Most of us have come to expect a certain texture and lather from our shampoos. That is why when we first try organic shampoo, we may be a bit disappointed. Most organic shampoos do not have the same lather that their synthetic counterparts provide. But, the truth is that this isn’t a bad thing!
In most cases, it is the sulfates in shampoo that provide the lather. The same substances are used in engine de-greasers. Would you pour engine de-greaser on your head if you were running low in shampoo? I didn’t think so! But you may be putting the same substances on your body every time you shampoo. Another common use of sulfates is in research as a skin irritant. When researchers are testing the effectiveness of a certain substance to calm and heal the skin, they will first put sulfates on it to irritate the skin. Does that really sound like something you want to put on your infants head? The sad reality is that sulfates are commonly used in infant shampoos. This is one of the primary reasons that you need to use organic baby shampoo, like those from Modern Organic Products. All Modern Organic Products are sulfate-free, which means you don’t have to worry about harmful skin irritants.
Another cause for concern with non organic hair shampoo is parabens. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer because scientists have increasingly found parabens in cancerous breast tissue. They work to mimic the effect of estrogen in the body and may be particularly troublesome for pregnant women who are carrying boys. It is believed that they can work to lower sperm count levels later in life.
Here are some other chemicals that may be toxic to your organs and nerve cells:
Quaternium-15 – irritant, neurotoxin, carcinogen
Dimethicone – Clinically proven to be toxic to wildlife
Propylene Glycol – Used in antifreeze, primer, floor polish, and SHAMPOO! If swallowed it can lead to coma, respiratory failure and death. Known to cause cell death, kidney problems and headaches.
1, 4 Dioxane – A known carcinogen that many political figures have tried to get banned, but as of yet nothing has been done. Believed to lead to menopause symptoms, male infertility and PMS
In addition to looking for shampoos that are free of the above chemicals, you should also look for organics shampoo that uses essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances. Many experts agree that most synthetic fragrances are toxic to your immune system. The good news is that not only do most essential oils smell great, they can also be very beneficial for your hair. For example, rosemary oil is a great natural treatment if you have dandruff. Green tea oil can be helpful with conditioning. Want more manageable hair? Try an organic shampoo with Ginseng. You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to achieve your desired results.