Sulphates are used in shampoos for their foaming and degreasing effects, but they can also dry out the scalp and cause itching. — Filepic
Shampoos and creams promise everything from shiny hair to lasting moisture and smooth, elastic skin.
Not so fast.
Not all products are equally suitable for everyone, because people have different skin and hair types, says Germany’s Lower Saxony Chamber of Pharmacists.
Also, some ingredients in lotions and shampoos can do more harm than good to the skin.
If you have a chronic illness, are a pregnant woman or senior citizen, you in particular should avoid certain ingredients because your body may be less able to break down harmful substances, the specialists say.
The lists of ingredients are often a jungle of technical terms for consumers.
So firstly, choose products with short, clear lists of ingredients, say pharmacists.
Secondly, avoid risky additives as much as possible.
Pharmacists provide an overview of the most common problematic substances.
What they are used for: Sulphates are surfactants.
They are used in shampoos because they make the product foam and have a degreasing effect.
The problem: They can dry out the scalp and cause itching.
People with thin, brittle hair are generally more sensitive to surfactants than those with thick hair.
People with dry scalps should also opt for milder, moisturising shampoos, such as those containing urea.
Typical sulphates: Sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate.
What they are used for: Silicones create a smooth, supple texture, and are used in both skin and hair care products.
The problem: the smoothing effect is often purely superficial and does not provide any real care.
Instead, they seal the skin.
Shampoos containing silicone are also unsuitable for people with oily scalps, as the product is too rich.
If this is you, you may find a light shampoo containing zinc or salicylic acid more suitable.
Typical silicones: Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane.
What they are for: As the name suggests, these chemicals preserve the product, ensuring that it has a longer shelf life.
The problem: preservatives in skin care products can have a hormonal effect and cause allergies on contact.
They are also associated with an allergy risk in hair care products and can irritate the scalp.
Typical preservatives: Parabens (such as propyl and butyl paraben), formaldehyde releasers (such as imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin), methylisothiazolinones and benzyl alcohol.
What they are used for: Here, too, the name reveals the function.
Fragrances make products smell appealing.
The problem: Like preservatives, fragrances can trigger allergies.
People with sensitive skin and scalps in particular should avoid fragrances and preservatives, and look for labels such as “hypoallergenic”.
People with chronic illnesses are at particularly high risk of contact allergies.
Typical fragrances: Limonene, linalool and citral. – dpa
