How to Identify and Avoid Potentially Harmful Haircare Preservatives

The haircare industry is tremendously growing with a wide range of products. Preservatives are a common and considerable concern among these various products. Even though many companies promise healthy and glossy hair, not all products are preservative-free. In this wide range of choices, what to choose and what not to choose? Which are healthy for the hair and which are not? These are some of the common questions among the people who care for their hair. In this blog post, we will learn how to identify the potentially harmful preservatives for your hair and the necessary steps to avoid them.

Identifying Top Harmful Preservatives for Your Hair

Sulfates

Present in: Shampoos

You might have come across the word “sulfate-free” on labels of Hair products and might have often wondered what this term is and the need to mention it on the label. Sulfates are surfactants that mix with water to create foam and can clean off the oil and dirt from your hair. However, this cleansing can often be too powerful and might strip out the essential oils from your skin. People with dry skin and frizzy hair should avoid using sulfate products.

Look for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), Ammonium lauryl sulfate

Parabens

Present in: Shampoos, Conditioners

Parabens are preservatives used to increase the shelf life of hair care products. They protect the products from bacteria that spoil them. However, parabens can affect consumers as they can disrupt the natural hormonal balance, cause irritation, and should not be used during pregnancy.

Look for: words ending with “paraben” like butylparaben, ethylparaben, and methylparaben

Phthalates

Present in: Shampoos, Hair Sprays

Phthalates are added to many hair care products to make them flexible and give shampoos a nice scent. However, despite their good scent, studies show that some phthalates, especially DEHP ones, can harm our health in the long run. Some countries have also banned them, so it's good to be cautious.

Silicones

Present in: Shampoos, conditioners

When it comes to silicones, their disadvantages outweigh their advantages. These are used in products for temporary shine, but in the long run, they can be harmful to the hair, making it heavy and unhealthy. Even though they help with frizz, eventually, they will block moisture from entering your hair strands, making them weak and unhealthy. 

Look for: Words that end with "-cone" or "-siloxane."

Alcohols

Present in: Shampoos

While these alcohols are safe for cosmetics, avoiding drying ingredients (such as alcohols) will help keep your hair and scalp healthy and moisturized. Alcohols help you penetrate your skin fast but will also dry very quickly as they are highly volatile. This dries out the scalp and hair very fast, which is unhealthy.

Look for: Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

Triclosan

Present in: Shampoos, Hair sprays

Like paraben, triclosan is a hormone balance disrupter. Until recently, it was a common ingredient in hair care products. Triclosan can cause various issues, such as hormonal imbalances and immune system problems. It is also somewhat risky to use during pregnancy, so beware. Avoid this ingredient to avoid these negative effects.

Look for: Triclosan

Petrolatum

Present in: Hair oils, hair pomades

Petrolatum is also known by its other name, petroleum jelly. It is known for its hydrating properties as it offers deep moisturization to the scalp. Petrolatum has high risks of involving carcinogen impurities. It gives an allergic reaction to petroleum-based products and is not preferable for sensitive skin.

Look for Petrolatum (the most common name), Petroleum Jelly, Mineral Oil, and White Petrolatum.

Taking Necessary Steps to Avoid Harmful Chemicals

• Start by reading the labels of the Hair care products you are using
• If there are harmful preservatives such as parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or any of the above-listed items, start avoiding those haircare products.
• If possible, opt for natural/organic choices instead of using chemical-filled products. Many products on the market are made of natural ingredients, such as our ARM Pearl Beauty products. Browse our products right now and make the right choice. These products are not only healthy but can also be customized for the best results.
• Please investigate the long-term impacts of chemicals often found in skincare, cleaning products, and food packaging.
• Paying attention to the products you use daily can lower the chances of health problems and encourage a safer, healthier way of living.

About ARM Pearl Beauty Hair Care Products

With the above-mentioned concerns in mind, ARM Pearl Beauty has launched chemical free hair care products. These products include ARM Pearl Beauty Hair Oil, Shampoo and conditioner.

• 6-in-1 hair treatment oil with Bhringaraj, Shikakai, Sempooran Pattai. These ingredients help to control hair fall and improve hair texture and volume by nourishing the hair follicles and increase its strength.
• Hair fall control shampoo with Aloe vera, Jatamansi and shikakai as the main ingredients. These ingredients controls hair thinning and breakage and strengthen the hair follicles.
• Best Hair conditioner for Men and Women with Amla, Rita, Bhringraj and shikakai extracts for the hair shine. These ingredients work together to give healthy looking hair. Best choice to bid adieu for dry frizzy hair.