What are parabens and sulfates?
Why are so many cosmetic products still containing parabens and sulfates when they have such a bad name? Parabens are used as preservatives. Sulfates dissolve oils and fats very well, they lather up nicely and clean up well with a good feel. They are also very cheap. That's why! You will not find any parabens or sulfates in WECOLOUR products. We do not use any ingredients for which there is doubt or a milder alternative. But why do parabens and sulfates have such a bad name?
What are parabens used for?
So, why do you find so many parabens in cosmetic products? Because they do have superb preservative properties. Few substances evoke such a negative association as parabens. Parabens are used to preserve cosmetics (this includes hair products) that are prone to contamination by bacteria. The term parabens is actually a collective name of substances, the most common parabens being Methylparaben, Ethyl paraben, p-Propylparaben, Isobutyl paraben, n-Butylparaben and Benzylparaben. Often, several parabens are used in a product. They ensure a longer shelf life. These preservatives kill bacteria, fungi and moulds before they have a chance to spread and cause damage to cosmetic products, for example, making them ineffective or giving you a rash.
Possibly carcinogenic
Parabens have been used for over 50 years, but have nevertheless been in the media negatively for some time. Information about them is still circulating. Unjustified, according to KWF Kankerbestrijding and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Parabens in deodorants and antiperspirants were because of an incorrectly conducted study, linked to the development of breast cancer. Parabens are also commonly found in sunscreen, shampoos, conditioner, hair products, moisturisers, anti-ageing products, mascara and other cosmetics. According to some studies, these substances, including methylparaben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben and isobutyl paraben can harm health by contributing to the development of tumours.
Unproven
However, scientific research does not show any link between the use of parabens in deodorants and antiperspirants and breast cancer. Also, all ingredients and therefore preservatives used in cosmetics must first have been evaluated by the European Commission's independent scientific committee. Having tracked down all the information on parabens, we endorse the opinion of the experts from KWF, the Dutch Food and Goods Authority and the scientific research of the European Commission. So, as far as we are concerned, parabens are safe for your health. In addition, we have not been able to find any information that parabens have a negative impact on the condition of your hair. But none of the WECOLOUR products contain parabens. You can find parabens on the packaging under different names, but they always end in 'Paraben' and 'Parabens'. Parabens have been replaced at WECOLOUR, for example, by phenoxy ethanol combined with natural preservatives such as rosmarinus officinalis.
What are sulfates used for?
Lather up!
Sulfates are mainly used in detergents and cleaners, so in shampoo. They dissolve fats and oils very well, which is often naturally very desirable, such as in washing-up liquid. But exposing your skin and hair to sulfates, as in shampoo, also removes all fats. So, also the natural sebum and oils that your hair and scalp need, among other things, to keep them supple. That's why it's better to steer clear of these. Even though, it foams wonderfully in your hair, and you really feel that your hair is getting nice and clean. This is true, as all sebum and oils are efficiently removed. But your hair and scalp dry out, and you make them more vulnerable. When your hair is dry, hair dye turns out darker and because your hair cuticles are open, the colour fades faster.
Two types of sulfates
Sulfates come in two types: SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). The latter is already a lot milder than the first kind. SLS and SLES reduce the surface tension of a substance, making it more dispersible. They also trap numerous bubbles of oxygen or another gas in a small amount of liquid by changing the surface tension of the liquid. Hence, making a small amount of shampoo already lathers nicely.
Disadvantages of sulfates in shampoo
- Because sulfates dissolve fats so well, you can suffer from a dry, itchy or irritated scalp. Especially if you wash your hair daily, you are at risk.
- Some people get a flaky scalp, read dandruff.
- Your hair can become frizzy as it dries out.
- On the contrary, it can also result in your hair becoming oily as your scalp produces excessive sebum to compensate. Recognisable? Then also read our blog 'Greasy hair'.
What makes sulfates so popular is that they are very cheap. And price remains a critical criterion in the cosmetics market. Why buy an expensive sulfate-free shampoo when 90% of all shampoos are three times cheaper (but still contain sulfates)? And that foaming feeling is, of course, nice. But shampoo without SLS or SLES also cleanses your hair sufficiently without drying out your hair and scalp. So, in the end, it is better for your hair and scalp to avoid sulfates in your shampoo.
At WECOLOUR, we believe it is important to offer 'as pure as possible' products to colour, care for and style your hair as gently as possible so that your hair colour lasts, and you don't have to dye it as often. Better for your hair and for beautiful, long-lasting hair colour! That is why you will not find any sulfates or parabens in WECOLOUR products.
