What is the deal with sodium borate, aka borax? Is it the same as boric acid? Is it safer or more toxic? Many of you have asked me what I think about them from the safety standpoint. I have noticed that there is a lot of misinformation, or myths, on the Internet. What happens is …
Do you feel sometimes that you need an advanced degree just to purchase some products these days? The market is flooded with goods whose ingredients leave much to be desired. Thus, a mere shampoo or body lotion purchase turns into an investigation that devours your precious time and energy. All you want is to find …
Would you like to know a secret I learned while reading numerous shampoo and conditioner labels? It will help you choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type without even trying them. Here we go. There is a group of chemicals that are very common in shampoos and conditioners but are rather controversial …
Do you prefer a foaming shampoo to a non-foaming one? Me, too! The ingredient that creates lather is called a surfactant, or cleansing agent. In this post, you will learn about cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine – one of many newly emerging surfactants that is especially popular in shampoos for curly hair. In addition, you will see it …
Do you want to make sure you are using toxic-free makeup and skin care products? So do I. One of the most controversial ingredients I have seen in my career as a consumer product researcher and non-toxic consultant is dimethicone. In fact, I have been researching it for years now because there is a lot …
Like all kids, I was afraid of visits to the dentist. The main reason was that dentists never used any anesthetic on us, so we felt everything while they were working on our teeth. Even though now the situation is different, I still want to do whatever it takes to protect my teeth from cavities. …
As you know, glucose is sugar. On the one hand, it is one of the sources of fuel for the body in the form of carbohydrates. On the other hand, it is best in moderation – unhealthy levels can have a serious or even permanent effect. So, is the same true for glucose-based ingredients that …
If you are confused about the safety of the sodium benzoate preservative when in contact with ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C) or citric acid, you are not alone. There is a tremendous amount of inaccurate information circulating on the Internet and among ingredient-conscious consumers. There is good news! I was able to get to the …
Today we will talk about shampoo ingredients to avoid. But our conversation is not going to be about parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, and not even about petrochemicals. In fact, you are going to learn something that can help you become a savvier consumer and become immune to greenwashing. So, sit back and relax. …
Cyclopentasiloxane (its full chemical name is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane), commonly known as D5, is a chemical that belong to the group of cyclomethicones aka methyl siloxanes. Siloxanes are found in lots of hair care and skin care products as conditioners that leaves hair and skin with a soft, silky, and moist feeling. You can identify …
