Most of the commercially available hair care products today use harmful, potentially carcinogenic ingredients. In the interest of Natural Health, We have created a list below- some of what are considered to be the 7 worst commonly found product ingredients you can put on your hair (and body). Check the ingredients list on your products. The closer to the top of the list on the bottle more of a particular ingredient you have in a product. The most important factor to keep in mind is the residual ingredients that enter into our bodies from products that can support your system or help with the decline of your health.

My personal rule:

If it has an explosion sign on the bottle, a skull and bone image, “caution” against getting it in your eyes- then it shouldn’t be used! 1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Natural hair doesn’t react well to isoalcohol and this ingredient should be avoided. It will dry your hair and cause breakage. According to A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and even coma. 

2. MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM: 

Some say that the best baby oil is made from almonds. The oil being sold for babies is 100% mineral oil. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil for vehicles and other machinery. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin and hair just like plastic wrap. The skin’s natural barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition) by keeping oxygen out. The skin’s ability to release toxins and waste is inhibited, which in turn promotes acne and other disorders by further hindering normal skin respiration/transpiration. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development- resulting in the skin aging prematurely causing immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily. Petrolatum – Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil. The fact is that these ingredients often weight down your hair and cause build up due it its impermeable quality. 

3. PEG: 

This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG’s are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG’s contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic. 

4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): 

PG used as a wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of household products ranging from makeup and hair sprays, to toothpaste. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications. 

5. SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES): 

SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin. These closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added it thickens to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated. Shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with these substances can lead to its absorption at levels much higher than eating nitrite-contaminated foods. Mark Fearer in an article, Dangerous Beauty, says, “…in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death.” SLS stays in the body for up to five days… Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste. 

6. FRAGRANCE: 

Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. “Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. For better health try purchasing unscented products and for fragrance, adding a natural essential oil. 

7. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN: 

These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). This cheap preservative is used in hair care products containing water to prevent the growth of bacteria. According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.