Back in 2009, when my husband and I started evaluating products in our home, one of the first things we changed was shampoo.
Almost ALL shampoo and conditioners sold in stores contain ingredients that are known carcinogens/toxins.
I wanted something different and I didn’t want to spend a TON to get it. I love the price point of this bar AND the effectiveness!
What are the ingredients of typical shampoo?
I quickly looked up the ingredients to a popular shampoo sold at grocery stores everywhere and here is what I found:
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocomide MEA, Ammonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, PPG-9, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Blue 1, and Red 33.
Do you know what all those ingredients are? Toxins.
You can look up each one of them on ewg.org and it will give you details about them and a cancer rating.
For example:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Ewg.org says it’s “classified as expected to be toxic or harmful” to your organs. You will find this ingredient in body wash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, bath salts, toothpaste, hair color/bleaching, styling mousse/foam, baby shampoo, etc.
Cocamide MEA: This ingredient is “linked to cancer in government, industry or academic studies or assessments.” Also found in body wash and bubble bath
Ammonium Chloride: Classified as an irritant to your skin, eyes, or lungs. Also found in hair bleach.
Sodium Benzoate: Found in polish remover, baby oil, nail polish, eye shadow, perfume, baby suncreen, hand sanitizer, hair spray, lip stick, toothpaste, mascara, baby shampoo, etc. Spoiler alert: This is also in your soda. There is limited data on sodium benzoate due to data gaps but I can tell you this, I wouldn’t want the same ingredient in my nail polish and my soda. (P.S. I don’t use nail polish or drink soda.)
Disodium EDTA: This is a “penetration enhancer.” Note: This is also in most mayonnaise which is why I make my own.
Big House in the Woods Homemade Mayo
So, what are you supposed to do?
There are better products but you have to dig for them and do a lot of reading. We have been researching and trying products for 10 years. I have found an AMAZING product that I want to share with you.
It’s called J.R. Liggett’s Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bar
I’ve been using organic shampoo for ten years but several months ago I decided to switch to a shampoo bar. I wanted something with even LESS ingredients than my liquid shampoo. Also, a shampoo bar is much easier to travel with.
I tried out several different things for months and my hair was so gross that I was embarrassed to go in public. I’m serious. It was awful. It was so awful that I almost cut all my hair off. Then I ran across J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo bar. I gave it about a 40% chance that it would work. I wasn’t counting on it.
That’s why I was SO surprised when it worked and it worked WELL! I’m still in shock. If you’ve lived in the natural world very long you know that sometimes the products with the worst ingredients are the ones that work the best. Sometimes that’s just the sad facts. It’s not true with this shampoo bar though.
I bought the Tea Tree and Hemp Oil bar. The scent it SO fresh. Every time my husband hugs me he says, “Your hair smells so good!”
Ingredients of J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar
Here are the ingredients in the Tea Tree and Hemp Oil bar I use: Saponified Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Almond Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Hemp Oil.
It has no fragrance added and it’s GMO free.
Are you as shocked as I am?
Do I need conditioner with a shampoo bar?
I have found that I have never needed conditioner with organic shampoos and that is also true with this shampoo bar.
My hair is fluffy and feels so soft after washing it with this bar!
How long does the shampoo bar last?
It is supposed to last as long as a 24 ounce bottle of shampoo. I am keeping track of how many washes I get out of mine and I will report back when it runs out. I have used it multiple times so far and it still looks brand new.
If you try it too, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I know so many of you are looking for natural options in your home that work well and don’t break the bank. I hope this helps you!
As you work toward a cleaner and chemical-free home, remember that it’s important to take baby steps. Don’t get overwhelmed. You can’t change everything at once but you can make small changes often. Start with your shampoo. It’s an easy switch and you will feel good about it every time you shower!
Happy shampooing!
Lindsey
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