The hair care industry is linked to many of the worlds environmental issues like deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. It is also an ethical dilemma. Did you know that according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) an estimated 152 million children are subjected to child labor many of which are linked to helping harvest the ingredients we use in our everyday hair products? Animal testing is also still present in the hair care market with 500,000 animals suffering each year.So how do we as hair product consumers combat this? As someone with curly hair, it can already be hard to find the right products for your specific hair type. Even more, naturally derived and, ethically and environmentally sustainable brands are hard to come by. Here is more insight on how some common ingredients are sourced and which ones to avoid.

Harmful ingredients

Parabens

This substance is very prevalent in many of the products we consume as it is a preservative. Often found in processed foods parabens is also found in many cosmetic products. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors with links to reproductive issues and increased risks of cancer. Due to our continued exposure to the ingredient a buildup might occur, and this is what can lead to those serious issues in the hormonal system, especially during formative years. There may also be adverse environmental effects with lower levels of butylparaben capable of killing coral. Parabens have been found in surface water and fish which is concerning due to the potential consequences of mixing parabens with other substances

Sulfates

Sulfates can often cause reactions in more sensitive people with dry skin as a common side effect of its usage. The ingredient can end up stripping oils from the skin and penetrating the natural protective barrier. As for the environmental impact, sulfates are harmful as they pollute our oceans and rivers and affect aquatic life. Animal testing is also more common with sulfates.

Phthalates

Known to negatively affect the hormonal system in both males and females. There is research that shows the reduction of testosterone levels as a result of exposure to this substance. Many have linked phthalates to a wide variety of diseases and conditions like asthma, breast cancer and obesity to name a few. As for the environmental impact, phthalates can easily escape into the environment through the products we use due to their chemical composition. They are toxic to aquatic life and other wildlife much like they are to humans disrupting their hormones, reproductivity, and development.

An Eco-Friendly Curly Hair Routine!

What if I told you that you could fully embrace your textured hair and meet your specific hair type needs all while saving the planet? Ecobeauty is a brand that can satisfy every curl type and prides itself on its naturally derived and sustainably sourced ingredients and packaging. It uses unharmful ingredients for its advanced formulas that achieve amazing transformative results. Ecobeauty is a amazing alternative to any brand you weren’t satisfied with because it checks all the boxes!Here are some steps and products you need to know in order to build yourself an Eco-friendly hair care routine to fit your curly hair needs! Its the new and improved eco-friendly curly girl method.On wash days cleanse your hair thoroughly using the Ecobeauty shampoo. This product is Silicone and sulfate cleanser free. With its Kokum seed butter deeply nourishes and conditions, detangling to reduce breakage. Follow with the Ecobeauty intensive curl perfecting masque and curl perfecting primer. Finally style with coil definer gel.Between wash days swap shampoo with the Ecobeauty Co-wash to cleanse your curls but prevent any stripping of oils.Other good practices in order to ensure the products your purchase are ethically sourced look for certifications like Fair Trade, USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Leaping Bunny. By supporting sustainable and ethical companies we can influence organizations to be transparent and be more responsible in their practices.For more information on Ecobeauty’s natural key ingredients visit our ingredient glossary. Subscribe for updates and the inside scoop!