2025 Non-Toxic Shampoo Guide

Maia James
Person washing hair in the shower with shampoo lather.
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Best Non-Toxic Shampoo

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1. Carina Organics

2. Wellnesse

3. Moon Valley

4. 100% Pure

5. Clean Journey

6. everist

7. Plaine

8. Evolvh

9. Pure Haven

10. Innersense

11. Poofy

12. Attitude

13. Nuele

14. annmarie

15. Chagrin Valley

16. rahua

17. Garner’s Garden

18. HiBar

19. Badger

Finding a shampoo that effectively cleans your hair without exposing you to a bunch of red flag ingredients can easily become an expensive, time-consuming quest. Many shampoos—even those marketed as “natural”—contain ingredients like synthetic fragrances, questionable preservatives, and sulfates that can be irritating or even harmful when used over the long-term. At the same time, it can be really hard to find a non-toxic shampoo that doesn’t leave hair dull, greasy, flat, and/or dry. Over the years, I’ve tried a bunch of non-toxic shampoos that gave me that magical combo of greasy roots and crispy ends. Recently, though, a spate of new brands have managed to formulate truly non-toxic shampoos that perform as well as what you used to use.

At Gimme the Good Stuff, we do the research for you. This Non-Toxic Shampoo Guide breaks down which ingredients to avoid, which brands are actually clean, and some of the ones we’ve tried and liked (or not).

Let’s get to it.

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.

If you're looking for a dry shampoo, the best natural brands we've tried are the ones made by Nuele and Cleo + Coco.

Non-Toxic Shampoo Preservatives

To extend shelf life, shampoos typically contain preservatives—some of which come with health concerns. Ingredients to watch out for include:

  • Parabens – Linked to hormone disruption.
  • Benzyl alcohol – Can cause skin irritation.
  • Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone – Potential skin sensitizers and allergens.

A truly non-toxic shampoo skips these preservatives in favor of safer alternatives like radish root ferment or potassium sorbate. Sodium benzoate is a food-grade synthetic that can form benzene when exposed to vitamin C, so we do ding brands that choose this preservative.

Fragrance

When I was a newlywed the lush, floral scent of Biolage lingered in our apartment for hours after my husband took his morning shower. Unfortunately, that strong smell is probably the result of phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption. Here’s how to avoid synthetic fragrance:

  • Look for labels that say “scented with only essential oils” or “100% natural fragrance.”
  • Avoid any shampoo that simply lists “fragrance” or “parfum” unless they have specified that they are phthalate-free—this is often a catch-all for undisclosed chemicals.

Sulfates: Should You Avoid Them?

Many people search for sulfate-free shampoo, and for good reason. Sulfates are surfactants (see above) that create lather and help remove dirt and oil. The three most common sulfates in shampoo are:

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – A harsh, drying surfactant.
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Often contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane.
  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) – Less concerning than SLES but still a potential irritant.

Are all sulfates bad? Not necessarily! Some naturally derived sulfates are mild, but SLES is the biggest concern due to its contamination risk.

Final Thoughts: What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Shampoo

To keep your scalp and overall health safe, choose a shampoo that is:

  • Free of sulfates (especially SLES)
  • Preservative-conscious (no parabens or methylisothiazolinone, especially)
  • Fragrance-free or scented with essential oils
  • Tested for purity and transparency

And now, onto the 71 brands of non-toxic shampoo, conventional shampoo, and cleanwashed shampoo brands we reviewed…

Best Stuff

Truly Non-Toxic Shampoo Brands

100% pure

  • Incredibly clean ingredients list.
  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • I have not tried yet, so I can’t comment on performance, but many of the 100% Pure non-toxic shampoos have won various beauty awards.

Cost per ounce: $3.00

Sample Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol), Sodium Cocoate (Saponified Coconut) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Extracts of Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit, Citrus Grandis (Pomelo), Fucus Vesiculosus (Kelp), Plant Cellulose (Vegan), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol, Extracts of Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Leaf*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower, Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Salt (French Sea Salt), Extracts of Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Melia Azadirachta (Neem), Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower, and Citrus Paradisi Peel (Pink Grapefruit) Essential Oil * Certified Organic

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100% pure

Annmarie

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Uses the safest surfactants, lauryl and decyl glucoside.
  • Comes in a metal, not plastic bottle.

