Shampoo that is free of sulfates, parabens, and petrolatos is a popular choice for people who want to avoid harmful chemicals in their hair care products. Here are some details about these ingredients:

Sulfates

• Sulfates are a group of detergents that clean the dirt and oil from your scalp. They are often used in product formulations because of their ability to create foam. However, they can be problematic for a slew of reasons, the most concerning of which is their ability to irritate the skin, mouth, eyes, and lungs. Moreover, sulfates can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a synthetic industrial chemical listed as a known carcinogen by several scientific agencies.

Parabens

• Parabens are artificial chemicals widely used as preservatives in shampoo, conditioner, and other beauty products with high water content. Their primary purpose is to prevent or slow down the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast, all of which can make your shampoo go bad. However, some scientists think they may lead to breast cancer. That’s because they’ve found parabens in cancerous tissue and other body parts. Parabens can disrupt your natural hormone balance, cause skin irritation, affect reproductive health, and cause neurotoxicity.

Petrolatos

• Petrolatos are a group of chemicals derived from petroleum that are often used in hair care products as moisturizers and to add shine. However, they can clog pores and prevent moisture from entering the hair, leading to dryness and brittleness.

When looking for shampoo that is free of sulfates, parabens, and petrolatos, it is important to read the label carefully. Some common ingredients to avoid include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
• Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate
• Sodium lauroyl taurate
• Lauroyl isethionate
• Methylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Mineral oils
• Petrolatum

It is also important to note that some shampoos that claim to be sulfate-free may still contain other harmful chemicals, so it is important to read the label carefully and do your research before making a purchase.