In this article we have put together a list of brands that have developed alternatives to conventional shampoos and use organic plant-based ingredients in order to gently clean your kid’s or baby’s delicate skin.

The main substances you should watch out for are easy to spot on the list of ingredients: Parabens and SLS.

Parabens are a common preservative found in shampoos, body wash and body lotions. They avoid bacteria to develop in liquids. However, parabens are endocrine disruptive chemicals that can influence the human hormonal system. Some Parabens have already been banned in countries like Denmark for the use in cosmetic products.

You can easily identify them on the list of ingredients as Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben or Methylparaben. Sometimes their chemical names are used such as Butyl Hydroxybenzoate or Propyl Hydroxybenzoate. In the EU e.g. Butylparaben and Propylparaben are already on the danger list.

SLS is another widely used chemical in shampoos and conditioners. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent but also a surfactant. That means it is also a chemical substance that reduces the surface tension in water. In terms of shampoo this characteristic is used to break up the natural oils on the skin and make it easier to wash and clean the skin. However, SLS is a harsh chemical and can cause skin irritations and dry skin.

Chemical free Shampoos for Kids

Fresh Monster 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo & Conditioner

Fresh Monster Haircare Products from Denver, Colorado are specifically formulated for the needs of children. Their shampoos are 100% toxin-free with plant-based ingredients: No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, BPA, gluten or soy. Made in the USA with no animal testing involved.

Ingredients:
Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Seed (Tonka Bean) Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Allantoin, Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glyceryl Undecylenate, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid

Everyone Soap for Every Kid

Everyone Soap for Every Kid is made by EO Products from California. The soap is formulated to be used as shampoo, body wash and bubble bath. it consists of pure essential oils and plant based ingredients: Cruelty free, Paraben free, Polysorbate free, Disodium EDTA free, Gluten free, Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate free, non-GMO modified.

Ingredients:
Purified Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Glucoside, Panthenol, EO Essential Oil Blend [Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil], EO Organic Herbal Blend [Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf Extract], Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol

Jason For Kids Only! Extra Gentle Shampoo

JĀSÖN® was originally founded back in 1959. JĀSÖN means “healer” in Greek. Today the company offers a whole range of natural cosmetic products in the areas of facial, body, hair, sun and Oral care.

Jason For Kids Only! Extra Gentle Shampoo is formulated with extra-mild botanical surfactants and certified organic extracts of Chamomile and Marigold. The shampoo has the same pH level as the tears from your kid’s eyes, therefor tear free!

Ingredients:
Purified soft water, chamomile extract, aloe vera gel, vegetable emulsifying wax, babassua oil, glycerine (vege), di-panthenol (pro – vitamin b-5), linden extract (herbal extracts from trout lake farms), hydrolyzed wheat protein, marigold extract, soluble wheat protein, cetrimonium chloride, keratin amino protein, arnica extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), comfrey extract, retinyl palmitate (vitamin a), ergocalciferol (vitamin d), biotin, mallow extract, jojoba oil, linoleic acid

Fairy Tales Repel Shampoo, Rosemary

Fairy Tales haircare products from New Jersey are specifically formulated to prevent hair lice. The shampoo formulas are free of harsh chemicals, pesticides, toxins, parabens and sulfates. With the growing concern regarding children’s allergies, the products are also dairy, gluten and nut-free too.

Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil (0.12%), Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Oil (0.00118%), Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil (0.00118%) Other Ingredients: Water/Eau (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Decyl Glucoside, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Polyquaternium-7, Illicium Verum (Anise) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyquaternium-10, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid

Chemical free Shampoos for Babies

Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Puracy from Austin, Texas uses pure natural ingredients such as citrus grove, a light, subtle blend of pink grapefruit essential oils and 100% natural botanical extracts. This shampoo is suitable for all skin types, including those with eczema, cradle cap, and sensitive skin.

No sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), triclosan, formaldehyde, salicylates, parabens, phosphates, SLS, SLES, MEA, DEA, TEA, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products, perfumes, dyes or caustics.

Ingredients:
Purified Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Lauryl Glucoside (Vegetable-Based Cleanser), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Vegetable Glycerin (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Coco Glycinate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Natural Sea Salt, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (Plant-Based Cleanser), Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance, Citric Acid (Plant-Based Preservative), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Coconut-Based Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Coconut-Based Preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (Biodegradable Preservative), Propanediol (Plant-Based Preservative)

Lil’ Leona Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Lil’ Leona Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is also a 3-in-1: Bubble Bath, Body Wash and Baby Shampoo. It is made of 100% all-natural ingredients, tear free

No Parabens, No Phosphates, No Sulfates, Gluten-Free, vegan, gluten free, cruelty-free, Made in California, USA.

