Pantene is a household name in beauty care, and there’s no doubt about its popularity. But are they safe to use? Many of us wonder if Pantene is as great as its reputation suggests, so we decided to dig into the science behind this famous product line.
We’ll examine whether Pantene is true “the best,” but first, let’s look at what Pantene does.
Contents of Article
Is Pantene Good For Your Hair?
The company markets itself on being able to provide healthy, beautiful hair with every wash. This claim alone makes many consumers curious — especially when you consider some recent reports claiming otherwise.
One of the most common complaints against Pantene has been its alleged harmful effects on your hair, including dryness, breakage, and color fading. So, should you avoid using them altogether? Not necessarily! Let’s take a closer look…
According to the American Academy Of Dermatology (AAD), while there may be some evidence linking certain shampoos to damage, there isn’t conclusive proof yet showing any direct link between Pantene and hair loss.
“Limited data indicate that Pantene ProActive® and ProMist®, which contain fragrances and dyes, can potentially affect hair quality by causing irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions.”
AAD recommends using these specific brands only because other companies’ formulas often don’t work well enough. While you shouldn’t expect miracles from anything, you shouldn’t immediately assume that everything Pantene touches turns to gold.
Here are just a few reasons why Pantene might not always be right for you.
Does it have Formaldehyde?
While Pantene doesn’t directly state that it contains formaldehyde, the ingredient list includes DMDM hydantoin, sodium laurel sulfate, and polyethylene glycol. Pantene probably won’t cut it if you’re looking for something healthier than those options.
All three of these chemicals could contribute to potential health risks. According to the Environmental Working Group, studies suggest that exposure to DMDM hydantoin causes neurological issues, while sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens have disrupted hormonal systems.
Although this information certainly paints a pretty bleak picture, keep in mind that many more alternatives are available. Just make sure to do your research before buying whatever cleanser you decide upon.
Does it Have Silicone And Parabens?
If you’ve ever tried styling curly hair with Pantene, you know that it takes longer to style it than other hair types. That’s likely attributed to silicones and parabens in the formula, two things known to irritate the scalp.
These substances can negatively impact the elasticity of keratin fibers in our strands. As such, they slow down the process of straightening and curling hair. Since many of us prefer quick results over long hours spent in front of a mirror, Pantene doesn’t provide the same experience.
Parabens and silicone compounds are found in nearly every cosmetic, cleaning agent, food additive, and personal hygiene product. The problem lies in the possibility that these chemical additives can seep through skin pores and affect internal organs via the bloodstream.
So yes, Pantene will still give you shiny locks, but maybe not as glossy as you want.
Are Parabens In Shampoos Safe?
It depends. There are several different types of paraben, each having varying degrees of risk associated with their usage. We typically refer to them as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, heptylparaben, and butylparaben. All parabens share a similar molecular structure composed of four hydrogen atoms connected to a central carbon atom.
However, despite sharing the same elemental composition, each type behaves differently under various circumstances. Unfortunately, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) classifies parabens as GRAS, meaning “generally regarded as safe.” Although this designation sounds encouraging, it essentially means that scientists aren’t entirely confident about the long-term safety of parabens.
Due to conflicting scientific findings regarding the carcinogenic effects of parabens, the European Union recently banned their use in cosmetics. Meanwhile, the FDA allows their continued use in foods as preservatives.
But since parabens were already present in numerous prescription medications and other medical treatments, it was unlikely that they would pose much danger outside of that context. However, the public outcry following Dr. Natasha Chitnis’s book Dirty Little Secrets brought new attention.
As such, manufacturers quickly started developing alternative preservative solutions. These include vitamin C, grape seed extract, rosemary oil, citrus extracts, etc. Newer formulations tend to cost significantly more money per unit despite producing less toxic byproducts.
Of course, it’s important to remember that none of this is meant to discourage anyone who uses or enjoys Pantene. However, the mere possibility of adverse side effects warrants taking extra precautions. Fortunately, you can quickly minimize your chances of experiencing problems by trying out other high-quality cleansers.
Is Pantene Bad For Your Hair?
Many experts agree that Pantene provides excellent value for money, but that doesn’t mean they think everyone should buy a box without question. However, depending on your current situation, there may very well be a reason why you wouldn’t benefit as much from another option.
For example, women with severely damaged hair caused by extensive coloring or heat styling should steer clear of Pantene. Those with thinning hair should skip it entirely unless instructed by a doctor. And men should stay away from Pantene whenever possible as their natural oils are incompatible with the formulation.
However, Pantene is considered a suitable choice for average users seeking a lightweight cleansing.
Does it Have Sulfate?
Most people naturally associate the word “pant” with underwear. After all, the phrase “pants” literally refers to wearing pants. Nowhere else does the term apply to a cleansing product, which explains why it’s sometimes used interchangeably with soap.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLES) serves as a significant component in almost every laundry detergent. Its primary function is to emulsify dirt particles during washing, although it also helps remove unwanted grime from fabric.
Unfortunately, SLES poses a host of health concerns. One study published in 2009 showed that repeated exposure to SLES leads to DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, it contributes heavily to respiratory diseases, asthma attacks, cancerous tumors, and congenital disabilities among children whose mothers consumed large amounts during pregnancy.
Aside from its unsavory effects on humans, SLES has also proven detrimental to aquatic life. When released into waterways, it inhibits fish gills and prevents them from breathing correctly. Even worse, it creates a breeding ground for algae.
Luckily, there are now safer replacement surfactants available. Be smart and try avoiding laundry detergents containing sodium lauryl sulfate altogether.
Why Pantene Is Bad For You and Your Hair
Now that we understand a lot more about the inner workings of Pantene, hopefully, you’ll see that there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. Instead, it’s just one of countless products that require scrutiny before purchasing.
After all, it’s easy to jump onto social media, read a review, and purchase something based solely on hearsay rather than facts. Take advantage of tools like Google Trends, YouTube videos, and online forums to get answers to questions like “is Pantene’s good for my hair?” and “does Pantene have sulfates?”.
Remember that you must never blindly trust someone’s opinion if you haven’t personally experienced it yourself. Never forget that you’re ultimately responsible for your well-being. Don’t settle until you’re satisfied with the truth.
