Ingredients Deep Dive: Haircare

Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Haircare

1. Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
   Why it’s used: Sulfates create the rich lather in shampoos and remove dirt and oil.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Strips away natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle.

   • Can cause scalp irritation and trigger allergies.

   • Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.

2. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
   Why it’s used: To preserve products and prevent bacteria growth.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Linked to hormone disruption because they mimic estrogen in the body.

   • May contribute to conditions like breast cancer.

   • Builds up in the environment, harming wildlife.

3. Phthalates (Often hidden under "Fragrance")
   Why it’s used: Makes fragrances last longer and improves product flexibility.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Known endocrine disruptor that interferes with hormone levels.

   • Linked to reproductive issues and developmental problems.

4. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15)
   Why it’s used: Preserves products by preventing microbial growth.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Carcinogenic and linked to allergic reactions.

   • Can cause scalp irritation and hair loss with prolonged exposure.

   • Other preservatives to avoid: phenoxyethanol, BHT, BHA

5. Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)
   Why it’s used: To create a smooth, shiny finish by coating the hair shaft.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Builds up on the hair, weighing it down and making it greasy over time.

   • Prevents moisture from penetrating, leading to brittle, dry hair.

   • Non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution.

6. Synthetic Fragrance
   Why it’s used: To give products a pleasant scent.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Often contains hidden chemicals like phthalates.

   • Linked to headaches, allergies, and hormone disruption.

   • Companies are not required to disclose the specific chemicals under "fragrance."

7. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds
   Why it’s used: As a thickener or softener in shampoos and conditioners.
   Why it’s bad:

   • Can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both linked to cancer.

   • Irritates the skin and scalp.

Nontoxic Haircare Favorites

There are a lot of clean hair products out there - most of them honestly suck. I’ve tried a lot and these are my favorites:

1. Shampoo / Conditioner

   • Reverie has been my favorite find. They smell the most pleasant (a light floral / essential oils) and work the most similarly to a “normal” shampoo and conditioner. The Hair Mask is my favorite conditioner from them.

   • Clearstem is also really great, but it definitely smells like chocolate. I am hoping that they someday repackage the conditioner. It does work really well though and it is acne safe, so if you have bangs or bacne, this is a great choice! It is also less expensive than Reverie, so if you are looking for overall value, this is the one for you. ;

   • I also like Innersense, but I don’t think it makes your hair as shiny and moisturized and you need a TON of it if you have long hair.

2. Treatments

   • Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave in Treatment is my favorite. It doesn’t weigh my hair down and it definitely conditions. Reminds me of Kerastase treatments.

   • Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam is critical in my routine. It works just like any other volumizing foam out there and it isn’t sticky

   • Rahua Heat Protectant Shield is the best heat protectant I’ve found.

   • Innersense I Create Shine Glossing Serum is by far the best shine serum I’ve found. A little goes a long and it isn’t as thick and oily as other clean shine serums.

   • Fré Hair Repair Serum is a great hair oil that doesn’t make your hair super greasy. I use it on my ends after I’ve dried my hair to smooth out any dryness and give shine. (code CATHERINE)

3. Dry Shampoo

   • The Rootist is my favorite because it is so convenient (built in brush applicator) and works well. It doesn’t have any scent either.

   • If you want tinted, go for the Primally Pure or Beauty by Earth.

4. Hairspray / Volume Powder

   • If you are a flat hair girlie, you’ll love the Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite (shockingly nontoxic, I know).

   • Look - nontoxic hairspray simply isn’t the same. I honestly rarely use it at this point. Three options that I’ve tried and are fine are Rowe Casa Organics (code CATHERINE), Innersense, and Yarok. If I find one that truly outperforms the rest of the mid ones I’ve tried. I’ll update here.