Bathroom
Shampoo | ConditionerWhat You Need To KnowShampoos work by washing away oils and dirt on hair, while conditioners are used to restore smoothness and increase manageability. Here are some tips to have a good hair day, safely!
What To Avoid
Sulfate-based surfactants:Sulfate-based surfactants (such as Sodium lauryl sulfate) are powerful cleaners because they help extract oils and dirt from your skin and hair, allowing the water to rinse them away quickly. But these petroleum-based ingredients may irritate skin with frequent use.
Ingredients that end with “-eth”:Ethoxylated surfactants are gentler on the hair and skin. However, 1,4-dioxane (which increases the risk of cancer, a carcinogen) can be a byproduct during the manufacture of Ethoxylated surfactants. There is concern that some of this potential carcinogen might then end up in the products sold in stores. It can be tricky to spot all Ethoxylated surfactants on a label, but checking for ingredients that end with “-eth” (such as laureth, ceteareth or steareth) is a good start!
Preservatives:Certain Preservatives, such as Diazolidinyl urea, and other antibacterial and antimicrobial agents prevent germs (bacterial and microbial) from growing by releasing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer (a carcinogen). Another preservative, Phenoxyethanol, has been linked to skin irritations such as eczema and allergic reactions. If swallowed, this preservative may be particularly harmful to infants and their nervous systems. Widely considered to be a hormone disruptor, Parabens are another common preservative to avoid.
Safer Choices
Embrace the fade:Avoid shampoos that say they keep colored or dyed hair from fading. These products usually contain Chemical uv filters and some of these chemicals may harm hormone function in both humans and sea life. They can also cause allergic reactions.
Skip silicones:Conditioners make hair feel softer and smoother, often using Silicones. Coconut-oil-based conditions can be a good alternative.
Find Safer Products
Websites and Apps:
Clearya
Clearya is a free browser extension and app that notifies you when there are unsafe ingredients in your makeup, personal care, baby care, cleaning and other products, and helps you find safe products.
Clearya is a free browser extension and app that notifies you when there are unsafe ingredients in your makeup, personal care, baby care, cleaning and other products, and helps you find safe products.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics - Nontoxic Black Beauty Project
They offer a list and database of non-toxic beauty products made and sold by Black-owned companies that are committed to toxic-free beauty and personal care products.
They offer a list and database of non-toxic beauty products made and sold by Black-owned companies that are committed to toxic-free beauty and personal care products.
Detox Me
This app allows you to scan barcodes on products to find relevant tips. They also offer a buying guide to decode product labels and find non-toxic alternatives.
This app allows you to scan barcodes on products to find relevant tips. They also offer a buying guide to decode product labels and find non-toxic alternatives.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG has a "Skin Deep" database that rates personal care and beauty products based on their safety and toxicity levels. EWG also offers a Healthy Living app that allows you to scan barcodes and find safer products.
EWG has a "Skin Deep" database that rates personal care and beauty products based on their safety and toxicity levels. EWG also offers a Healthy Living app that allows you to scan barcodes and find safer products.
Think Dirty
This app and website allow you to scan or search for personal care products to see their ingredient safety ratings.
This app and website allow you to scan or search for personal care products to see their ingredient safety ratings.