The main chemical nasties to look out for in shampoos are; parabens (preservatives), sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS (foaming agent) and methylisothiazolinone (a biocide.)  A survey of what was on offer on the supermarket shelves revealed that while some shampoo products no longer listed parabens,  all of them listed sodium lauryl sulphate (or sodium laureth sulphate which is SLS after it has undergone a process called ethoxylation) as the second ingredient after water.  My regular shampoo and a few others besides also contained methylisothiazolinone.  (I do not want to type that again and I’m pretty certain I don’t want to subject my scalp to it again.) 

Most controversy centres around the use of the foaming agent Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, also present in toothpastes and bubblebaths, to name but a few.  SLS was originally used as an industrial degreasant.  It is claimed that SLS can damage the skin by stripping it of natural oils and leaving it prone to pitting and irritation. There is a worry that it may cause cataracts and improper eye development in children and that it can cause mouth ulcers.  SLS in conjunction with other chemicals present in cosmetics can form carcinogenic nitrosamines. 

There are four types of paraben commonly in use; methy-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyp-paraben.  These are preservatives used in a wide range of cosmetics.  Theories linking parabens to breast cancer are as yet unsubstantiated though fears that parabens act as oestrogen mimickers should be taken seriously and they may be a source of endocrine (reproductive) disruption in both humans and wildlife.

Methylisothiazolinone, sometimes listed as MIT, is a biocide that kills moisture loving bacterium.  Even short exposure to high concentrations can lead to nerve cell destruction.  Adequate neuro-toxicity studies of the effect of this chemical on humans have not yet been undertaken.

Three of the best non-toxic, SLS free shampoos:

Best Value Shampoo

Waleda Lemon Balm and Orange Blossom Shampoo for Normal Hair.  (Complete Range Available)  £7.95 for 250mls.

Best All-Round Family Shampoo

Green People Aloe Vera Shampoo.  £9.95  for 200mls.

Luxury Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps

Organic Zinc and Sage Shampoo with conditioners.  A treat for tired, irritated scalps.

£20.00 for 236mls

If you find yourself having to use conventional shampoos at least dilute your bottle of shampoo and it will last longer, cost less and cut down on plastic production and waste.  Avoid any contact with mouth and eyes, and rinse very thoroughly indeed.  Or for truly sustainable hair you can always follow  The Man from Salford’s example and shave the whole lot off!

 So Organics stocks a wide range of organic, SLS free shampoos as well as other organic cosmetic products, visit their store below.