Many shampoo products contain preservative chemicals or those that enhance lather, texture or scent. Ingredients in personal care products are absorbed into the skin, and chemicals in hair-care products are no exception. A benefit to choosing chemical-free shampoo and other such products is a reduction in the amount of chemicals used on the body, thus a reduction in the levels of chemicals absorbed into the body. Natural products also offer an alternative for people who experience allergic reactions to chemicals.
The skin is a permeable organ, and it absorbs ingredients in personal care products. When those products contain chemicals, the body absorbs the chemicals as well, many of which have been found to cause health problems over time. Additionally, some people are allergic to chemicals found in shampoo and other personal care products; such ingredients can cause hives and other uncomfortable and unpleasant allergic reactions. More severe allergic reactions can even include dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and fatigue.
Chemical-free shampoo also is a solution for people who choose not to use chemicals on their bodies, regardless of whether they experience allergic reactions. Many of the chemical ingredients found in shampoo have been linked to diseases, including cancer. Using chemical-free shampoo and other personal care products as well as eating organically grown food is a lifestyle choice many people make for health reasons and as part of an earth-friendly, sustainable lifestyle.
Given the toxicity of chemicals, many personal care products are tested extensively on animals before they can be released into the market place. The ingredients in chemical-free shampoo come from natural sources and tend to be gentle and non-irritating, thus chemical-free shampoo is more likely to be cruelty-free than regular shampoo as well.
Sodium laurel sulfates are chemicals commonly added to shampoo to increase lather. Not only does this chemical dry out the hair and scalp, it can also cause skin irritation. Propylene glycol and formaldehyde are two additional chemicals commonly added to shampoo. These toxic chemicals can cause irritation and may affect health over time.
Natural shampoos are either scented with natural essential oils or are unscented. Regular shampoos and hair care products are scented with blends of chemicals that are often not listed individually on the product labels. Given the toxicity of many chemicals, it is important to have full knowledge of the ingredients in personal care products. A truly natural shampoo tends to have fewer ingredients, and the listed ingredients tend to be easier to recognize.