Reading the label of a
shampoo can be a confusing experience. The endless stream of unpronounceable,
chemical-like names among the ingredients can lead to concerns about what
you're putting on your hair.
So lets continue with
the investigation of substances in a shampoo, where one by one we look into
what is in a typical shampoo:
Sodium cocoate is the salt formed by
breaking down coconut oil with sodium hydroxide. Its added to shampoos to work
as a surfactant. According to the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) it is safe
to use on your hair and skin. It may cause allergies in individuals which are
allergic to coconut oil.
Sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) is
a strong base and if you would pour a NaOH solution on to your skin it would
burn through your skin. Despite this we used products with NaOH every single
day, for example washing our hands with soap, because soap is made in a
reaction of oils with NaOH. In shampoos NaOH is used to balance the pH and
usually only a small amount is added. You should not be alarmed by this
product.
PPG-5-ceteth-20 is a polyoxypropylene,
polyoxyethylene ether of cetyl alcohol. It is used as a surfactant, emulsifying
agent, emollient, and lubricant. It gives a dry, silky feel and reduces the
greasy effect of oils and petrolatum. The presence of this substance in your
shampoo is not hazardous.
PEG-55 propylene
glycol oleate is a polyethylene glycol ether of propylene glycol oleate. It is
added to shampoos for its surfactant and viscosity controlling functions. No
negative effects on health are known.
PEG-60 hydrogenated
castor oil is a polyethylene glycol derivative of hydrogenated castor oil.
It is used as a surfactant. You should not be alarmed by this product.
Argania spinosa kernel
oil = argan oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree. It is a natural
ingredient known to strengthen hair. To find out more read my article about
argan oil:
Polyquaternium-10
(PQ-10) is
the generic name for cationic cellulosic polymers that are used in shampoos to
impart conditioning properties to the hair. It can reduce static electricity,
and improve the texture of hair. It is considered a safe product.
Salicylic acid is a
monohydroxybenzoic acid. Aspirine is made from salicylic acid and it is known
to ease aches and pains. It is often dded to shampoos to fight dandruff. It is
a safe product, but people allergic to aspirine should be cautious.
Limone = lemon, natural
ingredient known to lighten the color of hair.
Camellia oleifera seed
oil originates
from China and is known as tea tree oil. It is a natural ingredient known
to moisturizer skin and hair. It is known to prevent hair breakage, as
well as add shine and smoothness to hair.
To be continued in a third part of this long post :-)
Image courtesy of: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
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