Finding a shampoo free of chemicals can be difficult, but it is possible. Everything we use on our bodies has a potential impact on our health, including our shampoo and conditioner. Have you ever considered that there may be dangerous shampoo chemicals inside your hair care products in the shower? You’ve trusted Mamavation to look into topics like best & worst cookware, best & worst collagen, & best & worst air purifiers, join us as we explore shampoos and conditioners and the ingredients they contain.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. Content contains affiliate links.
Best Shampoo Brands — The 411 About This Line of Products
We’re here to bring you the facts about your favorite shampoos and conditioners. Though they’re made out of really common ingredients, commonly doesn’t always mean safe (neither does “natural” products for that matter).
- Most are made with strong chemical formulas that can be harsh to your skin and to the environment.
- Haircare products like shampoo and conditioner are highly engineered.
- They’ve been designed to lather up and leave your hair “squeaky clean”, but that’s not even that good for you!
- Dangerous shampoo chemicals will leave your hair stripped of natural oils causing dry hair, which is why we need conditioner to re-moisturize it without leaving it oily.
- Build up of these chemicals can also clog and reduce the size of hair follicles, leading to hair loss and damage, especially to sensitive skin.
- Achieving the desired cleaning effects, being shelf-stable, and not using any harmful ingredients is a big ask for brands looking to make safer options, but it is possible. Even many “natural shampoos” and organic shampoos are not 100% pure.
In this post, we’ll review harmful chemicals to avoid in your beauty products and the worst and best shampoo and conditioner brands for healthy, natural hair.
Dangerous Chemicals in Shampoo
Look out for these ingredients in your shampoo.
Fragrance: This is definitely something to look out for. The term “fragrance” can act as a backdoor for all kinds of chemicals to sneak into your products. It’s often applied as an over-arching term for up to 100 ingredients, many of which are toxic to human health. To name a couple of these toxic offenders, phthalates are linked to reproductive and developmental damage, and synthetic fragrances are known to build up in our bodies and linked to hormone disruption.
Surfactants: This is what makes your shampoo lather up with suds. We usually associate soap suds with cleaner hair, but that’s not necessarily the case. Sudsing doesn’t really occur much in nature, so it’s often the result of a chemical reaction or agent. While these chemicals aren’t toxic to humans, they can cause serious irritation and can be really harmful to aquatic life. Given the quantity of shampoo going down the drain every time we wash our hair, we’d prefer to avoid irritation and create a safer environment by choosing better products.
Preservatives: Ever noticed the expiration date on your shampoo? Nope, neither have we. That’s because shampoos are full of preservatives to keep them shelf-stable. They’ll last for a really long time without separating out or going “off”. These preservatives prevent the growth of yeast, mold, bacteria, etc., but because they’re literally designed to kill things, preservatives are tricky and can have a range of toxicity problems for both humans and the environment.
Dangerous Chemicals in Conditioners
Like shampoo, conditioner suffers from many of the same problems when it comes to surfactants, preservatives, and fragrance, but it has one more problematic ingredient category, emulsifiers.
Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers combine oil and water to stop them from separating in your conditioner. They also soften your hair giving you that soft, flowy feeling. But though these emulsifiers, such as siloxanes, are effective, they don’t break down in the environment. This is definitely bad news for aquatic life!
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Ethanolamines
- Parabens
- Octinoxate
- Oxybenzone
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives:
- Quaternium-15
- DMDM hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Polyoxymethylene urea
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronopol)
- Glyoxal
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Fragrance
Mamavation’s SPOTLIGHT: Wellnesse is the Small Shampoo Brand to Try!
Wellnesse is a new brand created by Katie Wells of Wellnessmama.com featured in the image above. Katie has spent years on her shampoo & conditioner formulations perfecting them over the years. Last year, she took her formulations to market with Wellnesse. If you want to direct some of your resources to a small business instead of Amazon, give this brand a try!
Her new line includes shampoo, conditioner, and dry shampoo formulations that have taken her over a decade to perfect.
Each product is human safe, planet safe, and works better than conventional alternatives. They are free of all the contaminants we’ve discussed in this post. We’ve also tested out these products personally and they have become some of our favorites! So please try them and support a small business directly.
- Wellnesse Cleansing Shampoo & Nourishing Conditioner
- Wellnesse Soothing Shampoo & Enriching Conditioner for Curly & Wavy Hair**
- Wellnesse Revitalizing Dry Shampoo
- Wellnesse Revitalizing Dry Shampoo for Darker Hair
Mamavation’s Investigation of Shampoo & Conditioner Brands
Mamavation evaluated and ranked the most popular shampoo and conditioner brands. We looked at all sorts of different categories of shampoo and conditioners like those for dry scalp, clarifying shampoo, shampoo for fine hair, shampoo for frizzy hair, thickening shampoo, salon shampoo, conditioner for hair damage, shampoo for color-treated hair, & shampoo to control frizz.
We plan on updating this investigation annually now so if we have missed a brand, please let us know in the comment section. This year we evaluated over 200+ brands, adding over 100 new brands to the list.
