3 Things You May Not Know About Organic Hair Products
What are organic products? Are they the same as natural products?
We’ve seen the word organic used with products for decades now. It seemed to start with food but has crept into other areas too, such as the beauty sphere. But what does organic really mean when it comes to skincare?
Some people might think that it means the same as natural, and yes, both natural and organic products do contain natural ingredients, but organic actually has an additional layer too. To be considered organic, companies have to adhere to stricter standards when it comes to their ingredients, such as making sure that no artificial pesticides or fertilisers are used in their growth. This can make a difference to how your body may react to a product, so it’s worth checking labels and prioritising organic over natural.
Why use organic skincare products?
They’re safer for you and the planet
Synthetic chemicals are not healthy. Not only can they be detrimental to your body, but they can also have a dire impact on the planet when they’re washed down the drain and leach out into the environment via wastewater. Organic products such as shampoos and conditioners do not contain these harmful ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about your beauty regimen poisoning the planet.
They’re friendly to your skin
It’s important to remember that many products that you apply directly to your skin are slowly absorbed and seep into your bloodstream, so the ones you use can have a direct effect on your body. It makes sense to choose products with ingredients that nourish the skin naturally and avoid ones with harsh chemicals that will have a detrimental effect on our bodies. Obviously, choosing organic products is a safe bet and a good way to look after yourself.
They’re a safer choice for sensitive skin
If you suffer from sensitive skin, then organic products really are a no-brainer. Many people forget that their scalp is also a part of their skin and suffer from allergic reactions, such as itchiness or redness, from using hair products loaded with harsh artificial chemicals. Itchy scalps are also synonymous with dandruff, so by selecting an organic shampoo or conditioner, you can really transform your scalp and hair.
What products should we avoid?
It’s not so much the products, it’s more the ingredients that you need to consider. We recommend avoiding these synthetical chemicals in hair products, so you can make sure your hair and scalp have a terrific growth environment:
1) Parabens
Parabens are used to prevent bacteria growth, but they have long been suspected of being endocrine disruptors and disrupting hormone function. In our opinion, that’s not something worth risking.
2) SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)
SLS is a surfactant that is used for its foaming properties, but is a prime culprit when it comes to skin irritation, as it’s known to cause acne through clogging pores.
3) Propylene glycol
This is a common ingredient in shampoos and conditioners that is used to assist the hair and scalp in absorbing moisture. However, it is known to irritate the skin and cause contact dermatitis, which is something we could all do without.
Which natural ingredients are best in hair care products?
There are many great products out there and lots of natural and organic ingredients that can have a great impact on your hair and scalp health. We’re big believers in clean science technology, which is what powers our Nereus Restorative Complex. In any case, which ingredients are best for you as an individual varies depending on your hair type and circumstances but here’s a list of ones we think are great.
Buddha Wood Oil
A richly aromatic essential oil that helps soothe and calm skin, eases itching and encourages an optimal environment for healthy hair growth while providing protection from oxidative stress.
Organic Bergamot Oil
A zesty, citrus essential oil with a high content of replenishing fatty acids. These acids help smooth hair cuticles, encourage manageability and provide protection from oxidative stress, which damages the resilience of the hair and unsettles the microbiome of the scalp.
Clary Sage
A soothing, restorative essential oil with a herbaceous aroma that helps regulate sebum production, eases a flaky scalp and stimulates and clarifies follicles. It works by reducing the congestion that causes fragility, breakage and hair loss, resulting in an optimal environment for hair growth.
Distilled Lime
Wonderfully refreshing, lime is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps promote the formation of collagen within the skin. Collagen strengthens hair follicles to help support healthy hair growth, rebalances the scalp to reduce flaking and boosts shine.
Virginian Cedarwood
With a subtle, woody aroma, this essential oil supports circulation to the scalp and nourishes hair follicles to provide stronger, more resilient hair growth.
Geranium
A balancing essential oil that helps regulate sebum (the natural oil that our skins produces) and optimises the scalp to support strong, healthy hair growth.
Himalayan Cedarwood
A soothing essential oil known for its antibacterial properties, it helps balance oil production and soothes the scalp, helping support a healthy natural hair cycle.
So, there you have it - the what and why behind organic ingredients. If you’d like to read another blog, you can check out our blog homepage here, or you could even take our hair quiz!