| What Are "Natural" Hair Care Products? |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Revised Date: 03/20/07 - Original Publication
Date: 3/1998 |
Introduction
I have been a big fan of Aveda hair care products for many years. I have been
asked many times why I prefer the Aveda products to many drugstore brands. I personally
get great results with Aveda.
My hair responds very well to the Aveda shampoos and
conditioners. I also like the fact that Aveda uses ingredients that are derived, whenever
possible, from plants that don't use hazardous products such as fertilizers, insecticides
or herbicides.
Many hair care and cosmetic companies advertise that they use "natural"
ingredients. What does the word "natural" really mean? Aveda does not advertise
that they are "natural". Instead, Aveda highlights their use of ingredients
derived from plants. I have always known that Aveda did use some limited chemicals, when
required, to create the highest quality product line.
I read a recent interview with Horst Rechelbacher, the founder and former CEO of Aveda.
Note: Aveda was bought
by Estee Lauder after this original article was written.
In the article, Horst made a point of saying that he does not like the word
"natural" . He points out that because something is totally natural, it is not
necessarily good. Horst gave the example of petrochemicals which he pointed out are
natural, but tend to be awful in a lot of ways.
Horst explained that Aveda resists using any "unnecessary" chemicals
in any of their products. Unfortunately, Aveda and other similar companies (e.g.
Phytotherathrie) have learned that some chemicals are absolutely required to create
hair care products that consumers demand.
The most common chemicals are preservatives and foaming agents. It is a
well-known fact that the majority of consumers do not like to buy shampoos that don't
create suds. If a shampoo does not produce a good lather, it is considered inferior.
Ultimately, shampoo is considered to be a "beauty" product. Consumers have
certain expectation of all beauty products.
Consumers also demand a reasonable shelf life. Without preservatives many
products only last a few weeks. Many of the most religiously "natural" shampoos
contain the chemical sodium laurel sulfate (a petrochemical product) which produces foam
and suds. The only shampoo that I know of that does not include a foaming agent is made by
Aubrey Organics. The Aubrey hair care products are sold in health food stores and are not
found in department stores or hair salons.
Aubrey Organics is owned by Aubrey Hampton. He resists the use of sodium laurel
sulfate in his shampoos. Aubrey believes that shampoos don't have to lather or foam. While
this may be true, many consumers are still very unhappy with shampoo that does not produce
suds. Many consumers could care less about chemicals that are added to their shampoos and
related products.
Aubrey Hampton has spent a lot of time studying all the ramifications of
chemicals that are added to hair care products. He has written the book, What's In Your
Cosmetics. (See my book review in bookstore section of this web site). Aubrey provides a
very detailed look at all the additives that may be included in the shampoos that you buy.
Another issue of concern is the addition of synthetics that may be added to
products. Some ingredients that are listed on the label of a shampoo may actually be a
synthetic version. A good example is jojoba oil. Many shampoo products only contain the
synthetic version of jojoba oil and not the original. Aloe Vera is another ingredient that
is often watered down by the time it is added to the shampoo.
Aveda is in the highly competitive business of selling hair care and beauty
products. To be competitive and successful, they must provide what the consumer demands.
This includes the need to use some chemicals. On a positive note, Aveda resists using
chemicals or additives unless absolutely necessary.
In some cases all natural can be bad. Some people can be allergic to totally
natural products and do better with products that include some synthetic blends. Obviously
it is better to have minimal fragrance and dyes added to a product.
Aveda is definitely concerned about the environment and political correctness.
Aveda is famous for helping local economies by providing funds to assist in the organic
planting of cosmetic agents. In 1992 Aveda discovered an all-natural coloring agent made
from uruku powder found in South America. By funding the planting of 13,000 uruku
seedlings, a small village in Brazil gained economic independence and Aveda was able to
avoid unnecessary artificial coloring or dyes.
Phytotherathrie (Phyto), Sebastian and the Body Shop have had similar
environmental friendly successes. Phyto is a brand that I have tried and
liked. Phyto has wonderful hair care products.
Phyto funded an arboretum devoted specifically to plant research in France with more than
400 species of trees. Sebastian has built an indoor rainforest to study the world's
natural resources.
Even with a concern for the environment, Aveda and their competitive companies
still use some chemicals. While Aveda strives to avoid use of anything hazardous, their
products still contain some ingredients such as fragrances, that may not be 100% natural.
Compared to many other hair care products on the market, Aveda utilizes limited
chemical and synthetic additives. I have read the labels and consciously choose to use the
Aveda products. While I have tried some of the totally natural Aubrey Organic products,
they do not work as well on my hair as Aveda.
There are currently several hair care and cosmetic companies that strive
to be "as natural" as possible.
If you really want to use 100% natural shampoo and hair care products I would
recommend making your own products at home. If you take this approach you can guarantee
that you use only the best and organic substances.
Summary
In summary, if a hair care product advertises that it is "natural" this
may simply mean that it avoids any unnecessary chemical additives. It may also mean that
it is an environmentally friendly company striving to provide a product with plant and
herbal additives. Except in the case of Aubrey Organics, it does not mean that it is 100%
chemically free.
When you purchase hair care products read the labels and make your own
decisions on what level of "natural" ingredients you wish to accept in the
hair care products that you use on your hair. This is the most responsible way to select
the best products for you. |