Here are some additional investigations you may find yourself looking for soon:
- Makeup
- Lotion
- Hand Cremes
- Soap & Body Wash
- Liquid Hand Soaps
- Sunscreens
- Nail Polish
- Face Wash & Moisturizers
- Hair Styling Products
- Hair Dye
- Deodorant
- Dry Shampoo
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Shampoo Bars & Conditioner Bars
- MLM Companies
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Toilet Paper
- Head Lice Treatment Products
- Hair Relaxers
- Peel-Off Facial Masks, Sheet Facial Masks, & K-beauty Facial Masks
- Beard Oil
- Self Tanning Products
Not Our Favorite Shampoo & Conditioner Brands
These are all products that contain dangerous shampoo chemicals and ingredients that are to be avoided as far as possible, like carcinogens and endocrine disrupters in “fragrance” and at least two other ingredients hazardous to your health. Things you may find in this list include PEGs, parabens, undisclosed fragrances, nitrosamines, surfactants, harsh preservatives, cancer-causing ingredients, & ingredients that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, etc.
Not Our Favorite Shampoo
- American Crew Daily Cleansing Shampoo
- Amika Shampoo
- Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo
- Aveeno Shampoo
- Axe 2 in 1 for Men
- Bed Head Shampoo
- Better Natured Moisturizing Shampoo
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo
- Cetaphil – Baby Shampoo
- Clairol Shampoo Shimmer Lights
- Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
- Clear Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Creme of Nature Moisturizing Dry Defense Shampoo
- Curly Qs Kids Curlie Cutie Cleansing Cream
- Davines OI Shampoo
- Design Essentials Honey Creme Moisture Retention Super Detangling Conditioner
- Dove men+care
- EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo
- Equate (head & shoulders copycat) Everyday Clean Gentle Dandruff Shampoo
- Equate Beauty Soothing Keratin Shampoo
- Essence Ultime – now Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Shampoo
- Eucerin – DermoCapillaire Re-Vitalizing Shampoo
- Euphoria Shampoo
- Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo
- Galvin & Galvin London Everyday Shampoo
- Garnier Fructis Hydrating Shampoo
- Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures
- Giovanni Shampoo
- Girl+Hair Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- Hair Food Shampoo
- Head & Shoulders Aloe Vera Shampoo
- Herbal Essences Argan Oil Shampoo
- Herbal Essences Bio Renew Shampoo
- Honeydew Biotin Shampoo
- Infusium 23 Renew + Repair Shampoo
- It’s A 10 Miracle Daily Shampoo
- Jane Carter Solution Moisture Nourishing Shampoo
- Jhirmack Ageless Shampoo
- John Frieda Shampoo
- Johnson’s Original Baby Shampoo
- Johnson’s Sensitive Care Baby Shampoo
- Keratin Care Smoothing Shampoo
- Kérastase Shampoo
- Kevin Murphy Shampoo
- L’Oréal Elvive Original
- L’Oréal Everpure
- L’Oréal Professional Shampoo
- Love Hair Vegan Shampoo
- Lulu Organics Unscented Hair Powder /Dry Shampoo
- Keratin Protein – Hask
- Mane ‘N Tail Shampoo
- Matrix Biolage Shampoo
- Mixed Chicks Shampoo
- Modesa Shampoo 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo
- Monat Shampoo
- Moroccan Oil Shampoo
- Mustela Bebe Shampoo
- Nexus Shampoo
- Nuema Shampoo
- No Nothing Very Sensitive Moisture Shampoo
- No Nothing Very Sensitive Dry Shampoo
- Nonscents Shampoo
- Not Your Mother’s: Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
- OGX Ever + Straight Brazilian Keratin Shampoo
- OKAY | Black Jamaican Castor Oil Shampoo**
- Olaplex Shampoo
- Old Spice 2 in 1
- Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Coconut Oil Shampoo
- Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Hair Mayonnaise
- Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo
- Oway Hair Bath Shampoo
- Pantene Pro-V Shampoo
- Paul Mitchell Shampoo
- Pert 2 in 1 Shampoo
- Prell Shampoo
- Prose Shampoo
- PSSSST Dry Shampoo
- Pure Brazilian Anti Frizz Daily Shampoo
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
- R+Co Shampoo
- Rausch Chamoille Amaranth Shampoo
- Redken Shampoo
- Ricitos de Oro Baby Shampoo
- Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo
- Rusk Shampoo
- Sarah Jane Shampoo
- Seaweed Unscented Hydrating Moisturizing Shampoo*
- Selsun Blue Shampoo
- Shea Moisture RAW SHEA BUTTER MOISTURE RETENTION SHAMPOO
- Shea Moisture MANUKA HONEY & YOGURT HYDRATE & REPAIR SHAMPOO
- Shu Uemura – Oil Shampoo
- So Cozy 3 in 1 Kids Shampoo/Conditioner & Body Wash
- Soapbox Shampoo
- Suave Essentials Shampoo
- Suave Professionals Shampoo
- Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Shampoo**
- Surface Curls Shampoo
- Tresemme Strengthening Shampoo
- Up & Up (Copycat of Johnson’s & Johnson’s) Baby Wash
- VO5 Shampoo
- Wella Shampoo
- Wen Shampoo
- White Rain Kids 3 in 1 Shampoo
- WOW Skin Science – Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Not Our Favorite Conditioner Products
- Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Shampoo**
- American Crew Daily Moisturizer Conditioner (Men)
- Amika Intense Moisturizing Conditioner
- Arbonne True Daily Conditioner
- Aussie Miracle Moisturizing Conditioner
- Aveeno Conditioner
- Axe 2-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
- Bed Head Moisture Maniac Conditioner
- Better Natured Moisturizing Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Conditioner
- Clairol Shampoo Shimmer Lights Conditioner
- Creme of Nature Moisturizing Dry Defense Conditioner
- Davines OI Conditioner
- Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner
- Earth Science Conditioner
- EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Detangling Conditioner
- Equate (head & shoulders copycat) 2+1 Shampoo + Conditioner
- Equate Beauty Soothing Keratin Conditioner
- Euforia Conditioner
- Essence Ultime – Schwarzkopf essence ULTIME Omega Repair & Moisture Supreme Repair Treatment
- Fekkai Full Blown Volume Conditioner
- Galvin & Galvin London Everyday Conditioner
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Hair Reset
- Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Conditioner
- Girl+Hair Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar + Charcoal Conditioner
- Hairfood Conditioner
- Head & Shoulders White Charcoal Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
- Herbal Essences Repair Oil of Morocco Conditioner
- Infusium 23 Renew + Repair Conditioner
- It’s A 10 Miracle Daily Conditioner
- Jhirmack Ageless Conditioner
- John Frieda Replenish and Repair
- Kérastase Fondant Densité Conditioner
- Keratin Care Smoothing Conditioner