Cost per ounce: $4.80

Sample Ingredients: Aqua (water), [Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, Lauryl glucoside (saponified oils of coconut oil and plant starches/sugars)], Decyl glucoside (non-GMO glucose derived surfactant), *Glycerin (vegetable derived), Sodium olivoyl glutamate (olive oil derived surfactant), Disodium cocoyl glutamate (coconut derived surfactant), Herb-infused aloe vera juice [*Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, *Urtica dioica (nettle) leaf powder, *Equisetum arvense extract (horsetail) extract], Coco glucoside (coconut/sugar derived surfactant), [humectant from non-GMO plant based sugars (Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Maltitol, Xylitol), Pelvetia canaliculata (channelled wrack (brown algae) extract)], non-GMO solubiliser [Glucose, Rapeseed acid (plant derived oilseed)], [Acacia senegal (acacia) gum, non-GMO Xanthan gum (plant derived)], [Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, Citrus limon (lemon) peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (blood orange) peel oil, Ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, Carum petroselinum (parsley) seed oil, Coriandrum sativum (coriander) seed oil, Ferula galbaniflua (galbanum) resin oil], Populus tremuloides (aspen bark) extract, [*Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) fruit oil, *Tocopherol (non-GMO vitamin E), *Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil], [*Nigela sativa (black cumin) seed oil, *Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, *Rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, *Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, *Curcubita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil], Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, [Camellia oleifers (camellia) seed oil, Macadamia ternifolia (macadamia) seed oil, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Argania spinsosa (argan) oil, Corylus americana (hazelnut) seed oil, Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil], [Sodium benzoate (sodium salt), Potassium sorbate (potassium salt)]. *Organically grown or wildcrafted

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Annmarie

Attitude

  • All shampoo formulations are EWG-verified.
  • Offers both bars and liquid versions.
  • Uses the safest surfactants, including coco glucoside.
  • Works like conventional brands, so an easy swap for people newer to non-toxic shampoo.

Cost per ounce: $0.81

Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Citric Acid, Inulin, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Panthenol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (TEA) Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Benzyl Acetate*, Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate*, Dimethyl Heptenal*, Linalyl Acetate*, Triethyl Citrate*, *fragrance (Parfum).

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Attitude

Badger Shampoo Bar

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Very simple, clean ingredient list.
  • Like all bar non-toxic shampoos, this is much more environmentally friendly than liquid versions.

Cost per ounce: $3.33

Sample Ingredients: Organic Sodium Palmate (Palm Oil & Sodium Hydroxide), Organic Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil & Sodium Hydroxide), Water, Organic Glycerin (from Organic Palm and Coconut Oils), Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Baobab Oil, Organic Bergamot Oil, Sodium Citrate, Organic Menthol, Organic Cardamom Oil, Organic Sandalwood Oil, Organic Vetivert Oil, Organic Black Pepper Oil, Organic Vanilla Extract & Organic Myrrh Extract

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Badger Shampoo Bar

Carina Organics

  • One of the very cleanest ingredients lists.
  • One of the more affordable non-toxic shampoo brands.
  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Smells really good.
  • The brand my family uses.

Cost per ounce: $1.06

Sample Ingredients: Citrus: Filtered Aqua, Potassium Cocoate (saponified Cocos nucifera / coconut oil), Glycerin (vegetable), Pinus banksiana (pine) extract, Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Oil), Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) flower extract, Urtica dioca (nettle) leaf extract, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf extract, Trifolium pratense (clover) flower extract, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil, Pyrus malus (green apple) extract, Ananas sativus (pineapple) extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil.

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Carina Organics

Clean Journey

  • The most affordable non-toxic shampoo brand we found.
  • Does not use organic ingredients.
  • Contains sodium benzoate.
  • Uses only non-toxic surfactants, like sodium coco-sulfate, coco-glucoside, and sodium cocoyl isethionate.
  • EWG-verified.
  • Uses non-toxic synthetic fragrance (vetted by EWG).

Cost per ounce: $0.83

Sample Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Biotin, 2,6-Dimethyl-7-Octen-2-Ol*, Menthol*, Methyldihydrojasmonate*, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes*, Triethyl Citrate*, *Fragrance (Parfum).

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Clean Journey

Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bar

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Like all bar non-toxic shampoos, this is much more environmentally friendly than liquid versions.

Cost per ounce: $2.27

Sample Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with Bhringraj, Hibiscus, Amla, Tulsi, Fenugreek, Jasmine, Yashtimadhu (Licorice Root), and Neem, Shikakai, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Soapnuts (Aritha), Water, Organic Mango Butter, Organic Babassu Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Neem Oil, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Coconut Milk, Essential Oils of Cypress, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Basil, and Rosemary, and Organic Rosemary Oil Extract.

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Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bar

Everist

  • Uses only non-toxic surfactants, like sodium lauroyl glutamate and sodium cocoyl isethionate.
  • Plastic-free.
  • Unique cream formula means it’s a much more environmentally friendly choice than liquid shampoos (and that the cost per ounce cannot be compared to liquid shampoos!).

