A recent study conducted by retail ratings company Canstar Blue in conjunction with market research company Colmar Brunton revealed that 34% of women choose chemical-free hair care products. The study results, based on a survey of 2171 consumers who had purchased shampoo within a period of 12 months discovered that not only did slightly more than a third of women choose chemical-free shampoo, the same percentage of men had the same preference. This study reinforces other evidence that shows that more consumers are turning to natural beauty products as a healthy alternative to "brand name" shampoos and conditioners that contain high levels of chemical ingredients.

What is Chemical-Free Hair Care?

While the survey did not ask consumers why they preferred chemical-free shampoo, a look at the difference between shampoos that are free of chemicals and those that have chemical additives may shed light on why consumer preferences are shifting towards natural, chemical-free products in general. By definition a chemical-free shampoo is one that is composed entirely of natural, plant based ingredients. Some of these ingredients include:

• Oils such as olive oil, lavender oil, coconut oil and some vegetable oils.
  
  
• Herbal ingredients such as comfrey root, ginger, lemon grass and rosemary.
  
  
• Honey

Some of these ingredients are designed to naturally clean the hair while others act as conditioners. What they all have in common is that they produce no proven or perceived negative side effects. Some of the ingredients in many shampoos that are not chemical-free include:

• Sodium Laurel Sulfate
  
  
• Isopropyl Alcohol
  
  
• Petroleum-derived mineral oil
  
  
• Methyl Chloride
  
  
• Propylene Glycol
  
  
• Synthetic colours

Why are Consumers Turning to Chemical-Free Shampoo?

Consumers are turning to chemical-free shampoos for a variety of reasons. Some do so because they report experiencing allergic reactions to shampoos that contain chemicals. These reactions range from itching scalp and rashes to eye and respiratory disorders. While there are few scientific studies that solidly "point the finger" at specific chemicals used in small doses, anecdotal evidence and the testimonies of those who have switched to organically based shampoos suggests that there may be some basis in fact to the claims that these chemicals are responsible for a number of health problems. Herbalists, too, contend that chemicals are responsible for innumerable health problems.

Propylene Glycol, for example, has been linked with allergic reactions and even some forms of acne and is said to negatively affect the pH balance of the skin. Propylene Glycol is considered to be a health risk when used in industrial applications and workers are cautioned to wear protective gloves and eyewear. Significantly, it has been shown to damage skin cell membranes, which may be why many individuals who are repeatedly exposed to the low levels of this chemical in their shampoo and other skin and hair care products experience such severe reactions.

Many researchers feel that long-term exposure to chemicals in shampoos can lead to even more serious complications. Artificial colouring agents such as FD&C Blue Number 1, for instance, are suspected to be carcinogenic and Yellow Dye No.5 has been shown to trigger symptoms of asthma in some people.

Chemical-Free shampoos do not contain any of these potentially harmful ingredients. On the contrary, many of the ingredients in these all-natural products have been shown to be not only neutral, but beneficial to health.

Why are More Consumers Not Using Chemical-Free Hair Care Products

With so much evidence to suggest there are good reasons for using chemical-free shampoo, why did almost two-thirds of the survey group not use them? One reason is price: in this survey, 31% of respondents chose budget shampoos. Chemical ingredients are contained in greater quantities in these shampoos because they are cheaper than organic ingredients. Although outside the parameters of the survey, other reasons may include familiarity with brand name products and lack of awareness of the potential health hazards of chemical ingredients.

The growing popularity of natural, plant-based and herbal hair and skin care products has led to increasing numbers of products that may also contain chemicals to advertise the natural ingredients that are also contained in them. If you are concerned about the levels of chemicals in your shampoo, check the list of ingredients on the product label before you buy. Look for products that are either all-natural or whose ingredients are predominantly natural. If in doubt, ask your natural health care practitioner for advice.