Triethanolamine. Triclosan. Diethanolamine. Polyethylene Glycol. Sodium Lauryl Sulfates. Phthalates. The list goes on and on.
These days, more and more consumers are becoming cautious of the ingredients used in their hair products. Some of the ingredients listed above are scientifically linked to certain cancers, reproductive birth defects, asthma, allergic reactions, and other illnesses. Some are even reported to be endocrine disruptors, and others are known to interfere with human development. Not many realize that harmful chemicals in our hair products can be absorbed by our bodies via absorption or inhalation.
It's hard to believe that the U.S. beauty industry, currently worth over $97 billion, is even allowed to sell these dangerous products to consumers nationwide. Or is it so hard to believe?
Think about it. Our foods are filled with harmful preservatives, dyes, hormones— why not approach the beauty industry the same way? It's profitable, right? From a monetary standpoint, it only makes perfect sense. Naturally derived ingredients have a decreased shelf life, so why not fill the product with harmful preservatives? It keeps the products on the shelves longer, and reduces expenditures on the backend. It's a thoughtful business approach, yet these companies are not thinking about the health of its consumers. Any business will set out to operate in a way that will maximize profit. The only issue is that these multimillion dollar successful businesses do not seem to worry too much about the short and long term dangers of the chemicals used in their products, whether it be food or beauty products. I don't know about you, but to me, that's alarming.
We've grown up on staple hair products; used them our entire lives without a worry in the world. Truth be told, I only began reading ingredient labels when I became more health conscious. Once I began to do my own research, it made me think...perhaps there actually is a link between our hair products and the increasing number of cancer cases, along with other illnesses. Time and time again, the health/food/beauty industry proves to me that my hard earned dollar is more important than my life. This is why I believe it is so important to support brands that avoid these harmful ingredients; even brands that are vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free. It's never too late to start being kind to your body.
The next time you're at Target or Walmart, looking to re-up on hair products, or even try new ones, take a moment to read the ingredient labels. Pull up Google on your phone, and do some research on what these corporations are really trying to sell to you. It will only take a moment, but it will make a world of a difference to your health.
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