- Kevin Murphy Conditioner
- L’Oréal Elvive Original Conditioner
- L’Oréal Everpure Conditioner
- L’Oréal Professional Conditioner
- Love Hair Vegan Conditioner
- Hask – Keratin Protein Conditioner
- Mane ‘N Tail Conditioner
- Matrix Biolage Conditioner
- Melaleuca Sei Bella Rice Conditioner
- Meille Organics Soothing Conditioner
- Mielle Organics Moisture and Detangling Conditioner
- Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner**
- Modesa Moisture Conditioner
- Moroccan Oil Conditioner
- Nexxus Conditioner
- Neuma Conditioner
- No Nothing Very Sensitive Moisture Conditioner
- No Nothing Very Sensitive Hair Moisture Mist
- Nonscents Conditioner
- Not Your Mother’s: Leave In Conditioner
- Olaplex No 5 Conditioner
- OGX Ever + Straight Brazilian Keratin Conditioner
- OKAY | Black Jamaican Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
- Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Coconut Oil Conditioner
- Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Hair Mayonaise**
- Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Conditioner
- Pantene Pro-V Conditioner
- Paul Mitchel Moisturizing Conditioner
- Prell Conditioner
- Psssst Psssst Dry Hair Conditioner Spray
- Pure Brazillian Conditioner
- Pureology Conditioner
- R+Co Conditioner
- Rausch Chamoille Amaranth Conditioner
- Redken Conditioner
- Rizos Curls Deep Conditioner
- Rusk Conditioner
- Sarah Jade Conditioner
- Selsun Blue 2 in 1 Conditioner
- Soapbox Conditioner
- Suave Essentials Conditioner
- Suave Professionals Conditioner
- Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl
- Surface Curls Conditioner
- Tresemme Conditioner
- VO5 Conditioner
- Wella Conditioner
- Wen Cleansing Conditioner
- WOW Skin Science – Coconut Milk Conditioner
Better Shampoo & Conditioner Brands
These products contain some dangerous shampoo chemicals, but they are light years better than the bad category. Here you may find polysorbates, propylene glycol, undisclosed fragrance, and/or plant-based surfactants.
Better Shampoo Products
- Acure Ultra Hydrating 100% Pure Argan Oil & Pumpkin Shampoo
- Alba Botanicals Shampoo
- Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Shampoo
- Andalou Naturals Argan Oil and Shea Moisture Rich Shampoo
- Arbonne True Daily Shampoo
- Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo
- Attitude Super Leaves, Oatmeal Sensitive Care Shampoo
- ATTITUDE Shampoo for Sensitive Skin, Extra Gentle & Volumizing Unscented
- Attitude Little Leaves, Hypoallergenic 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash, Vanilla & Pear
- Avalon Organics Lavender Nourishing Shampoo
- Aveda Botanical Repair Shampoo
- Babyganics Fragrance-Free Baby Shampoo
- Bao Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
- Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Shampoo (adults)
- Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Shampoo for Curly Hair
- Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo
- doTerra Shampoo
- Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
- Earth Science Shampoo
- Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo
- Ethique Pinkalicious Shampoo Bar
- Evolvh Vegan, Non-Toxic Color Protecting Shampoo
- Fresh Monster Hypoallergenic Shampoo
- Fridda Dorsch + Farma Dorsch Go Organic Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
- Genedor Beauty Superfruit Antioxidant Shampoo
- Innersense Beauty Color Awakening Hairbath
- Jason’s Natural Products Normalizing Treatment Shampoo
- Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo
- John Masters Organics Nourishing Shampoo
- Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
- Lemongrass Shampoo
- Loma Hair Care Nourishing Shampoo
- Lowen’s Shampoo is Betta Vegan Shampoo
- Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
- Melaleuca Sei Bella Rice Shampoo
- Mielle Organics Oats & Honey Shampoo
- Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash
- Mill Creek Biotin Shampoo
- Moerie Mineral Shampoo
- Norwex Shampoo Lysere Shampoo
- Organic Sprout Classic Shampoo
- Oyin Handmade Ginger Mint Co-Wash
- Pacifica Coconut Power Strong & Long Moisturizing Shampoo
- Phillip Adam Fragrance-Free Shampoo
- Pura D’Or Scalp Therapy Shampoo
- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo
- Stonybrook Botanicals Fragrance-Free Unscented Shampoo
- The Seaweed Bath Co. Balancing Shampoo
- tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo
- Trader Joes Joe’s Tree Tingle Shampoo
- Tree To Tub: Ultra Gentle Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Better Conditioner Products
- Alba Botanicals Conditioner
- Aveda Conditioner
- Baomint Moisturizing Conditioner**
- Burt’s Bees Conditioner (adults)
- Curly Qs Coconut Dream Moisturizing Conditioner**
- Desert Essence Conditioner
- doTerra Daily Conditioner
- Drunk Elephant Cocomino Conditioner
- Earth Science Fragrance-Free Conditioner
- Free & Clear Hair Conditioner |Now Vanicream
- Fresh Monster Kids Hair Conditioner
- Fridda Dorsh + Farma Dorsh Go Organic Conditioner
- Genedor Beauty Conditioner
- Honeydew: Biotin Conditioner for Fine Hair
- Jane Carter Solution Moisture Nourishing Conditioner
- Mill Creek Biotin Conditioner
- Monat Revitalize Conditioner
- Oway Frequent Use Conditioner
- Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
- Pacifica Coconut Power Strong & Long Moisturizing Conditioner
- Seaweed Unscented Hydrating Moisturizing Conditioner
- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and shine conditioner**
- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing conditioner**
- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner
- shu uemura Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Conditioner
- Stonybrook Botanicals Fragrance-Free Unscented Conditioner
- tgin Moisture Replenishing Conditioner
- Tree To Tub: Vegan Biotin and Collagen Conditioner
Best Shampoo & Conditioner Brands
These sulfate-free paraben-free shampoo brands also do not contain added phthalates or parabens. They may contain preservatives, but not ones I’m concerned about. If you are looking for shampoo free of chemicals, you should feel comfortable using just about any of the products on this list. Most rely on natural ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, argan oil, avocado oil, tea tree oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, to provide cleansing and moisture to various hair types. In addition to being free of harsh chemicals, most of these brands are also cruelty-free and/or eco-friendly and most are made from organic ingredients.
