HELLO KARTHIK,
SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE -A mild, amino acid based surfactant often favoured over harsher sulphates like SLS/SLES. It effectively cleans without stripping natural oils or damaging hair widely regarded as gentle and safe -Regulatory bodies like Cosmetic ingredients review consider it safe in rinse off formulas and even in leave on products up to certain concentrations -One caution= it may enhance skin absorption of other ingredients, so care is needed when combined with potentially harmful compounds -Consider non irritating and non sensitising when used properly, only in household cleaners does it raise concerns like eye and skin irritation
OTHER INGREDIENTS
XANTHAN GUM, VEGETABLE GLYCERINE, CELLULOSE GUM (HEC), POLYQUATERNIUM-10 (PQ10)= all are standard thickening, conditioning, or moisturising agents, generally well tolerated and benign
GEOGARD/NIPAGAURD= Eco-certified preservatives , designed to inhibit bacterial growth. usually considered safe at appropriate usage levels
COCONUT DERIVATIVES (CCTG, coco Caprylate), SODIUM COCOYL LSETHIONATE= mild, gentle cleansing or emmoliant agents, often derided from natural sources
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR= adds subtle acidity to balance pH, commonly used in natural hair care formulations
EPSOM SALT= used as a scalp exfoliant or voluminizer- generally safe but may be drying if overused
All together, the ingredient blend is free of sulphates, parabens and silicones- often considered positives in “clean” or “Ayurvedic- inspired products”
None of the ingredient listed are inherently harmful. Most are gentle, natural or widely accepted in cosmetic science. The only noteworthy caveat is about the potential absorption enhancement by sodium laurel sarcosinate- but in rinse off or typical leave on products, it’s well within safe use
CHEMICALLY SPEAKING, Nat habit’s listed ingredients are widely considered safe, mild and eco conscious when used as intended
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Hello,
*These ingredients create lather and cleanse the hair, but unlike harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), they are mild and non-stripping.
*SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE A gentle, coconut-derived cleanser and foaming agent. It is biodegradable, non-irritating, and often used as a mild, sulfate-free alternative in “clean” hair care products.
*SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, sometimes called “baby foam” because of its gentleness. It creates a rich, creamy lather without drying out the hair or scalp.
CONDITIONERS AND EMOLLIENTS These ingredients help to moisturize, soften, and protect the hair strands.
*PQ10 (Polyquaternium-10) A plant-derived, positively charged polymer that conditions hair, reduces static and frizz, and improves manageability by coating each strand.
*COCONUT DERIVATIVES (CCTG, coco caprylate): CCTG (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) and coco caprylate are naturally derived emollients made from coconut oil. They are lightweight, non-greasy, and help to moisturize and soften the hair.
*VEGETABLE GLYCERIN A popular humectant (moisture-attracting ingredient) that draws water into the hair to provide hydration. It helps to keep hair soft, healthy, and manageable.
THICKENER AND STABILIZERS These help give the product its texture and keep the ingredients from separating. XANTHAN GUM A natural, sugar-based polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize cosmetics. It is generally considered safe, natural, and non-toxic.
HEC (Hydroxyethyl cellulose) / cellulose gum: A plant-derived thickening agent used to create a desired texture. It is a non-ionic polymer and is generally considered safe and gentle for topical use. Epsom salt: This ingredient, also known as magnesium sulfate, is used as a texturizer and thickener. In appropriate amounts, it can help add volume to hair and clarify the scalp. Preservatives and pH balancers These ingredients ensure the product remains safe and stable over its shelf life. Geogard: An eco-certified, broad-spectrum preservative that protects formulations from microbial growth. It is free from parabens and formaldehyde and is compliant with clean beauty standards. Nipaguard: Another eco-certified preservative blend used to prevent contamination by bacteria, yeast, and mold. Nat Habit specifically mentions using an eco-certified version. Apple cider vinegar: Included to help balance the pH level of the product. The acidity of ACV can smooth the hair cuticle and clarify the scalp.
OVERALL SAFETY AND CONSIDERATIONS Nat Habit emphasizes a chemical-free, Ayurvedic approach, and the ingredients you listed align with this claim by avoiding harsh, synthetic chemicals like SLS/SLES, parabens, and silicones.
