How carefully do you look at the back of your shampoo bottle? Maybe you are captivated by a promoted brand? Why every year it becomes more and more difficult to choose a quality hair wash for yourself? And what about children's cosmetics? Many of these questions arise today in modern women. To answer them, you need to pay attention not only to the composition of shampoos, but also to many other factors. For example: how to choose the right shampoo or who to listen to when choosing it, etc.
Shampoo Ingredients
It's no secret that in order for our shampoo to foam well, have a pleasant smell and not deteriorate after a week, special substances are added to it: surfactants, preservatives, flavorings, etc. Most of them, unfortunately, have a negative effect on the scalp and hair. Although there are, of course, natural hair shampoos. Reviews about them are as diverse as aboutbrands familiar to us.
Recently, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has been considered the most dangerous, since the consequences of its effect on the he alth of the hair and scalp have recently become known. At the same time, it is contained in more than 90% of shampoos that overflow the shelves of our stores and supermarkets, and its concentration can reach 25% of the total volume.
Sodium lauryl sulfate belongs to the category of surface-active substances (surfactants), which are used in almost all household and industrial cleaning chemicals (washing powders, dishwashing detergents, floors, cars, steam locomotives, etc.) due to the ability to create large amount of foam. In addition to SLS, the shampoo may contain components such as diethanolamine (DEA), parabens, cocamide MEA, cocamidopryl, Lauramine oxide, etc. All these substances also negatively affect the scalp and hair. Especially brightly and quickly, these effects appear on sensitive and allergic skin.
What is dangerous sodium lauryl sulfate
First of all, sulfates act on the skin as very strong irritants, as a result of which an allergic reaction can develop in any form and not only to a certain shampoo. For some, the effects appear earlier, for others - later. It all depends on the sensitivity of the skin and the general immunity of the body.
In addition, sodium lauryl sulfate dries out the scalp, gradually affects the cells of the epidermis. Over time, the work of the sebaceous glands is disrupted: the hair is allquickly become dirty and greasy. I have to wash my hair every day, which is not recommended by dermatologists.
The effect of SLS is especially negative on the delicate skin of children. So be sure to choose a sulfate-free baby shampoo!
Unattractive appearance (oily, thin and dull hair) is not the only problem that sodium lauryl sulfate can provoke. It penetrates deep into the scalp, causing various diseases, which can be much more difficult to get rid of.
Why SLS is so widely used
Despite such unpleasant and ultimately dangerous consequences of using lauryl sulfate, it has been used for more than 50 years in the production of most shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps and even toothpastes. Why hasn't it been banned yet? Because:
- it gives abundant foam, and without it it is almost impossible to wash your hair well;
- it's cheap.
No one will take care of your he alth except you, so read the labels carefully.
Should I trust reviews
Some people think that sulfate-free shampoo, which includes more than just SLS, is not enough to keep hair clean. This opinion arose from the fact that the scalp, as well as hair, after prolonged exposure to sulfates, is not able to immediately switch to softer and lighter surfactants. She needs time to adapt. Moreover, with age, the process of adaptationeverything is slower: for girls and boys under 20, it will be enough to wash their hair with a new sulfate-free shampoo only 2-3 times to make their hair shiny and silky. And after 40-45 years, this process can drag on for several weeks. But that doesn't mean the shampoo isn't doing its job well!
Therefore, when choosing a sulfate-free shampoo, reviews should be taken very selectively. It is worth listening only to detailed and reasonable conclusions.
An alternative to lauryl sulfate
Modern sulfate-free hair shampoos contain all the ingredients necessary for clean hair, but not so aggressive and toxic. An alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate in this case are non-ionic surfactants, which are produced by processing glucose and fatty alcohols of natural oils (coconut or palm). It could be lauryl glucoside or decyl glucoside.
The best sulfate-free shampoo. List of foreign manufacturers
Now there is a fairly large selection of natural shampoos - from world famous cosmetic corporations to unknown start-up companies. Many manufacturers, indicating the absence of sulfates and parabens on the front side of the bottle, simply replace them with other substances that are no less dangerous. Finding environmentally friendly products from foreign brands in Russian stores can be difficult. But how do you buy sulfate-free shampoo? List of the most popular and trusted brands that can be found or ordered with delivery to Russian cities:
-Aubrey Organics (Aubrey Organics). The hair care products of this American company have received international quality certificates (USDA, NPA, BDIH) and many awards. Aubrey Organics produces only natural hair shampoos. Customer reviews indicate that the products of this company are suitable even for people with sensitive skin.
- Logona. Shampoos of this German company have not only a cosmetic, but also a therapeutic effect. The right shampoo without sodium lauryl sulfate and other petrochemicals from Logona will help cure dandruff, normalize the sebaceous glands and more.
- Avalon is another American cosmetic concern that has earned the trust and respect of not only customers, but also dermatologists from all over the world. A series of baby cosmetics is also popular, especially sulfate-free baby shampoo. Testimonials from grateful parents flood the internet.
Of course, there are many other natural hair care companies around the world. For example: Natuderma, Bioxsine, Paul Mitchell, etc. All of them have their own advantages, which is why they deserve a large number of loyal customers.
Domestic producers
Not only foreign companies are able to offer quality products. Many manufacturers from Russia and other CIS countries are also engaged in the production of natural hair products. Here are some of them:
- Natura Siberica. The products of this Russian company have an international ICEA certificate,which only natural and safe foodstuffs, cosmetics, textiles and buildings are marked. Due to its composition, Natura Siberica shampoos gently and gently cleanse the scalp and hair, do not cause itching and help restore the fat balance of the epidermis.
- White Mandarin is a fairly young brand from Ukraine, specializing in the production of sulfate-free cosmetics. Shampoos of this company include natural vegetable oils and only components that are safe for he alth.
- Organic Shop. Russian cosmetics without harmful chemical compounds, which can be found in specialized stores or pharmacies.
- Grandmother Agafia's recipes. The range of sulfate-free cosmetics from this Russian company has its fans and detractors, just like any other.
Baby shampoos
Many cosmetic companies have special lines for children's natural hair products. But not all, and therefore it is much more difficult to buy a children's shampoo without sulfates than for adults. Among the brands specializing in children's cosmetics are:
- Yes To is one of the most popular hair and body care brands for children. The products of this company cannot be called absolutely natural, but they are completely safe for children. Yes To Shampoo is free from SLS and other dangerous surfactants and toxic preservatives.
- Kinder, Mama-Baby, Avalon, etc.
Where to buy naturalshampoos
It's no secret that the vast majority of hair cosmetics on the shelves of our stores cannot be classified as natural. And only in some departments of rare stores are really high-quality certified shampoos and hair conditioners without sodium lauryl sulfate. But what about the inhabitants of small towns? And can the internet be trusted?
If you choose a store where it is better to buy natural hair shampoos, reviews from people who have already used its services will be very useful. This applies to both conventional stores offering organic products and online portals. In almost all pharmacies, you can buy sulfate-free shampoo. The list of such products is quite large, and buyers have a choice.
You should also ask about the availability of documents confirming the quality, and in the case of online orders - about guarantees of receiving exactly what you need. Most modern companies provide their customers with order delivery services to almost anywhere in the world.
