Shampoo use has become routine life. Perhaps there are very few personal care products that are as widely used as shampoo. And there is a reason behind it. We all like to have clean, healthy hair but it is also perceived as a feature of beauty.
However, some recent discussions have raised concern: could your shampoo be hiding ingredients that may increase your risk of cancer? Dr Sachin Trivedi, Director, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Colaba shares his insights on the same.
Dr Sachin adds, “I am afraid it is difficult to give a yes or no answer. Like many things in life, the truth lies in the fine print — the ingredient list.”
The Concern: Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products
Conventional and popular shampoos typically contain a mix of chemicals designed to cleanse, lather and scent the product. There may also be preservative added to it. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health risks when used regularly over time while many are deemed safe at smaller quantities.
Among the most concerning ingredients found in shampoos are:
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (like DMDM hydantoin): Used to prevent bacterial growth, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These are detergents and foaming agents. This can irritate the scalp and may contain traces of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen formed during manufacturing.
• Phthalates: This is part of synthetic fragrances and have been linked to hormone disruption and are suspected to contribute to certain cancers, especially hormone-sensitive types like breast cancer.
• Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body. Some studies suggest a potential link to breast cancer due to hormonal interference however the evidence is weak.
What the Science Says
I must qualify that while the above chemicals may raise alarm, it does not mean that using shampoo that contains these ingredients will definitely give you cancer. There are additional risk factors that play equally important role. Also frequency of use, individual genetics, and cumulative exposure to other environmental toxins are all contributing factors.
What do regulators say?
This is a big one and regulatory gaps do exist. For example, the FDA does not require pre-market safety testing for personal care products. There is also global variations on banning certain ingredients. Due to such lacunae and lack of efforts to collect evidence, there is a concern among public health experts and advocacy groups.
How to Protect Yourself
While we wait for clear evidence , If you’re concerned about potential cancer risks in shampoo, here’s what you can do:
1. Read labels carefully – Avoid products with ingredients like formaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin, parabens, phthalates, and “fragrance” (which can hide many undisclosed chemicals).
2. Opt for safer brands – Look for shampoos labeled “paraben-free,” “sulfate-free,” or certified by credible organizations like EWG Verified or USDA Organic.
3. Do your research
What goes on your body matters just as much as what goes in it. We’re exposed to toxins from many sources, being an informed consumer is more important than ever.
