Unfortunately, most shampoos, conditioners, balms and hair masks contain ingredients harmful to hair that can deprive hair of shine, strength and beauty. And although at first it seems that the hair has become more vibrant and manageable, this is only a short-term effect. Over time, they may lose their natural strength and become brittle, dry and dull.

But the worst thing is that harmful substances in cosmetics can affect our body as a whole and, after some time of use, cause allergies, endocrine system disorders and other health problems. Let's analyze the composition of cosmetics and figure out what absolutely should not be in your hair products.

Lauryl and laureth sulfates

These harmful substances in shampoos and conditioners are very common. They are surfactants, which quite often form the basis of hair products. It is thanks to these types of sulfates that shampoos foam well and cleanse hair well.

According to researchers, such components can cause irritation of the scalp and provoke allergies after a long period of use. They also clog the pores of the scalp, damage the hair follicles and can cause dandruff and hair loss. An alternative is milder surfactants, such as sulfosuccinates, ester carboxylates, sarcosinates, betaines.

Phthalates

Phthalates can be used in a variety of hair care products, so it's worth reading the label carefully every time you buy a new product. Phthalates can cause asthma, infertility and reproductive dysfunction in men. That is why in a number of countries the most dangerous types of phthalates are generally prohibited.

Parabens

Parabens in cosmetics are complex artificially created acids that are an excellent and cheap preservative. It is thanks to parabens that hair products do not deteriorate for a long time and are protected from the effects of bacteria and mold. Parabens can be found not only in hair washing products, but also in styling products.

Scientists have been arguing about the dangers of parabens for quite some time. According to one point of view, parabens accumulate in the body and can cause problems with the endocrine system and even provoke the occurrence of tumors and cancer. Another group of scientists claims that if the amount of parabens in the product is small, they do not cause any harm to the body.

The most dangerous parabens are: propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben and isopropylparaben. In some countries, their use in cosmetic products is generally prohibited. Can replace dubious parabens various oils: almond, olive, lavender, tea tree and argan oil. But the cost of such products may be higher, and the shelf life may be shorter.

Mineral oils

What else shouldn't be in shampoo? Mineral oils are a petroleum byproduct that is considered carcinogenic and can cause cancer. Only highly refined oils are safe for human health, but most hair products use cheaper, unrefined mineral oils.

Formaldehyde

This preservative is quite often used in hair products and cosmetics. It is toxic and can cause reproductive and breathing problems, as well as dermatitis. The use of formaldehyde in cosmetics is prohibited, but some manufacturers manage to circumvent this regulation and label it as Quaternium-15, Dowicil 75, Dowicil 100, Dowicil 200.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Scientists claim that this thickener, stabilizer and defoamer can cause allergic reactions, acne and dry skin, as well as cause kidney and liver diseases. But a number of other studies refutes this information and claims that polyethylene glycol is absolutely safe.

IN composition of all shampoos contains various harmful components that, when accumulated in the body, can harm human health as a whole. They can cause allergies, provoke aging, lead to nervous disorders and cardiovascular diseases. But, despite this, these substances cannot be excluded from the composition of modern shampoos, since without this, cosmetics will lose their properties.

Moreover, the human body is capable of self-cleaning, and health problems, in most cases, begin when the functioning of the immune system is disrupted. will help reduce the risk harmful influence, but for this you need to know how negatively one or another ingredient can affect health.

Detergent is an essential component of any shampoo.

The most harmful components included in shampoos are detergents, which relate to surfactants. They have cleaning properties and foam well, making it easy to remove from hair various types dust and grease contamination. If you arrange detergents in order of decreasing harmful effects, the list will look like this:

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - ammonium lauryl sulfate;
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - ammonium laureth sulfate;
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - sodium lauryl sulfate;
Sodium Laureth Sulfate - sodium laureth sulfate;
TEA Lauril Sulfate - TEA lauryl sulfate;
TEA Laureth Sulfate - TEA laureth sulfate.

The first three substances, as a rule, are always components of cheap shampoos. They are recognized carcinogens, easily penetrate the skin, accumulate in the body, and if the immune system is impaired, they can lead to health problems.

If you find these three components in your cosmetics, then the best option will throw away these goods. Sodium lauryl sulfate is less harmful than sodium lauryl sulfate.

