What toxic substances are contained in shampoos and hair dyes?
Toxic substances in shampoos and hair dyes can harm not only your hair. Learn more about the most dangerous substances that can seriously affect our health.
Knowing these dangerous ingredients will help you stop using products that contain them. So read the labels and buy only harmless hair cosmetics.
1. Aminomethyl propanol
This compound is used to adjust the ph in many hair products and is safe when its concentration is below 2%, but in many other cosmetics it is added at much higher quantities. Dyes and hair straightening products are the most dangerous. If the concentration of aminomethyl propanol exceeds 12%, it becomes carcinogenic.
2. Ammonium persulfate
One of the most dangerous toxins is commonly found in bleaching and dyed hair cosmetics. This substance causes irritation of the scalp, eyes and nasal mucosa. Its long-term use can cause the development of dermatitis and asthma.
3. Diethanolamine, monoethanolamine and triethanolamine
These 3 substances disrupt hormonal activity. They are most often found in shampoos and are usually combined into carcinogenic compounds that create a risk of developing kidney and liver cancer. In the contents of cosmetic products, they are usually listed under the hidden names lauramide DEA, cocamide DEA /derivative fatty acids from coconut oil/ and oleamide DEA. All three substances can adversely affect keratin, which causes hair to become dry and brittle.
4. Formaldehyde derivatives
The most common are imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM /dimethyl-dimethyl/ hydantoin. These substances do not contain formaldehyde, but are derived from it and can have a similar effect. These are one of the most toxic ingredients of cosmetics because they have potentially carcinogenic properties, can cause asthma, allergy and affective disorders.
5. Isopropanol
This is a petroleum-derived solvent found in shellac, antifreeze, and hair and body care products such as gels and sprays. Isopropanol breaks down fats, for this reason it has a negative effect on the skin, and when inhaled it can cause headaches, dizziness and more serious conditions such as nausea, vomiting and depression.
6. Parabens and phthalates
These substances have been banned in the European Union for more than 10 years, but they can be hidden under different names, such as the confusing designation E-216. They have been found to be carcinogenic and hormone disruptors. They are also associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
7. P-Phenylenediamine
This substance is mostly found in hair dyes and is best kept away from the skin. Even the best hairdressers can hardly prevent contact with this compound with the scalp when dyeing. As a result of this contact a number of unpleasant symptoms appear such as headache, cough, increase in blood pressure and abdominal pain.
8. Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol
It is possible that they are contained in all cosmetic hair products – from conditioners to dyes. Both substances are used to dissolve fats and are therefore included in some cleaning preparations.
But for hair, they are too dangerous and can cause skin irritation, and they are also harmful to the environment.
