An endocrine-disruptor that’s used in some hair products as a UV filter to protect your hair from sun damage.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

Another endocrine-disruptor that’s used in some hair products as a UV filter to protect your hair from sun damage.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

This endocrine disruptor is used in shampoos and conditioners as UV Absorber to protect against the sun’s UV rays.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe,

These are common in shampoos, as they create the foamy bubbles we associate with washing our hair. The same chemicals are often used to strip grease from engines.

“But don’t the bubbles mean it's cleaning my hair?” Surprisingly, no. That sudsy foam you get from most shampoos is so harsh it completely strips your hair of its natural oils – damaging your hair, making it brittle, increasing frizz and irritating your scalp.

All Penny Black shampoos have low foam, so they won’t dry your hair or kill the shine. Instead they actually nourish your hair and scalp while thoroughly cleaning it.

Many haircare products marketed as ‘cruelty free’ and ‘not tested on animals’ still contain cruelly sourced animal ingredients.

For example lanolin, a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep, is used to moisturize hair. Stearic acid (typically from pigs’ stomachs), casein (usually obtained from cow’s milk), squalene (a compound that comes from shark liver oil) and keratin (from feathers, horns, or wool) are all used in hair products.

Penny Black products contain no animal derived ingredients whatsoever. All our products are 100% vegan.

An endocrine disruptor that is used in some hair products to stop them discolouring.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

An endocrine disruptor that is used in haircare products to protect against the sun’s UV rays.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

Boric Acid is used to prevent bacterial growth in hair shampoo and conditioners. It is also often used in pesticides. It is a reproductive toxicant, a suspected endocrine disruptor, and toxic to plants and animals.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

An endocrine disruptor that is used in haircare products to preserve fat and oils.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

Coal tar is often used in anti-dandruff shampoos. It’s a black, viscous liquid distilled from coal and used to make a variety of products, from dyes to pavements.

Coal tar has long been associated with cancer and there have been lawsuits against well-known businesses who use it, including shampoo brands.

Also known as D5, this is a silicone that coats the hair shaft and guards against water loss. It improves the texture of conditioners, giving them a smooth and silky feel.

D5 is harmful to ecosystems since it rinses off into the environment and doesn’t break down easily.

It is also an endocrine disruptor. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

DEA and TEA are emulsifiers and foaming agents. In 1998, researchers found a link between the topical application of DEA and cancer in animals during lab tests. 

The endocrine disruptor Diethyl Phthalate is often used as a fragrance in hair products.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

An endocrine distruptor found in many hair products.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

An endocrine disruptor that is used in haircare products to protect against the sun’s UV rays.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been proven to be absorbed through the skin. Manufacturers often add it to products directly as a preservative, but it can also be released over time through a chemical process from other types of preservatives.

If you’re wondering what to look for, a common one in shampoos is quaternium-15.

‘GMO’ stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Common terms include ‘genetic engineering’ and ‘biotechnology,’ which involves inserting genetic fragments of DNA from one organism into another.

GMOs have been linked to infertility, immune problems, asthma, intestinal damage and other issues.

These endocrine disruptor is used in haircare products for its antimicrobial and to protect against the sun’s UV rays.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

Many shampoos products use nanoparticles to deliver chemicals to the surface of the hair, or even into the scalp. Many of these products have not been evaluated for safety.

Parabens are used as a preservative to prevent bacteria from growing in your shampoos. They can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to an increased growth of breast cancer cells.

Increasing research suggests our skin absorbs parabens. Your scalp is the most absorbent part of your body, so using shampoo that contains parabens is a total no-no.

Common names of parabens you’ll find on shampoos are butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben, but they can also be listed as Alkyl parahydroxy benzoates.

PEGs are often used to thicken shampoos. The process of producing PEGs can cause contamination with ethylene oxide, a chemical associated with multiple kinds of cancer. PEGs can also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane which is also a carcinogen.

Neither ethylene oxide nor 1,4-dioxane are intentionally added ingredients, which means you won’t find either of them listed on ingredient labels – even though they could still be in the product.

PEGs are also considered penetration enhancers, which means they make it easier for other ingredients to pass through the skin. That means when PEGs are in formulations containing other toxic ingredients, those ingredients could more easily enter the body. 

Phenoxyethanol is often used in shampoos and conditioners as a preservative, antibacterial agent and moisturizer.

The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists phenoxyethanol as one of its core allergens, even in concentrations as low as 1%.

Phthalates are a family of chemicals with the same basic chemical structure that are used as “plasticizers” to increase the flexibility and durability, especially in shampoo and hairspray.

Research has shown that exposure to phthalates is associated with various disorders, but most significantly with birth defects and reproductive disorders.

A type of alcohol synthetically made from petroleum that’s used in shampoos, conditioners and styling products. It is a controversial ingredient associated with skin irritation, scalp inflammation and itching. 

This endocrine disruptor is an antiseptic and disinfectant used in shampoos and hair dyes.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, including development, reproduction, and more.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife is well-documented. They can contaminate soil, air, and water and affect wildlife.

Endocrine disruptors in humans have been associated with a diverse array of health issues, and there’s mounting evidence that even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe.

Silicones are used in shampoos and conditioners to coat each hairshaft with an artificial glossy film so your hair initially appears to be shiny.

However this is a quick fix that doesn’t last. Silicone actually repels water, starving your hair of the moisture it needs to stay healthy – which makes it more liable to break.

The result is thin hair, lank lifeless hair, dull frizzy hair, hair that doesn’t stay in style, or hair that snags in your brush.

To combat this people use more and more conditioner (containing silicone). So the destruction of the hair shaft continues, and your hair gets thinner, duller and drier with every wash.

Sodium chloride is simply salt, and it’s used to give your shampoo or conditioner a thicker consistency. Salt makes an already sensitive scalp dry and itchy, which can eventually be a cause of hair loss.

This detergent creates the lathering foam you get from shampoo. Most of us feel we don’t get clean enough without the foam, but that’s not true. SLS can cause mutations and other toxic effects on the human body.

Most shampoos and conditioners are dyed with a synthetic colour to make them look attractive.

These colours come from petroleum or coal-tar sources, which are linked to various diseases – even cancer. They are already illegal in some countries.

You can recognize synthetic colors because they will normally show up as FD&C or D&C combined with a number.

Products that simply say ‘fragrance’ on their label contain thousands of hidden chemicals, some of which can disrupt your reproductive systems. They can also cause cancer, asthma and make their way into women’s breast milk.

Synthetic fragrances often irritate the skin and scalp, which leads to scratching and even hair loss.

Despite Triclosan being banned from being used in antibacterial soaps in 2016, it’s still allowed in shampoo.

It is a chemical antibacterial agent that is known to cause hormone disruptions which can cause cancer, neuro developmental problems and affect foetal developments.

It is also lethal to fish when washed down the drain into waterways.

This is found in high concentrations in most hair products.

Frequent use of products containing it can cause skin peeling, irritation, burning, dryness, and scaling. In some people it leads to such intense itchiness that it makes you scratch your scalp so aggressively that you damage your hair follicles, causing hair loss.

Sadly, most hair products you buy from your supermarket or even your hairdresser contain many of these harmful ingredients.

Penny Black Organic bucks the trend, bringing you products free of harmful toxins that actually promote scalp and hair health. Check out our full range here.