I am a big proponent of natural minimalist living. I try to not indulge in buying or hoarding stuff without a solid reason.
Years of earning and spending on my own have taught me some great life lessons.
Over the years I have learned the value of living within one’s means. That means I recycle stuff and figure out additional usage for existing stuff.
This philosophy works best to live a clutter-free life. Moreover, one ends up having more time and money with them.
I do not even recall when was the last time I purchased a new dress. Or when was it that I bought some expensive home decor.
The way my life has been for a few years. There is more travel and spending life outdoors.
This leaves little to no room for even purchasing daily groceries. Hence, indulgent or luxury expenses are way out of my purchase and usage patterns.
For obvious reasons. This minimalist attitude towards expenditure percolated to my cosmetic purchases as well.
Almost 2 years back. I made a conscious decision to cut back at least 1 item from my beauty shopping list.
Now years since that cutting down expenses project. I am on a no-monthly buying cosmetic list.
Yes, I do not spend a single dime on commercial skin care cosmetics and hair care products.
Though I do use skin friendly stuff on my body and hair. Most of the times such products are food from my pantry. Other times they are products that are edible and safe for human consumption.
In essence, they are the natural products used as shampoo, or for general skin care usage. Coconut milk, aloe vera, and chickpea flour are my common cleansers. They are the best organic shampoo for color-treated hair.
Why use natural shampoo without chemicals
It is all a part of my resolve to live a life free from the harms of commercial cosmetics. Most of the regular cosmetics are abundant in synthetic ingredients. They end up doing more harm than good in the long run.
Most of the ingredients in traditional shampoo bottles are petroleum derivatives. That means along with the cleansing quality of shampoo. You are also applying petroleum on your hair.
In fact, it is something even worse than petroleum. Since they are the by-products of it.
You can check the ingredients of your favorite shampoo brand for the following :
Mineral oil
Lanolin
Polyethylene glycol
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Parabens – Methylparaben and Propylparaben
Formaldehyde
Propylene Glycol
Dimethicone
Artificial fragrances and colors
All these products are petroleum derivatives. Hence, no point using them. The cleansing functions that they claim to serve are possible even without their presence.
And that is how the concept of natural cosmetics and toiletries as an alternative exists.
Are natural shampoo without chemicals the best solution?
For the ingredients listed above. It is in our own interest to stay away from them. Moving on to cosmetics with natural ingredients then seems a successive step.
Well, that is what most of us do. But little do we get to realize another harsh fact. That even these so-called natural sounding cosmetics are not that good.
In fact, they are the same chemical cosmetics with a subtle hint of natural ingredients.
By that, I mean petrochemicals mixed with a few natural ingredients.
Yes, that is true.
To prove my point. I again request you to check the ingredients in your favorite natural cosmetics.
The presence of parabens and artificial colors and smells will take you by surprise.
It is sad to realize that even shampoos from reputable natural brands are not so natural.
They are the cocktails of petroleum by-products with just a few natural ingredients.
So, one should use them?
The answer is maybe.
If your future self does not concern you. Or you are fine with ingesting dreadful chemicals down your bloodstream. Then, you can go ahead with their usage.
But if living a natural and guilt-free life concerns you. Then, you can read further.
Are there any best chemical free shampoos
If you are reading this statement. Then, I am sure what you must be going through.
With the presence of parabens and petroleum derivatives in most of the natural shampoos. It seems that shampoos without toxic chemicals do not exist.
Rather, one will have to make terms with these unpleasant ingredients to stay hygienic. The thought of putting shampoo along with a slurry of chemicals gives strange feelings.
I know how it is. I have felt it many a time.
But do not worry. Hope is around. Natural shampoo without chemicals does exist.
There are a few brands that give cleansing properties through natural ingredients. And they do not trick about it.
Those brands have soap nuts and shikakai as the major components.
They are plant based cleansers. No poo is the colloquial term for them. It is the process of cleaning with plant-based shampoos.
Other popular no poo ingredients include:
baking soda
apple cider vinegar
rye flour
hibiscus flower and leaves
clays
and at times just the water
However, there are other breeds of shampoo as well that are low poo.
The low poo ones have Castile soaps as the principle cleansing ingredient. They are mild, but still, do a great job at cleansing hair.
Though they do bring in a froth, but not as much as the regular shampoos.
This fact might give a little doubt about their performance. But there is no truth to those apprehensions.
In fact, these low poo shampoos are perfect to take the first step towards going no poo way.
They offer convenience and performance as the usual shampoos. But give no damage to skin, hair, and body. They have Castile soaps in them, hence are safe for living beings. That includes pets as well.
The post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase any of the products mentioned in this article through routing via the links in this post. Then, I may end up receiving a certain monetary percentage from the sale. Though the one who purchases through the link does not end up paying anything extra apart from the mentioned MRP on the product. Full disclosures on the Affiliate Page.
Resources for Natural shampoo without chemicals
If you plan to make a switch towards chemical-free shampoo brands. Then, you can check out the ones below. I have used all these brands mentioned, and keep updating the list. So, make sure you come back to check additions to my low poo discoveries.
The first 2 brands are affordable and perfect for a frugal like me. Also, they are one of the best organic shampoo brands from India. But if you do not mind spending a lot on your upkeep, then you can go ahead with the other 3 as well. (I adore and look up to you.)
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In case you wish to understand the entire No Poo philosophy in a no-nonsense actionable guide. Then, you can check out the No Poo book I wrote.
Image Courtesy: Pixabay
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