Have you ever wondered why silicone is bad for your hair? Read this article slowly & carefully, it may answer some of your questions.
What is silicone? Silicones are synthetic polymers.
In layman’s terms: synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil and made by scientists and engineers. 1
In layman’s terms: synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil and made by scientists and engineers. 1
The word POLYMER is a more technical term for plastic! 2
Which brings me back, again, to the same question: “Why would anyone want to put petroleum oil or plastic on their hair or skin?”
The first 3 ingredients in Moroccan oil are silicones.
Below is a break down of Moroccan oil’s ingredients in comparison to Moroccan Argan oil [100% Pure]
Moroccan Oil vs 100% Pure Argan Oil
 Cyclopentasiloxane: While
Cyclopentasiloxane may cause mild skin and eye irritation, according to the ingredient's material safety data sheet. Also a small percentage of it reaches systemic circulation through dermal absorption, as found in a study by the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences. 4
Dimethicone is a silicone derived emollient. Silicone emollient is occlusive - meaning they do not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.) Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.
Silicone was and still is used as breast implants. Tens of thousands of women with breast implants have complained of debilitating symptoms. Anecdotal evidence indicates silicone to be toxic to the human body. For more detailed information on the dangers of silicone simply key "silicone toxicity" into the Google search engine. 3
Butylphenyl methylpropional: is a synthetic fragrance . Adverse effects – Skin irritant, sensitiser. In animals, skin applications at high concentrations caused sperm damage and central nervous system effects such as drowsiness and breathing difficulties. 5
Argania spinoza kernel oil: Argan oil (however there is no indication as to whether it is cold pressed or chemically extracted. If it is chemically processed there is a high probability that most of its unique properties have been lost).
Linseed extract, comes from the seed of flax plants, it is a mucilage emollient that is soothing to skin. 9
Fragrance supplement: limited information.D&C Yellow-11, Color safe for external use only, is however not approved for use around eyes, or in eye products. 6
D&C Red-17 (CI 26100) characterized as a possible carcinogen. 11
Coumarin formerly the active ingredient in rat poison. A carcinogenic ingredient used in the manufacturing of deodorants, shampoos, skin fresheners and perfumes, and found here. 6
Benzyl benzoate has been shown to irritate the skin with some individuals, and should be avoided by those with a perfume allergy. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has restricted the use Benzyl Benzoate in fragrances because of the potential dermal sensitization. In Europe, it is listed as an "allergenic" substance and the European Cosmetics Directive requires OTC leave-on products to indicate its presence, even at concentrations of .001%. 7
Alpha-isomethyl ionone the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) banned this ingredient from being mixed into fragrance products (i.e. perfume, cologne). But you can still find this ingredient in a variety of other cosmetics that are not categorized as a “fragrance." 8
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Often referred to as “liquid gold,” argan oil has long been valued in Morocco for its cosmetic and medicinal benefits. Extremely rich in vitamin E, antioxidant-packed argan oil has also been prominent in European skincare products for centuries, after its first appearance in Amsterdam in 1711. 10
Produced from the kernels of a rare and ancient tree, argan oil is all natural and completely organic. With cold-press extraction, the argan kernel yields a lightweight oil that absorbs much more quickly and yet is far less greasy than other oils, including olive oil. That fast rate of absorbency coupled with argan oil’s store of moisturizing essential fatty acids and anti-aging carotenes make it ideal for cosmetic purposes, as it quickly softens skin and reduces the fine lines of aging without clogging pores. 10
100% Pure Argan Oil Is Natural, Non Toxic and a superfood for your skin, hair & nails! 10
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Are you in need of a silicon hair detox?
- We recommend switching to silicone free brands to wash, condition & moisturize your hair!
- Try making your own recipes…
- Choose 100% Pure Moroccan Argan oil [it's a natural alternative].
Your thoughts?
References:
- “What is the definition of synthetic polymer.” Plastics 240. ToolingU.com. N.D. Web. 04 February. 2012.
- “Natural vs. Synthetic Polymers.” Carnegie Mellon University. http://gelfand.web.cmu.edu. 2009. Web. 04 February. 2012.
- “Chemicals in Cosmetics – Toxic Ingredients in Skin Care Products.” www.health-report.co.uk. N.D. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- Cyclopentasiloxane. Truthinaging.com. 1 January. 2006. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- “Understanding Skin care and cosmetic labels.” Aromamuse.com. 10 February. 2010. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- “List of More Widely Known Dangerous Ingredients in Body & Food Products.” Pure Zing…for a better lifestyle, n.d. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- Benzyl benzoate. Truthinaging.com. 1 January. 2006. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- Alpha-isomethyl ionone. Truthinaging.com. 1 January. 2006. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- Kirchheimer, Sara. “Moroccan Oil Ingredients.” Livestrong.com. 21 November. 2011. Web. 26 January. 2012.