Best Shampoo Products
- 100 Percent Pure Yuzu & Pomelo glossing shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 Percent Honey & Virgin Coconut Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 percent Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 Percent Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 Percent Grow More Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 Percent Repair Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 Percent Moisture Drench Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- 100 Percent Glossing Shampoo (links directly to small biz, not Amazon)(Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off)
- Alaffia Everyday Coconut Shampoo
- Alafia Babies & Kids Shea Shampoo & Body Wash
- AnnMarie Sweet Sunrise Shampoo (links directly to small biz, use code “15forYOU” for 15% off full sizes)
- Aromatic Rosemary Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
- Baja Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- Be Green Dry Shampoo
- Beautycounter Shampoo
- Billie Floof Dry Shampoo
- Boyzzz Scent Free Combo Wash
- Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Fragrance-Free*
- California Baby Chamomile & Mint Body Wash & Shampoo
- Carina Organics Citrus Daily Moisturizing Shampoo
- Carina Organics Unscented Dandruff Flake Removal Shampoo*
- Clean Kids Naturally Shampoo
- Clevos Natural Organic Shampoo
- Conscious Skincare
- Derma E Restoring Moisturizing Shampoo
- Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Sugar Soap
- EO Sulfate-Free Tea Tree Shampoo
- Ethique Shampoo Bar: Unscented*
- Everyone Kids Foaming Shampoo
- Everyone Soap 3 in 1 Shampoo
- Free & Clear Hair Shampoo |Now Vanicream
- Hair Print Chelating Shampoo
- Hair Print Jasmine Silk Hair Masque
- Healthy Nest Baby Shampoo
- Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo
- Honest Company Purely Simple Fragrance-Free Shampoo + Body Wash*
- Inna Organic Lemon Tea Tree for Oily Hair Shampoo
- LifeVantage Shampoo
- Morocco Method Volcanoic Dry Shampoo
- Naturel Vegan Dry Shampoo
- New Wash Hair Story Deep Kit with Cleanser
- Now Solutions Shampoo
- Paul Penders Men’s Shampoo
- Paul Penders Women’s Shampoo
- Pure Haven Sweet Orange Shampoo
- Pure Haven Sweet Orange Conditioner
- Pure Haven Charcoal Detox Shampoo
- Pure Haven Dry Shampoo
- Pure Haven Super Greens Shampoo
- Pure Haven Supergreens Conditioner
- Pure Haven Supergreens Deep Conditioner
- Pure Haven Kids Wash & Shampoo
- Pure Haven Baby Wash & Shampoo
- PUUR Ingrid Wash Duet
- Qet Botanicals Powder Dry Shampoo
- Radico Color Me Organic Hair Powder
- Rejuva Minerals Hair Powder
- Soap For Goodness Sake Shampoo Bar
- The Big Green 23 Shampoo
- ThinkBaby Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- ThinkSport Safe Shampoo
- True Botanicals Shampoo
- Wellnesse Cleansing Shampoo & Nourishing Conditioner (Use discount code “MAMAVATION10” for 10% off Wellnesse products till 3/31/22. link direct to small biz)
- Wellnesse Soothing Shampoo & Enriching Conditioner for Curly & Wavy Hair** (Use discount code “MAMAVATION10” for 10% off Wellnesse products till 3/31/22. link direct to small biz)
- Wellnesse Revitalizing Dry Shampoo (Use discount code “MAMAVATION10” for 10% off Wellnesse products till 3/31/22. link direct to small biz)
- Wellnesse Revitalizing Dry Shampoo for Darker Hair (Use discount code “MAMAVATION10” for 10% off Wellnesse products till 3/31/22. link direct to small biz)
- Whamisa Organic Seeds Subacid Hair Shampoo
- Whiff Peppermint Shampoo Bar
- Whiff Shampoo Bar Unscented*
Best Conditioner Products
- 100 Percent Pure Yuzu & Pomelo Conditioner
- 100 Percent Honey & Virgin Coconut Conditioner
- 100 percent Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Conditioner
- 100 Percent Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Conditioner
- 100 Percent Grow More Conditioner
- 100 Percent Repair Conditioner
- 100 Percent Moisture Drench Conditioner
- 100 Percent Glossing Conditioner
- Alaffia Everyday Coconut Conditioner
- AnnMarie Nuele Hydrating Hair Mask
- Avalon Organics Lavender Nourishing Conditioner
- Baja Baby Unscented Conditioner
- Boyzzz Only No Nonsense Daily Conditioner
- California Baby No Fragrance Super Sensitive Hair Conditioner
- Carina Organics Citrus Daily Light Conditioner
- Carina Organics Unscented Deep Treatment Conditioner
- Clean Kids Naturally Mango Mist Spray Detangler
- Conscious Skincare Conditioner
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Citrus Hair Rinse (Conditioner)
- EO Rosemary Mint Conditioner
- Evolvh Vegan, Non-Toxic Color Protecting Conditioner
- Giovanni Conditioner
- Hair Print Bio Conditioner
- Hair Print Non-Toxic Plant Baby Conditioner
- Henna Guys Color Enhancing Hair Mask
- Lemongrass Spa Conditioner
- Lowen’s Conditioner is Betta!
