Let's start with the definitions. Parabens are preservatives used to protect product formulations from the proliferation of fungi, bacteria and prolong their shelf life, and sulfate is a detergent action substance responsible for removing oil from the scalp.
Are they harmful?
These substances are constantly related to the development of some diseases such as breast cancer, melanoma, and affect fertility. However, this research was done with very high doses, which are not found in our everyday products. Therefore, more conclusive evidence is still lacking.
The most common sulfates used are the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES). They can irritate the eyes, lungs and cause dermatitis on skin, as some universities study points out. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid the substance. The substance binds to the dirt particles present in the hair and is eliminated when rinsed. However, large amounts of sulfate can damage hair because they alter the pH of the fiber, letting it dry and fragile.
How can I identify these chemical on my shampoo?
So that you do not make a mistake when choosing your shampoo without sulfate and parabens at the time of purchase, it is very important to pay attention and read its ingredients on the labels. After all, these components can often appear under other names in the products.
Sulfate may appear as: sodium lauryl sulfate (LSS), sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate. While parabens are identified as: parabens; methylparaben; ethylparaben; propylparaben or butylparaben.
So pay attention: If one of these names appears on your shampoo label, it is not sulfate free or paraben free!
Sulfate and paraben-free Shampoo
Sulfate and paraben-free shampoo has been gaining attention in the hair care market thanks to the popularization of low poo, which is a hair washing technique that seeks a more natural and less aggressive care for hair strands. After all, it uses products without harmful substances traditionally present in shampoos, such as sulfates and parabens.
Take a look at some advantages:
- Cleanses without damaging the hair
- Physiological pH that respects the scalp
- Formula 100% Biodegradable
Sulfate-free shampoo has little or no lather: they sanitize without rubbing or foaming. Just massage gently all over the scalp and then rinse. It is a way to keep the cuticles intact, and is an excellent choice for porous or damaged hair.
How to care for hair without chemicals
The solution is simple, choose the right products, formulated specifically for your hair type, but pay attention if the label is stating that the product is parabens and sulfate-free.
Besides cleaning and conditioning, if you also want to gradually darken gray hair, you must check out our Gradual Gray Shampoo. Our product is sulfate free & paraben free and helps repair and nourish your fibers for stronger, fuller and darker hair.
Gradual Gray Shampoo is perfect for any hair and its clean formulation will not harm your hair in any way. In fact, it strengthens your hair!