Debunking the worst haircare misinformation on TikTok

Lab Muffin Beauty Science・2 minutes read

Michelle of Lab Muffin Beauty Science debunks hair care myths using science on TikTok and discusses various topics like sulfates, preservatives, heat protectants, and formaldehyde, including the importance of holding medical doctors accountable for spreading misinformation online. The text covers misunderstandings related to ingredients in beauty products, the chemistry behind shampoos like less foam on the second wash, and the impact of ingredients like sulfates and silicones on hair health.

Insights

  • Michelle from Lab Muffin Beauty Science debunks hair care myths using science on TikTok, emphasizing the importance of holding medical doctors like Dr. Tony Youn accountable for spreading misinformation online.
  • Understanding the science behind shampooing reveals that most shampoos are designed for one wash, but washing twice is recommended for better results, with the foam quantity not indicating effectiveness on the second wash, and surfactants lifting oil being the reason for less foam on the second wash.

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Recent questions

  • How do heat protectants work?

    Heat protectants spread heat evenly to prevent damage.

  • What is the purpose of sulfate-free shampoos?

    Sulfate-free shampoos prevent dryness, dullness, and color fading.

  • How do cationic surfactants benefit hair conditioners?

    Cationic surfactants are basic conditioning ingredients.

  • What are the potential effects of using dry shampoo?

    Dry shampoo can lead to scalp buildup and dandruff.

  • Why are sulfate and silicone-free shampoos recommended?

    Sulfate and silicone-free shampoos prevent scalp irritation and hair damage.

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Summary

00:00

Debunking Hair Care Myths with Science

  • Michelle of Lab Muffin Beauty Science, a chemistry PhD and cosmetic chemist, debunks hair care myths using science on TikTok.
  • Topics covered include silicone, sulfates, preservatives, formaldehyde, benzene, washing hair twice, and heat protectants.
  • Dmdm hydantoin, considered a formaldehyde releaser, is discussed, highlighting its use as a preservative in products.
  • Dr. Tony Youn, a "holistic plastic surgeon," is criticized for spreading misinformation, particularly in the realm of beauty products.
  • Michelle emphasizes the importance of holding medical doctors accountable for spreading misinformation online.
  • Formaldehyde, found in various products and even produced by the body, is explained in terms of hazard versus risk.
  • The link between clean beauty and the antivax movement, particularly regarding formaldehyde, is discussed.
  • Class action lawsuits related to ingredients like dmdm hydantoin are mentioned, with a focus on allergies and their impact.
  • Hair loss lawsuits are attributed to various factors like stress and pandemic-related issues, rather than specific ingredients in products.
  • Michelle explains the effort required to debunk misinformation, citing Brandolini's law, and clarifies the "rinse and repeat" instruction on shampoo bottles based on the science of surfactants.

12:06

"Shampooing Twice for Better Results"

  • Most shampoos are designed for one wash, but washing twice is recommended for better results.
  • The reason for less foam on the second shampoo is due to surfactants lifting oil and forming foam, with less surfactants available for foam creation on the second wash.
  • Foam quantity doesn't indicate the effectiveness of the second wash; it merely shows the presence of surfactants in the oil.
  • Monat shampoo, a multi-level marketing brand, has been criticized for spreading misinformation to boost sales.
  • Heat protectants work by spreading heat evenly to prevent hair damage, not by being flame retardant.
  • High street shampoos like Head and Shoulders, containing sulfates, can lead to dryness, dullness, and color fading.
  • Sulfates in shampoos are not inherently harsh; their impact depends on the overall formula and interaction with other ingredients.
  • For colored hair, using a color protection shampoo is recommended to maintain dye longevity.
  • Tresemme products, containing sulfates and silicones, can lead to scalp buildup and irritation, causing hair damage.
  • OGX brand, despite claiming to be sulfate-free, has faced a lawsuit for alleged hair loss and thinning due to strong chemicals causing scalp irritation.

23:52

"Surfactants, Silicones, and Preservatives in Hair Care"

  • Cationic surfactants are common in conditioners and are basic conditioning ingredients.
  • Dry shampoo can lead to scalp buildup, disrupting hair follicles and causing dandruff due to yeast overgrowth.
  • Yeast overgrowth can irritate the scalp by consuming triglycerides in skin oils, leading to inflammation.
  • Batiste dry shampoo, popular among those who wash their hair less, contains insoluble silicone that is difficult to wash out.
  • Insoluble silicone, like dimethicone, is stable to heat and forms a protective layer for heat protection.
  • Superficial conditioning is crucial as it smooths hair, preventing damage from grooming tools.
  • Soluble versus insoluble silicones do not need to be washed out entirely as they do not form continuous films on hair.
  • Water-soluble ingredients dissolve better due to hydrogen bonding, sticking to hair but potentially causing buildup.
  • Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone are harsh preservatives causing allergies and skin irritation.
  • Sodium chloride in shampoos acts as a thickening agent for anionic surfactants, but the amount used is minimal and unlikely to harm hair or scalp.

35:43

"Recalled Dry Shampoos Contain Cancer-Causing Benzene"

  • Drying out your scalp may be due to surfactants and warm water washing out oils, more impactful than salt.
  • 1.5 million dry shampoos recalled in the US and Canada due to cancer-causing benzene.
  • Valisure lab flagged benzene in products, including sunscreens and hand sanitizers, prompting recalls.
  • Benzene, a carcinogen, found in small amounts, causing fear but not expected harm.
  • Benzene exposure from products minimal compared to car emissions; cautionary recalls made.
  • Benzene not easily absorbed through skin; inhalation primary exposure route.
  • Dry shampoo ingredients like propane, butane, isobutane are propellants, not toxic in sensible amounts.
  • US beauty product regulations outdated since 1938, with only 11 banned ingredients, contrasting with over 1,300 in the UK/EU.
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