FREE OF
As you know, our products are FREE OF a lot of things, and many don't even know what those are and why they are bad - so we figured we would dive into these so we can all make more informed decisions when purchasing our products.
PARABENS
What are they? Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics. They have been used since the 1950s and are in about 85% of cosmetics because they are effective and inexpensive.
Why are they bad? Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors. Studies have shown that parabens can mimic the activity of estrogen and then can screw up regular estrogen production. Too much estrogen can cause more breast cell division and tumor growth. That is why parabens may be linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Because we do not use Parabens in our products, we always suggest giving them a quick shake to get the ingredients mixed together evenly in the case that separation has occurred.
SULFATES
Now, what are they? Sulfates are detergents that create that super-sudsy lather you get out of most shampoos. It also cleans dirt and oil from you hair.
So why is it bad? It can actually clean TOO much and strip your hair of the natural good oils that give you shine. It can strip color, cause breakage, and irritate your scalp and skin. Sometimes so much so that it can cause you to break out at your hairline.
Our Shampoo is Sulfate-Free and that is why you may notice that it doesn't lather AS MUCH as shampoos with Sulfate - but don't worry, our Shampoo still lathers! Actually we have been told it is one of the best lathers of more natural products out there!
To get even more lather from our Shampoo, make sure your hair is extra wet before applying or add a little more water mid lather for the extra suds.
SODIUM CHLORIDE
What is Sodium Chloride? Sodium chloride, which is basically table salt, is used to thicken shampoos and conditioners.
Why is it bad? Sodium Chloride can also cause dry and itchy scalp, and even hair loss. It strips you hair of the good oils it needs! Also, if you do keratin treatments, you want to avoid sodium chloride. It can undo the process faster.
Sodium Chloride is actually considered an irritant and even somewhat hazardous. If it gets in your eyes, it can itch and burn. It can also affect the color of your hair and dehydrate the strands.
PHTHALATES
The weird spelling should tip us off that it is something NOT good.
What are Phthalates? They are used in plastic products, like toys, and in cosmetic products. They are plasticizers and they make products more flexible or "filmy". Phthalates can also be used as solvents and to preserve and stabilize things like "fragrance" in many hair products.
Why are they bad? It has been shown that phthalates can get in the way of normal reproductive function and hormones - causing things like male infertility and reduced sex hormone production, and can even cause birth defects. They have also been seen to create an increase in breast tumor cells, as well as interference in certain anti-estrogen treatments that they use to combat tumors.
GLUTEN
What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in cereal grains like wheat, rye and barley, and many other products like cosmetics and hair care. Gluten is known for its elastic, sticky and glue-like properties, which makes it a go-to ingredient to use in shampoos and conditioners.
Why is it bad? We know that gluten inherently is not bad, but as more and more people have gluten sensitivities and intolerance, we feel it is important to not use it in our products. Although gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, the problem comes when it is accidentally ingested, like if it drips into the face as it can in a shower setting.
And we figure if we can just do without it and help people with those sensitivities out and make their lives easier, why not??
PHOSPHATES
What is it? Phospate occurs as white crystalline solids. In cosmetics and beauty products, they are used as buffering and cleaning agents. They also help add lather to shampoos. Fun fact: they are also used in laxatives 🙃.
Are they bad for you? Like sulfates, they can strip your hair and scalp of natural oils, cause dryness, brittleness, and irritation. If you already have sensitivities or scalp health issues, these can further irritate those. Also they can strip the color from your hair, and all of our products are color-safe!
FRAGRANCE
Yes, Fragrance sounds great, but what is "fragrance" really?
Well, synthetic fragrances are usually made of multiple hidden chemicals, and are used to mask other ingredient's not-so-good natural smells, or create an over-the-top smell for cosmetics.
Why are these bad?
These hidden chemicals are known to disrupt the reproductive system and cause cancer and asthma. And if that isn't bad enough, they are know to be an allergen, and can create inflammation for anyone with sensitive skin or scalp.
That is why we chose not to use Synthetic Fragrance in our products. Now, you may have noticed our products still smell yummy - and that all comes from the natural ingredients we use in the mix. No extra chemicals needed to mask anything or create a soothing smell. If you choose great ingredients, they will do that for you!
Now you see why we said NO to the iffyness of these ingredients!