3 chemicals to avoid when buying personal care products

Today, many 'sulfate-free' products are emerging in the market. Most shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and even laundry powders and other cleaning products advertise that they are sulfate-free or SLS free on their labels and company websites. So why is a product being sulfate-free so important? And with so many sulfate-free products now on the market, how do you narrow down?

There are definitely three important ingredients I always look out for when buying hair and skin care products. Afterall, you are going to be putting the product on your skin and you do not want your skin to absorb the nasties into your body system! We want healthy hair and smooth, glowy skin!

1. Sulfate

Commonly used in soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes to create a 'foam'. These chemicals are known as surfactants, and are very effective foaming agent, and cheap too! Sodium Lauryn Sulfate (SLS) dissolves oil on the skin, leaving the skin dry. Studies have also shown that it denatures skin proteins, causing irritation and exposes the skin to contaminants. It is also used to dissolve grease on car engines. It is also usually contaminated with dioxane - a known carcinogen!

Absorbed into the body after being applied onto the skin, SLS mimics the activity of Oestrogen. This leads to health problems including PMS and menopausal symptoms, fall in male fertility and increase in cancers. SLS has also been shown to have a long retention in tissues. A study has even shown that SLS penetrating young children's eyes caused cataracts to develop when they were adults. 

2. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are added to stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing. These chemicals also mimic the function of oestrogen, which is known to play a development of breast cancer. A research conducted in Japan also reported that exposure of newborn male mammals to butylparaben affects the function of the reproductive system.

3. Synthetic fragrances

Last but not least - fragrance! It is also sometimes labeled as parfum, these are petrochemicals derived from natural gas and petroleum. One study links exposure to certain petrochemicals to developmental abnormalities of fetuses and young children in exposed mothers. Many artificial fragrances contain phthalates which disrupt the endocrine system, reproductive system and is also harmful to the environment! Instead, look for products that are derived from natural sources, like essential oils.

I hope these help you to choose wisely the next time you are out purchasing a new hair or skin care product!  Check your shampoo/conditioner/body wash/facial cleanser ingredient list to see if these hazardous chemicals are in them! 

Regarding my personal experience, I have been using a sulfate-free, paraben-free, artificial fragrance-free hair conditioner by Sukin Organics and I immediately FELT the difference. My hair did not feel 'heavy' or weighed down right after the first use, and it definitely feels much lighter, smoother and manageable!

Have you had a similar experience or do you know any great particular products that are free of these chemicals? I'm still on the lookout for a good brand so do let me know! 

To your wellness! xx