How Synthetic Ingredients Negatively Impact Dog Groomers’ Hands

Grooming is a hands-on profession that involves daily contact with dogs, tools, and various grooming products. For professional groomers, it’s more than just a job; it’s about caring for their four-legged clientele as if they were members of the family.

However, regular use of shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming products can take a toll on a groomer’s hands. Frequent exposure to synthetic ingredients can compromise skin health over time, leading to dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions. 

As a fundamental value, we believe that ingredient transparency is crucial not only for the well-being of the dogs being groomed but also for the long-term health of the groomers themselves. By understanding what goes into these products, groomers and pet owners can make an informed choice and help to promote safer, more holistic grooming practices.

Understanding Synthetic Ingredients in Grooming Products

Synthetic ingredients are man-made chemicals commonly found in personal care and grooming products. Unlike natural ingredients, which come from plants or minerals, synthetic compounds are created in labs to mimic or enhance certain properties. While these ingredients may serve a functional purpose, they can also negatively affect groomers, pet owners, and their four-legged companions.

Some of the most common synthetic ingredients you’ll encounter in grooming products include:

Used to create a rich, foamy lather, sulfates are chemical cleansers that strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation for both groomers and pets. Sulfates come under many different names, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate. You may already be familiar with them, as they are often found in human shampoo and are known for stripping away hair proteins. 

Parabens are preservatives that extend the shelf life of grooming products, but they have been linked to skin sensitivity, cancer, and potential hormonal disruptions. There are several different types of parabens, but all – such as Methylparaben and Propylparaben – contain the word ‘paraben’ in the name, so they are relatively easy to spot.

Phthalates are used to help bond the fragrance to the rest of the ingredients in cosmetic products. However, they can cause allergic reactions and potential reproductive harm, and some phthalates are listed as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 

These are some of the common toxic ingredients you may see in dog shampoo.

Added to create a smooth, silky feel, silicones trap dirt and oils under a film on the skin or coat, leading to clogged pores and irritation. If you see an ingredient ending in “cone” or “siloxane,” for example, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, and Cyclopentasiloxane, then it’s likely a form of silicone. 

These make products smell and look more appealing but are known to trigger allergies or sensitivities, especially with repeated exposure. Regulation around the use of synthetic dyes and fragrances is somewhat hazy, and they are not always easy to identify on product labeling, making them all the more difficult to avoid. We’ve created this comprehensive list of toxic ingredients to avoid to help you identify them. 

So why are synthetic ingredients commonly used in low-quality grooming products? Unfortunately, it boils down to cost and functionality. Synthetic ingredients are inexpensive to produce, allow products to last longer on the shelf, and create desirable short-term effects like better lather or long-lasting fragrance.

However, the convenience offered by these toxic ingredients often comes at the expense of the long-term skin health of both humans and animals. All of the ingredients described above will make your dog’s coat look, smell, and feel great initially, but this temporary improvement hides or worsens many potential problems. It is only when groomers and pet owners swap to natural pet grooming products that the full extent of the damage is revealed. 

Impact of Synthetic Ingredients on Groomers' Skin Health

For professional groomers, hands are one of their most valuable tools. Unfortunately, the frequent use of grooming products filled with synthetic ingredients can have a serious impact on their skin health over time. Prolonged exposure to chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances often leads to a range of skin issues, from mild irritation to more severe, long-term conditions.

Skin Irritation

The most immediate consequence that groomers experience when working with products containing synthetic ingredients is skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals found in low-quality pet shampoos and conditioners can cause redness, itching, and dry patches on the skin.

Over time, many groomers may find that their skin becomes sensitized to these ingredients, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions. When handling these products day after day, what starts as minor irritation can easily escalate into more persistent discomfort and long-term skin damage.

Dermatitis and Eczema

Synthetic ingredients like sulfates strip away natural oils, weakening the skin’s protective barrier and leading to moisture loss. With long-term use, this can lead to severe conditions such as dermatitis or eczema – skin disorders that cause ongoing inflammation, swelling, and painful rashes.

Many groomers report flare-ups of these conditions after years of working with grooming products containing synthetic chemicals, with substantial research available to support these anecdotal reports. Doglyness customers often share that using natural coat care products not only enhances their pet’s skin and coat health but also leaves their own hands feeling softer and more moisturized.

Groomers hands before using Doglyness products, and after making the switch.

Cumulative Damage

One of the most concerning effects of using synthetic ingredients over time is the cumulative damage they cause. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic skin issues such as cracked skin, heightened sensitivity, and even long-lasting allergic reactions.

As skin becomes more compromised, it becomes increasingly susceptible to other irritants, making it difficult for groomers to continue working comfortably. What’s worse, damaged skin takes longer to heal, leaving groomers vulnerable to infections or more severe conditions if not properly cared for. And as we’re all about self-care here at Doglyness, this is something we want our groomers to avoid!