Ingredients:
Deionized Water Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic) Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (Coconut Oil derived) Cocamidopropyl Betaine Sodium Methyl Oleyl Taurate Lauryl Glucoside Coco-Glucoside Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract Melissa officanils (Lemon Balm) Extract Phenoxyethanol Ethylhexylglycerin Calendula Extract (Certified Organic)

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash, Calming

Burt’s Bees from Oakland California is one of the Pioneers in all-natural and organic cosmetics. Their Baby shampoo and Body wash is tear free, pediatrician tested with no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Ingredients:
Ingredients: water, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, sodium lauroyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, oryza sativa (rice) extract, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein, origanum vulgare leaf oil, thymus vulgaris (thyme) oil, lauryl lactyl lactate, fragrance*, polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, sodium chloride, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, linalool * natural fragrance

Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, 6.8-Ounce

The organic cosmetics company Weleda from Germany offers a wide range of organic cosmetics products including face and body care, children’s and baby care and pregnancy care.

The Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Body Wash uses hand harvested organic Calendula from Weleda’s Biodynamic gardens in Germany. It contains gentle surfactant made from coconut and sugar that lathers and cleanses without drying. Almond and sesame seed oils nourish skin and hair with vitamins and essential fatty acids.

It is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and mineral oil derivatives. Tear free.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Coco-Glucoside, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Alcohol, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate), Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Limonene *, Linalool *. * from natural essential oils

What is SLS doing in Soap?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a foaming agent but also a surfactant. That means it is also a chemical substance that reduces the surface tension in water. In terms of soap this characteristic is used to break up the natural oils on your skin and make it easier to wash and clean the skin. However, SLS is a harsh chemical for your skin and can therefore cause skin irritations.

What are parabens doing in soap?

Parabens are a common preservative found in lotions, shampoos, body wash and many cosmetics. So as they avoid bacteria to develop in liquids they are mainly found in liquid soaps.

Parabens are endocrine disruptive chemicals that can influence the human hormonal system. Some Parabens have already be banned in Denmark for the use in cosmetic products for Children under 3 years old.

You can easily identify them on the list of ingredients as Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben or Methylparaben. Sometimes their chemical names are used such as Butyl Hydroxybenzoate or Propyl Hydroxybenzoate. In the EU e.g. Butylparaben and Propylparaben are already on the danger list.

Liquid Soap without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens

• Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid* >>>
• Evolved By Nature – This is Hand Soap* >>>
• Everyone 3-in1 Soap
• Kiss My Face Moisture Liquid Hand Soaps
• Puracy Natural Liquid Hand Soaps >>>*
• A La Maison de Provence Liquid Soaps
• Herbal Choice Mari Liquid Hand Wash
• Beesential Foaming Hand Soap
• Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Liquid Hand Soap
• Yes To Liquid Hand Soaps
• Clearly Natural Liquid Hand Soaps

Find more SLS free liquid soap on Amazon.com* >>>

Solid Soap bars without SLS

• Power Clean Soap Bars
• Dr. Squatch Bar Soap for Men* >>>
• Duke Cannon Men’s Bar Soap
• Dr. Bronners -Pure Castille Bar Soap* >>>
• Soapwalla Soap Bars
• A la maison soap bars
• Kiss my Face Soap Bars* >>>
• PremaTouch Coconut Oil Soap Bars
• The Soap Haven Handmade Goat Milk and Honey Soap
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Beauty Bar Soap

Find more SLS Free Solid Soap Bars on Amazon.com* >>>

Image by Pixabay CC0 Public Domain

* Partnerlink

Two commonly used chemicals that you find in most conventional shampoos are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and parabens. In this article we put together a list of sls- and paraben-free shampoos.

Sulfates in shampoos

Sulfates are a foaming ingredient found in many cosmetic and cleaning products; look at the ingredient list on your shampoo or toothpaste and you will likely see SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), or ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS).

And because they’re invariably among the first few ingredients, you can tell that they are present in high quantities. Sulfates are used to break up dirt and grease, which is why they are so popular. However, that popularity comes at a price. SLS can make your hair dry and cause skin irritation, and in fact is used for that purpose when testing healing skin products. It’s also not friendly to the environment, as it’s corrosive, pollutes water, and is a pesticide. Not the kind of ingredient you want on your skin!

Fortunately for anyone wishing to avoid SLS and other sulfates, it’s becoming much easier to find sulfate-free shampoos, especially if you look at natural brands. These may replace sulfates with ingredients such as sodium cocosulfate. Sulfate-free shampoos can take some getting used to as they won’t foam as well as your regular brand, so be sure to rinse out the shampoo thoroughly.

