Shampoo and hormonal balance: what's actually in your shampoo?

Many women don't think about what's in their shampoo. Yet, you use it almost daily, and your scalp is a place where absorption into the body can occur relatively easily. Especially during periods when your hormones can already become imbalanced, such as with PMS, PCOS, or menopause, certain ingredients in cosmetics can affect your hormonal health.

Here I explain which ingredients in conventional shampoos are best avoided, what the potential effects are with long-term use, and what alternatives exist. You can download the full research report at the bottom of the page.

The silent role of shampoo in hormonal complaints

Many common shampoos contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, silicones, and foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate (SLS). These substances can compromise the skin's natural barrier, and some have been linked in scientific literature to endocrine disruption—that is, they can act like hormones or even block them.

With long-term use this can contribute to hormonal imbalance with indirect complaints such as fatigue or mood swings

My research: what's in your shampoo?

To clarify the situation, I compiled a comprehensive research report comparing the ingredients of commonly used drugstore shampoos with those of Lakshmi's natural shampoos. I examined:

• The origin of ingredients (synthetic vs. plant-based)
• The presence of substances with known or suspected endocrine-disrupting effects
• The skin reactivity and mildness of the formula
• The potential positive contribution of plant-based ingredients

What happened? In mainstream shampoos, I found an average of 3 to 7 ingredients known in science or toxicology to be potentially harmful to hormone balance. Lakshmi shampoos didn't contain a single hormone-disrupting substance.

Why choose a hormone-friendly shampoo?

If you're consciously focused on your hormonal health, you don't want to use products daily that can tax your system. Lakshmi shampoos are formulated according to Ayurvedic principles and contain only mild, herbal ingredients. Think of:

• Jasmine, mallow, linseed and aloe vera for care and hydration
• Sage, artichoke, horsetail and citrus for cleansing and sebum regulation
• Almond oil, oat extract and lavender for calming and soothing

Conclusion

Shampoo may seem harmless, but what you apply to your skin daily has an impact, especially in the long run. By choosing a hormone-friendly shampoo, you're taking a conscious step toward a healthier skincare routine that suits your life stage and needs.

Curious about the responsible shampoos?Check them out in our webshop.