What's in Your Shampoo?

Shampoos, the cornerstone of your daily hair care routine, are used to cleanse, remove dirt and refresh the hair and scalp. However, considering that some ingredients contained in hair care products may harm our health or the environment can make choosing a shampoo a little complicated. Therefore, as conscious consumers, it is important to understand what kind of ingredients our shampoo and conditioner choices contain. Shopping armed with the right information can improve our hair health and overall quality of life.

Understanding the ingredient lists of shampoos and conditioners is critical to determining which ingredients should be avoided. For example, aggressive cleansing ingredients found in some shampoos can strip hair of the scalp's natural oils, drying out hair and increasing the risk of breakage. On the other hand, choosing the right shampoo for your hair type can provide the moisture your hair needs and give it a healthy appearance. So, what ingredients should be taken into consideration when choosing shampoo?

What Content Should Be Avoided? Conscious Choices in Hair Care

Skin care experts recommend avoiding certain shampoo and conditioner ingredients, no matter your hair type or preferences. If you see any of the following on the shampoo label, you may not want to continue shopping:

• Sulfates: Sulfates, commonly known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), act as cleansing agents. They provide deep cleansing and the frothy lather that many people expect from a shampoo. However, these harsh cleansers can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness. It may also worsen symptoms of skin conditions such as skin irritation, dryness, inflammation, increased skin sensitivity, rosacea, eczema, and contact dermatitis. Sulfates don't just affect your hair and skin. When you flush them down the sink, they flow into sewer systems and eventually end up in local rivers or the ocean, which can damage fragile ecosystems.
• Formaldehyde: You can find this chemical compound in a number of household products; This includes building materials, furniture and paints. It is found in shampoos as a preservative. However, it may be best to stay away from shampoos that contain formaldehyde, as it is a known human carcinogen. It can also cause contact dermatitis and worsen skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis and eczema.
• Parabens: These chemical preservatives have been found in beauty products for years and are used to extend shelf life. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, they are rapidly absorbed into the skin and body tissues and may affect breast cell tissue growth and increase the risk of breast cancer. It can also affect estrogen in the body; They can cause skin problems due to contact dermatitis, irritation, redness, flaking and blistering. Parabens can also cause ecological damage. Even low levels of butylparaben can kill corals.
• Hexachlorophene: This antiseptic substance is commonly found in cosmetic products due to its antibacterial properties. However, it may cause eye and skin irritation. Among these; Conditions such as redness and swelling, dryness, and sensitivity to light may also be included. It is also harmful if swallowed. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Phthalates: These artificial chemical compounds give flexibility to many plastics. In shampoos, phthalates are used as a binding agent. It is easily absorbed by the human body. However, changes in hormone levels and function are associated with many health problems, including low sperm count and infertility, increased risk of pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes, damage to the kidneys, thyroid, liver, and immune system. Phthalates are also environmental pollutants.
• Triclosan: You can find this antibacterial chemical in many products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. In 2016, the FDA banned its use in antibacterial soaps, but it is still used in other personal care products such as shampoo. Although triclosan helps reduce bacterial contamination, it is easily absorbed into skin and tissues. This may negatively affect reproductive health. It also goes into the sewer system and can harm a number of plant and animal species.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid If You Have Curly Hair?

Because curly or wavy hair is naturally drier than other types, ingredients like sulfates and alcohol can be particularly harmful. You may also want to avoid insoluble silicones. These products coat the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle, reducing wrinkling and making your hair softer. However, over time, the product accumulates on the hair; It leads to lifeless and motionless hair. The same goes for mineral oil, beeswax and parabens. Instead, it is important to choose natural oils such as shea butter, jojoba, coconut, sunflower and argan oil. This provides deep hydration for smoother, shinier curls. You can also choose mild seed oils such as grape seed oil, black cumin oil and abyssinian seed oil. Because light seed oils can also help detangle and moisturize frizzy hair. “Which shampoo for curly hair?” The question can be answered this way.

Do You Have Dry or Brittle Hair?

Dry or brittle hair often needs gentle cleansing ingredients and extra conditioning. Therefore, shampoos that do not contain sulfates and alcohol can be targeted. Instead, shampoos containing avocado, macadamia, coconut and olive oil can be preferred. These oils can help nourish and moisturize lifeless, brittle hair. Additionally, glycerin can provide hydration for dry hair. Those with dry and brittle hair can take a look at products such as Prozinc Quinoa Shampoo for Dry and Dyed Hair in the Evla selection.

Do You Have Acne Problems?

Shampoo and acne are words that are not often heard together. However, when you take a look at the ingredients in shampoo and conditioner bottles, you can learn about their potential effects on your skin. If you have sensitive skin or deal with conditions like rosacea or acne, some ingredients may worsen these symptoms. To avoid irritation on rosacea-prone skin, dermatologists recommend avoiding exfoliators like glycolic acid, alcohol, menthol, and witch hazel, as well as sulfates.

Hair care products that contain oils can also cause acne. To avoid experiencing this type of breakout, using an oil-free or non-comedogenic shampoo can help. So which shampoo ingredients are good?

What are the sought-after shampoo ingredients?

Now that you know about the shampoo ingredients to avoid, perhaps you're wondering which ingredients you should turn to. Here are some of the ingredients sought in a shampoo:

• Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is derived from sarcosine, an amino acid. This comprehensive yet gentle cleanser doesn't carry the risks of sulfates.
• Sodium cocoyl glycinate, another amino acid derived cleanser, is considered safe and non-irritating.
• Disodium, a sulfate-free cleansing agent known for its degreasing benefits, is gentle on skin, hair and scalp.
• Natural shampoos formulated with essential oils, herbs, fruit extracts and seed oils offer more options. These shampoos generally cleanse the hair and scalp more gently; It does not irritate the scalp and does not deprive your hair of natural oils.

No matter your hair type, finding the right shampoo and conditioner can take some trial and error. Some products have more overall benefits for you, your hair, and the environment than others. Still wondering “ Which Shampoo Should I Use? If you have difficulty answering the question, you can take a look at the shampoo and conditioner products that have been added to the Evla selection after being examined by Evla experts.