Shampoo and Hair Care

Hair care was often one of the last things people thought about when starting to pay attention to ingredients. But the more you look into it, the more it makes sense to pay attention here too. Your scalp is skin, and the skin on your scalp has a higher density of hair follicles, which actually makes it more permeable than many other areas of your body. Follicular pathways are a known route for chemical absorption, meaning things applied to your scalp do not just sit on the surface.

Most conventional shampoos contain sulfates (the same SLS and SLES from body wash) to create lather. They are effective at cleaning but can strip your scalp's natural oils, leading to overproduction of sebum and a cycle of needing to wash more often. Silicones coat the hair shaft to make it feel smooth and shiny. That is not inherently bad, but silicones build up on the hair and scalp over time and most of them do not break down environmentally.

Synthetic fragrances are present in almost every conventional shampoo, often in high concentrations. The word "fragrance" can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, which are used to make scents last longer and are classified as endocrine disruptors.

The Benzene Problem in Dry Shampoo

In 2021 and 2022, a testing firm found benzene, a known carcinogen, in over 70 aerosol dry shampoo products. Several brands issued voluntary recalls including some very popular ones. Benzene was not an intentional ingredient but rather a contaminant in the propellants used. This highlighted how even products that seem simple can have contamination issues that are never detected unless someone specifically tests for them.

What to Look For

• Sulfate-free shampoos if you have a dry or sensitive scalp
• No synthetic fragrance or products scented only with essential oils
• Check dry shampoo brands at EWG before buying
• Water-soluble silicones (PEG-modified) are less problematic than dimethicone or cyclomethicone