* While generally safe, some individuals with very sensitive skin or specific allergies may still experience mild irritation from certain ingredients. A patch test is always recommended when trying a new product.
*The performance and effects can vary depending on your specific hair type and environmental conditions. For instance, some people with very fine hair might find certain conditioning agents or emollients can cause a little buildup.
Take care😊
Kind Regards, Dr.Isha Ashok Bhardwaj
If you’re looking for options that blend traditional Ayurvedic ingredients with gentle modern components, you might want to check out: - For soft and shiny hair, the Curry Cider Shampoo & Conditioner Combo features fermented herbs and apple cider vinegar. - If dryness and frizz are your concern, the Aloe Peanut Shampoo & Conditioner Combo is crafted with aloe vera and peanut paste for deep hydration. - For manageability and scalp nourishment, the Castor Black Seed Shampoo & Conditioner Combo includes castor oil and curd. - Targeting hair fall and damage? The Trileaf Rosemary Shampoo & Conditioner Combo uses rosemary and Ayurvedic botanicals. - For long, thick hair, the Five Oil Hibiscus Shampoo & Conditioner Combo combines hibiscus with fenugreek and nourishing oils.
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, xanthan gum, and vegetable glycerin are commonly found in various personal care products. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is generally considered a gentle surfactant and used for cleansing without stripping natural oils. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that helps in stabilizing lotions and shampoos. Vegetable glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the hair, promoting softness.
Pq10, known as Polyquaternium-10, is used for its conditioning properties, helping to smooth hair cuticles and reduce frizz. HEC, or Hydroxyethyl cellulose, provides thickness and ensures a good spreadability.
Geogard and nipaguard serve as preservatives to extend the shelf life of products. They are widely accepted in many natural formulations. The presence of coconut derivatives (CCTG, coco caprylate) suggests conditioning and emollient properties, boosting softness without greasiness.
Apple cider vinegar is known for balancing scalp pH and giving a natural shine. It could, however, have a drying effect if used excessively in individuals with certain hair types, especially vata dominant individuals with naturally dry hair. Epsom salt can add volume but may be abrasive if overused or not thoroughly rinsed out.
Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used for its ability to cleanse without being too harsh on the hair.
These ingredients, while chemical sounding, are not inherently harmful in the concentrations used for haircare products. However, if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, it may be wise to patch test first or consult a dermatologist. Ayurveda emphasizes natural ingredients, and while modern adaptations can complement traditional insights, the balance of safety and efficacy should still be individually assessed. Consider your dosha and personal skincare needs to make an informed choice.
When looking at a product label like Nat Habit shampoo and conditioner, it can be a bit concerning to see a list of ingredients with scientific-sounding names. However, from an Ayurvedic perspective, while these ingredients are common in cosmetics, we need to consider their impact on your individual doshas and the natural balance of your scalp and hair.
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a mild surfactant often used for its cleansing properties. It’s generally considered safe for most people but might be slightly drying if your scalp has a predominance of vata dosha, which is prone to dryness. Xanthan gum and vegetable glycerin are used for their moisturizing properties and are usually gentle. Pq10 and HEC (cellulose gum) are synthetic binders and conditioners, which don’t pose major problems unless you have sensitivities or allergies.
The coconut derivatives like CCTG and coco caprylate act as emollients. They are relatively safe, but again if your scalp is excessively oily, due to an imbalance of kapha dosha, using too much could potentially exacerbate the issue. The apple cider vinegar might help in balancing the pH of your scalp, which can be beneficial, especially if there’s excess pitta leading to irritation or dandruff.
If you are concerned about synthetic preservatives like nipaguard, it’s understandable. You may want to perform a patch test or consult with a dermatologist to ensure no adverse reactions.
For a more Ayurvedic approach, you might consider using herbal hair cleansers that align with your dosha, such as amla or reetha blends for vata, neem or brahmi for pitta, and shikakai or aloe for kapha, which can cleanse and nourish without synthetic additives. Always align product use with your prakriti and current dosha balance for best results.
