Let’s dive into the bubbly world of non-toxic shampoo and conditioner, where your hair gets pampered without the damaging additives. Typically, traditional shampoos and conditioners are full of harmful chemicals that can cause hair trauma and pose health risks. We all want to come out of the shower feeling clean, not like a chemical blast exploded on our hair. This post will reveal ingredients to steer clear of in hair care products and present five shampoo and conditioner choices that will leave your scalp feeling refreshed.
The list below outlines ingredients that can be harmful to your hair and your health that you should avoid in hair care products:
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives, preventing bacteria growth, that keep hair care products shelf-stable, but studies have shown that these chemicals are linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive concerns, and may cause cancer. [1] Though parabens serve a purpose in preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, it's important to be cautious of excessive exposure to them. Also, be mindful as hair care labeled as paraben-free may contain additional harmful ingredients to replace the parabens or less effective ingredients with regards to preservation.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): PEGs are thickening agents that are by-products of petroleum, and they pose health concerns such as disrupting development and can be contaminated with probable carcinogens (cancer-causing) like 1,4-dioxane. [2] [3]
Alcohol: Alcohols like propanol, ethanol, isopropyl, and propyl can cause your hair to become dry, but other alcohols including cetearyl and stearyl are actually good for your hair as they help to retain moisture. [4]
Phthalates: Phthalates are often found in fragrances in shampoos and conditioners, which means they can be disguised on an ingredient label under the name 'fragrance' in hair care products, but they are known endocrine disruptors and can increase your risk of cancer. [5]
Per- & Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are toxic fluorinated chemicals known as forever chemicals that may have many health risks such as reproductive and developmental issues as well as other concerning long-term health problems. [6] In order to reduce your exposure, avoid ingredients with “fluoro” in the name.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde, also labeled as formalin, methylene glycol, and several other names, is found in many shampoos and conditioners as a preservative, but formaldehyde is a carcinogen, making it important to avoid this ingredient when possible. [7]
Silicones: Silicones are generally considered safe when used in regulated amounts, but they can cause harm to the environment during the production process as well as create unwanted buildup in your hair. [8]
Sulfates: Sulfates are not inherently bad for your hair, but I’m highlighting them here to offer some guidance when it comes to selecting better hair care. Sulfates are surfactants, which makes them good for cleaning, but they can be problematic for some people, especially those with sensitive skin. [9] This is because they may strip away natural oils from your hair or cause skin irritation, but other people may find that hair care with sulfates is preferable for their hair type, so choose what suits your needs best. [10] However, remain cautious as certain sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) may be contaminated with impurities such as 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. [11]
Furthermore, numerous other detrimental chemicals and additives are frequently present in shampoos and conditioners, but the list above highlights the primary offenders to avoid. Switching to chemical-free hair care alternatives is crucial for your health, as it minimizes the chance of allergic reactions, skin irritations, and potential long-term health hazards linked to standard hair products.
Top Non-Toxic Shampoos & Conditioners
Thankfully, non-toxic hair care products are becoming more prevalent. However, navigating through the myriad of hair care products available to find safer alternatives is still challenging. Below are five eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner alternatives that are free from harsh chemicals, relying instead on natural ingredients that nourish your scalp and hair from root to tip.
Please note, hair care is complicated because we all have different hair, we all live in different places with different climates, and with varying water hardness and softness as well as other variables. I did my best to provide non-toxic shampoos and conditioners that encompass different hair types and are made with varying ingredients, but my main focus remained on choosing products with the safest hair care ingredients overall. Some of the below recommendations may work for your hair type and some of them may not, that’s what makes hair care a difficult category, so do your best to find what works for your hair. Hopefully, this list can offer some help on your hair care journey!
Carina Organics Sweet Pea Shampoo and Conditioner
Carina Organics offers hair care that is hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, and vegan. Many of their ingredients are sourced from forests and farms throughout the Pacific Northwest (learn more about their harvesting practices here). I confirmed with them that all of their products are free of synthetic additives including SLS, parabens, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, and other preservatives. Also, their bottles are free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), and they are made of food-grade, number 2 plastic (most easily recyclable plastic). Carina Organics does not currently do third party testing for PFAS, but as their business grows they are working toward testing all of their products. They did mention that their suppliers provide them with detailed documentation to ensure their ingredients are free of synthetics.
Sweet Pea Shampoo (12 oz) and Conditioner (8 oz) Ingredients:
Filtered Aqua
Cocos nucifera (coconut oil)
Cetyl Alcohol (organic alcohol (Carina Organics states theirs is obtained from coconuts) with moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by the Environmental Working Group (EWG))
Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil
Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil
Pinus elliottii (pine) extract
Pinus banksiana (pine) extract
Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) flower extract
Urtica dioca (nettle) leaf extract
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf extract
Trifolium pratense (clover) flower extract
Acetic Acid (Apple Cider Vinegar)
Magnesium Chloride (magnesium oil is an inorganic salt and is considered low hazard by EWG)
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar/cluster bean) gum (resin-like substance obtained from the ground endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, with moderate allergies and immunotoxicity risk, and overall ranked as low hazard by EWG with regulated use)
Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) flower extract
Find them on Amazon (Shampoo and Conditioner) and their website (Shampoo and Conditioner).
Suds & Eco Simply Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Suds & Eco’s products are 100% plastic free, vegan, and zero waste. Their shampoo and conditioner bars are free of SLS, parabens, preservatives, silicones, GMOs, artificial colors, and fragrances. Also, I reached out to them and they stated that their shampoo and conditioner bars are free of PFAS, but as they are a small business they are unable to do third party testing to affirm this statement.
