Dermatologist-cosmetologist Alexander Bykanov told what to look for when choosing a shampoo and how harmful surfactants and sulfates are in the composition.
surfactants ( surfactants) are in the composition of any shampoo. Otherwise, it simply won't foam. It is these substances that are responsible for the cleansing properties of the shampoo. It is not the surfactants themselves that harm the hair, but we do when we abuse detergents and wash our hair too often.
“Ideally, a shampoo for everyday use (not talking about professional technical series) should have a skin-neutral pH of 5.5 . If possible, it should contain lipopeptides, fatty acid glycerides – to mitigate the action of surfactants,” the expert comments.
Now, as for sulfates (they can be referred to as SLS in the composition). Contrary to numerous myths and stereotypes, they are not the cause of oncology.
SLS is a safe yet very strong cleaner. They help us wash off not only sebum (fat) from the surface of the scalp, but also have an effect on the epidermal layer.
Sulfates are shrouded in a huge number of prejudices, most of which have no basis. They are not allergens, and even people with atopic dermatitis tolerate them normally.
Sulfates also do not damage and do not accumulate in scalp tissues, again contrary to myths. But dyes and flavors in the composition of shampoos should preferably be smaller. 