Shampoo may contain many different types of toxic chemicals. And the more promises your shampoo makes, like frizz free, shiny, extra volume, the more chemicals it contains.
But in general, the toxic chemicals in shampoo include fragrance, preservatives, foaming agents and phthalates.
Fragrance Chemicals
Considered to be trade
secrets, the chemicals used to make fragrances are not disclosed to you on the
labels. But some of the commonly used fragrance
chemicals, like lilial, are endocrine disruptors. Other toxic fragrance
chemicals include benzyl salicylate, coumarin, limonene, and linalool.
Foaming Agents
Diethanolamine (DEA) and
Triethanolamine (TEA) are cancer-causing chemicals used to make shampoo
foamy. (example- Cocamide DEA)
1,4-dioxane Contributors
About
half of all personal care products contain 1,4-dioxane. Because during the
manufacture of shampoo, some chemicals become contaminated with the carcinogen
1,4-dioxane. These include PEG/ PPG-18/ 18 Dimethicone, sodium laureth sulfate,
polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polypropylene glycol (PPG), Polyoxyethylene,
dimethicone and chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth.
Preservatives
Parabens
are endocrine disrupting preservatives in shampoos. They include methylparaben,
propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben.
Some preservatives release formaldehyde, a carcinogen, to keep shampoo from spoiling. These include DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea,
Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative associated with allergic reactions. methylisothiazolinone may also be neurotoxic and it’s a known human immune toxicant.
Phthalates
These endocrine disrupting
chemicals are used to make fragrance. They are not listed on the label.
Silicone
The
most common types of siloxanes used in shampoos are
octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and
dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6). D4 is linked to reproductive
impairment, liver changes, and uterine tumors, and it may be an
endocrine disruptor. D5 is linked with uterine cancers and adverse
reproductive, neurological, and immune effects. D6 is linked to liver and
thyroid enlargement, and reproductive issues.
To learn more check out Why Natural Shampoo And Conditioner Is A Healthy Choice.