Yes, Eco Styler gels DO contain this liquid but is it REALLY carcinogenic? Let’s do some more digging. When speaking of the concern of Cancer related to Triethanolamine, Evironmental Working Group (EWG) says: "Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen". So, on it’s own, TEA is non-carcinogenic. Good to know! Further, according to cosmeticsinfo.org, "Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of possibly carcinogenic nitrosamines". Hmph! So the question is: does Eco Styler contain such an agent?
I pulled out the shovel on this one. I found that the answer is no! Really, the problem only comes when high concentrations of TEA (over 5%) is used in our products or if it interacts with other agents (at any concentration). Beauty aide manufacturers are only allowed to use below this percentage of TEA. It’s interesting to note, though, that TEA may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation. It can also dry the hair and skin. But maybe the Wheat Protein and Glycerin also found in the gel take care of that! We can safely say we’ve never experienced dry hair using it, but everyone is different.
So how about this other ingredient I can’t pronounce, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (what a mouthful!!)? It’s the ingredient listed just after the aforementioned TEA on the back label. As is turns out, this substance can (doesn’t necessarily mean it will) break down into formaldehyde…YES the stuff used to preserve dead bodies is also used in some products as a preservative. As of June 10th of this year, formaldehyde has been declared a known carcinogen by the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate has been listed among some ingredients to watch out for because of this fact. However, like TEA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, in itself, is non-carcinogenic but is a skin & eye irritant. Those with sensitive skin may want to stay away from products containing this.
Now are we saying don’t ever buy Eco Styler Gel? Of course not! We at Natural Is… simply give you the facts as we find them. Please, ladies, feel free to roll up those sleeves, pull out that shovel, do some digging of your own, and make an informed decision.
So, what have we learned here?
~ NONE of the ingredients in Eco Styler Gel are known carcinogens
~ Don’t quickly take everything someone says as “law”, no matter how knowledgeable you may think they are in hair care
~ Please please please read the labels on your products!!
In the end, natural is always better. Everything we need to take care of our hair and overall health the best way comes straight from the earth. Natural hair means natural care! But if you do decide to run to your local BSS for a product, choose wisely and buyer beware! When in doubt, do without. Products rich in all-natural and organic ingredients are your best bet to getting the most out of your hair.
Happy Shopping!
