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The 'NO' List

We promise to never, ever use ingredients that are known to be harmful to you or the planet. Here's a list of the twelve 'dirty' ingredients we've eliminated in our hair care and beauty products, and why:

1. Sulfates

Sulfates are bulk surfactants that make products foam or lather. While we all love a bubbly lather, it's important to know that the same surfactants that make your dish or laundry detergent fizz, are in your shampoo and face wash - and they're much too strong. 

They are drying and damaging to our hair and skin and increase hair loss, hair fall and hair thinning up to 8x, according to the American Journal of Toxicology.

  • We've substitutes Jojoba and coconut oils to give you the rich, creamy lather you love, without the harm.

2. Parabens

Studies show that some Parabens are estrogenic and affect hormonal balance by competing with estrogen for binding sites in the body. The American Journal of toxicology states that higher concentrations of parabens are found in human breast tissue with tumors than breast tissue without.

To avoid parabens, avoid these ingredients in your hair + skin care:

  • methylparaben

  • ethylparaben

  • propylparaben

  • butylparaben

 3. Phenoxyethanol

Some companies are now using Phenoxyethanol as a substitute. It's supposedly safer, but several studies have already shown it to be toxic even in moderate concentrations. Some negative effects include:

  • Reproductive and developmental complications

  • Contact dermatitis (skin irritation)

  • Brain and nervous system damage

4. Phthalates

Typically, synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, which is why we've opted for phthalate free or non-synthetic fragrances in our hair care products. Our organic skin care contains only natural fragrances derived from essential oils. Risks associated with phthalates:

  • Infertility
  • Reproductive system issues
  • Increased risk of endometriosis 

 5. Benzoyl Peroxide

Commonly found in skin care, this ingredient can be extremely drying and damaging to most skin types as it alkalizes our skins natural ph, which should have a naturally acidic balance. The use of this ingredient has been found to promote:

  • growth of tumors
  • irritation to the eyes and respiratory system

 6. Triclosan

 In 2014 the FDA announced that it was reviewing the safety of this ingredient commonly found in hand sanitizers and personal care products. 

  • In scientific studies it was found to stimulate and/or affect thyroid hormones  
7. Resorcinol

 

Often found in hair styling and coloring products, resorcinol can negatively affect the nervous system, adrenal gland, and thyroid function. This ingredient is highly toxic when ingested and applied topically. 
  • Nervous system, adrenal gland, and thyroid function

8. Mineral Oils and Synthetic Silicones

Mineral oils and synthetic silicones are by-products of crude oil manufacturing and should never be used on our bodies. Commonly used a cheap humectant to draw hydration to the skin or hair, they have a long shelf life but do nothing at all to promote healthy skin or scalp.

Why we don't recommend them:

  • They're not absorbable, so they sit on the skin (or scalp) and can clog your pores.

  • They are likely to be contaminated with carcinogens.

Our 'clean' replacements:

  • Coconut Oil + Jojoba Oil - both penetrate the skin and hair and are high in vital antioxidants and omegas.

  • Argan Oil - to smooth the hair and adds shine and UV protection.
  • Cyclopentasiloxane - a naturally occurring silicone that adds weightless shine, helps control frizz and provides UV thermal protection.

9. Methylisothiazolinone

 Also known as MIT, this is a biocide, meaning it kills microorganisms. This makes it a powerful preservative but it's not something that belongs in the human body.

  • MIT has been shown to cause brain damage.

10. Oxybenzone or Benzene

 This sunscreen ingredient and dry shampoo ingredient is harmful because compounds are produced when it reacts with sunlight. Oxybenzone can also penetrate deep into the skin, potentially interfering with internal processes. here's how Oxybenzone and Benzene disrupt our body systems:

  • By causing rapid production of free radicals in skin that is exposed to light and promoting conditions that can lead to cancer.

  • By causing hormonal imbalance, leading to infertility.

11. DMDMH or Formaldehyde
We don't use these harmful preservatives in our products - Here's why you should avoid them too:
  • They can cause skin irritation, headaches, shortness of breath and aggravation of asthma symptoms.
  • They've been labeled a 'toxic ingredient' by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and classed as a human carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Program.
12. Synthetic Dyes                                                                                                                      

Many synthetic dyes are made from petroleum or coal tar, which are known  human carcinogens.

We avoid dyes and use small amounts of mica silicate to give our products naturally-derived color, sparkle and shine.

In closing, we want you to be assured that we're committed to your health and safety, and in providing clean, healthy hair + body care. So you can look and feel great every day - naturally.

XO,

Strength x Beauty Team