You may have tried a natural shampoo only to find that it had no suds, and that in the end your hair was left feeling greasy and limp. Until recently, the chemicals left out of natural shampoos was the main source of the suds. This explains the reason why most all-natural shampoos really are not natural. Generally most companies that make “natural shampoos” add some botanical ingredients, but leave in the lathering chemicals and call the shampoo “natural.”
A Washington, D.C.-based non-profit research organization, The Environmental Working Group focuses on environmental and health issues. It said in a review of 413 shampoos last year, 11 percent of products contained a known possible carcinogen found in some dandruff shampoos which includes selenium sulfide and coal tar; 17 percent had ingredients that could be linked to breast cancer, while 82 percent had ingredients believed to help carcinogens penetrate the scalp. One of these key ingredients is EDTA, propylene glycol, urea, and PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate.
Have you ever wondered if any of these chemicals actually penetrate your scalp to cause health problems? In a report three years ago, the industry-supported Cosmetic Ingredient Review found that the lathering laureths, and other ingredients, are nothing to really worry about. However, these ingredients are still transdermally absorbed plus the vapors can also be breathed in while you are washing your hair.
More than ever before, many of today’s demanding consumers want a shampoo that is not only safe but also sudsy. Some companies are taking out the harsh chemicals, such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate and, replacing these with vegetable- and coconut-based latherers, which are safer, and it makes a milder natural shampoo with some lather.
Even so, you might wish to look for cleansing products that are listed as “organic shampoo” – at least 95% organic like the Herbalix Pure Botanical shampoo. Also keep in mind that a natural shampoo should have a stimulating aroma rich with its ingredients, such as grapefruit or sage. These shampoos are highly concentrated and rich in conditioning oils, so they don’t strip your hair follicles, but rather clean hair gently while restoring the proper pH. It rinses clean and and leaves hair soft and shiny.
Check the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics site, to see what chemicals your cosmetic brands are really using, then choose Herbalix 95 percent pure, botanical organic shampoo. And to learn more about the classification of organic products watch this video on organic skin care.