When it comes to cosmetics, many people want products that have clean ingredients and deliver fast results. This can sometimes prove to be tricky since there are many factors to consider. Some of these factors include an individual’s skin/hair type, the detergents/surfactants in products, sequestering agents, pH adjusters, preservatives and additives. Three controversial ingredients that seem to confuse many people and leave them wondering whether or not products are safe to use are:
Parabens, silicones, and sulfates.
So, what exactly are they, what do they do, and are they safe to use?
Parabens:
What it is: an ingredient that is widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products.
Why it is used: It deters mold and bacteria from growing. It helps maintain a long shelf life (can be years) of a product.
Where it is found: Shampoos, conditioners, creams, cosmetics … basically in a ton of products that you can apply liberally on your body.
Names for it: Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Alkyl Parahydroxy Benzoate, etc. Basically anything ending in “paraben” for the most part.
Any side effects: individuals with sensitive skin can develop an allergic reaction to products containing parabens.
Is It safe?: Although several studies have shown a connection between parabens and cancer due to the similarities between estrogen and parabens, the studies have ultimately been inconclusive. So in short, it is safe to use, however it depends on the person’s preference. There are paraben-free alternatives that also act as preservatives, but not nearly as long as parabens.
Silicones:
What it is: lubricates and conditions strands while providing slip.
Why it is used: Reduce frizz, increases shine, fill the pores in the hair shaft, and detangles hair.
Where it is found: Hair care products and certain skin care products.
Names for it: anything ending in “cone”: Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, etc.
Any side effects: Although it makes hair look healthier, it actually acts like a barrier which prevents moisture and vitamins from entering the hair shaft. It isn’t water soluble which means that it builds up over time on hair. In essence, it is suffocating the strand by making it dry and brittle underneath the shiny coating.
Is it safe?: Yes, in moderation. The only way to get rid of silicones is to use a shampoo that’s strong enough to thoroughly strip the strand from the build up. This may also mean that the shampoo that you use could potentially strip your hair from the natural nourishing oils that it needs – making the hair drier and more brittle in the long run. Certain clarifying shampoos that are sulfate free assist in removing the build up.
Sulfates:
What it is: detergents/ surfectants/ cleansing agents that clean your hair and scalp.
Why it is used: removes dirt, oils, and grime from your hair and scalp
Names for it: Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, Ammonium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate
Any side effects: dry, brittle, breakage prone hair from overuse
Is it safe: Yes, but in moderation. Sulfates strip hair from product build up, but also of the natural moisturizing oils that it needs. Over use will cause the hair to become brittle and break and the skin to become dry and itchy.
So what are your thoughts on these ingredients? Would you use them? Let me know in the comments below!
Stay humble,
Ivy
Sources:
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/look-great/beauty/parabens-what-are-they-and-are-they-really-that-bad
https://argansalonspa.com/2018/01/25/truth-parabens-silicones-sulf
https://www.matrixprofessional.ca/blog/when-to-cut-parabens-sulfates-silicones
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