Are you concerned that using Old Spice shampoo is causing hair loss?
Well, while Old Spice shampoo does not cause any premature balding or hair fall, some ingredients could make existing hair loss problems worse.
Old Spice does contain some chemicals like sulfates and a few parabens. But they have not been scientifically proven as a cause of hair fall.
It does cause itchiness or dryness that leads to dandruff. Dandruff in turn can make hair weak and cause breakage and falling. But these chemicals are common across most shampoos. The main reasons for hair loss are usually not because of any shampoo.
Hair loss could be due to stress, hormonal changes, nutrition, and a bad hair care routine. So Old Spice shampoo is not a primary factor in hair loss.
In fact, Old Spice even has a 3-in-1 formula that specifically targets hair loss and baldness in men. Although they are sold separately, the system has a shampoo, conditioner, and treatment. They contain biotin, Vitamin C, and castor oil, all of which help to stop hair thinning.
The Old Spice 3 part hair thickening formula promotes hair growth, strengthens hair, and removes dandruff as well.
ALSO READ: Is Nexxus a good shampoo?
Table of Contents
Old Spice shampoo ingredients
A lot of ingredients in the Old Spice shampoo are commonly present across different shampoos. This includes chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Sodium Benzoate.
Some types of sulfonates can be found in some of the shampoos of this brand.
The most common sulfonate is TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate which is a surfactant. It helps the shampoo blend into the hair and move through it easily. This action allows the shampoo to foam and cleans the hair properly.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is also a surfactant. It promotes the soapy texture of the shampoo. It also reduces frizz because it is anti-static. It is derived from coconut oil. So it makes your hair silky.
Dimethicone and/or Dimethiconol are silicone compounds. They are found in all the Old Spice shampoos. Silicone compounds give hair a shiny and lustrous look. It also forms a protective coating for the hair so that it does not dry out.
Dimethicone is a water-soluble silicone. Unlike many other silicones that tend to get deposited, this gets easily washed off.
Glycol distearate is a multi-purpose ingredient. It conditions the hair, thickens the shampoo, and gives the shampoo a sheen.
Old Spice shampoo also contains various fragrances. They also contain derivatives from natural ingredients like essential oils and smoothening agents like tea tree oil and shea butter.
In addition to these compounds, Old Spice shampoo also contains biotin for hair growth, chloride conditioners, and vitamins for hair health.
There are also preservatives like Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) that act as antibacterial compounds.
ALSO READ: Is Dove shampoo bad for your hair?
Is Old Spice shampoo good or bad for hair?
The Old Spice shampoo selections are a good choice for hair products. They are mild but effective. The different variations do serve their unique purpose.
For example, some moisturize, while others help in enhancing volume. Some also improve the thickness of your hair. Overall, the scent of all the shampoos is very appealing and does not overpower you. It cleans the hair nicely, while still leaving it soft.
Old Spice is one of the companies making an effort towards phasing toxic chemicals from their products. These include both preservatives and other harmful chemicals. Let’s take a look at how far they have come with regard to their shampoos.
Does old spice shampoo have DMDM?
No, Old Spice shampoos do not contain DMDM Hydantoin. This chemical is used as a preservative. It is controversial because it releases small amounts of formaldehyde into the hair. This could cause irritation, itchiness, scalp allergies and is also feared to be carcinogenic.
Other Old Spice products like body and face washes may still contain small amounts of DMDM. But the shampoos do not. It only uses other preservatives like MCI and MI. So there is no formaldehyde from this particular source.
ALSO READ: Does TRESemme cause dandruff?
Does Old Spice shampoo contain formaldehyde?
Old Spice shampoo does not contain the main source of formaldehyde, i.e. DMDM Hydantoin.
But there could be other sources of formaldehyde in the shampoo. The presence of these chemicals varies based on the shampoo. Their names are also different and do not indicate the presence of formaldehyde.
You should expect that most of the shampoos will contain some preservatives such as polyquaternium or quaternium. These are ammonia-based compounds that do release small amounts of formaldehyde.
Another possible source of formaldehyde in Old Spice shampoos is Tetrasodium EDTA which is another preservative that ‘leaks’ the toxic chemical. The amount is very small, so don’t be overly worried. Also, these preservatives are not added to all the shampoo varieties.
So you will have to check the shampoo you are using to know for sure.
Does Old Spice shampoo have sulfate?
Yes, Old Spice shampoo does contain quite a few sulfate compounds. These include Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. They help to lather the shampoo, deep clean the hair, and remove dirt and oil.
Essentially, the sulfates reduce any friction between the hair and the shampoo. So there is no difficulty in cleaning your hair. In addition, it removes oil from greasy hair. It may cause itchiness or dryness in sensitive scalps.
But it is quite mild, so it doesn’t damage your hair unless it is prone to extreme dryness or is allergic.
Does Old Spice shampoo have parabens and phthalates?
No. Old Spice does not contain any artificial parabens or phthalates. It does contain paraben alternatives.
Parabens are also a type of preservative. They prolong the shelf life of shampoos. They also have antifungal and anti-microbial properties. Parabens stop the growth of mold so that the shampoo does not spoil.
Usually, parabens are in the form of methyl/ethyl or butyl-parabens. But the alternatives to parabens are phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. Old Spice shampoo does contain sodium benzoate.
These are used to keep the shampoos fresh. It performs the same function as standard parabens but is considered to be safer.
As for phthalates, Old Spice shampoo does not contain them either. They may be present in other Old Spice products but the body wash and shampoos are phthalate-free.
ALSO READ: Is Garnier Fructis good for your hair?
Does Old Spice shampoo have alcohol?
Yes, Old Spice shampoo does contain alcohol in the form of both Stearyl and Cetyl Alcohol. They are both used as emulsifying agents. This means that they allow the water and oils to mix together.
This makes the hair smooth and soft. It is also added to the shampoo to make it thicker and for a velvety texture. This allows you to apply the product easily and for it to spread across the hair effortlessly.
Is Old Spice shampoos cruelty-free?
No, Old Spice products as a whole are not cruelty-free. Neither are their shampoos. One percent of their products continue to be tested on animals. They have largely eliminated animal testing but it is still done for some products though.
Even if Old Spice themselves do not do the testing, their suppliers or third-party vendors may be testing their shampoos on animals.
For this reason, it has not been certified as cruelty-free. In the same vein, Old Spice products cannot be classified as vegan either. This is because even if the product is vegan, the component testing may have been done on animals by the producers/suppliers.
Which Old Spice shampoo is most popular?
The most popular shampoos in the Old Spice catalog are the Swagger, Timber, and Fiji shampoos. They are all 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner products. Men love these shampoos because they have a very fresh, clean scent and feel when used.
It is also gentle on the scalp. Men with sensitive skin can use it every day without their hair drying out. In addition, it also hydrates the hair and leaves it soft and easy to maintain.
One of the most unique features of Old Spice is the bouquet of scents in its shampoos. They have a range of fragrances that are just right. It is not too overpowering. Instead, a pleasant scent lingers for a long time. This is the specialty of Old Spice.
If you had queries about what Old Spice shampoos contain and what their effects on your hair are, we hope this article has given you the answers you were looking for!
References:
- https://oldspice.com/hair/
- https://www.skinsafeproducts.com/old-spice-swagger-2in1-shampoo-and-conditioner-25-3-oz
ALSO READ: Can Olaplex make your hair fall out?
- Does Glossier Skincare Have Fragrance? - October 21, 2022
- Is Aveeno Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
- Is Acure Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
