African Organics - Hair & Body Range

Review of African Organics Hair and Body Range

African Organics Range
Source: Phytotradeafrica.com

I've been using their shampoo for 4 months now and I'm very happy with the product, so much so that I will most likely never use another type of shampoo again. I found it to be incredibly gentle and left my hair feeling cleansed without stripping my scalp entirely of moisture.

African Organics conforms to both BDIH (Germany) and Ecocert France standards for 100% natural products and doesn't contain synthetic preservatives, petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances. Their ingredients are 100% African and rapidly biodegradable. This means that the products are not only good for you but good for the environment and good for the African economy.

The range consists of shampoo, conditioner, 2-in-1, body wash and body lotion and all their products are low priced and affordable.

They are also endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty and are not tested on animals (African Organics won't even buy from suppliers who do).

The Ingredients

African Organics can be used confidently by those with sensitive skins as they do not contain any harsh chemicals and they are pH balanced for your skin and hair.

Extracts of Coconut (Cocamidopropyl Betaine - NOT Sodium Lauryl Sulphate!) are used to cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp, and provide a lathering base for the shampoo and body wash.

Rosemary extract is known to stimulate a healthy scalp and healthy hair growth.

Aloe Ferox is great for healing skin and scalp troubles. You could say it has regenerative properties and is also soothing for irritated and sensitive scalps. Aloe is used to help reduce excessive hair loss and normalizes the scalp. For the hair itself it is a good natural conditioner.

Some of the other fantastic African ingredients include:
Spearmint Leaf Oil, Baobab Fruit extract, Rooibos extract, Buchu extract, Sunflower seed oil, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Honeybush Leaf Extract, Marula Oil and Sesame Seed Oil, all of which is really good for you and your hair.

A Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredient to Avoid

While we are on the topic of organic shampoo, the number one ingredient to avoid is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (or Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLS). It is also frequently the most prominent ingredient in cleansing products.

According to Organic Consumers,"This synthetic substance is used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions."

I've been told that SLS is used by Dermatologists to sensitize the skin before testing for allergies and so we can infer that it is a irritant for most people's skin.

It's no surprise then that people who frequently expose their skin to products containing SLS develop Dermatitis and other skin troubles as the skin's protective moisture barrier is weakened.

It is most probably the main reason why small children and pets should not be cleansed with adult shampoo, EVER. The question is, do we really need this ingredient ourselves? Go check your current shampoo now. It's probably right there next to Aqua.

For this reason you wouldn't wash your face with shampoo and yet I'll tell you something amazing, I have been washing my face with African Organics shampoo and it feels so nice and cleansing without leaving it tight and dry and no residue either. I've only done this because I know and trust that the ingredients are top quality and it's been the ultimate test that this shampoo and this brand is GOOD for your skin.

I hope you can make a better and more informed decision about shampoo from now on. Take Care :)