Many hair styling products, especially those commonly found in drugstores, contain potentially cancer-causing ingredients. It's time to learn how to decode the labels and understand what's really in your favorite products!
1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL or ISOPROPANOL
It is a solvent that denatures a substance from its primary qualities. Isopropanol is found in cosmetics, such as lotions, perfumes, shampoos, skin cleansers, nail polish, makeup removers, deodorants, body oils, hairsprays, etc... Isopropyl alcohol is a derivative of glycerin and is also found in antifreeze compositions. Afro-Caribbean hair is naturally dry and requires good hydration. Isopropyl alcohol has the opposite effect on our hair as it dries it out. You can imagine the scenario: dry hair + dryness = hair breakage. Isopropyl alcohol: AVOID AT ALL COSTS IN YOUR HAIR PRODUCTS.
2. MINERAL OIL and PETROLATUM
Today, petroleum jelly or petrolatum is used as an ingredient in lotions and beauty products for skin and hair. Petroleum jelly is not used in expensive lotions because it is not absorbed by the skin and therefore leaves a greasy feeling. Petroleum jelly and mineral oil are both derivatives of crude oil (like plastic). They have no absorption properties for the skin and hair. Putting petroleum jelly in your hair is like wrapping it in plastic wrap: Imminent risk of asphyxiation! This prevents your hair and scalp from breathing and regenerating.
3. PEG or Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of washing products that dissolve fats and as a thickener for mixtures. Due to its effectiveness, PEG is often used as a caustic spray for oven cleaning and is still found in many cosmetic products. PEG contributes to the breakdown of the Natural Moisture Factor. They are also potentially carcinogenic.
4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL
It is used in food as an emulsifier in sauces and seasonings or in liquid flavors as a solvent. In pharmacy and medicine, it represents 40% of intravenous phenytoin (Dilantin), for example, as a humectant and anti-mold agent in cosmetics, and in the tobacco industry. It often replaces glycerin as an excipient. It is involved in the textile industry for the manufacture of polyester fibers.
5. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
This very degreasing surfactant is used as a surfactant in soaps or shampoos. It is drying and irritating to the skin. It is also very common in toothpastes.
It gives the product a milky color. Used in pharmacy in certain tablets, under the name Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is potentially allergenic.