What is the function of parabens in Shampoos

Parabens are used primarily as a preservative. They are used in all sorts of water-containing toileteries such as body wash, shower gel, liquid soap, body lotion, and shampoos and conditioners. Their main function ist to make sure that no bacteria contained in the water can develop.

Depending on national legislation there are already strict limits established for some parabens. In some countries including Denmark parabens are completely banned for the use in cosmetics because their effects on the hormonal balance of the human body. They have been even linked to the development breast cancer.

The natural cosmetics manufacturers use essential oils instead of parabens for the preservation of their recipes. In addition, for example, sorbic acid prevents the formation of germs, bacteria and fungi.

Sulfate and Paraben free Shampoo Brands

Jason

Jason manufacture their skincare and haircare products themselves in California, and are a Certified Organic Processor. This means that they have complete control over their products, which are all vegetarian and packaged in biodegradable packaging. The company offers a number of SLS- and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners.

Majestic

Majestic Pure also produces sulphate-free shampoos and a conditioner. Some are also paraben-free. The products are made using botanical ingredients that are kind to skin and are not tested on animals.

Fundamental Earth

If you’re looking for an American-made SLS-free shampoo, Fundamental Earth is a proud American brand. They offer two shampoos and two conditioners, all of which are free from SLS and SLES. What’s more, the products do not contain parabens or phthalates, and are not tested on animals. Instead, you’ll find organic ingredients.

Pura D’Or

Argan oil is the latest thing in haircare, for its moisturising and anti-aging properties. PURA D’OR use this and other oils to make pure, effective products that deal with typical hair problems like thin hair or flaky scalp. All products are cruelty-free -a common factor with natural brands, and also avoid the use of sulfates, parabens or gluten (people with a gluten problem need to avoid any exposure).

Kiss My Face

Kiss My Face got into the natural market long before many of today’s new brands were even thought of. Ethical and environmental responsibility is a big part of their philosophy. All their shampoos are sulfate and parabenfree, including their kids’ shampoo, and you can also buy conditioner and styling products.

ArtNaturals

ArtNaturals strives to produce natural, organic, cruelty-free products at affordable prices, as natural products tend to be a lot more expensive than the drugstore alternatives, although quality is always worth paying for. Their argan oil shampoos deal with typical hair dilemmas such as hair loss and dandruff.

Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees is a long-established brand famous for its lip balms, but also produces chemical-free shampoos in delicious scents like mango or pomegranate.

Maple Holistic

Maple Holistics backs up its products with a 100% money-back guarantee. Their cruelty-free, sulfate- and paraben free products include shampoo and conditioner. In fact, all products are cruelty-, paraben and sulfate-free.

So if you find that your skin is easily irritated by your shampoo or conditioner, check the ingredients – it’s likely that SLS another sulfate or Parabens are there at the top of the list. Sulfates may create that wonderful foam that makes us feel our soap or shampoo is working, but it’s not always kind to your skin.

In fact, they could be actually harming our skin, as well as the environment. But with more and more brands recognising the impact of chemicals, it’s becoming easier all the time to locate a shampoo that avoids the use of these harsh ingredients, which are even used in car shampoos and other cleaning products. Do you really want them on your delicate skin?

Also interesting:

• Chemical free hair dye for grey hair
• Silicone free Leave-in Conditioner 
• Silicone Free Shampoo
• Biodegradable Shampoo Brands

Many consumers are looking now for toileteries that do not contain these chemical substances. It is difficult to find relevant products and it requires a detailed study of the list of ingredients on the packaging in the drugstore or supermarket.

The easiest way to find chemical free body wash ist to concentrates ones search on all natural cosmetics manufacturer. But be aware that even if a product calls itself “all-natural” or “organic” it still could include chemicals, mineral-oil based substances or plastic.

To be safe you should concentrate on certified organic or all-natural products that carry the label of certification bodyies such as USDA (US), Ecocert or Natrue (Europe).

What effect Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in body wash?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is the surfactant most commonly used in conventional shampoos, bubble baths, liquid soaps, toothpastes and gels. It is used as a foaming and cleansing agent. It has the property to react with both water and grease and thus is able to  break up dirt and grease. It can be produced cheaply, especially in large quantities and is therefore used in most conventional body wash products.

SLS causes the stratum corneum of the skin and hair to swell, so that on many people’s skin more fat is removed than necessary. The skin becomes brittle, may itch, flake and redden.

An alternative is a substance obtained from coconut oil: Sodium Coco Sulfate. But here opinions differ as it is still difficult to tell how agressive this substance actually is.

