The Label Problem
'Natural,' 'clean,' 'green,' 'plant-based' — these words mean almost nothing on a personal-care label. They're unregulated, used liberally, and frequently slapped on products that still contain the harshest ingredients in the category. Eco-certified is different: it refers to a documented standard with criteria for ingredient sourcing, formulation, and the exclusion of specific harsh chemicals.
What Eco-Certification Actually Requires
Products built to an eco standard meet documented thresholds in several areas: ingredient origin (typically requiring plant-derived or naturally-derived ingredients), exclusion lists for specific harsh chemistry (commonly formaldehyde, parabens, sulfates, gluten, preservatives, and alcohol), and a commitment to transparency in the supply chain. The exact criteria vary by brand and certifying body, but they're all measurable.
Why It Matters for Your Hair
Sulfates strip your color and dry out your scalp. Parabens are endocrine disruptors associated with hormone interference. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are well-documented sensitizers. Removing these — through harsh chemical free formulations — measurably improves the long-term integrity of your hair and the health of your scalp.
What to Look For on a Label
Don't trust marketing words. Look for specific exclusion claims that are specific (e.g., 'sulfate-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free') rather than vague. If a brand tells you what's in the product and what's not in the product without hedging, that's a good sign.
The Studio Standard
Every product used in the Lisa May studio — from cleansers to color systems to take-home masks — meets a harsh chemical free standard. The line we use is free of formaldehyde, parabens, sulfates, gluten, preservatives, and alcohol. The take-home line we sell follows the same criteria, so the routine you build at home reinforces the work we do in the studio.