The last two substances, in most cases, are used in expensive shampoos and are less harmful. Manufacturers always indicate the type of detergent that is included in the shampoo; its name appears on the sticker first in the list of detergent components.

Since Detergents can dry out hair, depriving them of vitality, various softeners that make hair manageable. That is, they are able, to a certain extent, to neutralize the effect of the detergents used. In this regard, it is necessary pay attention to the fact that the shampoo contains:

Сocamidopropyl Betaine- cocamidopropyl betaine - compatible with other components, acts as a light conditioner, and is antistatic. Used in children's shampoos, it is considered an expensive component.
Decyl polyglucose- decyl glucoside - reduces the irritating effect of aggressive cleaners, suitable for sensitive skin. This component is obtained from corn and coconuts.
Glycereth Cocoate- glycereth cocoate;
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate- sodium cocoamphodiacetate;
Cocoamidopropyl Sulfo Betaine- cocamidopropyl sulfobetaine.

Preservatives

Without this additive, modern shampoo simply cannot exist; it is preservatives that preserve its properties and prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in shampoo that can cause allergies. However, not all preservatives are harmless.

Preservatives include:

- Formaldehyde. This substance is a carcinogen, but is widely used in the production of shampoos as a preservative. Formaldehyde is toxic and can cause negative influence on the organs of vision and breathing, as well as worsen the condition of the skin. Formaldehyde can also be hidden under the following names: DMDM ​​Hydantoin diazolidinyl urea, Imidazalidol urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, monosodium salt, N-(Hydroxymethyl) glycine and quaternium-15

- Parabens. These are preservatives that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Parabens are substances that can cause allergies. Accumulating in tissues, they can lead to hormonal imbalance and the development of malignant tumors. Parabens include ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

- Sodium benzonate or benzoic acid- is a natural preservative, found in lingonberries and cranberries, and is also used in the food industry (E211);

- Phenoxyethanol.

Thickeners

Thickeners are responsible for the viscosity and density of shampoo, and are also foam stabilizers, these include: - Cocamide DEA, used as a thickener, foaming agent, antistatic agent, softener, etc.
- Cocamide MEA;
- Thickener PEG-4 monoethanolamide rapeseed oil;

Other shampoo ingredients

In addition to harmful surfactants, preservatives and thickeners, shampoo contains many ingredients that have varying degrees of usefulness. These are all kinds of paints, flavors and antibacterial components. You should avoid shampoos containing:

Diethanolamine. This substance has moisturizing properties, but can also cause allergies. Shampoos containing this component may have a negative effect on the respiratory system.

Mineral oils (paraffins, petroleum jelly). These substances are obtained from oil; they are capable of forming a water-repellent film, but at the same time they retain not only moisture, but also a variety of harmful substances, disrupting metabolism. In addition, they prevent the saturation of hair and skin with oxygen.

When choosing a shampoo, you should remember that high-quality shampoos with a minimum amount of harmful substances are usually sold in pharmacies. At the same time, they have weak washing properties, slight foaming and lack of color and odor. Moreover, you can always

IN modern world We are offered a wide variety of hair care products and methods. And although not many girls prefer to wear long braid, shampoo is one of the main hygiene products used daily. French researchers have calculated that a person uses approximately 57 liters of shampoo during his life. Famous actors and stars advertise hair products on TV, thereby promoting the brand. Shampoo usually has beautiful packaging and a pleasant smell. However, this is also a kind of tempting advertising ploy. We look at the packaging, remembering those same commercials with beautiful shiny and thick hair, and completely forget to pay attention to the composition of the shampoo, which consists of many dangerous chemical components.

There are three main reasons why you can stop buying shampoo and use homemade natural shampoos.

  1. Factory-made shampoos contain components that are harmful to health (scientifically proven fact!).
  2. Before the shampoo hits the store counter, its allergenic effect is tested on experimental animals. In 2013, only the European Union banned the sale of any cosmetics that have been tested on animals.
  3. Unlike medicines, shampoos do not require a safety certificate. The carcinogenic, toxic and mutagenic effects of shampoo are of interest only to the buyer, but not to the manufacturer.

Before we give recipes for homemade shampoos, let’s look at what is dangerous in store-bought shampoo.

