Non-Toxic Shampoo: Ingredients to Avoid & What to Look For
Finding a non-toxic shampoo that cleans effectively without exposing you to harmful chemicals can be tricky. Many shampoos, even some labeled as “natural,” contain problematic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and harsh surfactants. Below, we break down the key ingredients to avoid and what to look for in a truly safe, non-toxic shampoo.
Surfactants
Surfactants are the key ingredients that make shampoos (and all soaps and detergents) effective. They help water break down oil and dirt, allowing them to be rinsed away. However, not all surfactants are created equal—some are safe, while others come with health and environmental concerns.
Many conventional shampoos rely on harsh surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and, which can be irritating to the scalp and may contain harmful contaminants. Cocamide DEA is an actual carcinogen and should always be avoided. Unfortunately, some natural shampoos also use these questionable surfactants.
Safer Surfactants in Non-Toxic Shampoo
If you’re looking for a non-toxic shampoo, keep an eye out for gentler, biodegradable surfactants like:
- Decyl glucoside
- Lauryl glucoside
- Potassium cocoate
- Coco glucoside
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate
- Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
- Caprylyl/capryl glucoside
- Sodium lauroyl glutamate
The problem with these is that they tend not to lather as well as some of their more traditional (but less safe!) counterparts, so it can be hard to find high-performing, non-toxic shampoos that rely only on these surfactants.
Non-Toxic Shampoo Gray Area
One of the most confusing surfactants is cocamidopropyl betaine. While it can be safe and mild, it can sometimes be contaminated with harmful byproducts like nitrosamines (carcinogens) and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (also known as DMAPA, and irritants). While derived from coconut oil, cocamidopropyl betaine is heavily processed and not as “natural” as some marketing suggests. Potential marine toxicity raise mild environmental concerns. Choosing a DMAPA-free, third-party-tested shampoo brand can help minimize these risks.
Similarly, while disodium laureth sulfosuccinate itself is considered a mild surfactant, it can be at risk of contamination due to ethoxylation. The best way to assess this is to look for certifications (EWG verified, ECOCERT, EU standards), transparency about purification methods, or labels that explicitly say “1,4-dioxane-free.”
Finally, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine has a low potential for skin, eye, or lung irritation. However, there are once again concerns about possible contamination with DMAPA and nitrosamines during its manufacturing process.
At Gimme the Good Stuff, we evaluate shampoos with cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine on a case-by-case basis:
✅ If a brand discloses third-party testing or is verified by EWG, it may make our Best Stuff list.
⚠ If there’s no transparency about contamination risks, the product lands in Good Stuff or Okay Stuff, depending on its other ingredients.
Coco Betaine in Non-Toxic Shampoo
Some brands use coco betaine instead of cocamidopropyl betaine. Coco betaine is a milder, less processed alternative that is less likely to cause irritation or contain impurities. It can, however, potentially irritate very sensitive skin, so if you have allergies, eczema, or rosacea, it’s best to patch-test first.
249 comments
Maia James
Yes, it sure is!
nikki
Is Carina Organics Safe?
Maia James
Hi there! I am afraid I may not be much help here, as I am definitely not a hair professional. My husband uses Acure shampoo and that’s it. For dandruff issues, you could try this one:Â http://amzn.to/2hMG1li. In fact, if you could find a local salon that uses John Masters products they might be able to recommend a good regimen for you.Â
Maia James
I don’t know this brand, but will add to my list for when we update this guide!
Jay
Hi Maia, Can you kindly help me with my issue below?
Problem – I’m a 28 year old guy currently using the head and shoulders hydrating shampoo for my hair but my scalp is very itchy and I’m getting small boils on my scalp. I also have a dry hair/dandruff /dry scalp/hair fall/hair thinning issue. If I skip washing my hair for a week I start getting dandruff/excess hair fall/hair thinning.
Questions -
1] Which hair products I should use to keep my hair healthy and those that promote hair growth/volume/stop thinning..for shampoo/conditioner as well as any other hair products for days between shampooing. I shampoo twice a week as of now and want to go for chemical free/vegan hair products.
2] Which brand does your husband use?
I would appreciate your help very much as I’m totally lost with so many products and harmful/non-harmful ingredients.
Thanks a ton!
Vickie
How about Biotara?
Vickie
Darn stuff to me is toxic, I broke out with hives for weeks the Pureology stuff
Maia James
I have not heard of that brand, but I can add it to my list for a future investigation on dandruff shampoos!
Maia James
This can be tough with the natural shampoos as they all contain oils. You might like Acure’s clarifying formula: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/acure-organics-lemongrass-argan-stem-cell-shampoo-for-all-hair-types/Â
Maia James
I don’t know this brand but will add to my list for a future investigation!