Fact or Fiction? Everybody loves and urban legend. It's always interesting how quickly and easily they spread! There is something about 'em that makes them appealing and makes us want to believe. Today, we will discuss 2 very common and current topics: Parabens and Sulfate
Dun Dun Dun!!!! Scary sounding aren't they? Good or Bad, it's important to know what the concerns are and to develop your own opinion. Staying current will help you provide for and protect yourself, your business and your clients.
Before we go any further, you may have no interest in this discussion. That's fine. But if you have wondered about the safety of these two extremely common ingredients in everyday hair products for yourself or your clients.... read on. Note: the following is my OPINION.
Parabens: There are six types: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben and benzylparaben. Parabens are Preservatives that are used in food, drug, cosmetic and hair products. Their function is to increase the shelf-life of products. They are highly effective in preventing the growth of fungi or bacteria within the products. Thus, they are pretty important to the quality and safety of the products that you and I eat and use daily.
The claim, or concern, is that parabens act like estrogen in the body and may be a factor in the development of Breast Cancer through a process known as "endocrine disruption." For this reason, many products boast 'Paraben Free' formulas.
From what I have read and researched, these claims are interesting but have not been proven as fact. Parabens are still considered safe by the U.S. FDA and European Cosmetics Regulations.
Some studies have brought this issue to the attention of the public and raised concern. While I have seen a response to these concerns on the part of product brands and stylists alike, an article on the website www.CosmeticsInfo.org states, "these studies, which have been conducted in animals, are observed only when they are dosed with extremely high amounts of Parabens – far greater than anyone would be exposed to under actual conditions of use or with repeated use. The simple fact is that the Parabens are 100,000 times weaker than natural estrogen in the body - far too weak to have any effect in humans."
Conclusion: Hype. I don't buy into this concern YET. I am always concerned with the safety of my clients. This includes not freaking out and overreacting to every whim or fad of the industry. I would prefer to avoid creating fear and confusion with my guests and taking them on a roller-coaster ride. A consistent, reliable, stable and knowledgeable experience is my priority. BUT, if further and more compelling evidence emerges, I'd be happy to join in the war cry against Parabens.
SULFATE: The word is serious and scary enough that it would almost make a great name for a Heavy Metal band. At this point, it's not too difficult to find a wide array of shampoos boasting 'Sulfate Free' formulas. Sounds great, and it probably is great. But, is it necessary? Sulfate is classified as a Surfactant.
There are many types of surfactants and they do various things. In this case, and article on the site www.CosmeticsInfo.org states, "surfactants wet body surfaces, emulsify or solubilize oils, and suspend soil. These ingredients contribute foaming and lathering properties to cleansing products and bubble baths." Basically, they are important to getting you clean. They help to break down oils and soil to then be cleansed and rinsed away.
The Claim is that sulfate is overly Harsh, Corrosive, Irritating, Drying and may even lead to Hair-Loss or Cancer!!!! WAIT. It's important to know that we are talking specifically about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate. HERE is an article on the website www.Healthy-Communications.com about the 'dangers' of sulfate for humans.
Honestly, on this issue, I wouldn't claim to know any better as to the safety of sulfate in hair products. But, something in my gut says Hype on this too. Again, on the website www.CosmeticsInfo.org, they claim that sulfate is fine and that concerns cited stem from a HOAX. You can read the article HERE. They state, "There is an e-mail that has been circulating on the Internet for several years which falsely states that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), ingredients used primarily in some cosmetic “rinse off” products, can cause cancer. This allegation is unsubstantiated and false, and typical for Internet rumors notorious for publishing inaccurate and untrue information."
Conclusion: Purely my Opinion... Hype. I'm open and willing to be wrong on this, but I know that fear is a great way to sell new and improved product. If there is a scare, there will be an opportunity to respond with product to sell. The choice is obviously yours. Again, I'd like to consider myself knowledgeable and informed on the issue for the benefit of my clients.
END OF STORY: If products formulated without Parabens and Sulfate are in fact safer, more effective and superior to products that contain them.... then GREAT! I'll use and sell them ALL day long. But so far, I'm not too worried about 'em. Keep in mind, hair product companies don't always make all their money selling you what they think you need... they make millions selling you what you want and ask for (most often is a mix of both). If we are nervous and willing to pay for sulfate-free... you better believe they'll give it to us.
Do homework and decide for yourself!! Feel free to comment! I'd love to hear what you all think!
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