- Morocco Method Raw Conditioner
- Paul Penders Best Hair Conditioner
- Pure Haven Sweet Orange Conditioner
- Pure Haven Supergreens Conditioner
- Pure Haven Supergreens Deep Conditioner
- Soap For Goodness Sake Miessence Shine Herbal Hair Conditioner
- True Botanicals Nourishing Conditioner
- Wellnesse Cleansing Restoring Conditioner
- Wellnesse Soothing Enriching Conditioner for Curly & Wavy Hair
We hope this list will help you make informed decisions about chemical-free shampoos you can feel safe switching to. For more information on how to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals in your personal care products, pick up a copy of Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!).
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Best (& Worst) Non-Toxic Detangler Products For Curly or Straight Hair
I’m wondering if any of you color your hair and are aware of any on the best list that are safe for colored hair?
If not on the best list, how about the better list? Thanks!!
Are any of these brands available down under in Austalia?
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Fin-eX offers outsourcing solutions to various accounting firms, accountants in practice and businesses. Our clientele includes five of the top 20 Accountancy firms *. We are the go-to outsourcer for many general practices that are looking to grow with less hassle. Finex provide accounting outsourcing
Fin-eX offers outsourcing solutions to various accounting firms, accountants in practice and businesses. Our clientele includes five of the top 20 Accountancy firms *. We are the go-to outsourcer for many general practices that are looking to grow with less hassle. Finex provide accounting franchises uk
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I’d love for you to review Alaffia.
Great post keep posting thank you!!
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Hi,
Thanks for a good report and making this helpful list. What is your opinion about the products of cruelty free ? By the way, I will keep them in mind with my next purchase.
We have been using Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner but this is great info and some better options to try out! Thanks for the post!
Nice post thanks for information!
To be honest I found very helpful information your blog thanks for providing us. https://www.red-tiger.net/
Thanks for this informative article.
love this tip, regards from Australia
great post keep posting thank you!!
you can also see shampoo natural on https://www.yaando.com/
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Articles states that it contains affiliate links … be smart, do your own research and compare products from multiple sources, and chose the best alternative based on your OWN decision.
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Great post keep posting thank you!!
Can you test sun bum shampoo and conditioner? Thanks
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Great Post, how about Pureology haircare Products?
How about Nexxus Clean & Pure now? That just came out. I am not good at knowing if the exact wording of an ingredient needs to match. Seems like it’s not great? But maybe not horrible? Thank you!
Hello could you please investigate Joico ISO Hydra Condition ?! I would really like to know if this one makes it into the over all safe for your health. Thank you
Thanks for making this helpful list. I will keep them in mind with my next purchase.
Great post thank you!!
I am wondering about honeysuckle, isn’t that acting as a paraben, this is in 100percentpure shampoo
thanks for such good blog
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Could you investigate the Viori Shampoo & Conditioner Bars?
Their website: https://viori.com/
article is very helpful and very useful for my admin, and pardon me permission to share articles here hopefully helped : https://coffeehero.com.au/
does anyone know if love beauty and planet shampoo and conditioners are safe to use ???????
I wish I could tell you but the ingredients aren’t available through the smart label on their site yet.
What are your thoughts on All Nutrient’s Organic line sold in salons?
Kind of lost all credibility when you said that Monat was a good hair care brand when they’re known for causing severe hair loss and scalp irritation.
I agree!!!
What about the brand hask?!?!
What about a Hask biotin boost and the conditioners
The herbal essence Bio renew is coming up pretty dirty on the think dirty app…
There is Aveeno brand in both bad and good lists. So which one is it?
Thank you!
Hey they used to have more “active naturals” years ago, I took that out just now to be clearer. I’d rather you just avoid. But the fragrance-free versions would be in better typically.
One is aveeno the other Aveda
Are Eva NYC producers safer to use ?
just FYI the Trader Joe’s shampoo has SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE, which is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative
We will keep that in mind when we add them to the next update.
Hi I recently started getting into researching chemical and ingredients in products and came across your page and this was so helpful. I am based in uk so I was wondering if you can review Pantene brand, waleda for babies, Anne’s hair oil – Anne’s Sulphate Free Luxury Oud Shampoo & Conditioner. Would be interesting to see these review.
Have you guys investigated House 99 by David Beckham? I love their products, just wanna make sure they’re safe.
