What is Really in That Shampoo Bottle?

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Today there is a lot of focus on what we put in our hair, what we put on our faces and our bodies, and what we use to brush our teeth. As more natural and “green” products come to the surface, more and more people are beginning to take notice and use them. But do we know how safe these products are to use? We think they are...but are they really?

More people are becoming aware of what they put in their hair and on their faces and what they use to wash up with in the shower. Many are beginning to realize that the chemicals, preservatives, and other ingredients in every day cosmetics such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and even toothpastes are unsafe and can even be hazardous to our health.

As a result, there are some new products that are becoming available on the market that are used 100% from natural products. However, through the last several years, new companies selling natural products have had difficulty coming up with a formula that has been both safe and effective. Formulas particularly for anti-aging, conditioner, and make up and other cosmetics have been difficult to perfect. However, as time goes on and technology improves, companies are getting better are perfecting their formulas, which means we will begin to see more and more natural products on the market.

It’s alarming to many people the dangers that can be contained in a bottle of shampoo, a tube of mascara or lipstick, or even in a bar of soap. For those of you who are especially nervous, like me, I highly recommend a universal app that you can use when going to the department store to buy cosmetics and other products. The app is called “Skin Deep”, and it is available for both the iPhone and Android. It allows users to type in or scan the product name, and the app rates the product from a 0, which is the safest, and/or uses the most natural ingredients, to 9, which is the most dangerous.

While this app works great and it certainly can be addicting (like most apps...because we aren't addicted to our Smartphones and tablets enough, right?) one thing to keep in mind when using this particular app is that the ratings given are based on customer reviews. Therefore, a particular product may have a lower rating because only three people have rated it, or rated it negatively. While it serves as a great guide for looking to see what's in that bottle of shampoo before you buy it, and the harmful effects it could have long term, remember to kind of take it with a grain of salt and to pay attention to reviews as well. Oh, and don't forget your Internet research...

Most of us are aware of and have seen the "green" and natural products shift occur over the last several years. The important thing is to become aware of what is used in products and what the long term effects on your health can be. It will probably scare you, it will probably make your paranoid, and it will probably even change your life, but at least you are more aware of it and can make changes where necessary.

So the next time you step into the shower and grab your shampoo or bar of soap, be sure to make a mental note to check the label the next time you are at the store. Take note of the ingredients and the chemicals and make your selection and your purchase accordingly. Remember, while that bottle of shampoo might make your hair feel gorgeous or maybe it has the right price tag, is your long term health worth it? Why take the risk? Check your labels...


Written content: © 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

Image credit: © Abdone | Dreamstime Stock Photos

*This topic was written by J.H. Language Solutions for a third party. This article has been altered to fit this blog accordingly.  J.H. Language Solutions in no way assumes ownership of the content above. Topic posted by third party permission.