Whether you love haunted houses and scary movies or prefer the cozy charm of mellow autumn vibes, clean beauty enthusiasts can all agree on one thing: nothing’s spookier than toxic ingredients in haircare—even during Halloween season.
But what makes toxic ingredients so scary for strands? Why do they haunt your hair health?
This Halloween, we’re peering behind the veil to uncover the spooky truth about toxic ingredients once and for all. Read on for the Neuma guide to why phthalates, sulfates, and parabens put your hair in peril…. If you dare!
The Spooky Truth: Why Phthalates, Sulfates, and Parabens are So Bad For Hair Health
Phthalates: The Invisible Hair Killer
Although phthalates are well-known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, they’re commonly used in hair products as plasticizers and fragrance carriers. And the most common culprit on cosmetic ingredient labels? Diethyl phthalate (DEP).
Research links phthalate exposure to hair loss and thinning, particularly in women, because they can interfere with estrogen and androgen pathways—critical hormones for healthy follicle function. Shampoos with phthalates are especially risky, because the skin on your scalp absorbs the ingredient faster.
Beyond hormonal disruption, phthalates can also compromise the hair's structural integrity. Over time, this can reduce elasticity, increase hair breakage, and slow down hair growth!
Even worse, phthalates are often unlisted under the protected term "fragrance," meaning manufacturers can sneak them in without disclosure on the ingredient label. This fragrance loophole is one of the many reasons why Neuma proudly uses essential oils for every single aroma—meaning we never have and never will use synthetic fragrances or perfumes. For more on our approach to aromas over fragrance, head to this blog.
Ready to reverse the harmful effects of phthalate exposure? The Neu Repair line is standing by to course correct your hair health. From Neu Repair Shampoo and Neu Repair Conditioner to Neu Repair Treatment Masque and Neu Repair Leave-In Treatment, this collection ensures a phthalate-free spooky season.
Sulfate Surfactants (SLS, SLES, ALS, ALES): Your Scalp's Worst Nightmare
Do you love nurturing your natural texture? Are you constantly coloring your hair? Is your scalp always irritated?
Anyone with chemically-treated strands, natural curls, fine textures, or sensitive skin: beware of spooky sulfates, specifically ones labeled SLS, SLES, ALS, and ALES.
These harsh anionic surfactants strip hair of natural protective oils and disrupt the scalp’s delicate moisture balance, but they’re commonly used in cleansing formulas to help remove dirt and buildup. But that’s not all they wash away—they also cause significant cuticle lifting and protein loss, ultimately leading to increased porosity, color fading, and structural weakness.
As for scalp sensitivities, many studies show that sulfates can cause or worsen contact dermatitis, inflammation, and barrier function disruption. If your skin barrier is compromised, it’s especially important to avoid these harsh ingredients!
But don’t panic just yet; resetting your hair health is easy with clean beauty formulas.
For the gentlest possible cleansing experience that still feels like a deep clean, Re Neu Clarifying Shampoo will nurture your scalp, washing away damaging build-up without stripping away healthy natural oils. For help with hydration and restoring your natural pH levels, add Neu Moisture Shampoo to your routine!
Post-shower, resurrect your curls and waves with Neu Styling Air-Dry Shaper and Neu Curl Perfecting Creme, and remember to use heat protectant like Neu Moisture Instant Fix before any hot tools.
Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben): The Zombie Preservatives
If hair loss, hair thinning, and scalp inflammation are the stuff of your nightmares, parabens should be at the top of your questionable ingredient list.
These synthetic preservatives exhibit estrogenic activity, meaning they can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting the hormonal signaling pathways needed for healthy hair growth. This change in hormones can target the actual growth phase of the hair cycle, which can trigger a laundry list of problems like premature hair loss, thinning, and changes in hair texture.
If you’re already dealing with scalp issues, it’s important to know that parabens can exacerbate existing symptoms!
And, like horror movie zombies, paraben allergies are even spreading across the population, becoming more common as more people are exposed to them. Signs include scalp itching, redness, and inflammation—and over time, these can compromise overall follicle health.
The best way to nurture hair growth and fullness is simple: target scalp health. Re Neu Clarifying Shampoo and Re Neu Conditioner are a great place to start, but Neu Volume Shampoo and Neu Volume Conditioner will also help detangle, strengthen, and smooth your locks. For extra help accelerating your recovery, Neu Moisture Masque will help lay a healthier, more hydrated foundation for lasting hair health.
Happy spooky season, clean beauty enthusiasts! With these toxic ingredients slashed from your routine, your healthiest Halloween hair yet is waiting just around the corner.
As always, keep up posted on your clean beauty journey with a tag on Instagram (@neumabeauty) and TikTok (@neumabeauty).
See you there!
