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
Chelsea
I believe I saw you recommended Zatik Naturals shampoo and conditioner at some point, but I can’t find anything about it when I search your site. Is this a brand you recommend? Thank you!
marlene
Hi: You did an amazing job on the info your provide. Can’t imagine how long it took you to search so many things! I am constantly doing that and now with your help it is easier! Thanks!
BTW…I tried Free N Clear Shampoo…it is …well…free and clear. Hard to find a shampoo that does not have cocamidoproply betaine and this one does not along with free of other things we hate. I am very careful what I put on my hair/scalp since I had seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp. It was a mild case but it woke me up to all the stuff in shampoos and hair dyes. (I use Naturtint Hair Color….has less chemicals than most)
Anyway ..thought I would share. Thanks, again and you too “stay sane.”
Marlene
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
Hi Jennifer, Great questions. I am also partial to a no poo method. At first I only shampooed weekly but now I don’t use any at all and it seems to work for me, just warm water. We would love to find some shampoos that are free of plastic. Most shampoos and conditioners come in plastic bottles unfortunately.
Jennifer
I am partial to the ‘no poo’ method, only shampoo-ing once or twice per week. My questions are these:
1) what are good shampoos without any plastics, that are totally eco everything, and biodegradable?
2) there is no mention here on the website about healthy, eco friendly, good conditioners. Are there any that are also plastic-free, and biodegradable?
Thanks!
Alice
Hello, do you have any recommendations for a ‘healthy’ hair conditioner? I have very dry, frizzy thick hair and have tried numerous products and haven’t found any that have helped me with this issue.
Nereida
What about Attitude shampoo?
Nereida
Hi
I’m wondering what your thoughts are on Live clean shampoo. It’s a Canadian brand.
Crystal
I just recently started using Sukin products. It’s made in Australia and supposed to be super healthy for your hair. From what I can tell it seems like it has all the “right” stuff in it but I’m still learning. Is this something you could look into?
Aryana
Acure shouldn’t be on this lists anymore. As of 2020, all of their shampoos contain Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Melissa
Just curious if anyone has used Rocky Mountain Soap Company shampoo and conditioner or their soap bar before ? Is it safe to use? I have found it supper effective and I think it might be natural.