Composition of shampoos

  1. Water is the main component of every shampoo.
  2. Surfactants in shampoo are the most important active ingredient, which is responsible for cleaning hair from dirt, dust, and sebum.
  3. Additional surfactants that provide foam, softness, and moisturizing.
  4. Thickener or foam stabilizer, defoamer.
  5. Preservatives.
  6. Flavors.

What harmful substances may be contained in shampoos?

  1. Lauryl and laureth sulfates — are the basis of shampoos and very coarse surfactants. They are responsible for intense foaming during washing and for cleansing the skin and hair; they are included in almost all shampoos.

They are designated on the labels as follows:

According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology (1983, Vol. 2, No. 7): Researchers have noted that the longer these ingredients are in contact with the skin, the greater the likelihood of skin irritation and an allergic reaction. Lauryl and laureth sulfates cause changes in the “epidermis”, clog pores, settle on the surface of hair follicles and damage them, and can cause eye irritation, hair loss, and lead to dandruff.

Other researchers have concluded that these components remove not only impurities, but also beneficial natural components from the skin, thereby disrupting its protective function. Skin ages faster when exposed to laureth sulfates(Int J Toxicol. 2010 Jul;29, doi: 10.1177/1091581810373151).

Although scientists have not yet proven that these substances can have a carcinogenic (from the English word cancer) or toxic effect, there is still such a danger. It is believed that in concentrations of 1-5% they are harmless. In shampoos, sodium laureth sulfate is present in a concentration of 10–17% (as a rule, they are listed in second place after water, which means that their concentration is maximum).

At the same time, there are softer surfactants, they are added in small concentrations, they are less harmful, but their cost is quite high compared to lauryl and laureth sulfates. On the packaging they can be designated as follows:

  • Sodium cocoyl isethinate (the mildest surfactant)
  • Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (mild emulsifier)
  • Sodium coco-sulfate
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine (betaine)
  • Decyl polyglucose (polyglycoside)
  • Сocamidopropyl sulfobetaine (sulfobetaine)
  • Sodium sulfosuccinate (sulfosuccinate)
  • Magnesium lauryl sulfate
  • Glythereth Cocoate
  1. Parabens They are also dangerous components in shampoos.
  1. Mineral oils– oil refining products. It is believed that they can only be dangerous if taken orally. However, WHO classifies mineral oils as Group 1 carcinogens. That is, they are potentially dangerous substances that can lead to the occurrence of malignant tumors. And only highly refined oils are not considered dangerous. Mass-market shampoos contain unrefined, dangerous mineral oils.
  1. Formaldehyde- cosmetic preservative. It is toxic and has a negative effect on the reproductive organs, respiratory organs and central nervous system. Due to the ban on the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics, manufacturers began to label it as Quaternium-15 (releases free gaseous formaldehyde), Dowicil 75 Dowicil 100, Dowicil 200 - all of them cause contact dermatitis in humans.
  2. Phthalates - used in the production of consumer products such as perfumes, cosmetics and shampoos, medical devices, soft toys . A study published in the journal Pediatrics provides compelling evidence that phthalates in children's cosmetics affect the reproductive function of boys. The effect of phthalates on children is especially dangerous. Infants are exposed to phthalates in shampoos, lotions, and powders.

    Phthalates can cause asthma, infertility, and decreased testosterone levels in boys. Due to health concerns associated with exposure to phthalates, some have been banned in the European Union and the United States.

  3. "PEG" (Polyethylene glycol), polyethylene glycol (ethylene glycol)– stabilizer, thickener, defoamer. Due to its ability to influence processes in the body, this substance can cause serious metabolic disorders. It has been proven that female animals consuming PEG gave birth to babies with genetic changes. (Anderson et al., 1985).

Is it possible to say “no!” to your shampoo?

All of the above suggests that industrial shampoos contain substances that are carcinogenic and toxic to humans. Even when buying an expensive shampoo, you are not guaranteed that it will not contain harmful substances. Therefore, it is much safer to use shampoos prepared at home yourself.

But, before we tell you what components you can use to prepare homemade healthy hair shampoos, you need to know that the period for hair to get used to such shampoos is 2-4 weeks. This means you won't get smooth, shiny hair right away. For some time, silicones, parabens, and sulfates will be washed off from the hair. Perhaps the hair will become frizzy, greasy and uncontrollable. You need to prepare yourself for this. It's best to start testing homemade shampoos on vacation, when New Year holidays or in winter, when we wear a hat.

