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The TO112 Free From List: Understanding Parabens, Sulfates, and DEA

The TO112 Free From List: Understanding Parabens, Sulfates, and DEA
In today's world, where we are continuously exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins, it's essential to be mindful of the products we use on our hair and skin. At TO112, we are a brand committed to creating better hair care products, and have taken a stand against harmful ingredients and developed a "Free From List" that ensures our products are free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals. What are the reasons behind our Free From List and how it has changed the way we think about hair care? Read on for the inside scoop.
What is the TO112 Free From List?
The TO112 Free From List is a comprehensive list of ingredients that we have committed to avoid in our hair and body care products. These ingredients are known to have adverse effects on hair, skin, and overall health. By eliminating these harmful ingredients, TO112 aims to provide you with safer and more effective hair care solutions for the hair you love to live in.
The primary ingredients excluded from TO112 products are parabens, sulfates and DEA's. Let's take a closer look at why these specific ingredients are harmful to your hair and the benefits of avoiding them.
Shedding Light on Parabens: Understanding Their Impact on Your Hair
In the world of hair care, the use of parabens has become a hotly debated topic. As consumers become more concerned about the ingredients in their personal care products, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with parabens. 
What are Parabens?
Parabens are a group of synthetic compounds commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products, including shampoos and conditioners. They help to keep active ingredients stable, effective, and free from harmful bacteria growth, especially in jars and pots that allow for finger dipping. The most commonly used parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Why are Parabens Used in Hair Care Products?
Parabens are used in hair care products to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing, thereby increasing the products' shelf life. They are found in various products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. By inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi, parabens help to maintain the quality and effectiveness of hair care products over time.
The Potential Dangers of Parabens
While parabens have been used in hair care products for decades, their safety has been called into question due to their ability to mimic estrogen and the presence of paraben traces in breast cancer tissue.  This has led to concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. Here are some reasons why parabens may be harmful:
  1. Endocrine Disruption: Parabens can interfere with the body's hormone production, specifically by mimicking estrogen1. This has raised concerns about their potential to cause reproductive complications, heightened cancer risk in adults, and developmental issues in children.
  2. Cancer Risk: A small study published in 2004 found traces of parabens in breast cancer tissue samples. Although there wasn't enough evidence to conclusively prove a link between paraben use and increased cancer risk, the study showed that parabens can pass through the skin barrier and enter our bodies. While no causal relationship between parabens and breast cancer has been established, the presence of these chemicals in the body has raised concerns.
  3. Environmental Impact: Studies have shown that parabens have been found in elevated levels in marine animals. Although there isn't enough evidence to determine the harm parabens may cause to the environment, their presence in oceans, streams, rivers, and water supplies is concerning.
Paraben Alternatives and Paraben-Free Hair Care
Given the potential risks associated with parabens, many hair care brands are now formulating their products without them. We look at it from the simple perspective that if there is any question about the safety of an ingredient and there is a known safer alternative or innovation, we will use it in our formula, regardless of increased financial cost. Some alternatives to parabens include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid. When choosing paraben-free hair care products, it's essential to check the ingredient label and be aware of the product's expiration date, as natural preservatives may have a shorter shelf life.
Our Verdict
While the debate about the safety of parabens continues, it's up to each individual to make informed decisions about the hair care products they choose to use. By understanding the potential risks associated with parabens and opting for paraben-free alternatives, you can protect your hair and overall health without compromising on the quality and effectiveness of your hair care routine.
At TO112, we've made the choice to formulate all of our products without parabens. We believe the development of natural and innovative preservatives make parabens unnecessary.
The Sulfate Debate: Are They Really Bad for Your Hair?
As consumers become more conscious about the ingredients in their personal care products, the term "sulfate-free" has gained significant attention in the hair care industry. While some people swear by sulfate-free shampoos, others are still unsure whether sulfates are truly harmful to their hair. Let’s explore what sulfates are, their role in hair care products, and why they might be problematic for certain hair types.
What are Sulfates?
Sulfates, the salts resulting from the reaction between sulfuric acid and other chemicals, are frequently found in a wide range of skin and hair products, such as shampoos and body washes. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) represent the most prevalent forms of sulfates utilized in these products.
Functioning as surfactants, sulfates aid in removing oil, debris, and dirt from hair shafts, enabling easy rinsing without any residue left behind. Their capacity to generate a rich, gratifying lather has contributed to their popularity within the beauty industry as a key component for achieving a comprehensive cleanse
Are Sulfates Bad for Your Hair and Scalp?
The answer to this question depends on the individual, their sensitivities and their hair type. While sulfates can effectively remove excess oil from your hair, they can sometimes strip too much of your hair and scalp's natural oils. Sulfates can weaken the hair follicle, making it difficult for hair to retain moisture and color. This can lead to dry, brittle hair and a dull appearance. Additionally, sulfates can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing irritation, itchiness, and dandruff. Sulfates have also been linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions.
