Parabens and sulfates: how harmful are they really?

Parabens and sulfates in hair products are controversial. Some believe they are harmless and others avoid the ingredients in their products. This is why more and more manufacturers are doing without these ingredients. But is the whole thing just a myth? Or are parabens and sulfates harmful to our hair? We show you everything you need to know about them.

Many people are unaware of exactly what parabens and sulfates are and what they do to our hair. We explain everything you need to know about the topic.

Parabens are preservatives that protect hair and cosmetic products from bacteria and fungi and extend their shelf life. However, this ingredient is not for sensitive skin types. Parabens can have an allergenic effect and increase the risk of cancer. If you tend to have sensitive skin or scalp, you should opt for hair products and cosmetics without parabens.

Fortunately, research has come so far that there is already an alternative to parabens, namely phenoxyethanol. This is a much better-tolerated preservative that only a few people are allergic to.

Another alternative is products that do not contain water. Water is a breeding ground for germs. Solid products therefore have a long shelf life even without preservatives and can be easily foamed with water.

Closures that allow absolutely no air to pass through also reduce the growth of bacteria and can be used as an alternative to parabens.

Caution is advised with face creams in particular. Moisturizers usually contain certain parabens, as they are very susceptible due to their high water content. Facial skin is usually very sensitive and this can lead to redness and irritation particularly quickly. Check your face cream for the ingredients listed in the parabens list or look for a paraben-free product the next time you buy it.

Sulfates are salts that ensure strong foaming and cleansing in cosmetic products. Many shampoos and bath products contain sulfates to dissolve the oil on the skin. The problem with sulfates is that they dry out the hair, skin and scalp. Other disadvantages of sulfates are:

Both shampoos and shower gels often contain this foaming agent and fat solvent. We strongly advise against it for dry skin and brittle hair. Sulphates are strong, effective and cheap - which is precisely why they are so widely used.

More and more hair product manufacturers are turning to sulfate-free alternatives.

Coconut or sugar surfactants are less foaming but extra gentle on the skin and also oil-dissolving. These ingredients are also suitable for stressed skin and hair. Products made for babies and natural products are almost always sulfate-free.

The mountains of foam on the head caused by sulfates are purely a habit. Once you have become accustomed to sulfate-free shampoos and cleansing products, you will realize that shampoos also clean wonderfully without foam.