Q. I am interested in a hair shampoo that does not contain either sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or methylisothiazolinone (MI).   I have recently read that these ingredients can cause skin problems. Can you please help? A. We also prefer to avoid these common ingredients as they can irritate sensitive skins.

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and its near relation sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are harsh detergents that are usually included for their foaming action.

MI (methylisothiazolinone) and its near relation MCI (methylchloroisothiazolinone) are preservatives that have recently triggered what dermatologists have called an epidemic of facial eczema in facial products.  You can find more about this on www.beautybible.com if you click here, from Sarah’s Health page which appeared on August 25^th 2013.

There are now some high street brands that include sulphate-free ranges, although they may still include MI/MCI or other synthetic preservatives, which you may wish to avoid.  So the simplest way is to go natural.

We recommend considering the admirable Green People range of totally natural hair care.  Their Intensive Repair Shampoo is an Award Winner in the Shampoo category of our new book, The Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible.  They have an extensive range of well-priced products on their website, www.greenpeople.co.uk.  And in March they are giving away a free packet of bee-friendly wildflower seeds (big round of applause), plus free deliver on orders.

If you have the budget we suggest trying all-natural Phylia de M hair care, which is the toast of gorgeous-tressed stars in Hollywood.  The collection is very simple: one shampoo CLEAN, one conditioner CONDITION, plus two scalp treatments, CONNECT and RE-CONNECT.  These last two have had significant effects on people with thinning hair or other scalp problems. All available from www.victoriahealth.com.

We also like the Intelligent Nutrients range of organically certified hair care, developed by the late Horst Rechelbacher, the hair and herbal guru who started Aveda.  Visit www.qvcuk.com for Harmonic Shampoo and Conditioner and also PureLuxe Shampoo and Conditioner for Luxury Coloured & Treated Hair Duo.

Finally, we would draw your attention to a niche brand of more natural hair care called Ogario, which is currently winning awards (from Beauty Bible and others).  Developed by hair stylist and salon owner Rachael Ogario, this is a beauty editor fave.  The Restore and Shine Hair Masque, romped away with the top rating among Beauty Bible testers in.  In two versions, Revive and Shine, and Hydrate and Shine Shampoo and Conditioners. None of these are budget buys but they do deliver – and they really last a long time too as you don't need to use much.

 

Green People Intensive Repair Shampoo/£11.95 for 200 ml at www.greenpeople.co.uk - buy here

Phylia de M CLEAN Shampoo/£28 for 265 ml at www.victoriahealth.com - buy here

Phylia de M CONDITION Cream Rinse/£30 for 265 ml at www.victoriahealth.com - buy here

Phylia de M CONNECT Leave-In Treatment for Scalp & Hair/£45 at www.victoriahealth.com - buy here

Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo and Conditioner duo/£30 each 440 ml at www.qvcuk.com - buy here

Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Shampoo and Conditioner for Luxury Coloured & Treated Hair Duo, £24 for the duo (both 236 ml) at www.qvcuk.com - buy here

Ogario Restore and Shine Hair Masque/£26.50 for 200 ml - buy here

Ogario Revive and Shine and Hydrate and Shine Duo Gift Packs/both £33 for 250 ml shampoo and conditioner - buy here