Wow, after reading it, I even went to read the composition of my shampoo and hair conditioner. Looks like I should change my hair product brand:(
I think that now there are many alternatives to natural shampoo, as well as hair pomades and gel to keep your hair hydrated
Me too
Our organization accepts to serve quality to customers. We give what our customers are missing to pull in more customers. Our master client care agents are consistently on the line to help if there should arise an occurrence of any inquiry or crisis.
https://www.knowyourfood.in/homepage
Thanks for including the one I use. It is on the “not our favorites list” and now I have a large list of better options to choose from next time.
Any chance you can cover Virtue?
Thank-you for posting up list of those few toxic shampoo while other got separated no toxic only deal with natural one, I’ve discover at first looking through this web page from google.
Hello,
Thank you for this article. Can you add live-clean shampoos and conditioners to your list?
Thank you.
Looks like this just pushes Monat hair products. All the responses says to try it. Doesn’t push any other brands. I call BS
Was wondering why Prose made the bad list. Thank you.
I swear Clean Freak Dry shampoo was on your good list last time. What changed?
I have read many other articles on the same subject, but your article convinced me! I hope you continue to share high quality articles like this!
Banking is an industry that handles cash, credit, and other financial transactions. Banks provide a safe place to store extra cash and credit. They offer savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and checking accounts. Banks use these deposits to make loans.
Hi! Could you tell me if the shampoo I use is good for my hair? I use live clean. By the way thank you for the long list of great options!
I highly suggest looking into Monat.
my family and friends currently use it and have seen a lot of growth and health in their hair!
I can give you a consultation if you have time.
My grandchildren have adored all of the hats I’ve made using your well-written instructions! Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
Bumble and Bumble have become very popular shampoos and conditioners used in salons. Have they been evaluated? Thank you!
Two y ears later: Ditto that! Would like to know about B&B hairdresser’s invisible oil shampoo & also their mending conditioner. Thanks!
(And also thank you for all the incredible research you’ve posted on so many issues!)
Thanks for all you do!
What about Wen?
Yes, there are chemicals in everything. From the food we eat to the clothing we put on our bodies. The FDA does not require cosmetic products and ingredients to be approved before they go on the market. It would be naive to think that these chemicals don’t harm us in some way. Personally, I choose natural products. My health and well being are too important to me to take chances.
What about Alba Botanicals specifically the Gardenia Smoothing shampoo
How long does these toxins stay in your system. Especially, if a person has been using them for a long time.
Thank you
Where does Paul Mitchell fit in on these lists?
What about Lanza healing Volume Thickening Shampoo? Trying to find ingredients – not on container.
After I discovered Maple Holistics I stopped buying shampoo that had chemicals because naturals shampoo felt much better on my hair.
Thank you for the information
I’m calling bs on this. By the look of her hair, I would rather stay with the sulfates. I would also like to see your scientific proof that they cause cancer. Your throwing misconceptions out there with no proof. There is no study that says they cause cancer. Even the water you drink and bathe with have chemicals. Chemicals are every where.
Exactly. That’s why you should filter your water. My parents even use a filter for their shower water. There’s no proof that chemicals cause cancer, but it makes sense. I know it causes my mom to feel bad and that has been proven. She has an auto immune disorder so she can’t fight off the chemicals as well as other people can. She had so many toxins in her body and didn’t start feeling better until she got them out. It affects you more than you realize. That’s why it’s good to at least get some of the toxins out of your life.
I agree with you! Plus its a bit hypocritical when you have sauve.on both the safe and unsafe list. Tgis is too earthy crunchy for me….I’ll stick to recycling and using my Biolage 🙂
Elizabeth is right: it’s hypocritical to put one product on both-bad and good lists.
No sense and no logic. I use Suave very sparingly (rarely) and it cleans my hair fine. I follow with conditioner from the hair color set.
Are they two different types of Suave? Some versions could be better than others as they have different formulations.
Hi, make sure to look into Suave as it has toxic ingredients. I used to use different shampoos and had severe hair loss at only 19 years old. My parents as well.
After switching to Monat, we watched how our hair started rejuvenating, growing healthier, and stronger. I’ll share my link with you to check out the products. The products last 4-6 months and unlike other shampoos and conditioners, they are NOT water-based. They are not flammable like other products as well. Our return policy is amazing too. If it doesn’t work out, you have 30 days to get your money back, 100% guaranteed.
Don’t be too quick to judge.
Certainly do your own research
But after having itchy and burning hives on my scalp and all over my body ,it was discovered I’m allergic to formaldehyde.
It is used as a preservative in many products, including shampoo and body lotions.
I’ll be looking at this lists preservative free items.
Do you really know what kindchemical formaldehyde really is ? It is a chemical used to embomb a dead corpse; and if your not careful with the products you use on your hair,you will eventually end up going BALD!!! Start reading labels.
A. dead corpse is redundant. B. Formaldehyde is just one chemical component of embalming fluid and it alone would not be sufficient to embalm a corpse.
WOW…..
Leah spends HOURS researching all of her investigations. If you can do a better job than please do. But for the rest of us we love and appreciate all the work she does so we can make the best decisions for our families. If you don’t agree then move on. It’s actually a thing that you can not agree with someone and keep your mouth shut.
I am so thankful for all that is done to get us this information. I am still losing 2 handfuls of hair when i shampoo and condition my hair. I used tresemme keratin smoothing for a year and my daughter used it the last 4 months i did. It did the exact opposite of why i was using the keratin smoothing kind. My daughters hair was just falling out by the handfuls. I would find balls of hair around her bed. It was so scary.