Initially, trim any split ends and, if you have any, use a deep cleansing shampoo (peeling shampoo) once. It will open the hair scales and wash away all remnants of harmful substances. Before using shampoos prerequisite also includes detangling and combing hair. It is this procedure that will reduce the time of the washing procedure and you will not experience inconvenience when washing off shampoos.

Homemade hair shampoos

The recipes described below contain simple ingredients that any housewife has on hand, and their cost is quite low. However, it is worth remembering that the shelf life of such shampoos in the refrigerator is no more than 5 days, and some are not stored at all, but are used immediately after preparation.

Kefir

Kefir shampoo is suitable for dry hair damaged by hair dryers. To prepare kefir shampoo, you can take any fermented milk product.

Recipe No. 1. Apply kefir to your hair, put on a shower cap, and wrap your head with a towel. After an hour, rinse with water and half the lemon juice. This shampoo will help restore hair and create a protective film on it.

Recipe No. 2. Add yeast (50 g) to kefir (0.2 l) and heat in a water bath. The shampoo should look like jelly. Apply this mixture to your hair and rinse after 5-10 minutes.

Bread

In Rus', girls washed their hair with bread shampoo. For this shampoo you can use stale rye bread.

Recipe. Prepare a decoction of any herbs (nettle, chamomile, plantain, oak bark, oregano, mint). Then take rye bread (stale bread can be used) and soak it in a warm herbal decoction for a short time. Rub the bread mixture intensively into the scalp and distribute throughout the hair. Cover the top with plastic or put on a shower cap and leave for one hour. Rinse off with warm water.

Clay

Clay is a very good base for shampoo.
It is able to form a small foam and absorb oil from the scalp and hair. It is known that in Rus' clay was used to remove difficult to remove stains on clothes and dishes, that is, it was used as a universal cleaner.

Clay will not add noticeable shine to the hair, but it will remove static electricity and cleanses your hair well. Clay is a very effective and budget shampoo for oily hair.

Blue cosmetic clay is considered the best for cleansing hair.

How to use clay to wash your hair?
It is best to wash your hair with clay in the bathroom. First, wet your hair well, take a handful of clay with water in your hands, and apply it to the scalp, distributing it throughout the hair. It is best to wash off the clay by immersing your head completely in the bath, so the fat is better adsorbed and the clay is washed away. It is very convenient to wash off the clay in a basin of water.

For very dry hair, you can first dilute the clay in warm milk and add a few drops of any cosmetic oil (rosemary, tea tree, jojoba, peach, apricot, olive). To add shine to your hair and close the scales, it is very important to rinse your hair with cool water after washing.

The only drawback of clay shampoo is slight staining brown hair. Therefore, people with blond hair It is better to use white clay to make shampoo.

Shampoo based on soapwort officinalis

Soapwort officinalis (Saponaria officinalis) from lat. sapo- soap. A decoction of this plant can foam. To wash hair, use the rhizomes and roots of soapwort, which are harvested in late autumn.

Method for preparing soapwort-based shampoo:

  1. Take 2 cups of filtered water (it is better to buy bottled water) and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add soapwort rhizomes to the water and boil over low heat for 25 minutes.
  3. Then add a tablespoon of medicinal chamomile or mint to the resulting decoction. Leave the decoction for 30 minutes.
  4. Strain the resulting broth and pour into a clean jar. The shelf life of the shampoo is 10 days in a dark place.

Flour

Rye, corn, oatmeal (oatmeal), pea flour is a natural sorbent and purifier of oil from the scalp. It is not recommended to take wheat, as it contains a lot of gluten and is difficult to wash off. For one serving of shampoo you will need 3 tbsp. spoons of flour. It is very simple to obtain oat and pea flour - just grind the corresponding products in a coffee grinder or blender.