Cost per ounce: $7.06

Sample Ingredients: Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Betainate Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Limonene, Aspergillus Ferment, Panthenol, Arginine, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Citric Acid

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Everist

Evolvh Shampoo

  • My new favorite shampoo; I especially love the UltraShine formula.
  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Uses the safest surfactants, lauryl glucoside and decyl glucoside.
  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, but they ensure purity.
  • Utilizes ECOCERT-certified preservatives like dehydroacetic acid and benzyl alcohol in minimal amounts to maintain product safety and stability.

Cost per ounce: $4.24. Use GIMME15 for 15% off.

Sample Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside*, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine+, Lauryl Glucoside*, Coco-Glucoside, Seaweed Extract+, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil*, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract*, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Soy Amino Acids*, Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Oil*, Viola Tricolor (Wild Pansy) Extract*, Melilotus Offincialis (Sweet Clover) Extract, Prunus Armenica (Apricot) Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract*, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract+, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract+, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract*, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter*, Vitis Vinifera (Red Grape) Seed Oil*, Nasturtium Officinale (Nasturtium) Extract*, Prunus Percisa Nectarina Fruit (Nectarine) Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit (Passion Flower) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Dehydroacetic Acid*, Benzyl Alcohol*

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Evolvh Shampoo

Garner's garden

  • Very short, clean list of ingredients.
  • Not availble outside of their website.

Cost per ounce: $1.87

Sample Ingredients: Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alterniflora (Tea Tree) Oil, Lavendula Angustofolia (Lavender) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Essential Oil, Baobab Oil, Argan Oil, Tocopherol/ Vitamin E

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Garner's garden

HiBar

  • I don’t like how these smell.
  • Not 100% natural, but safe ingredients.
  • Many of the ingredients are organic.

Cost per ounce: $3.92

Sample Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut Oil*), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (Vegetable Based*) Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Stearic Acid (Vegetable Based*), Polyquaternium 7, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Cetyl Alcohol (Vegetable Based*), Natural Fragrance (Lime Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Ginger Root Oil), Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable Based*), Propanediol (Vegetable Based*), Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-2 Laurate, Mineral Pigment CI 77007. (*Derived Source)

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HiBar

Innersense

  • Adheres to stringent safety standards, including EU certification, which upholds rigorous cosmetic safety regulations.
  • Contains coamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, but ensures it is not contaminated.
  • People rave about how well it works,

Cost per ounce: $3.00

Sample Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Sodium Gluconate, Tocopherol, Swertia Japonica Extract, Cyperus Esculentus Tuber Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate

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Innersense

Moon Valley Organics

  • Very simple ingredient list.
  • Most of the ingredients are organic.
  • Like all bar non-toxic shampoos, this is much more environmentally friendly than liquid versions.

Cost per ounce: $3.57

Ingredients: Purified water, organic sustainable palm oil, organic safflower oil, organic coconut oil, sodium hydroxide*, organic castor, organic palmarosa oil, moon valley organic calendula, organic nettle and organic horsetail and organic geranium essential oil, and rose kaolin clay.

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Moon Valley Organics

Nuele

  • Has MADE SAFE® certification, indicating they are formulated without known toxic chemicals and are safe for human use and the environment.
  • Contains cocamidopopryl hydroxysultaine, but ensures it is not contaminated.
  • Does not contain questionable preservatives, like sodium benzoate, that are found in many other shampoos, even in our Best Stuff category.
  • Ideal for textured, thick, and curly hair.

Cost per ounce: $4.80

Sample Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Sodium Gluconate, Tocopherol, Swertia Japonica Extract, Cyperus Esculentus Tuber Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate

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Nuele

Plaine

  • Bottles are not made of plastic, and better yet, you can send them back to be cleaned, sterilized, refilled, and returned to you!
  • You don’t have to subscribe; you can also just order a la carte from Plaine.
  • Preservatives are sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

Cost per ounce: $1.88

Code: GIMME20 for 20% off

Sample Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Safflowerate, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Carrageenan, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Gluconolactone (And) Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract And Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil.

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Plaine

Poofy Organics

  • Nice short list of ingredients (including some interesting ones like apple cider vinegar and yucca extract).
  • Uses decyl polyglucose as a safe surfactant.
  • Does not contain questionable preservatives, like sodium benzoate, that are found in many other shampoos, even in our Best Stuff category.

Cost per ounce: $2.06. Use code: MAIAJAMES for 10% off.

Sample Ingredients: Purified Water, Decyl Polyglucose (non-gmo corn), Organic Vegetable Glycerin (soybean, maize or mustard), Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Yucca Extract, Organic Lemon (Citrus Medica Limonum) Essential Oil, Organic Orange Essential Oil, Organic Lime Essential Oil, Organic Coconut Flavor Extract (organic cane alcohol, natural flavors).  Xanthan Gum (non-gmo corn), Citric Acid (cassava).

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Poofy Organics

Pure Haven

  • