Finding a Safe Shampoo

In many personal care products and cosmetics, several chemicals on government watch lists have been added typically as preservatives, or fragrances, or stabilizers. In recent years companies have come under fire as laboratory studies show toxic results of using these products. States are beginning to restrict the chemicals allowed in personal care products, particularly in children's products.

Many of the ingredients listed in popular shampoos, such as Garnier Fructis, Suave, and Head & Shoulders are toxic. So, what are we as consumers supposed to do?

One substance, 1,4-dioxane, a solvent linked with cancer, is harder to avoid. It is an unintentional impurity in cosmetics, detergents and shampoos, manufacturers say. Johnson & Johnson claims it has reformulated about 70 percent of its baby products with new formulations that reduce 1,4-dioxane, and has pressured suppliers to reduce the compound in materials while it is searching for technologies that will eliminate it altogether, according to its website.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is found in almost every popular brand of shampoo and body wash.  This chemical, while not itself cancer-causing, is associated with probable carcinogens in some products. Coincidentally, it is also the major component of the actual hair-cleansing part of shampoo (the detergent). It is known to cause skin and eye irritation, though it varies widely, which can exacerbate exposure to other chemicals.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone  is a preservative – it keeps other stuff fresh. There’s good evidence that it harms the skin, and may contribute to immune system problems. The United States, Canada, and Japan have restricted its use in cosmetics, though it’s still present in many “wash-off” chemicals. This ingredient is often found in lots of shampoos.

Ammonium Chloride can be harmful if swallowed and can cause serious eye irritation. It may also be harmful if inhaled.

Propylene Glycol, which is used to moisturize, is a skin irritant, and has been linked to increased risk of developing numerous respiratory and immune disorders in children.

Strong Fragrance or Parfum is a label often used as a catch-all on ingredient labels for many different chemicals. As a result, they can vary widely. Many are a risk for allergic reaction; some may be more dangerous.

This is like a bad case of alphabet soup!

One "the green life on line" reader asked why Garnier was singled out as a particularly harmful brand of shampoo. Garnier was used as an example of poor government testing, mostly because the brand sells and markets shampoos in which only 9 out of 22 ingredients have been assessed for safe use. To make matters worse, in one type of Garnier Fructis shampoo, six ingredients were labeled “health concerns” and three were labeled “violations, restrictions, and warnings.”

For additional information visit;

http://site.thegreenlifeonline.org/2012/04/30/finding-a-safe-shampoo-and-what-ingredients-to-avoid/

There is hope as once again U.S. Congress has a bill being introduced to restrict harmful chemicals in personal care products. Lets hope it passes. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being a guinea pig for big business and their profits.