To ensure that the shampoo is well distributed throughout the hair, it must be soaked overnight.
Flour based shampoo recipe

  1. To prepare shampoo, take 3 tbsp. spoons of flour, add warm water or a decoction of any herbs (nettle, chamomile, mint, oak bark) to obtain a creamy consistency. Let it brew for a day or night.
  2. Then take gauze or a nylon stocking as a filter, pour the resulting mass into it and squeeze out the liquid. This way we will get rid of large particles of flour that will remain in the filter. The output should be something like thick milk. This milk is natural homemade shampoo based on flour.
  3. Before washing you can add essential oils for scent or half a teaspoon of mustard (for hair loss). Apply the resulting flour shampoo to your hair and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then cool water with lemon juice.

Egg and honey

The recipe for egg-honey shampoo is one of the old recipes natural shampoos. Modern research only confirms its benefits. Chicken egg is a natural emulsifier, as it contains lecithin, fats and amino acids. This means that when you wash your hair with an egg, beneficial substances (vitamins A, B, D, E) penetrate the skin very well. This shampoo treats weakened hair and restores its structure. You will notice results after 2 weeks of use.

Egg-honey shampoo recipe.

  1. Separate the yolk from the white.
  2. Add one teaspoon of honey to the yolk. mix.
  3. Add a few drops to the resulting mixture olive oil to give softness to hair.
  4. Distribute the shampoo evenly throughout the hair and scalp. Leave it for about 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse the shampoo with warm water and rinse your hair with chamomile decoction.

Exotic shampoos

There are plants for making homemade shampoos that are classified as exotic. However, their cost today, even compared to the cheapest shampoo, is quite low. And due to the location and characteristics of their growth, these plants contain a lot of valuable substances.

In Southeast Asian countries, banana shampoo is an integral part of the hair care routine. Banana shampoo cleanses and nourishes hair very well. The shampoo is very soft and smells nice, so you can wash your children’s hair with it, you just need to remember that before use you need to thoroughly wash the bananas to wash off the pesticides from their peels.

Banana Shampoo Recipe

  • 1 banana;
  • juice of half a lemon (for baby shampoo won't fit)
  • 100 g water
  • egg yolk

Leftover dark bananas are suitable for shampoo, as their pulp kneads very well. Wash and peel the banana. Using a blender or grater, beat the banana, add the yolk, lemon juice and water. You can do without lemon and water; these components make it easier to rinse banana pulp from your hair. We apply the resulting mass to the hair, rub it into the roots and keep it under a washing cap for 15-30 minutes (for weakened hair); for normal hair, it can be washed off immediately.

Amla

Amla or Indian gooseberry is sold (the price of a 100 g bag is about 80 rubles) in powder form, the smell is similar to henna. Have you ever paid attention to what thick hair in Indian women? It is thanks to the use of shampoo, mask and amla oil that women in India have such beautiful and strong hair. It is interesting that the origin of the word “shampoo” is inextricably linked with India, as it comes from the Indian “shampo”, that is, “to massage or rub.” And this word was introduced into use by the British, whose colony was India in the twentieth century. Therefore, the fact that Indian gooseberry is a good natural cleansing and strengthening shampoo is not accidental. Amla restores damaged hair, stimulates new hair growth, and eliminates the causes of dandruff.
Amla is not suitable for oily hair, since it does not contain natural saponins, it will not foam like soapwort. But amla shampoo will clean and moisturize dry hair very well.

How to use amla shampoo.

Pour 1 tablespoon of amla powder into half a glass warm water, stir and let stand for 10 minutes. Then distribute this solution evenly throughout your hair and rinse. Do the procedure 2 times. It is convenient to apply shampoo with a hair dye brush. The shampoo can be used once a week as a firming mask.

In conclusion

It is quite difficult for a modern person to give up all the benefits of civilization. However, it is time to realize that industrial cosmetics and hygiene products can cause serious illnesses. The first step to healthy image life, which each of us can do is to start using shampoos without synthetic ingredients in the composition, that is, organic (already sold in Russia). Such shampoos contain natural ingredients grown without the use of chemicals. During the use of organic shampoos, the hair will get used to more gentle ingredients, and the remaining chemicals will be washed off. The next step could be complete failure from store-bought shampoos and switch to safe homemade ones, the recipes for which are described in this article.

When choosing a shampoo, carefully read the composition indicated on the label. Harmful additives in shampoos today is a common thing, so it is important to know which ones harmful ingredients in shampoos and other cosmetics cause damage not only to your hair, but to the entire body as a whole.


