In our quest for healthy, shiny textured hair, we often turn to a multitude of hair products. However, it’s crucial to understand the ingredients contained in these products, particularly those that may have an impact on the environment and the health of our hair. Today, we take a look at quaternary ammoniums, their uses, their harmful impacts and Noireônaturel’s commitment to organic and natural alternatives.
What are Quaternary Ammoniums?
Quaternary ammoniums, also known as quats, are chemical compounds used in many hair products, such as conditioners, detanglers and styling products. Their main function is to act as softening, anti-static and conditioning agents, leaving hair soft and manageable. They are therefore particularly popular with people with textured hair to make styling easier.
Environmental and health impact and dangers for the scalp
Unfortunately, despite their apparent benefits for hair, quaternary ammoniums pose a number of environmental and health problems. Their production is often associated with polluting processes, contributing to water contamination and environmental degradation. In fact, quaternary ammoniums are not at all biodegradable– quite the contrary, they are sometimes used as algicides to kill algae.
The French National Institute for Research and Safety at Work (INRS) is also critical of the conditions under which quats are synthesised. When this is done using ethylene oxide, this toxic and carcinogenic irritant gas endangers the workers involved in the manufacturing process.
What’s more, these compounds can accumulate on the scalp, causing irritation and allergic reactions insome people, particularly those with sensitive skin or textured hair.
In any case, beyond their toxic potential, these quaternary ammoniums only work on the surface to apparently fill in hair scales and fibres. In reality, the repair does not go deep.
Noireônaturel’s commitment to organic and natural alternatives
At Noireônaturel, we’re committed to providing safe, environmentally-friendly hair products for all textured hair types. Aware of the concerns associated with quaternary ammoniums, we have chosen to avoid them completely in our formulations.
Instead, we focus on natural and organic ingredients, such as vegetable oils, plant extracts and natural proteins, which provide nourishing benefits without compromising the health of your hair or the environment. Our products are carefully formulated to meet the specific needs of textured hair, deeply nourishing it while preserving its natural balance.
In this week of organic cosmetics, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of our commitment to the subject. The code SCB2024 gives you a 15% discount on our site, excluding current promotions.
Quaternary ammoniums may seem like beneficial ingredients in hair products, but their impact on the environment and hair health must be taken into account. At Noireônaturel, we firmly believe that it is possible to achieve exceptional results while respecting the planet and our well-being. By opting for organic and natural alternatives, we can preserve the beauty of our hair while preserving the beauty of our environment.