Hi, I am so sorry to hear that happening to you! I understand 100%, it happened to my parents and me. We started losing a lot of hair, more than normal.
I have used so many different kinds of shampoos. From cheap ones to extremely expensive ones. None of them seemed to help with hair growth. I only had good hair days sometimes and my natural curls became less and less bouncy.
My friend introduced me to a company that is actually on the “good products list” and I can tell you it was very life-changing. I have seen so much growth in my family’s hair. Our skincare routine is also with these products and I have done an immense amount of research because my body is very sensitive. I can’t put just anything in my hair.
We found out this company is vegan, natural, and has no harsh chemicals. It follows the UK standards which ban brands to put 80% of chemicals while in the USA they only ban about 10%. this says a lot. Our products are non-flammable which is important as well. The company is called Monat and it is actually money-saving as well. Our shampoos last us about 4-6 months. We even have products for kids and pets! Shoot me an email if you seem interested! Trying to help out families who have struggled the way I did!
There are a few shampoos on the good list I’ve seen on other lists that will destroy your hair. And any Pantine products are horrible for your hair! I’m glad she does a lot of research but she’s aloud to be wrong.
I know this is an older thread, but a new start up called Public Goods makes some great stuff. Last time I checked EWG, they didn’t have a listing for them but hopefully they will soon. Order directly from Public Goods and become a member to save big bucks.
I have recently switched to Tree to Tub and LOVE it. All ingredients are rated a 2 or below on EWG. They are free from everything you don’t want and use organic ingredients plus they are free trade. As far as performance I would rate it right up there with the most expensive salon shampoos I have tried. Please don’t tell me this would be on your bad list! : )
Thanks Ann! We’ll look into it!
Do you know if their products are cruelty free
I had no idea that shampoo and conditioner had so many bad chemicals. Did you ever find out if Bumble and Bumble was safe?
They don’t disclose online, so it’s hard to tell.
I can recommend this site for finding out if a product contain dangerous ingredients. It highlights toxic chemicals in the content lists of products, so it’s actually very easy to use, you don’t have to look up products separately etc, And it’s free!
Thanks!!
I really appreciate with your thought. I also think that It has definitely created me personally believe as well as I’m hoping to learn to read much more. Thanks for the sharing such a informative also helpful article.
Thank you!!
My name is Diana, if you are open minded and ready to change to Natural Based Vegan Products message me, you wont look back . If you are tired of dead hair, frizzy, thinning, falling, color damage, dry scalp you suffer from hair loss or any other skin condition sych as dry/itchy skin dry or eczema etc I am all ears.
I didn’t find any of the best shampoos for our health at Fred Meyers in Beaverton, Oregon. I settled for parables free Garnier Whole Blends Oat Delicacy with oak milk and rice cream extracts. Next time that I need shampoo and conditioner, I’ll check Target in Beaverton, Oregon for one of the best shampoo and conditioner for our health. If I can’t find the healthiest shampoo and conditioner locally, I request Eucerin or Hairprint.
Sometimes the best things are online. If you want to skip Amazon, go direct to the company. I’m assuming you are trying to stay local?
How can Suave be on the good list and then ALSO on the bad list? I’ve used Suave, Biolage, It’s a 10 and John Frieda and NEVER experienced any negative symptoms. And I’m talking about using these products for years. This sounds very hypochondria-cal.
That’s a new one I’ve never heard before.
Suave good or Bad?
Hi! seems like you speak from experience which is great! It is good to back up what you know. But if you really look into EACH ingredient in Suave, Biolage, etc, you would know where she is coming from.
I have learned so much, researching lots of ingredients that I have never heard of. Products like them contain toxic ingredients. Everyone has a different experience with hair products yes because everyone is different but it does not mean the toxic ingredients aren’t there. It is affecting your health without you even knowing! I have used Biolage, Suave, Moroccan Oil, Shea Moisture, Matrix, and I had severe hair loss, my hair was always damaged, puffy, had split ends. I have tried so many different products but I was careful because I am very sensitive so I can’t pick anything to put in my hair but I didn’t know about the consequences that it does to your hair. (it also adds plastic to your hair!) and something lot of people don’t know is the foamy part that comes from the shampoo? why does that happen? they add SALT, and sometimes detergent to our shampoo bottles.
I have switched to Monat and my hair has been growing healthy and strong. It is always hydrated and my curls came back! So I am extremely happy from making that life change because not only did it help my hair, it helped my skin. I had severe allergies and rashes, eczema too but all that went away. My family, friends and my parent’s friends use Monat now and we couldn’t be happier! let me know if you want to know more I would be more than glad to!
Any updates on the Bumble & Bumble evaluation? Thanks!
We can include that brand when we do the update. In the meantime, would you like to link up the ingredients for me?
Why is Garnier Whole Blends on the bad list? I checked out all of the bad ingredients per your list and none were found. This seems to be a good choice. And also you do not mention Pantene on the bad list or Suave Professional which have been in the news recently for the chemicals in them. I used to use Pantene regularly until i found its link to alsheimers and neural damage due to a chemical you did not list as bad. I am skeptical of your lists. It seems your research is incomplete.
What about Wen and also Monat are these safe?
Rachelle Monat is definitely safe, no sulfate or harsh chemicals 🙂 I’m a monat Market Partner if you’re interested.
Monat is not safe. I used but have changed after reading the review on the blog I read labels dor you… You can google it.
