You may have seen on the news and on social media that a recent finding from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention found there were higher levels of phthalates and parabens in black women than white women. But what are they?

Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics, moisturisers, shampoos, and conditioners.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl. They can be found in cosmetics, personal care products, plastic and vinyl toys.

According to Nielsen study it is estimated that $54 million was spent on ethnic hair and beauty products in 2017. This is worrying because black women buy and use more hair products than other groups. On the other hand this finding could help understand why black women may experience ‘early puberty and have higher rates of hormone-related issues such as uterine fibroids, infertility, and pre-term births.

The findings were published in the journal Environmental Research and looked at 18 different products targeted for black women. What they found was that the products contained,

‘parabens, a type of preservative that can interfere with a woman’s natural estrogen level and has been linked to breast cancer, and phthalates, which can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system.’  (Study: Black Hair Products Chemicals)

The advice given is to use fewer products but, when you do, select products that are free from parabens and phthalate but also to check to see if products are made with plants instead of fragrance. So, we’ve got 4 substitutes for shampoos and conditioners that you can start using and looking after your hair.

Top 4 Black Hair Care Shampoo and Conditioners Substitutes

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture and Shine Sulphate Free Hair Shampoo
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Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
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Afrocenchix Swish Sulphate-free Moisturising Shampoo

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Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner
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