Are You Sure Your Shampoo Is Organic? Does It Have Right Ingredients?

How will you know whether your shampoo is organic or not? What is the difference between herbal and organic? Does herbal mean organic? What is the ingredient you should stay away from? Well to answer all those questions, we have made this list of what to avoid and what to look for in a shampoo that you are about tobuy.

Herbal Products

Herbal products are made of plant extracts, plant roots, leaves, etc and used as per their properties. These are free of chemicals. However, they may have pesticides.

Ayurveda Products

These products include herbs as well as heavy metals like gold, silver, copper, tin, mercury, sulphur, animal extracts and more. But are they completely natural? Well they may contain toxic levels of metals.

Natural Products

These are made from plants and minerals, but again, pesticides and chemical fertilizers might have been used to enhance their growth. When the ingredient list says that it is natural, it means it is free of chemicals like artificial fragrances, colourants, preservatives, and other synthetic additives. A product being claimed as natural may have as low as 1% natural ingredients.

Organic Products

These are made from natural ingredients but are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Check for certifications on the product to know if it’s organic. If it is labelled ‘made with organic ingredients’, it means that the product is made with at least 70% organic ingredients.

STAY AWAY FROM

Sulfates

These or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents which are skin irritants. These irritants produce nitrosamine which is linked to cancer formation. This ingredient produces elements like carcinogen 1,4-dioxane which has been linked to liver and kidney damage, and because it’s a byproduct, it won’t be listed on the label. The Surfactants lather well which is why it is used in our beauty products. They look great but it is not necessary for cleaning your hair.

Parabens

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These are chemicals which are used as preservatives. They have been found in low concentrations in tumours and it is said that this ingredient can disrupt hormone function. Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells, which affects the development of breast cancer and the early onset of puberty in girls. Also, look out for DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl. These are often used in baby shampoos. They act as preservatives by out-gassing small amounts of formaldehyde and is known for DNA damaging effects.

Phthalates

In many countries, they are known as potential carcinogens, which are used to make the fragrance in shampoos and other cosmetic products. This ingredient has been linked to endocrine disruption, early puberty in girls, and increased asthma in children. If shampoo scent is important to you, avoid any product that says 'fragrance' in the ingredient list. Instead, look for the words essential oils. Now they could be a little irritant for some, they are always better than phthalates. Also, avoid triethanolamine (TEA), which is a detergent and is generally found in dandruff shampoos.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Plant-Based, Organic, or Raw Ingredients

There are some excellent shampoos out there that are safe for you and the planet. Your shampoo should have raw ingredients which have been extracted from plants grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides and are processed without heat or additives. They should be devoid of chemical detergents, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. Also, they should be cruelty-free, vegan, and come in BPA-free, recyclable bottles.

Homemade

Ifyou want to de-stress and do something creative, make your own shampoo and other hair care products. There are so many recipes out there and the ingredients are easily available in the market today. Replace shampoo and conditioner with baking soda followed by apple cider vinegar. People with wavy and curly hair can use a blend of coconut milk, olive oil, and avocado.

We at HerZindagi will keep sharing some amazing DIY Shampoo recipes so be glued to the Beauty section. If you know of a tried and tested recipe, do share with us on our Facebook Page.

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