Monet is horrible
THIS IS NUDITY
Monat contains fragrance and in the fragrance ingredients includes sodium benzoate and citrus extracts which when mixed together creates benzene, a known carcinogen
Whether or not it’s safe as far as this list goes, Monat is definitely NOT safe for you or your hair. It has been strongly linked to hundreds of cases of hormonal issues, balding, sores on the scalp, and hair loss. Please do your research before you purchase from any Multi-Level Marketing company. Of course Lindsay will tell you it is safe, she sells it and wants your money.
We did an investigation on MLMs and that is here, https://www.mamavation.com/beauty/best-mlm-companies.html
What about caress
I’d pass
How about Monat? Pretty new in my area, lots of products!
.
I’m going to copy and paste my comment from up above because I think it is important to spread information aside from what the “market partners” want you to hear!
Whether or not it’s safe as far as this list goes, Monat is definitely NOT safe for you or your hair. It has been strongly linked to hundreds of cases of hormonal issues, balding, sores on the scalp, and hair loss. Please do your research before you purchase!
There are currently major lawsuits against the company.
Here’s our MLM investigation, https://www.mamavation.com/beauty/best-mlm-companies.html
You have Suave on the good list and you have Suave on the bad list. I think that a correction should be made to this as to clarify the readers.
Agreed,
In my opinion this should be on the good list.
I second the both of you. I’ve used Suave and never had any problems. Showing it on the good list and bad list is inconsistent research. Suave Essentials has never done harm to anyone that I know.
It’s not a mistake. It was on the Bad and the better list, but not the best. They had a formula that made the better list. Most of the products however, was in the bad section.
Have you studied Young Living’s Shampoos?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Young Living’s shampoo. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Appreciate it very much intended for publishing this kind of fascinating article on this matter. It has definitely created me personally believe as well as I’m hoping to learn to read much more.
What about these brands!?
Bumble & Bumble
AVEDA
**Function of Beauty** – mostly interested in this one since they claim to be all natural ingredients and safe!
I believe Aveda is “better” not best. Function of Beauty really pisses me off because it’s REALLY hard to figure out what is inside that bottle. And when brands do that…I start wondering why. They have a list of what is NOT in the bottle on the website but I can’t find what is inside the different formulations. Hm….I’d pass honestly. AS for Bumble & Bumble, they are another company that drives me nuts with a lack of transparency on their site. I can’t find an ingredients list for them. That’s typically not a good sign.
I’ve been emailing function of beauty the last month trying to get a clear answer on their chemicals, after their mask changed its scent after two weeks from a normal to a plastic smell… I got nothing, I think ill leave them and move to something else… But i actually don’t know what to move to, my hair is very long and very lightly curly (like 2a i guess)… What would you suggest i try?
Do you know if ‘curlsmith’ is better ingredient wise?
I also wanted to try bumble & bumble dry oil series… What about that specific one?
I’m wondering how Suave made the “bad” and “better” lists at the same time. Was this a misprint? I use Suave daily clarifying shampoo but will definitely discontinue if it’s on the “bad” list! Thanks!
What is your opinion about Chi products?
If you can find an ingredient list, I’ll let you know. I can’t find it on their website. That’s not a good sign.
Thank you for this!!! What about Kevin Murphy? They claim to be healthy but I am suspicious…
Can you link up that brand please so we can follow up?
This is another brand with no ingredient disclosure on their site. They say “key ingredients” instead of telling us what’s in it. I can’t be sure, but that’s not a good sign.
What about Monat – Modern Nature?
Thanks! We covered the MLM brands here, https://www.mamavation.com/2017/02/best-mlm-companies.html
What about Just Nutrtive?
I’ll have to look them up! Thanks for stopping by!
What about Nu Skin / Pharmanex ?
We can look into this!
Yes, please do!
I use and love Acure products. Clean ingredients without a big price tag. 100% Pure is another great brand for haircare as well as makeup! For the kids, Babo Botanicals is a favorite.
I use fragrence free products and can only find one, Free & Clear, by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. How does it rate and are there any other fragrence free products out there
Link me up to the ingredients please!
I have contact dermatitis, allergic to 13 different chemical, the most prevalent is formaldehyde. Dermatologist gave me a list of products I can use that was free of toxins, only shampoo and conditioner I can use is free and clear. Expensive and is not very good, to put moisture in my hair. I use coconut oil twice a week
Are you making your own shampoo?
You mentioned Suave and Equate as being both both bad and better for your health. Which Ones? Also, what about Salon Selectures or Herbal Essences? Thank you.
What about L Bri shampoo and conditioner?
What about L Bri shampoo and conditioner?
You missed preservatives Methylisothiazalinone and the closely related Chlormethylisothiazalinone. These were deemed the “Allergens of the Year” by the Contact Dermatitis Association in 2014. It’s commonly found in shampoos and liquid soaps, even including Seventh Generation and Mrs Meyers.
Beautycounter is the best!!! I traded out my free & clear shampoo for Beautycounter, and I have never been happier! My hair now feels and smells great and I’m using safe products!
We love BeautyCounter. We didn’t include MLM companyies but BeautyCounter is also selling in places like Target so we made sure to include them. You’ll find they did very well in our MLM write up as well, https://www.mamavation.com/2017/02/best-mlm-companies.html
Have you looked at PURE Haven Essentials shampoo & conditioner?
YES, actually we wrote about them in our MLM investigation here, https://www.mamavation.com/2017/02/best-mlm-companies.html.
Bumble and Bumble have become very popular shampoos and conditioners used in salons. Have they been evaluated? Thank you!
I can look into them and evaluate and add. Thanks for that!
What about Aveda and Adama Ancient Minerals Shampoo? Thanks for this!!