The Ingredients We Leave Out & Why It Matters
At Penny Black Organic, we believe that what you leave out of a product is just as important as what you put in. Many conventional shampoos and conditioners are packed with chemicals that can be harmful to your hair, scalp, and overall health. That’s why we take a different approach—one that prioritises clean, organic, and naturally effective ingredients. Here’s a look at some of the ingredients we avoid, why they can be harmful, and what we use instead to nourish your hair and scalp.
Ingredients We Avoid & Why
1. Sulphates (SLS & SLES)
Sulphates, like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos. They create a foamy lather but can strip away natural oils, leaving your hair dry and your scalp irritated. Sulphates have also been linked to scalp inflammation and sensitivity.
What We Use Instead: We opt for gentle, plant-based cleansers derived from coconut and sugar that cleanse effectively without stripping your hair’s natural moisture. This ensures a thorough clean while keeping your hair soft and balanced.
2. Silicones
Silicones coat the hair to create the illusion of smoothness and shine, but they also create buildup, weigh down your hair, and can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. Over time, this can lead to dull, lifeless locks.
What We Use Instead: Natural emollients like Jojoba Oil and Grapeseed Oil provide lightweight moisture and shine without buildup, keeping your hair healthy and naturally radiant.
3. Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to extend shelf life, but they have been linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and have been found in human tissue.
What We Use Instead: We use natural, plant-based preservatives that keep our products fresh without compromising your health.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
Artificial fragrances often contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including allergens and endocrine disruptors that can cause scalp irritation, headaches, and even respiratory issues.
What We Use Instead: We use pure essential oils and natural botanical extracts to create beautiful, natural scents that are safe for both your body and the environment.
5. Phthalates
Phthalates are often used to stabilise fragrances in haircare products, but they are known endocrine disruptors that may contribute to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues.
What We Use Instead: We avoid all phthalates and instead rely on plant-based alternatives that are safe and non-toxic.
6. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents
Formaldehyde and its releasing agents (such as DMDM hydantoin) are used as preservatives in many conventional hair products. They can cause scalp irritation, allergic reactions, and even long-term health concerns.
What We Use Instead: Our formulas use naturally derived ingredients that keep our products stable without exposing you to harmful toxins.
7. Mineral Oil & Petrochemicals
These ingredients are derived from petroleum and often clog hair follicles, preventing natural hair growth and leading to buildup on the scalp.
What We Use Instead: Instead of synthetic oils, we use lightweight plant oils like Apricot Kernel Oil and Acai Oil that nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
8. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEGs are used to thicken shampoos but often contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane—both known carcinogens. They act as penetration enhancers, allowing other toxic ingredients to be absorbed into the skin more easily. These contaminants aren’t listed on ingredient labels, meaning you may be exposed without knowing.
What We Use Instead: We avoid PEGs entirely and use naturally derived thickeners that maintain the integrity of our clean formulations.
Why Clean Ingredients Matter
Every choice we make in our formulations is designed to support not just beautiful hair, but also a healthy scalp and body. By avoiding these harmful ingredients, we ensure that our products are safe, effective, and kind to both you and the environment.
When you choose Penny Black Organic Haircare, you’re not just investing in clean beauty—you’re choosing a healthier, more sustainable future for your hair and scalp. Experience the difference with our carefully crafted, toxin-free formulas that nurture your hair the way nature intended.
Your hair deserves the best—without the bad.
For more information on what specifically is left out of our products, have a read of our banished ingredients page. https://pennyblackorganic.com/pages/banished-ingredients