Buying organic shampoos can be a difficult task. Have you heard of the term “greenwashing”? It is a term used to describe the deceptive practice of hiding unpleasant information through marketing and advertising. When it comes to organic shampoos, greenwashing is a widely used practice. A company may claim to use all-natural and organic ingredients, while at the same time overlooking the fact that their formulas also contain toxic and irritating chemicals . This can be especially dangerous for people with sensitive skin and scalp conditions who need absolutely pure formulas (such as seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, psoriasis, and hair loss).
If you’ve been looking for a truly organic shampoo, then you’ve come to the right place. We have set the bar very high for this list of the best recommendations . Not only does each shampoo in our research contain organic and all-natural ingredients, but you will not find sulfates (to see what sulfates are click here), parabens, irritating foaming agents, phthalates, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, ethoxylated ingredients, polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, triclosan, TEA / DEA, synthetic fragrances and colors, and countless other bad ingredients commonly found in shampoos. All ingredients have been thoroughly researched and verified against the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to ensure safe use .
That said, finding the right organic shampoo for your hair type can be a process of trial and error. If you are switching from synthetic hair products to organic / natural products, it is important to know that it may take some time for your hair to detoxify and adjust properly. Since many organic shampoo formulas do not contain harsh detergents or foaming agents, it may take several washes to completely remove any excess residue or buildup. You can speed up this process with a simple apple cider vinegar hair detox.. You just have to mix ¼ cup of organic apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water and rinse your hair well with this mixture once a week. This will help remove residual dirt without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
If you are interested in other types of shampoos, here you will find The Best Anti-Residue Shampoos .
We also have a list of the Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos and their Benefits .
Index
Bad ingredients commonly found in shampoos
The ingredient list for each and every personal care product is worth studying. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an age where the brand can simply be trusted to be totally honest about its ingredients and their safety. While the list of irritating and potentially toxic ingredients that can be found in shampoos is almost endless, there are some bad ingredients that appear more frequently than others.. Here are some of the ingredients that appear frequently in many products that are marketed as “organic” and “all natural.” It is important to note that not all the ingredients listed below are necessarily toxic or harmful to health; many of them are simply harsh, highly irritating and should be avoided for the benefit of the skin.
SULPHATES / SLS / ALS / SODIUM COCONUT SULPHATE
Detergents and surfactants that can be found in industrial cleaning products. May cause scalp, eye and skin irritation . It can cause hormonal imbalances. They contain carcinogen, dioxane, due to manufacturing processes.
COCAMIDOPROPIL BETAINE
It is used to produce foam and is labeled “natural” because it is derived from coconuts. It is known to cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, skin irritation such as burning and itching, and can contribute to dermatitis . It is contaminated with carcinogenic nitrosamines.
PARABENS
Inexpensive preservatives used in cosmetic products. “The Environment Working Group” estimates that almost 60% of all cosmetic products contain parabens . Studies have shown that parabens can be absorbed through our skin and into our bloodstream where they then accumulate in our cells. Parabens are xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt our natural hormonal balance. A 2004 British study discovered parabens within breast cancer tumors , leading to fears that there might be a link between paraben exposure and breast cancer.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Commonly derived as a by-product of petroleum and can be found in a variety of liquid skin care products, as well as antifreeze, brake fluid, and paints. It is used as a solvent, stabilizer, and moisturizer in many beauty products. Potentially toxic to kidneys and liver function. “The Environmental Working Group” notes that the use of PG has been linked to contact dermatitis and irritation in humans.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PINS)
Polyethylene glycol, or also known as macrogol, can be contaminated with possible carcinogens of ethylene oxide and dioxane.
PHENOXIETHANOL
Preservative that has been linked to contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, organ toxicity, irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs.
RETINOL PALMINTATE
Highly hazardous to health due to its ability to cause cell changes (possible carcinogen) and its potential to cause organ toxicity.
POLYSORBATE 20
Classified as moderately hazardous by the “Environmental Working Group” due to possible contamination with dioxane, a possible skin-penetrating carcinogen .
BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
Commonly used as a conditioning agent in hair care products. It is known to be toxic at concentrations of 1% or more. It can be irritating to the skin and can cause damage to delicate eye tissue .
SODIUM BENZOATE
A common preservative found in foods and cosmetics. “The Environmental Working Group” gives sodium benzoate a score of 3 and notes potential concerns regarding reproductive organ toxicity, irritation and cancer. You can create benzene (a known carcinogen) when combined with vitamin C .
DIMETICONE / SILICONES
It is generally found in hair care products because it coats the hair with a synthetic, plastic-like substance that makes it smooth, silky, and shiny. This is a temporary fake plastic seal , which can make hair heavy, blocking its absorption of water, air, and other nutrients. In addition, it can trap dirt, oil and bacteria on the scalp (causing acne or irritation).
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.