The One Shampoo Dermatologists Say You Should STOP Using Because It Causes Thinning Hair

If you see formaldehyde listed as an ingredient in your shampoo, do yourself a favor and stop using it immediately. Although formaldehyde is used in many personal care products it’s been linked to cancer and major skin reactions, including hair loss. It has been identified as a human carcinogen and banned by many countries, but not yet by the U.S.

READ MORE: This $11 Thinning Hair Vitamin Is Always Selling Out At Target Because It Makes Hair Grow Back Instantly

Formaldehyde may be hiding in your shampoo disguised as any of the following: formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal. If you see any of these, it’s time to toss it and find a natural alternative.

The good news is, there are so many formaldehyde-free shampoo options that won’t compromise your hair growth goals. Here are some that will help clean your strands and keep them protected: 

Not Your Mother's Royal Honey & Kalahari Desert Melon Repair + Protect Shampoo ($8.79)

VERB Ghost Shampoo™ ($16)

AMIKA 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo ($20)

Neutrogena Anti Residue Shampoo ($4.74, down from $4.99)

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo ($12.63)