Cosmetics have become an integral part of life modern man. To a large extent, women, to a lesser extent, men, but all inhabitants of the planet use cosmetics at a minimum to care for their own bodies and maintain hygiene. Manufacturers know that such products will not linger on the shelves. And, of course, many of them are trying to earn more money, without particularly caring about the health of their consumers.

Parabens

Parabens- chemicals used as preservatives, and therefore they are found in many products, including cosmetics. They are used to fight bacteria and fungi, and at the same time they are low in cost, which is why manufacturers have long adopted these substances.

Almost all parabens used as preservatives are obtained chemically rather than naturally.

But Why are parabens harmful?? Some studies claim that they are potentially dangerous, and are even associated with a risk of cancer. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which science already knows plays a determining role in the development of breast cancer. Researchers have discovered parabens in breast tumor cells. This substance also negatively affects the production of testosterone and the functioning of the male reproductive system. I recommend that you avoid purchasing shampoo if it contains parabens.

IN recent years there are whole discussions about the potential health risks from using parabens in skin and hair care products. In my opinion, products that are applied to the skin and hair should be safe and as natural as possible, after all, it can even get into our bloodstream, so it really makes sense to always use the most natural ingredients possible.

There is a lot of evidence and many scientists today agree that parabens are linked to breast cancer. A recent British study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that high levels of parabens were found in eighteen of twenty breast tumor samples.

Sodium laureth sulfate

chemical substance sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS) and his close relative sodium laureth sulfate(SLES) are widely used in the production of soap, shampoo, detergents and other products that foam. Both of these substances are cheap foaming agents. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology published the results of a study that back in 1983 showed that when low concentrations sodium laureth sulfate may, at a minimum, cause skin irritation.

Do you know that some soaps have sulfate concentrations of up to 30%, which is simply dangerous to your health?

Shampoos are one of the most popular products that contain this chemical. Studies of the effects of these chemicals on humans have shown dismal results. Irritation of the eyes, scalp, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face - all this side effects from SLS. Now imagine how such harmful substances in shampoos affect the scalp?

So why are dangerous chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, used in our soaps and shampoos? The answer is simple - it's cheap. Sodium lauryl sulfate can be found in soap, just as it is used to degrease car engines. It dissolves grease on car engines, dissolves grease on skin, which can cause a drying effect.

Laurisulfate denatures skin proteins, which not only causes irritation, but also allows environmental pollutants to more easily accumulate on the lower, sensitive layers of the skin. The most unpleasant thing is that sodium laureth sulfate is also absorbed into the body through the skin. Once it has been absorbed by the skin, the activity of the estrogen hormone immediately begins to imitate. This reaction has many health consequences, including various problems with PMS and menopausal symptoms, deterioration of the reproductive system in men, and an increased risk of cancer in women, including breast tumors, when estrogen levels are known to be critical.

How does sodium laureth sulfate affect hair?

Because they lose their natural fatty protective layer, which is simply destroyed by this chemical. The top layer of the scalp becomes thinner, and problems with dandruff, itching, split ends and hair loss begin.

Silicone

Many people often argue about the harm or benefit silicone in shampoo. In fact, there is a huge variety of silicones, and it is impossible to find out which one is contained in your shampoo. It is impossible to say for sure that silicones are harmful substances in shampoos. However, if you have the opportunity, it is better to choose shampoo without silicone A. But as stylists and women who use hair care products say, silicone makes it heavier, makes it smooth and thick, making styling easier.

In the next article we will tell you about shampoos without harmful additives and where you can buy them!

Choose, take care of your health and the health of your hair!

Shampoo composition- this is one of the most discussed topics on any forum dedicated to beauty and health. More and more often you hear thoughts that are simply paradoxical, like that in hair shampoo composition should only enter . Such statements are most often accompanied by the opinion that in our domestic brands everything is only natural (of natural origin). A logical question arises: have the adherents of this opinion read the composition on back side their bottles. I will repeat myself when I note that shampoos made from natural ingredients in the form we are accustomed to, there is no sale and there cannot be. All of them contain surfactants, preservatives, dyes, thickeners and stabilizers. And the cheaper the shampoo, the more of all this tricky “chemistry” it contains and the fewer natural ingredients. And this applies to absolutely everyone. Another thing, you can find special means, replacing shampoos, for example, in the form of powders. But in any case, these will be products that are not related to the mass market.