What do parabens in body wash?

Parabens are used primarily as a preservative. They are used in water-containing toileteries, to make sure that no bacteria contained in the water can develop. Depending on national legislation there are already strict limits established for some parabens. In some countries including Denmark parabens are completely banned for use in cosmetics because its effects on the hormonal balance of the human body.

The natural cosmetics manufacturers use essential oils instead of parabens for the preservation of their recipes. In addition, for example, sorbic acid prevent the formation of germs, bacteria and fungi. It is actually possible to get a body wash that works without parabens.

Following, we present you 5 brands that offer body wash without parabens and SLS.

Puracy Natural Body Wash

• Coconut-based cleansers, for daily use by men and women, with all skin types.
• No triclosan, sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), formaldehyde, salicylates, parabens, phosphates, MEA, DEA, TEA, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products, perfumes, dyes or caustics
• hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, biodegradable
• Certified Cruelty-Free by PETA & Leaping Bunny
• Made in the USA!

Ingredients:

Purified Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Lauryl Glucoside (Vegetable-Based Cleanser), Vegetable Glycerin (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Coco Glycinate (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut-Based Cleanser), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant-Based Skin Softener), Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (Plant-Based Cleanser), Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance, Citric Acid (Plant-Based Preservative), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Coconut-Based Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Coconut-Based Preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (Biodegradable Preservative), Propanediol (Plant-Based Preservative)

Burt’s Bees Citrus & Ginger Body Wash

• Made with a plant based cleansing complex. 99.9% natural and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Kiss My Face Natural Shower Gel and Body Wash

• Natural coconut cleansers, Liquid shea butter, No SLS, parabens or phthalates

Ingredients

Aqua, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Coco Betaine, Glycerine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus) Flower Extract, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Fruit Extract, Cymbidium Grandiflorum (Orchid) Flower Extract, Cocoglucoside, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash

• Blend of Certified Organic Ingredients, including Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oils
• Contains No Laurel / Laureth Sulfates
• Cruelty Free (Never Tested on Animals)

Ingredients:

certified organic tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eculaptyus oil, rosemary oil, nettle oil, thyme oil, chamomile and soybean protein extracts, menthol sodium cocoyl glutimate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocoamidopropyl betaine, vegetable glycerin, panthenol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), citric acid, sodium hydroxymethlglycinate, essential oil fragrance

More Brands that offer Body Wash and Shower Gels without Parabens and SLS:

• Jason
• Lavera
• Logona
• Nature’s Gate
• Nubian Heritage
• Tom’s of Maine
• Yes to Coconut
• Yves Rocher
• Weleda

Conclusion

There is also a way without chemicals. Especially with a product such as body wash and shower gel which we use daily, we release al lot of chemicals such as parabens and sulfates into the environmental. Plant based cleansing and foaming agents mixed with essential oils are an alternative which is better for the environment and your skin. However this comes with a price.

If you find more body washes without SLS and parabens, please leave a comment below.

One of the major problems with SLS is that it is corrosive and can cause mouth ulcers – clearly a problem when it’s an ingredient in your toothpaste. So if you’re suffering from ulcers or other irritation, you should consider using an SLS free toothpaste. There are many brands on the market, which use natural ingredients such as baking soda, plant oils, or xylitol (a natural sweetener considered to help dental health) instead.

Here is a list of toothpaste brands without SLS:

Tom’s of Maine is known for its natural products that are free of chemical and harmful ingredients. The brand offers SLS free toothpaste in peppermint and spearmint flavours. Both are also free of fluoride and have a whitening effect.

If you’re looking for a wider variety of flavours, try Himalaya, a company that produces seven different SLS- and fluoride-free toothpastes. As well as the usual minty flavours, you can also try Neem and Pomegranate or Cinnamon, which are good options if you’re not a mint fan. All toothpastes are gluten-free – good news for anyone who’s allergic.

Jason also offers an ample SLS free toothpaste list, some of which are fluoride-free as well. You can choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, one with whitening properties, or one to control tartar. With 12 to choose from, you’re sure to find one in this range that will suit your needs.

more SLS free toothpaste brands

• Desert Essence
• Dr. Hauschka
• Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste
• Eco-cosmetics
• Green People Toothpastes (UK)
• Himalaya
• Jason’s
• Lavera
• Logodent
• Natural Dentist
• Nature’s Gate
• Real Purity
• Redmond Earthpaste
• Sante
• Tom’s of Maine
• Trader Joes’s
• Verve Ultra
• Weleda

If you are looking particularly for SLS-free toothpaste without fluoride, you can find a list here in the “Natural Toothpaste” Section.

