An endocrine-disruptor used in some hair products as a UV filter to protect hair from sun damage. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system. They are linked to health problems related to fertility and pregnancy, and there is mounting evidence that even low doses may be unsafe.

Another endocrine-disruptor used in some hair products as a UV filter. Like all EDCs, it interferes with the body's hormone system and is associated with reproductive health concerns and environmental contamination.

Used in shampoos and conditioners as a UV absorber. It interferes with hormone function and has been linked to reproductive and developmental health issues.

Common in shampoos for their foaming effect — the same chemicals used to strip grease from engines. So harsh they completely strip hair of its natural oils, making it brittle, increasing frizz and irritating the scalp. All Penny Black shampoos use gentle, low-foam plant-based cleansers instead.

Many 'cruelty-free' products still contain cruelly sourced animal ingredients — lanolin (from sheep), stearic acid (from pigs), casein (from cow's milk), squalene (from shark liver oil), and keratin (from feathers or wool). Penny Black products contain no animal derived ingredients whatsoever. All our products are 100% vegan.

An endocrine disruptor used in some hair products to prevent discolouration. It interferes with hormonal function and is associated with reproductive health concerns and environmental contamination.

An endocrine disruptor used in haircare products for UV protection. It is known to mimic, block, or interfere with the body's natural hormones.

Used to prevent bacterial growth in shampoos and conditioners — and also in pesticides. It is a reproductive toxicant, a suspected endocrine disruptor, and toxic to plants and animals.

An endocrine disruptor used to preserve fats and oils in haircare products. It interferes with the body's hormone system and has been flagged by health authorities for its potential links to cancer.

Often used in anti-dandruff shampoos. A black, viscous liquid distilled from coal, it has long been associated with cancer and has been subject to lawsuits involving well-known shampoo brands.

A silicone that coats the hair shaft for a silky feel. It is harmful to ecosystems as it rinses off into the environment and doesn't break down easily. It is also an endocrine disruptor linked to reproductive health concerns.

Emulsifiers and foaming agents found in many hair products. Research has found a link between topical application of DEA and cancer in animals during lab tests.

This endocrine disruptor is often used as a fragrance in hair products. It interferes with the body's hormone system and has been associated with reproductive and developmental health issues.

An endocrine disruptor found in many hair products. It mimics, blocks, or interferes with hormones in the endocrine system, with potential links to fertility and developmental health problems.

An endocrine disruptor used in haircare products for UV protection. It disrupts hormonal function and has been flagged for its potential environmental and reproductive health impacts.

A known human carcinogen proven to be absorbed through the skin. It is added directly as a preservative, or can be released over time from other preservatives such as quaternium-15.

Ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms have been linked to infertility, immune problems, asthma, intestinal damage, and other health issues.

An endocrine disruptor used in haircare for its antimicrobial properties and UV protection. It interferes with the body's natural hormone system and has environmental impacts.

A petroleum by-product used in many hair products. It coats the hair and scalp, blocking pores and preventing the absorption of moisture and nutrients — the opposite of what healthy hair needs.

Used in some shampoos to deliver chemicals to the hair surface or scalp. Many of these products have not been evaluated for safety, and their long-term effects on the body are unknown.

Used as a preservative to prevent bacteria growth. They can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells. Your scalp is the most absorbent part of your body — making paraben-containing shampoos particularly concerning. Common forms: butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben.

Used to thicken shampoos. The production process can lead to contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane — both carcinogens. PEGs are also penetration enhancers, making it easier for other toxic ingredients to enter the body through the skin.

Used in shampoos and conditioners as a preservative, antibacterial agent and moisturiser. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists it as one of its core allergens, even in concentrations as low as 1%.

A family of chemicals used as plasticisers to increase flexibility and durability in shampoos and hairspray. Research has linked exposure to phthalates with birth defects and reproductive disorders.

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

An antiseptic and disinfectant used in shampoos and hair dyes. It is an endocrine disruptor linked to hormonal disruption, and is harmful to aquatic life when washed into waterways.

Used to coat each hair shaft with an artificial glossy film. Silicone repels water and starves hair of moisture, causing it to become thin, dull, brittle, and lifeless. Over time, continued use leads to increasing damage with every wash.

Used to thicken shampoos and conditioners. Salt makes an already sensitive scalp dry and itchy, which can eventually contribute to hair loss.

The detergent that creates lathering foam in most shampoos. Despite the common belief that foam means 'clean', SLS can cause mutations and other toxic effects on the human body.

Most shampoos are dyed with synthetic colours derived from petroleum or coal-tar sources, linked to various diseases including cancer. They are already illegal in some countries. Look for FD&C or D&C combined with a number on ingredient labels.

Products listing simply 'fragrance' contain thousands of hidden chemicals that can disrupt reproductive systems, cause cancer, trigger asthma, and even make their way into breast milk. They commonly irritate the scalp, leading to scratching and hair loss.

Despite being banned from antibacterial soaps in 2016, triclosan is still permitted in shampoo. It disrupts hormones, has been linked to cancer and neurodevelopmental problems, and is lethal to fish when washed into waterways.

Found in high concentrations in most hair products. Frequent use can cause skin peeling, irritation, burning, dryness and scaling. In some people it triggers such intense scalp itchiness that scratching leads to follicle damage and hair loss.