Have you ever wondered why silicone is bad for your hair? Read this article slowly & carefully, it may answer some of your questions.

 

What is silicone? Silicones are synthetic polymers.

In layman’s terms: synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil and made by scientists and engineers. 1

 

 

The word POLYMER is a more technical term for plastic! 2

 

Which brings me back, again, to the same question: “Why would anyone want to put petroleum oil or plastic on their hair or skin?”

 

The first 3 ingredients in Moroccan oil are silicones. 

 

Below is a break down of Moroccan oil’s ingredients in comparison to Moroccan Argan oil [100% Pure]

 

          Moroccan Oil             vs        100% Pure Argan Oil

Cyclopentasiloxane: While silicones plastic such as cyclopentasiloxane do not appear to have adverse effects on the human body, there are many concerns regarding the harmful effects it may have on the environment. For this reason, many countries like Canada have requested the silicone industry to provide more information and scientific data regarding its safety. Cyclopentasiloxane may cause mild skin and eye irritation, according to the ingredient's material safety data sheet. Also a small percentage of it reaches systemic circulation through dermal absorption, as found in a study by the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences. 4

Dimethicone is a  silicone derived emollient. Silicone emollient is occlusive - meaning they do not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.) Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.

1. Dimethicone
2. Dimethicone Copolyol
3. Cyclomethicone

Silicone was and still is used as breast implants. Tens of thousands of women with breast implants have complained of debilitating symptoms. Anecdotal evidence indicates silicone to be toxic to the human body. For more detailed information on the dangers of silicone simply key "silicone toxicity" into the Google search engine. 3

Butylphenyl methylpropional: is a synthetic fragrance
. Adverse effects – Skin irritant, sensitiser. In animals, skin applications at high concentrations caused sperm damage and central nervous system effects such as drowsiness and breathing difficulties. 5

 

Argania spinoza kernel oil: Argan oil (however there is no indication as to whether it is cold pressed or chemically extracted. If it is chemically processed there is a high probability that most of its unique properties have been lost).

Linseed extract, comes from the seed of flax plants, it is a mucilage emollient that is soothing to skin. 9

Fragrance supplement: limited information.

D&C Yellow-11, Color safe for external use only, is however not approved for use around eyes, or in eye products. 6

D&C Red-17 (CI 26100) characterized as a possible carcinogen. 11

 

Coumarin formerly the active ingredient in rat poison. A carcinogenic ingredient used in the manufacturing of deodorants, shampoos, skin fresheners and perfumes, and found here. 6

 

Benzyl benzoate has been shown to irritate the skin with some individuals, and should be avoided by those with a perfume allergy. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has restricted the use Benzyl Benzoate in fragrances because of the potential dermal sensitization. In Europe, it is listed as an "allergenic" substance and the European Cosmetics Directive requires OTC leave-on products to indicate its presence, even at concentrations of .001%. 7

 

Alpha-isomethyl ionone the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) banned this ingredient from being mixed into fragrance products (i.e. perfume, cologne). But you can still find this ingredient in a variety of other cosmetics that are not categorized as a “fragrance." 8

 

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Often referred to as “liquid gold,” argan oil has long been valued in Morocco for its cosmetic and medicinal benefits. Extremely rich in vitamin E, antioxidant-packed argan oil has also been prominent in European skincare products for centuries, after its first appearance in Amsterdam in 1711. 10

 

Produced from the kernels of a rare and ancient tree, argan oil is all natural and completely organic. With cold-press extraction, the argan kernel yields a lightweight oil that absorbs much more quickly and yet is far less greasy than other oils, including olive oil. That fast rate of absorbency coupled with argan oil’s store of moisturizing essential fatty acids and anti-aging carotenes make it ideal for cosmetic purposes, as it quickly softens skin and reduces the fine lines of aging without clogging pores. 10

 

100% Pure Argan Oil Is Natural, Non Toxic and a superfood for your skin, hair & nails! 10

 

 

 

 

 

Are you in need of a silicon hair detox?

• We recommend switching to silicone free brands to wash, condition & moisturize your hair!
• Try making your own recipes…
• Choose 100% Pure Moroccan Argan oil [it's a natural alternative].

 

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

 

References:

 

1. “What is the definition of synthetic polymer.” Plastics 240. ToolingU.com. N.D. Web. 04February. 2012.
2. “Natural vs. Synthetic Polymers.” Carnegie Mellon University. http://gelfand.web.cmu.edu. 2009. Web. 04 February. 2012.
3. “Chemicals in Cosmetics – Toxic Ingredients in Skin Care Products.” www.health-report.co.uk. N.D. Web. 26 January. 2012.
4. Cyclopentasiloxane. Truthinaging.com.  1 January. 2006. Web. 26 January. 2012.
5. “Understanding Skin care and cosmetic labels.” Aromamuse.com. 10 February. 2010. Web. 26 January. 2012.
6. “List of More Widely Known Dangerous Ingredients in Body & Food  Products.” Pure Zing…for a better lifestyle, n.d. Web. 26 January. 2012.
7. Benzyl benzoate. Truthinaging.com.  1 January. 2006. Web. 26 January. 2012.
8. Alpha-isomethyl ionone. Truthinaging.com.  1 January. 2006. Web. 26 January. 2012.
9. Kirchheimer, Sara. “Moroccan Oil Ingredients.” Livestrong.com. 21 November. 2011. Web. 26 January. 2012.
10. “Rediscover the Beauty of Your Youth With Anti-Aging, All-Natural Argan Oil for Beautiful Skin, Hair, and Nails.” Arganoiladvisor.com. N.D. Web. 27 January. 2012
11. Platzek, Thomas. Kraetke, Renate. “Risk assessment of colourants used in cosmetics in the E.U.”  Federal institute for Risk Assesment Berlin, Germany. D-14191. Household & Personal Care Today.  April 2009. Web. 19 January. 2012.

(c) Shakara Natural Tips 2012