It seems like every day that a new study is released showing a correlation between our daily household goods and cancer causing ingredients. The use of carcinogenic ingredients in manufacturing is on the rise, and they are finding their way into our homes in unexpected places.
When you read this story about the latest detection of cancer-causing ingredients in something you use every day, you will have to tell all your friends.
A study on soaps and shampoos conducted by the Center for Environmental Health, based in Oakland, California, discovered that your shampoo could be deadly. In fact, the study concluded that 98 of the included products contained a potential carcinogen called cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA). California listed cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen in 2012 under its Prop 65 law, which requires warning labels on consumer products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxicants.
Michael Green, the executive director of CEH, stated that, “Most people believe that products sold in major stores are tested for safety, but consumers need to know that they could be doused with a cancer-causing chemical every time they shower or shampoo. We expect companies to take swift action to end this unnecessary risk to our children’s and families’ health.”
Included in the list of carcinogenic shampoos are brand name products from Kohl’s, Pharmaca, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s.
CEH also found that falsely labeled organic products from Organic by Africa’s Best had significant amounts of cocamide DEA. What’s more, the ingredient was also found in a children’s shampoo/conditioner from Babies R Us, and a children’s bubble bath from Kmart.
You should also look for these toxic ingredients in your shampoo:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
Fragrance
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Triclosan
Polysorbates
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Potassium Sorbate
Phenoxyethanol
Retinyl Palmitate
Dimethicone
Behentrimonium Chloride
Quaternium-15
If you see your favorite brand of shampoos listed here, you can get away from this harmful ingredient by making your own homemade natural shampoo using neutral and non toxic ingredients.
Homemade Natural Shampoo
List of ingredients
2/3 cup of Castile soap
Two teaspoons of almond or olive oil
10- 15 drops of some essential oil
1/2 cup of coconut milk
Method of preparation:
Its preparation is extremely easy. All you need to do is to mix all the ingredients in a bottle, and your natural, toxin- free shampoo is ready!
Use:
Remember to shake the bottle before you use the shampoo. Use it regularly and your hair will be incredibly healthy, shiny and gorgeous!
There are also some shampoos on the market that have been cleared of any significant presence of cocamide DEA. Look for safer shampoo brands at your local drug store, such as The Honest Company Shampoo and Body Wash, John Masters Bare, or Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic.
Was your shampoo on this list? Have you ever made your own shampoo? Tell us how you did it and how it worked. What other household items have you replaced due to cancer causing ingredients? Help us all out here and share your tips, stories and opinions in the comments section.
