive shampoos and less harmful. Manufacturers always indicate the type of detergent that is part of the shampoo, its name is first on the label in the list of detergent components.
Insofar as detergents can dry hair, depriving them of their vitality, various shampoos are added softeners, which make hair obedient. That is, they are able, to a certain extent, to neutralize the effect of detergents used. In this connection it is necessary pay attention to the fact that the composition of the shampoo were:
• Сocamidopropyl Betaine - Cocamidopropyl betaine - compatible with other components, acts as a light conditioner, is antistatic. Used in baby shampoos, it is considered an expensive component.
• Decyl polyglucose - decyl glucoside - reduces the irritating effect of aggressive cleaners, suitable for sensitive skin. This component is derived from corn and coconuts.
• Glycereth cocoate - Glycerate Cocoat;
• Disodium cocoamphodiacetate - sodium cocoamphodiacetate;
• Cocoamidopropyl Sulfo Betaine - cocamidopropyl sulfobetaine.
Preservatives
Without this additive, modern shampoo simply cannot exist, it is preservatives that retain its properties and prevent the growth of microorganisms in the shampoo, which can cause allergies. However, not all preservatives are harmless.
For preservatives include:
- Formaldehyde (formaldehyde). This substance belongs to carcinogens, but it is widely used in the manufacture of shampoos as a preservative. Formaldehyde is toxic and can have a negative effect on the organs of vision and respiration, as well as worsen the condition of the skin.
Formaldehyde can also be hidden under the following names: DMDM Hydantoin diazolidinyl urea, Imidazalidol urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, monosodium salt, N- (Hydroxymethyl) glycine and quaternium-15
- Parabens (parabens). These are preservatives that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Parabens are substances that can cause allergies. Accumulating in tissues, they can lead to hormonal imbalance and the development of malignant tumors. Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, as well as propylparaben are parabens.
- Sodium benzonate or benzoic acid - is a natural preservative, contained in lingonberries and cranberries, is also used in the food industry (E211);
- Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol).
Thickeners
Thickeners are responsible for the viscosity and density of the shampoo, as well as foam stabilizers, these include:
- Cocamide DEA (Cocamide DEA), used as a thickener, foaming agent, antistatic agent, softener, etc.
- Cocamide MEA (Cocamide MEA);
- PEG-4 thickener monoethanolamide rapeseed oil;
Other components of the shampoo
In addition to harmful surface-active substances, preservatives and sweeteners in the composition of the shampoo are many ingredients that have varying degrees of usefulness. These are various paints, fragrances and antibacterial components. It is necessary to refuse the shampoos containing:
• Diethanolamine (dietanolamine). This substance has moisturizing properties, but it can provoke the occurrence of allergies. Shampoos with this component can have a negative effect on the respiratory system.
• Mineral oils (paraffins, vaseline). These substances are obtained from oil, they are capable of forming a water-repellent film, but at the same time they retain not only moisture, but also various harmful substances, disturbing the metabolism. In addition, they prevent the saturation of hair and skin with oxygen.
When choosing a shampoo, remember that high-quality shampoos with a minimum amount of harmful substances are usually sold in pharmacies. However, they have weak washing properties, slight foaming and lack of color and odor. In addition, you can always make shampoo at home.