It’s also useful to have an SLS free toothpaste list for children, as many parents also want to avoid exposing their children to any harsh chemicals. Manufacturers of SLS free toothpaste for kids include Jack N’ Jill Kids, with five fruity flavours and one flavour-free, Hello Oral Care, and Now Foods, which comes in three flavours.

Brands that offer toothpaste without SLS for Kids

• Green People Organic Children Toothpaste
• Hello Oral Care
• Jack N’ Jil Kids
• Jason’s
• Lavera Kids
• Logodent Kids
• NOW Foods
• The Natural Dentist
• Weleda Childrens Tooth Gel (fluoride-free)

So both you and your children can avoid the harshness of SLS, while keeping your teeth clean, sparkling and above all, healthy. Many of these brands are also cruelty-free, which is good news for anyone seeking to live an ethical lifestyle as well as be kind to their body.

Foto Source: Fotolia

But in order to avoid skin problems caused by caosmetic products we schould start considering what products we are using and listen less to the Marketing messages on the TV. Although think about what chemicals you might flush in to the environment and consider buying products with biodegradable ingredients.

At the end of this article you find a list of brands that do not use the chemicals mentioned below.

When you buy a shampoo or conditioner you should pay attention to these chemicals.

Sulfates

Sulfates are a common ingredient in lots of shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates are an additive to shampoos and conditioners that causes the foaming; with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) being the most common. It combines with water to emulsify the grease in the hair, dispersing it into the water so that it can be washed away. The concentration in shampoos is typically around 15%. However, The International Journal of Toxicology also provides a safety assessment of SLS and recommends concentration levels of no more than 1% in products with prolonged use.

SLS is also considered to be allergenic and irritating to the skin. There is a debate surrounding the topic of SLS and Cancer. But up to now, there is no scientific evidence that links the two. Furthermore there are some findings that link the ingredient to a hormone imbalance which can cause serious health inssues.

Silicones

Silicone is used as a film former and surround each hair, so the hair can be meshed better and shine without appearing greasy. They are also used in hair spray and foam, where they form a layer around each single hair.

Silicones weigh down the hair and leave it seem powerless, especially thin hair. Lightweight silicones such as “Cyclomethicone” or “Cyclopentasiloxane”can be washed out again. “Dimethicone”, however, is the heaviest silicone. It is mainly used in conditioners or cures. It is deposited on the hair.

Ecologically silicones are questionable. They are not biodegradable, their water-soluble residues pollute the lakes, rivers and groundwater. Even water treatment facilities have a hard time dealing with the silicones in the sewage. Find out more about silicones and a list of silicone free shampoo brands.

Parabens

There has been much talk in recent years of the dangers of parabens in cosmetics and toiletries. But why are they included in cosmetics, and what is the problem with them?

Parabens are preservatives and are used to extend the shelf life of a product. However, there are suggestions that parabens may be linked with serious health problems, and they are known to cause sensitivity and dermatitis in some people. Evidence of estrogenic activity- where the parabens mimic natural female hormones, has caused some concern, as has evidence that parabens cause DNA damage in skin.

Consequently, some consumers prefer to avoid products containing parabens, especially shampoos and conditioners. Fortunately, there are a number of brands producing paraben-free, see below.

PEGs

Polyethylene Glycol compounds(PEGs) are used in shampoos to dissolve oil and grease which is why they are also commonly found in spray on oven cleaners. There are concerns about PEGs increasing the absorption of other chemicals, due to their action of opening the pores.

So, with a clearer view of exactly what we are washing our hair with and what the effects could be, it may be worth taking a little more time and care over what we choose to use.

In order to find chemical free shampoos you need to study the INCI list on the packaging. A safe bet is to use all-natural or organic shampoos that are ideally certified. These products use official seals like USDA Organic from the National Organic Program in the US or NATRUE, BDIH or ecocert in Europe.

Here is a list of popular all natural shampoo brands that are pretty safe and usually replace chemicals by all natural ingrediences. But keep on checking the INSI list anyway:

• Alverde
• Apereiron Keshawa
• Aubrey Organics
• Burt’s Bees
• Fundamental Shampoo
• Green People
• JASON All Natural
• Khadi Herbal Shampoos
• Kiss My Face
• Lavera
• L’Occitane Aromachologie
• Logona Shampoos
• Lush Solid Shampoos
• Maple Holistics
• Nature’s Gate
• Nubian Heritage
• Pura d’Or
• Sante
• Tom’s of Maine
• Tru Moroccan
• Weleda
• Yves Rocher

This listof chemical free shampoo brands is by far not complete. If you know more brands that avoid the chemicals mentioned above, please leave a comment.