How Synthetic Ingredients Penetrate the Skin Barrier 

The skin is our body’s first line of defense, but it’s not impermeable, especially when it comes to certain synthetic compounds. When synthetic cosmetic ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates are repeatedly applied to the skin, they weaken the skin's natural barrier, allowing potentially toxic chemicals to be absorbed into the body more easily. Once absorbed, these chemicals can cause localized dryness, irritation, and inflammation and also potentially affect the entire body through systemic exposure. 

For groomers, prolonged exposure to coat care products is a daily reality. Grooming sessions often last hours, with frequent contact with shampoos, conditioners, and sprays. Without proper protection, synthetic ingredients are continuously absorbed into the skin, and this repeated exposure can lead to cumulative damage and increase the risk of conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and chronic irritation.

The sad fact is that many pet grooming environments don’t offer adequate skin protection, leading to an increased risk of skin problems. Gloves can be impractical during certain tasks, and not all groomers are aware of the long-term risks associated with synthetic ingredients. This makes it all the more important for reputable pet groomers to opt for natural, safer alternatives that are kinder to both the skin and the environment.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns of Synthetic Ingredients

The use of synthetic ingredients doesn’t just affect groomers and their clientele – it has far-reaching environmental and ethical consequences as well. And, as concerns about the impact of humans on the planet continue to rise, we feel that it has never been more important to consider the broader impact of the products we use in our daily lives.

After each grooming session, synthetic chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, and other products are washed down the drain and make their way into water systems. Ingredients like those mentioned above don’t break down easily and can accumulate in rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing a threat to aquatic life. Research has shown that some synthetic chemicals can disrupt the reproductive systems of fish and other wildlife, while others persist in the environment, contributing to long-term pollution of the water supply.

In addition, many synthetic ingredients are derived from non-renewable resources such as petroleum and are produced in ways that are harmful to the environment. These extraction and production processes not only contribute to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions but also lead to pollution that can devastate local ecosystems and harm human health.

As pet lovers, we believe that the welfare of all animals is paramount. Some manufacturers of synthetic cosmetic ingredients still rely on animal testing to assess the safety of these chemicals, raising significant ethical concerns. All in all, it is clear to see that the choice of ingredients is a clear reflection of a business’s commitment to sustainability. Companies that prioritize natural, non-toxic alternatives demonstrate a clear investment in the health of the planet and the well-being of their customers.

At Doglyness, we believe that the choices we make as a brand should reflect our commitment to both environmental stewardship and ethical practices. Opting for clean, non-toxic ingredients isn’t just better for groomers and their pets – it’s better for the planet too.

Choose options with all natural, organic ingredients that are nourishing on skin.

Organic Alternatives: Safer Choices for Groomers

Switching to natural and organic grooming products offers numerous benefits for both groomers and their furry clients. These products are formulated without harsh synthetic ingredients, making them safer and less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Natural ingredients tend to be gentler and more compatible with the skin's natural barrier, allowing them to cleanse, hydrate, and nourish without causing harm. By choosing toxin-free, organic ingredients, groomers can help prevent skin issues such as dryness, dermatitis, and sensitivity, promoting healthier skin for themselves and their pets.

For example, aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties and is a key ingredient in many of our all-natural pet coat care products. It hydrates the skin while providing anti-inflammatory benefits, making it ideal for addressing irritation caused by frequent exposure to synthetic products.

Coconut oil is another excellent choice, as it not only moisturizes but also has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections and promote healing in damaged skin. Chamomile is often used for its calming effects as it helps reduce redness and inflammation and provides relief for irritated skin.

Prioritizing Groomer and Pet Health

At Doglyness, we are committed to the health and well-being of both groomers and their furry companions. Our mission is to formulate products that are free from synthetic ingredients, elevating dog care to a higher level while preserving the health of our planet. 

Central to our approach is the use of Ecogea-certified organic ingredients, which are carefully sourced for their quality and effectiveness. These organic components work synergistically to enhance the health of pets' coats while being gentle on groomers' skin. By focusing on these safe, effective ingredients, Doglyness not only supports the well-being of pets and groomers but also aligns with our commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.

Sending Synthetic Ingredients to Exile! 

The risks of synthetic ingredients for groomers are significant, from immediate skin irritation to long-term conditions like dermatitis and eczema. Prolonged exposure to chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances can lead to cumulative skin damage, making it essential for anyone in the pet grooming industry to carefully consider what products they are being exposed to on a daily basis. By choosing organic, toxin-free alternatives, groomers can protect their skin and prevent these issues while ensuring a safer and more effective grooming experience for the pets they care for.

Groomers invest deeply in the health and happiness of their four-legged clients, but we believe that it’s equally important for our fellow dog lovers to prioritize their own well-being. Opting for natural products not only benefits the pets but also allows groomers to care for themselves – after all, healthy hands are essential for providing the best canine coat care possible!