As more and more consumers are becoming aware of what may be hidden behind the labels of the foods we eat, there is a concurrent growing consciousness of potential dangers lurking in personal hygiene products. News of carcinogens contained in an iconic baby shampoo sent some manufacturers scrambling into defense mode while signaling a clear need for tighter chemical regulation in the industry.
Shampoo Industry in a Lather
Skin is porous. Anything contained within soap and shampoo products gets absorbed through the pores once it is applied to the body. Critics charge that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently does little to regulate ingredients found in consumer cosmetic products. Researchers have found that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has become particularly notorious as potentially cancer-causing contaminants may be contained in this ubiquitous lathering agent, categorized as a "moderate human health priority" by Health Canada. Such chemicals not only pose long-term health and environmental risks (not easily degradable), but can cause skin irritation and dry out the hair.
Going "No-Poo"?
At the base of each hair follicle there are sebaceous glands that provide sebum, an oily/waxy substance that lubricates the hair shaft. Traditional shampoos trigger overproduction of oils by stripping away sebum. As hair is a fiber, the more it is washed, the greater the resultant moisture depletion and likelihood of upsetting the natural hair balance. Dermatologists cite recent clinical research in advocating less frequent shampooing or using lightweight alternatives with milder detergents, harnessing some of the scalps' natural oils to reduce dryness over time. Many consumers have been switching to non-lathering or low-foaming cleansers or even going "no-poo" - using no shampoo at all. Instead of shampoo, some proponents of this latter strategy use a mixture of water and baking soda to clean and deodorize, followed by a mild conditioner. Conditioners don't contain SLS but have antiseptic qualities that can help rinse away dirt and bacteria when combined with water. They do tend to stick to the hair, so require more manual rubbing and rinsing but reportedly leave hair looking and feeling clean and soft.
Au Naturel?
There has been a growing market for natural and vegan personal care options made from sustainable organic ingredients grown without pesticides or herbicides. These biodegradable products use plant oils, fruit and flower extracts, coconut and jojoba oil, vitamins, soy proteins and cocoa to clean and condition the hair. Without the chemicals producing lather, artificial colouring or fragrances, extra rinsing is often necessary with natural shampoos to ensure removal of soap residue. Once the hair has adjusted, less shampoo is required to maintain hair vitality, which helps offset the higher cost of purchase.
While research investigating cosmetic chemicals continues by scientists with HPLC training, the average consumer would do well to think twice about what they are massaging in to their skins.
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Patrick Quinn is a Copywriter at Higher Education Marketing, a leading web marketing firm specializing in Google Analytics, Education Lead Generation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, and Pay Per Click Marketing, among other web marketing services and tools.
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