People with naturally dry hair or sensitive skin may want to consider using sulfate-free products. Sulfates can sometimes lead to skin dryness or irritation, particularly in those with a history of dry skin.
While sulfates can be an effective cleansing agent for some individuals, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you have dry hair, sensitive skin, or are worried about the potential negative effects of sulfates on your hair, you might want to consider trying a sulfate-free shampoo.
Our Verdict
At TO112, our products are made without sulfates. On top of being known irritants to the skin and scalp we know current innovations make sulfates completely unnecessary in hair and body care formulas. There are now safer and gentler alternatives that can effectively cleanse without causing harm.
The DEA Dilemma: Why Diethanolamine and Its Derivatives May Be Harmful in Hair Products
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the safety of certain ingredients used in hair care products. One such ingredient is diethanolamine (DEA) and its derivatives. We discuss what DEA is, its role in hair care products, and the potential risks associated with its use.
What is DEA?
Diethanolamine (DEA) is an organic compound used as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and pH adjuster in various personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes. DEA and its derivatives, such as cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, and oleamide DEA, help to create a creamy texture and produce foamy lather in hair care products.
Potential Risks Associated with DEA
There are several concerns about the safety of DEA and its derivatives in hair care products, which include:
  1. Irritation: DEA has been known to cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies. Using hair care products containing DEA may result in itching, redness, or discomfort on the scalp.
  2. Carcinogenic Potential: Studies have shown that DEA can react with other ingredients in personal care products to form nitrosamines, which are a class of chemicals that have been linked to cancer. Although the risk of forming nitrosamines is relatively low, it is still a concern for those who wish to avoid potentially harmful ingredients in their hair care products.
  3. Environmental Impact: DEA and its derivatives can be harmful to aquatic life when they enter waterways through wastewater. This can have a negative impact on the environment and contribute to water pollution.
Alternatives to DEA in Hair Care Products
As consumers become more aware of the potential risks associated with DEA, many hair care brands are choosing to formulate their products without it. Some alternatives to DEA include plant-based emulsifiers and surfactants, such as decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside, and sodium cocoyl glutamate. When selecting hair care products, it's essential to read the ingredient labels carefully and choose products that align with your personal preferences and health concerns.
Our verdict
While the debate surrounding the safety of DEA and its derivatives in hair care products continues, it's crucial to make informed decisions about the products you choose to use. By understanding the potential risks associated with DEA and opting for alternatives, you can protect your hair and overall health without compromising on the quality and effectiveness of your hair care routine.
At TO112, we have taken a strong position against the use of diethanolamine (DEA) and its derivatives in our products. Our commitment to creating safe and effective formulations means that DEA has no place in our product line.
Why do brands use ingredients like Parabens, Sulfates and DEA in Hair Products
The simple answer is because they are cheap. These ingredients are inexpensive and produce the desired effect. Other brands that continue to use them disregard the side effects and negative impacts these ingredients can have in favor of profits. Alternative ingredients cost more, but we believe that your health and the health of the world around us should be the priority. Superior and high-performace products can be easily achieved with the safer and tested alternative ingredients so it just makes sense to use them.
The Benefits Of Toxin Free Formulas
By adhering to our Free From List and eliminating parabens, sulfates, and DEA's from our formulations, TO112 is dedicated to providing products that are not only safer but also more effective in promoting healthy hair. Our toxin free products help preserve the natural balance of oils on the scalp and hair, resulting in healthier, more vibrant hair and a comfortable, irritation-free scalp.
Longer-Lasting Color
TO112's sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are designed to protect hair color by preventing the stripping of color molecules, resulting in more vibrant and longer-lasting color for those who dye their hair. Our founder, Luis Pacheco, is a renowned master colorist and celebrated hair expert who crafted TO112 with this purpose in mind.
Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Without the irritants found in traditional hair care products, TO112's Free From List ensures that our products are suitable for individuals with sensitive skin and scalp. This means less itching, redness, and inflammation.
Environmentally Friendly
By avoiding harmful chemicals, TO112 products are not only better for your hair and skin but also for the environment. Many of the ingredients on the Free From List are known to be harmful to aquatic life and can contribute to water pollution. By choosing TO112, you are making a conscious decision to support a brand that cares about the planet.
At TO112, our Free From List demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering safer, healthier, and more effective hair care solutions for our valued customers. By steering clear of harmful ingredients our products foster healthier hair and scalp, longer-lasting color and compatibility with sensitive skin.
We are on a mission to make high-performance beauty more sustainable and eco-conscious. Through our formulas, our partners and with our community. Our aim is to provide a superior alternative to conventional hair care products, ensuring that you can enjoy gorgeous, healthy hair without jeopardizing your well-being or the environment.