Health Experts Caution Against These 3 ‘Toxic’ Hair Care Ingredients That May Cause Fallout And Even Cancer

Haircare products promise shinier, stronger, more nourished strands—and many of them really do deliver thanks to ingredients that hydrate, protect, and restore. A great shampoo, conditioner, or styling product can make all the difference in how your hair looks and feels, while also supporting scalp health and overall strength. With so many impressive formulas on the market, it’s easy to assume every bottle is filled with nothing but goodness for your hair.

But not all ingredients are as healthy as they seem. Some common additives in haircare can be drying, irritating, or even linked to more serious health concerns. If you’ve noticed increased shedding, breakage, or scalp irritation, it might be worth looking at the labels on your go-to products. At best, these questionable ingredients can worsen thinning and dryness; at worst, certain ones have been tied to potentially toxic effects, including cancer. Here are three haircare ingredients experts warn against so you know what to watch out for.