THE WHY
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The Shampoo Bars You Need To Try
Global brands dominate consumer preference in cosmetic categories. That means, when we walk into our local drugstore or supermarket we are drawn to buying what we recognise. Occasionally, we might branch out and buy the fancier looking bottle or be persuaded to ‘glow up’ when our friend with really nice hair recommends a different brand.
Navigating marketing spin and what’s really actually good has been a little tricky this time round. We noticed products that claimed to have all the right ingredients but used unethical packaging, We then found a plethora of companies claiming to be natural and organic but were really using these terms quite loosely.
Why do we package shampoo in plastic? (ew)
It’s lightweight and durable. This ensures it will reach the consumer without damage and cost less to ship due to lower fuel consumption. Seems fair, but let’s look at the environmental cost of this. On average, in the UK, 520 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown out every year. A single plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose. Ah, not so fair after all.
What are the other options?
Glass bottles: designed to be repurposed when you run out and 100% endlessly recyclable.
In 2023, the UK recycled 9% of plastic bottles and 32% of glass so there’s a higher chance of consumers doing the right thing.
Plant-based Bioplastic: What at first glance, looks suspiciously like plastic is actually (sustainably farmed) sugar cane.
Soap bars: 0% plastic 100% feel good.
What ingredients should we look out for?
1. Natural Oils:
Argan Oil: Moisturizes and conditions hair, making it soft and shiny.
Jojoba Oil: Mimics the natural oils of the scalp, providing deep hydration.
Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss and increase strength.
2. Essential Oils:
Lavender Oil: Known for its soothing properties and can help with scalp health.
Peppermint Oil: Provides a cooling sensation that can stimulate blood flow to the scalp.
3. Plant Extracts:
Aloe Vera: Hydrates and soothes the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect hair from environmental damage.
4. Proteins:
Keratin: Strengthens and repairs damaged hair, improving elasticity.
Hydrolyzed Silk Protein: Adds a protective barrier and enhances hair’s natural sheen.
5. Vitamins:
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps repair and build tissue, keeping hair healthy.
Biotin (Vitamin B7): Strengthens hair and nails, promoting growth and thickness.
6. Mild Cleansers:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil, which cleanses without stripping natural oils.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Another mild, coconut-derived cleanser that is gentle on the hair and scalp.
7. Humectants:
Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the hair and scalp, preventing dryness.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Improves moisture retention, giving hair a shiny appearance.
What to avoid?
1. Sulfates:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Can strip hair of natural oils and cause dryness and irritation.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Similar effects to SLS but slightly milder.
2. Parabens:
Methylparaben, Propylparaben: Preservatives that may disrupt hormone function.
3. Synthetic Fragrances:
Often labeled as “fragrance” or “parfum,” they can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivities.
4. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives:
Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea: Can cause allergic reactions and have been linked to cancer.
5. Phthalates:
Used to stabilize synthetic fragrances, they can disrupt the endocrine system.
6. DEA, TEA, MEA:
Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine, Monoethanolamine: Surfactants that can cause skin and eye irritation and may form carcinogenic compounds.
There are three main things to consider:
1. What is IN the shampoo so that it does a beautiful job of giving us the locks we want?
2. How is it packed in a way that is best for the environment?
3. Made in the UK: to support small businesses and reduce our carbon footprint.
1. Honey Acre
Ingredients: Mango butter, BTMS 50, Cetearyl Alcohol, Flaxseed Oil, D-panhenol, Parfume, Rose Powder
Notably, Honey Acre use SCI (not SLS or SLES).
Derived from coconut fatty acids SCI helps clean hair and scalp removing dirt and oils without irritating or damaging the scalp or hair. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for sensitive skin
80 washes per bar – £7.20
Made in Wales
2. Cosy Cottage
Ingredients (fragrance free bar): Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Olivate, Sodium Sweet Almondate, Sodium Castorate, Glycerin
We love the option to have an ‘unwrapped’ bar with no packaging!
£3.95
Made in Wales
3. Norfolk Essential Oils
From seed to oil, Norfolk Essential Oils trace all of their ingredients, starting with the farmer.
£8.00
Made in Norfolk
4. Paper Plane Shampoo Bars
Ingredients: Sodium cocoate (coconut oil), Sodium olivate (olive oil), Sodium castorate, Aqua, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil contains linalool, limonene, geraniol, Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) essential oil contains geraniol, citronella, linalool
Take a look on their website for all the other cool things they sell!
£6.95
Made in Rutland
p.s Once you’ve used any of the above, you’ll be the friend with really nice hair doing the recommending.
We Would Love To Hear From You
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