- “Rediscover the Beauty of Your Youth With Anti-Aging, All-Natural Argan Oil for Beautiful Skin, Hair, and Nails.” Arganoiladvisor.com. N.D. Web. 27 January. 2012
- Platzek, Thomas. Kraetke, Renate. “Risk assessment of colourants used in cosmetics in the E.U.” Federal institute for Risk Assesment Berlin, Germany. D-14191. Household & Personal Care Today. April 2009. Web. 19 January. 2012.
Once again, thanks for the tips!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome! there's more coming, keep reading ;)
DeletePolymer is NOT a technical term for plastic. Polymer simply means 'many' 'mer' so many parts. A polymer is made up of many monomers. For example, complex proteins are polymers, as are complex sugars and fats. Polymers can be ANYTHING if there are many units put together. Silicone is not a plastic. Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteThank you, so much for your feedback! Much appreciated. I am referring to a specific polymer – synthetic polymers. I am not a scientist, but based on information accessible on the web/journals I presented these facts. I also make a point to list sources so that you can research yourselves and come to your own conclusions.
ReplyDeleteSource Wikipedia:
A polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units. These sub-units are typically connected by covalent chemical bonds. Although the term polymer is sometimes taken to refer to plastics, it actually encompasses a large class of compounds comprising both natural and synthetic materials with a wide variety of properties.
Because of the extraordinary range of properties of polymeric materials,[2] they play an essential and ubiquitous role in everyday life.[3] This role ranges from familiar synthetic plastics and elastomers to natural biopolymers such as nucleic acids and proteins that are essential for life.
I went further than Wikipedia to research obviously…once again some sources are listed below [others are in the main article]:
http://www.toolingu.com/definition-500240-3732-synthetic-polymer.html
http://gelfand.web.cmu.edu/scimodules/3._Natural_vs_synthetic_polymers.html
The main point of this blog is to highlight safe cosmetics. As a rule of thumb, I believe don’t put anything on your skin you would not eat. I encourage readers to do their own research and come to their own conclusions.
Awesome post as usual Yemi! I've never bought "argan oil" products mainly because of the ingredients, but they advertising certainly makes it's seems legit. I'm going to try some Pure Argan oil soon :)
ReplyDeleteVee thanks! These companies have millions of dollars to spend on advertising (or should I say brainwashing) LOL Natural is the best alternative...it has no side effects. You would love Pure Argan oil.
ReplyDeletesilicones are good because they aid in detangling and can seal the hair cuticle. the only downside to sealing the hair cuticle is that it's not permanent. some silicones wear of faster than others. take cyclopentasiloxane and cyclomethicone for example. These silicones evaporate from mixtures when exposed to the air and are highly rinsable. They do not require sulfates to remove, but will not seal the hair cuticle as well as dimethicone. Dimethicone is heavier and requires sulfates to remove from the hair shaft, but will seal moisture into the hair and last longer on the hair than natural oils. As vilified as silicones have been in the hair care community as of late, they can be helpful if used properly. Some people think that sulfates are drying. The favorite shampoo of all time has sulfates in it and never leaves my hair dry. What truly dries out hair is sodium chloride. THAT is what people should really avoid. Sodium chloride is natural. It's salt. But it's not good for your hair.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a choice between natural ingredients and chemical ingredients, I would always go for the former. We tend to be particular in buying organic foods, locally grown foods/fruits but we do not question cosmetics. I have since changed to choosing natural products for my skin and hair and the difference speaks for itself. Give natural a chance. Detergents frequently found in shampoos are sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (the harshest), ammonium laureth sulfate (also harsh), and sodium laureth sulfate (also harsh). Please, always check ingredients to make sure none of these detergents are used. Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Behenoxy Dimethicone are stubborn and require detergents/surfactant to remove. The stubborn silicones cling to the hair and begin accumulating use after use! Look for a botanical conditioners that contains high plant-based ingredients such as mint, rosemary and lemongrass, etc. Many botanical plants offer specific benefits to curly hair, like adding moisture. Silicones are synthetic materials often used in manufacturing rubber, plastics and polishes. It is actually made to repel water and is NOT BIO-DEGRADABLE. So any products with silicones acts as a seal around the hair cuticle, preventing the absorption of moisture. Lastly, improve your health by analyzing and researching ingredients as a whole to make better choices. Thanks for your feedback.
Deletehello yemi, pls can i use argan oil/shampoo for my babies hair?
ReplyDelete