Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Kids Shampoos and Conditioners

When our kids were babies we’d pay extra for baby shampoo and conditioners that contained only natural ingredients. But at some point you have to wonder, should I continue to avoid harmful ingredients in kids’ shampoos and conditioners as my kids get older? Absolutely! Just because kids get older doesn’t mean they become immune to harmful ingredients.

 

Here’s our top list of harmful ingredients you want to avoid and natural ones to look for instead.

 

Many ingredients are not only harmful to hair health but could be harmful to overall health and the environment. The most commonly used harmful ingredients include the following:

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used in beauty products like shampoo to create lather. When briefly on the skin and washed away, SLS has been shown to be NOT harmful. However, SLS can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions to the scalp, can strip hair of moisture, cause frizzy hair, and may be harmful for environment and aquatic animals. 

 

Parabens – Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer and productive issues because they mimic oestrogren – a hormone that can trigger an increase in breast cell division. 

 

Phthalates – Phthalates are plastic additives and are commonly used in soaps and hair care products. While more research is needed, phthalates are expected to be harmful, particularly for children.

 

Polyethylene Glycols (PEG) – May cause allergic reactions to the skin and scalp.

 

Triclosan – Triclosan is added to consumer products like shampoos and conditioners to prevent bacterial contamination. Because Triclosan can be absorbed through human skin, it can accumulate in the body. More research is needed, however, the FDA has banned Triclosan.

Artificial Colors – Many artificial colors have been have been derived from coal tar or petroleum and can block follicles, which can inhibit hair growth.

 

Disodium EDTA – Disodium EDTA can enhance absorption of other chemicals on the skin’s surface.

 

Instead, focus on these natural alternatives that are especially beneficial to curly hair:

Gentler latherers like Sodium Coco Sulfate – These are a great replacement for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and have no harmful side effects.

 

Jojoba – Jojoba provides nourishment for skin and hair and helps control oil production.

 

Coconut Oil – Vitamins and fatty acids found in coconut oil help protects the hair, nourish the scalp, and remove sebum buildup from hair follicles.

 

Vitamin E – Vitamin E protects against sun damage and free radicals while transforming dull, frizzy hair into shiny, gorgeous hair.

 

Butters (Shea butter, avocado butter and murumuru butter) – Nourishing butters like Shea, Avocado and Murumuru have a moisturizing affect on hair. Not only that, but they prevent breakage and restore shine helping to maintain the health of your hair.

 

B5 – Vitamin B5, aka pantothenic acid, can help restore damaged hair cuticles, promote hair growth, prevents moisture loss, and conditions the scalp.

 

Hydrolyzed Keratin – hydrolyzed keratin is a protein that helps strengthen the hair at the hair shaft, reduces frizz, and fortifies the hair’s elasticity.

 

Fairy Tales Hair Care offers a line of natural hair care products for all hair types, especially the curly-Qs in your life. Our kid-friendly products contain no harsh chemicals, pesticides, toxins, parabens, sulfates, dairy, gluten, or nuts. Give your kids great shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment products you can feel good about using!

 

 xx

Risa Barash,
Founder & Owner of the entire Fairy Tales Hair Care Family