It is widely known that commercially made shampoos include ingredients which give your hair instant gratification but are harsh and toxic to both you and the environment.
Synthetic detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate are often used which are designed to clean away dirt and oils while lathering your hair but they also strip your scalp of oils that are essential to make your hair grow thick and long; And then they use an ingredient called Polyethylene Glycol (a petroleum derivative) as a thickening agent and to lubricate the skin, but it actually strips your hair of natural moisture and is really bad for the environment.
Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetic products but there is great concern that they disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Also if your hair is on the thin side, you should be extra careful of parabens since they can cause hair loss.
None of these compounds break down easily so they’ll be staying in our ecosystem for a long time after your shower.
...and talking of breaking down there is of course the bane of all our lives - the plastic bottle that shop bought shampoo comes in. This has got to be the greatest advantage shampoo bars have over them.
But I will be honest - natural shampoo bars aren’t necessarily a perfect alternative for everyone however, and you should read my blog 'YOU AND YOUR NATURAL SHAMPOO BAR'. With a little perseverance though they make a great plastic-free, chemical-free alternative for many.