By the way, a conscientious manufacturer must have shampoo components listed in descending order. Thus, even if you see in the composition of your product or, for example, but on last place, make no mistake, the amount of this component is negligible.

In fact, our ancestors really only used it to wash their hair. You can still use clay, gruel from bran, herbs and flour, eggs, ash, tar, etc. for these purposes. But, firstly, the use of such natural mixtures is not very convenient, and secondly, it is not always effective in living conditions in a large metropolis. We must still see the difference in how our ancestors lived and how we live.

Another interesting question- this is a discussion about harmful components of shampoos. Probably, many have heard simply terrible stories that lauryl sulfate (a surfactant included in chemical composition of shampoos and many other detergent cosmetics, characterized by cleansing properties) penetrates the body, accumulates in it and causes many terrible diseases. This substance, of course, is not the most useful, but chemists claim that it does not penetrate the skin, does not accumulate in the body, and can cause damage to organs if ingested. Those. in other words, in order to experience all the harm of Lauryl sulfate, you should not wash your hair with shampoo, but drink it daily in large portions. For example, almost all girls use nail polish remover, but probably few would think of using it as food. But, I suspect, it also contains many substances harmful to the body.

Surfactants

IN compound good shampoo in any case, a substance will be included, thanks to which excess sebum, dirt and dust are washed off from our head. It’s another matter if these surfactants relatively gently cleanse the skin or are at least diluted with other components in such a way as to be less drying and traumatic. Many sources note that the active detergent in shampoo composition can be arranged in the following sequence:
  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
  • Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate
  • TEA Layril Sulfate
  • TEM Laureth Sulfate

Then the highest will be the most harmful components of shampoos(causing dryness and irritation), and the least harmful ones are located lower on the list.

As a rule, the composition of ordinary household shampoos will include the first 3 - 4 surfactants, because they are cheap and effective in cleaning. And in order to soften their aggressive impact in hair shampoo composition milder detergents are added:

  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine (very mild cleanser, used in baby shampoos)
  • Decyl polyglucose (foaming active ingredient extracted from coconuts and corn)
  • Cocamidopropyl betan (derived from fatty acids coconut oil and substances contained in beets)
  • Glyceret cocoate (very mild moisturizing surfactant)
  • Sodium cocoamphodiacetate (mild emulsifier)
  • Ocamidopropyl sulfobetaine
  • Sodium sulfosuccinate

However, there is an opinion that in composition of hair shampoo the quality, softness, and atraumatic effect of a particular surfactant do not always depend on its origin, because in the process of chemical synthesis, its “natural” component is lost.

In addition to surfactants, modern shampoos also contain a sea of ​​different components with varying degrees of usefulness.

Thickeners

These shampoo components are responsible for viscosity and density. And, in fact, along with surfactants, they form the basis of any detergent.

Examples of thickeners:

  • Cocamide DEA (foam stabilizer)
  • Cocamide MEA (COCAMIDE MEA - a mixture of coconut oil and ethanolamine)
  • Linoleamide DEA
  • PEG 4 monoethanolomide rapeseed oil
  • Tridecet 2 Carboxamide MEA

Preservatives

The main task of preservatives is to prevent the development of microorganisms in our favorite cosmetic products. And no matter how many try to attribute them to harmful components of shampoo, you can’t go anywhere without them. Indeed, in the process of life, microorganisms can release toxins that cause allergic reaction skin.

The following are used as preservatives:

  • DMDM-hydantoin (preservative with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity)
  • Benzoic acid (another name for sodium benzoate - a natural preservative found in cranberries and lingonberries)
  • Diazolidinylurea
  • Methylisothiazolinol (methylchloroisothiazolinone)
  • Parabens
  • Phenoxyethanol

Air conditioners

If you purchase shampoo 2 in 1, then it will definitely contain conditioning additives. They are also used to create separate hair conditioners. Conditioning agents are used to give hair shine, smoothness and make combing easier. However, in my opinion, such shampoos 2 in 1 should be used as rarely as possible, because their frequent use leads to heavier hair and an unkempt appearance.