Simply Shampoo Bar Ingredients:
Sodium Coco Sulfate (sodium salt derived from the sulfate ester of coconut alcohol with moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity, moderate irritation, and low use restrictions, and ranks as a low hazard ingredient by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Lemon Juice (may not be suitable for those sensitive skin)
Powdered Lemon Peel (moderate risks for bioaccumulation and irritation, so may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, and is considered a moderate hazard ingredient by EWG in regulate amounts)
Coconut Oil
Jojoba Oil
Cocoa Butter
Hemp Seed Oil
Rapeseed Oil
Abyssinian Oil (the Abyssinian plant is part of the Brassicaceae family and is made up of fatty acids, and generally considered a safe ingredient) [11]
Simply Conditioner Bar Ingredients:
Rapeseed Oil
Cocoa Butter
Coconut Oil
Glycerin (an alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Olive Oil
Jojoba Oil
Wheat Germ Oil (wheat kernel that is high in vitamin-E and generally safe in moderation) [12]
Vitamin E (low endocrine disruption and high contamination concerns, and generally considered low hazard by EWG when regulated)
Available on their website (Shampoo and Conditioner).
Honey’s Handmade Shampoo and Conditioner
Honey’s Handmade utilizes natural ingredients in their hair care by using plant derived preservatives that are paraben and formaldehyde free. Also, their hair care products are free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, and drying alcohols.
Honey Cleansing Buttermilk Shampoo Ingredients:
Coconut Water Leave-in Condish:
Water
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf (low use restriction and ranked moderate for possible carcinogen with a low to moderate hazard rating by EWG with regulated use)
Tocopherol (low endocrine disruption and high contamination concerns, and rated as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Xanthan Gum (sugar-based polymer)
Available on their website (shampoo and conditioner).
Humby Organics Shampoo & Conditioner Bars (Unscented)
Humby Organics offers vegan and pH balanced (around 7.0) hair care products that are handmade in the U.S. using responsibly sourced ingredients. Their shampoo and conditioner bars are free of SLS, palm oil, parabens, and other preservatives, with all of their bars being 100% natural in color. I followed up with them and confirmed that their products are chemical-free, and while they did not state if they do any third party testing, they did state that their shampoo and conditioner bars are free of PFAS.
Unscented Shampoo Bar Ingredients:
Sodium Coco Sulfate (sodium salt derived from coconut alcohol sulfate with low use restrictions, moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and moderate irritation, and ranked as overall as a low hazard ingredient by EWG in regulated amounts)
Coconut Oil
Cocoa Butter
Shea Butter
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Unscented Conditioner Bar Ingredients:
Rapeseed Oil
Cocoa Butter
Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Wheat Germ Oil (taken from the reproductive part of wheat kernel and considered a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Shea Butter
Vegetable Glycerin (vegetable derived alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Cetyl Alcohol (organic alcohol with moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity and ranked as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Vitamin B5
Available on their website.
Herbaliz Shampoo (Unscented) and Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse
Herbaliz uses natural botanicals, no synthetics in all of their products. They champion transparency and using clean ingredients, you can check out each of their ingredients here to get a more in-depth look at what goes into each product. Their hair care products are free of parabens, triclosan, toxic emulsifiers, SLS, and petroleum, and they do not use any synthetic colorants or fragrances.
Herbaliz Unscented Shampoo Ingredients:
Purified Water
Decyl Polyglucose (surfactant derived from corn, glucose or starch, and reviewed as a low hazard ingredient by EWG)
Vegetable Glycerin* (vegetable derived alcohol compound with moderate use restriction, and ranked as low hazard by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Apple Cider Vinegar*
Xanthan Gum (a sugar-based polymer with low hazard when used in regulated amounts as reviewed by EWG)
Rose Hips Seed Oil*
Citric Acid (for pH balance) (natural alpha hydroxy acid with moderate use restrictions and low hazard when used in regulated amounts as reviewed by EWG)
*Organic
Herbaliz Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse Ingredients:
(may not be suitable for those sensitive skin, especially if sensitive to herbs and essential oils)
Distilled Water
Apple Cider Vinegar*
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)*
Urtica Dioica (Nettle)*
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)*
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf* (risk of high allergies and immunotoxicity, and rated as a moderate hazard ingredient as reviewed by EWG when used in regulated amounts)
Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root* (a plant cultivated for its roots and considered low hazard by EWG)
Nepeta Cataria (Catnip)* (a plant that is considered low hazard by EWG)
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)*
Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail)*
Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley)*
Salvia Officinalis (Sage)*
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil* (moderate endocrine disruptor with an overall low hazard when used in regulated amounts as reviewed by EWG)
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil*
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil* (high allergies and immunotoxicity with low use restrictions, low neurotoxicity, and low endocrine disruption and irritation when used in regulated amounts as reviewed by EWG)
*Organic
Available on their website (Shampoo (unscented) and Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse).
I will note that none of these choices are without flaws, but they each provide a significantly safer hair care alternative compared to most shampoos and conditioners available. Transitioning to non-toxic shampoo and conditioner, such as the above mentioned products, will promote better hair care and be safer long-term for your health.
Let’s champion our locks and the planet by choosing safe hair care products. Remember, we can all have good hair days when we use products that are safe, sustainable, and free from harsh chemicals.
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