What Makes a Shampoo Tear Free?

What’s worse than your little one getting soap in their eyes during bath time? Getting soap in their eyes that’s not tear free!! We do our best as parents to use products on our little ones that are free from harmful ingredients and won’t make them cry in the process. It’s not easy deciphering ingredient labels and making informed choices when on the spot in the shampoo aisle. To make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of ingredients to avoid in baby shampoo and conditioner and how to determine whether a product really is tear free.

Soap Based vs. Soap Free

Soap based shampoos are just that – soap. Soap is derived through the saponification process of chemical ingredients and fatty acids (think butters, oils, etc.). The problem with soap is it strips hair of its natural oils and alters the pH balance of the hair and scalp. This leads to tangling, breakage, and dull hair – no, thank you. Soap-free shampoos don’t contain soap and the ingredients do not go through the saponification process. The result is a pH-balanced product that washes away dirt while nourishing the hair and scalp, leading to shiny, healthy looking hair. Soap-based shampoos contain harmful ingredients with hidden toxins that are especially dangerous to small children and babies. Choosing a baby shampoo that is surfactant and soap-free is the best choice, but reading labels is even smarter. Below is a list of ingredients to look out for when shopping for children’s shampoo and conditioner.

Other Toxic Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Baby Shampoo and Conditioner

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.

Not All Surfactants Are Created Equal

Surfactants are molecules that break surface tension and allow you to wash away dirt and oil. Though surfactant-free shampoos are a better choice all-around, not all surfactants are harmful or irritate kids’ eyes. When reading labels, synthetic surfactants of the glucoside family, such as decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside do not have any known health concerns. If you see any of these, you’re on the right track!

Fairy Tales Hair Care Everyday Shampoo and Conditioner are considered soap-free and contain no harsh chemicals or toxins. Using Fairy Tales Hair Care Daily Cleanse line will nourish your child’s hair keeping it healthy, shiny and tangle free. Get yours today!

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