‘sacred’ curl care is carcinogenic?
High street shelves overflow with promises of vibrant colors, effortless manageability, and damage repair. But beneath the glossy packaging and enticing fragrances (which are toxic), a concerning reality lurks: the potential presence of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in curl care products.
This isn't meant to fearmonger or demonise the haircare industry. It's a call for awareness and informed choices. Unlike the curated, green-washed world of beauty, this post aims to shed light on the potential risks associated with certain ingredients commonly found in high street haircare products. Let’s begin with the big one.
Formaldehyde:
This potent preservative can irritate the scalp and eyes, and research suggests potential links to nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers. Look for "formaldehyde-free" alternatives.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE TERMS which release formaldehyde, under a different name:
DMDM hydantoin releases formaldehyde.
Glyoxylic acid releases formaldehyde when heated.
Diketene is derived from formaldehyde.
EDTA (Tetrasodium and 'just ‘EDTA’) is also formaldehyde. This chemical is toxic to human beings and general living organisms - study below. But it is used in beauty products to inhibit bacteria (if the beauty product contains water), because it is effective at killing living organisms. This is what we want in our product - we don’t want it crawling with bacteria - because we want it to last, but formaldehyde is a highly toxic gas.
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners found exposure to formaldehyde resulted in an increased risk of developing breast cancer, it led to DNA damage in exposed mice and it also promotes tumour formation and growth.
Formaldehyde is a colourless, aldehyde poisonous gas at room temperature.
Parabens:
These widely used preservatives raise concerns due to weak evidence suggesting potential hormonal disruption. While the science is inconclusive, many consumers prefer paraben-free options for peace of mind.
It's not all doom and gloom, promise.
The good news: safer ingredients exist. Here are some tips for navigating the haircare aisle with a critical eye:
Read labels carefully: Familiarise yourself with potentially risky ingredients (we share and update the blog 3 times a week, see our instagram to get updates) and prioritise products free from them like our Shampoo, Hair oil and leave-in conditioners.
Discerning about certifications: Certifications like Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), B Corp (committed to social and environmental good) and Vegan (animal-free ingredients), suggest an overall ‘good’ and ‘natural’ ingredient list, but they do not consider formaldehyde- releasing ingredients as toxic. WE DO!
Follow our blog: As a Breast Cancer Prevention Partner (From the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics) we have focused on the imperative of creating toxin-free haircare.
Remember, beautiful hair doesn't have to come at the cost of your health. By making informed choices and seeking out safer alternatives, you can rest safe knowing that conscious curl care exists >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
