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You probably have certain expectations of your shampoo. It should obviously clean really well — remove excess oils, but not strip your scalp of essential moisture. It’s possible you also have an image in your mind of an effective shampoo and that it’s one that is sudsy, thick, and smells great.
But a few of our ideas about a great shampoo could be conflicting with reality. There are a number of unhealthy ingredients found in many shampoos — including the most dangerous shampoo ingredient you’ve never heard of.
Polyethylene glycol
Perhaps you’ve heard a lot about sulfates and parabens — two potentially harmful chemicals that are found in a lot of shampoos and other beauty products. But Polyethylene glycol is the not-good-for-you ingredient you’ve never heard of.
According to EcoWatch, Polyethylene glycol or PEG has been classified as a “developmental toxicant” in California: “which means that it may interfere with human development. It’s also known to be contaminated by the aforementioned cancer-causer dioxane.”
Sulfates are another no-no ingredient that you’ll find in a number of shampoos — all of those soapy suds are one telltale sign your product contains them. “The main thing to keep in mind when thinking about sulfates is that they are chemical detergents,” reports EcoWatch. “That in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it means that sulfates are extremely effective at removing dirt and oil … in fact, they’re a little too effective. Sulfates are harsh on the hair and scalp, so they can strip away that natural moisture that keeps your hair shiny and soft.”
Searching for a natural shampoo that is free of chemicals? This popular apple cider cleaning shampoo clarifies your scalp, ridding it of excess oils and dirt, without stripping hydration. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, and salt and is enriched with nourishing natural ingredients like sweet almond oil and nettle leaf extract.
Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, $20, Amazon