The presence of silicones (conditioning additives) in hair shampoos should be avoided.

SPF and thermo

IN hair shampoo composition may also include:

Components that provide (SPF - sun protection filter). Thermal protectors (components with the prefix thermo in their name), which are designed to absorb heat and distribute it along the entire length of the hair. Thus, they protect hair from the negative effects of heating devices (hair dryer, curling iron, hot rollers, straightening iron).

However, the question of the effectiveness of such means remains open. If you thoroughly rinse off the shampoo, then use a mask or conditioner, it is unlikely that any significant protection will remain on your hair. It seems to me that the promotion of these properties can rather be attributed to an advertising move on the part of manufacturers.

Dyes and flavors

IN composition of shampoos There are substances that are designed to make using shampoo convenient and enjoyable:

  • Pearlescent additives (propylene glycol distearate or glycol distearate)
  • Flavors. The word parfum or fragrance means that a flavor or fragrance is used in a cosmetic product. As a rule, each company has its own unique name for the flavor. For example, it could be FLORAL (floral flavor), CHOCOLATE (chocolate flavor), ORANGE JUICE (orange flavor), ROSE (rose flavor), ALOE VERA (aloe vera flavor), CHERRY (cherry flavor), SEA FRESH (flavor ocean breeze).
  • Dyes (CI 14700, CI 15510, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 60730 and others with CI)
  • Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic agent allantoin

A few more notations:

Ethanol - Ethyl alcohol in shampoo is used as a solubilizer (a substance that increases the solubility of poorly soluble ingredients - fragrances, preservatives, bacteriostatic additives).

Sodium chloride - Table salt (often used in cheap cosmetics to create foam).

Medicinal components

Sea clay in shampoos has an excellent cleansing effect. That is why it is often used in shampoos for. In addition, due to the content of minerals and vitamins, clay stimulates growth and strengthens hair.

Charcoal, due to its ability to effectively absorb surface impurities, has a peeling effect on the scalp, eliminates dandruff and normalizes the sebaceous glands.

It has a refreshing effect on the scalp, it is useful in the treatment of dandruff, and also stimulates growth by improving blood circulation and nutrition of the bulbs.

Provides necessary hydration and softening to hair hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, cysteine ​​derivative, chitosan, lanolin (oil obtained by processing sheep's wool), skuvolan, hydrolyzed silk. These components make your hair more elastic, bouncy and silky.

Collagen and horse keratin are proteins that essentially fill cavities in damaged hair and, thus, give them a healthy appearance and the necessary volume.

The necessary nutrition for hair is provided by beeswax, honey, lauric acid, and paraffin.

The natural substance taurine (and its derivatives), as well as pearl proteins, perfectly restore the hair shaft, making it stronger and more elastic.

Ingredients to Avoid When Purchasing Shampoo

Mineral oil ( mineral oil, which is a product of petroleum refining). Often used in cosmetics. Despite the fact that it is called oil, this product is not actually absorbed or “digested” by our skin. It forms a film on the surface and prevents the skin from “breathing.” As a result, diaper rash, dryness, dandruff and other problems can appear.

Formaldehyde ) and their derivatives, for example, bronopol. These substances are used as antibacterial agents. Many experts debate whether these substances are harmful to our health or not. But in cases where there are doubts about this, it is better to be safe. It is especially unpleasant when such components are found in children's cosmetics and care products (for example, wet wipes).

Parabens (methylparaben (food additive code - E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216) and butylparaben) are used in cosmetics as preservatives. The situation with them is the same as with formaldehyde. The harm of these components has not been scientifically proven, but God protects those who are careful.

Read the ingredients carefully!

My conclusion is something like this. If your hair is very strong, healthy and strong by nature, mass market products are perfect for you, then don’t worry too much about the composition of the shampoo. The main thing is your own feelings.

But if you are painting or styling, then you should carefully consider the choice of a gentle shampoo. Typically, this will be a more expensive shampoo - . This tool is different:

  • medium or weak washing ability (you will need to wash your hair with this shampoo 2 times, because the surfactants in its composition are soft),
  • low foaming,
  • lack of odor (or it may be weak and not particularly pleasant),
  • transparency or absence of a pronounced pearlescent tint.
For those who want to get it, they will most likely have to master the production of such products themselves.