Are Head & Shoulders, Dove, and Pantene Using Unsafe Chemicals? Check the Facts.

Social media posts have recently raised concerns about ingredients such as MCI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone), parabens, and 1,4-dioxane allegedly found in products from Head & Shoulders, Dove, and Pantene. Many of these posts claim that these substances are carcinogenic, damage DNA, or pose serious health risks to consumers. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Dove shampoo does not contain 1-4 dioxane. Rest all the ingredients in Head & Shoulders, Dove and Pantene are approved and found to be safe for humans.  

Facebook | Archive

Fact Check- 

Does Head & Shoulders contain MSI which damages nerves and DNA?

We first checked the ingredients of Head & Shoulders. The products contains Water, SodiumLauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate,Glycol Distearate, Zinc Carbonate, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone etc. 

We did not find any ingredient called MSI in the list. The product contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone which is also known as MCI. 

Is Methylchloroisothiazolinone known to cause damage to the body? 

According to a report, Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is often combined with methylisothiazolinone (MI) under the brand name Kathon CG. In the United States, it’s currently used in concentrations of up to 15 parts per million (ppm) in rinse-off products and 8 ppm in other cosmetics.

In 2014, the European Commission’s science group recommended a ban on using MCI/MI in leave-on products like body creams. This was to help reduce skin allergies. However, they said it’s still okay to use in rinse-off products like shampoos and shower gels, but only in very tiny amounts (0.0015%).

According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), the European Cosmetics Regulation allows the use of a mixture of Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetic products up to 0.0015%. In 2004, the European safety committee reviewed MI and found it safe for use in both leave-on and rinse-off products up to 0.01%. However, over time, dermatologists noticed a rise in allergic skin reactions, especially in Europe, linked to MI in leave-on cosmetics like lotions and wet wipes. After reviewing new evidence in 2013, the committee concluded that there is no safe amount of MI for leave-on products. They did, however, confirm that rinse-off products, such as shampoos and shower gels, can still safely contain MI at a concentration of up to 0.0015%.

Dove Anti Frizz & Smooth Shampoo contains 1-4 dioxane?

We checked the ingredients of Dove shampoo and found that it does not contain 1-4 dioxane. 

According to the FDA, 1,4-dioxane is not an active ingredient or intentionally added to personal care and cosmetic products. However, a very small quantity of this chemical can be found as a byproduct during the manufacturing of certain ingredients. It is considered a potential carcinogen but the tiny amount found in products are within the safety limits. The European Union has also clarified that trace amounts up to 10 ppm are considered safe for consumers. 

Are Parabens in Pantene Shampoos Harmful?

Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics to stop harmful bacteria from growing. It may be a concern for people that Parabens in cosmetics may have the potential to act like estrogen which can be associated with the development of breast cancer. However, parabens have significantly less estrogenic activity than the body’s naturally occurring estrogen. Parabens in cosmetics are present only in very small amounts and are not harmful to humans at this level.

Studies and reviews have shown that parabens have low toxicity and do not cause cancer when used within the safety limits established by regulatory authorities. However, concerns remain about their potential hormone-like activity, particularly in young children. While current regulations consider parabens safe for use, ongoing research aims to address uncertainties and ensure their safe use.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Dove shampoo does not contain 1-4 dioxane. Rest all the ingredients in Head & Shoulders, Dove, and Pantene are approved and found to be safe for humans.