Sulfates and parabens in our shampoos?

Sulfates in shampoos

What is the definition of a sulfate? In a simplified way, the sulfate is a chemical component which has a surfactant effect, it is he which washes the hair by catching the dust and the fatty residues which can be on our scalp. In shampoos and other foaming products, a surfactant allows water to mix with fatty substances and evacuate them when rinsing.

If sulfates are so much criticized lately it is because they have a long-term irritating effect on our scalp, which is why brands offer now shampoo without sulphates. Note that the "irritant" effect of a sulfate can be softened by the presence of vegetable oils or milder surfactants. In addition, there are more or less mild sulphates, you can find them in the INCI list on the product.
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Potentially irritating sulphates : Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate , Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Dodecylsulfate, Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate, PEG-8 lauryl ether sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate.

Mildly irritating sulphates : Sodium Coco Sulfate , Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

Parabens in shampoos

Parabens play the role of preservatives in cosmetic formulations, but if they are as criticized as sulphates, it is because they too have their share shade. Parabens are indeed suspected of being endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are substances of natural or artificial origin, possessing the capacity to interfere with the hormonal system (reproductive systems , thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, etc.). You will be able to recognize them in the INCI list under the names of Butylparaben, Propylparaben or again Propyl parahydroxybenzoate . Fortunately, in certified organic cosmetics, parabens are prohibited, so don't worry if you prefer organic products for you and your family.

Silicones in shampoos

Before pointing out the negative points linked to the use of silicones, let's take a look at their effects in cosmetics. Silicones give the hair a soft, covered, strong and shiny appearance, they are also easier to disentangle. Unfortunately, this is only on the surface because the silicone envelops the hair and prevents real care (such as vegetable oils) from penetrating the hair fiber. Under this "pretty layer" can therefore hide fragile and damaged hair .
How to recognize silicones in cosmetic products? In the INCI lists, these are the ingredients whose name most often ends in -ane, -one or -onol: Polysiloxane , Cyclotetrasiloxane , Cyclopentasiloxane , Amodimethicone , Cyclomethicone or the famous Dimethicone .

Synthesis components derived from the petrochemicals, silicones are inert substances which do not represent a priori any danger for health. However, cyclotetrasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane silicones are very volatile components suspected of being endocrine disruptors. In addition to providing no nutrition to your hair, and being pottyEntirely bad for health for the last two mentioned, silicones are above all criticized for their significant impact on the environment. Chemically inert, they are not biodegradable and can take up to 500 years to degrade. It is also for their polluting nature that silicones are prohibited in certified organic shampoos.

Selection of sulfate-free shampoos for children

• Organic Calendula Body and Hair Cleansing Cream - 200 ml Weleda : It gently cleanses delicate baby hair and fragile skin, thanks to a gentle vegetal washing base, without irritating cleaning agents, which does not sting the eyes.

• Kids Detangling Shampoo Cattier : Specially designed to gently wash the fragile hair of children thanks to its ultra-gentle washing base, the Cattier Organic Kids Detangling Shampoo is guaranteed free of sulphates, parabens and tagable allergens.