What Are The Bad Ingredients In Hair Products?

You’ve heard the buzz about parabens, silicones and, sulphates that they should be avoided in your hair products. But are they the only ingredients to be avoided? And why are they damaging or risky when included in hair products? Some ingredients are not only damaging to hair but they can also be harmful to health. 

Our blog Natural Ingredients In Hair Products Are They Worth The Additional Cost, discusses the ingredients that you should look for in products that moisturize and nourish and have healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to promote hair health and integrity. 

But whilst we look for what is needed what about the things that should be avoided, that are harmful, hazardous and toxic? We have created a list of the ingredients to be avoided as an easy reference guide. It’s handywhen your shopping for products, or if you take a peek at the ingredients listed on hair products in your bathroom cabinet. 

The ingredient list below details what is harmful, what shouldn’t be in your products with a definite focus on their documented impact on health.

Alcohol Denat, Ethanol, Isopropyl,Propyl, SD alcohol #4 – can cause dryness, irritation, and breakouts.

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate – in high concentrations this molecule may cause severe irritation to eyes and skin. Inhalation may cause irritation to the respiratory system. Ingestion may cause irritation

BHA & BHT – is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” while BHT has been linked to an increased—or sometimes decreased—risk of cancer in animals

Calcium Hydroxide – can produce burns, painful irritation and necrosis, and exposure to the eyes may cause severe pain and vision loss that can be temporary or permanent.

Coal Tar Dyes – contains several carcinogenic compounds

DBP (Dibutyl Phtalate)– numerous harmful effects on humans like disrupting hormone activity

Diethanolamine (DEA)– can cause damage to skin and eye irritations can cause liver cancerous and precancerous changes to skin, and serious damage to health from prolonged exposure

Formaldehyde or Methylene Glycol – a respiratory irritant that causes chest pain shortness of breath, coughing nose and throat irritation cancer and risk of asthma and allergies 

Fragrance (Or Parfum)– is the biggest cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.A seriously red and itchy rash, or other allergic reactions like a headache or asthma. 

Lead Acetate(common in hair dyes) – lead exposure can raise blood pressure and damage organs.

Methylisothiazolinone – is a preservative in high concentrations it can be a skin irritant and even cause chemical burns. A toxic ingredient that could cause nerve damage

Mineral Oil (Paraffin Oil) – mineral oil coats the skin/hair like plastic wrap, disrupting the skin’s natural immune barrier and inhibiting its ability to absorb the ‘natural moisture factor’ (moisture and nutrition).

Siloxanes & Silicones– is almost like rubber and/or plastic. It is used as a sealant against water and even air. It is not a natural ingredient, and its side effects are bad for our hair. It gives the hair the illusion of shine, it is a fake shine from the plastic. 

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)– can cause skin and eye irritations

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)– a skin irritant, that can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Parabens (propylparaben, butylparaben, or methylparaben)– mimics estrogen and has been found in tumors. 

PEG Compounds – may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Ethylene oxide a known human carcinogen can also harm the nervous system and a developmental toxicant that may interfere with human development. 1,4-dioxane is a possible human carcinogen.

Petroletum – derived from crude oil has the chemical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure to high levels of PAHs  several cancers, including skin, lung, bladder, liver and certain digestive system cancers a protective coating that traps moisture.

Propylene Glycol (PG) & Butylene Glycol – at toxic levels, propylene glycol has been found to cause seizures and severe neurological symptoms. There have also been cases of nausea, vertigo and strange sensations.

Retinyl Palmitate – developmental and reproductive toxicity. Can cause human reproductive issues. 

Stearalkonium Chloride – is a low hazard ingredient that raises concerns regarding organ system toxicity and irritation. 

Triethanolamine – is a human skin, immune system and respiratory toxicant.

Triclosan – abnormal endocrine system/thyroid hormone signaling. Weakening of immune system. 

Are there ingredients that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments section below.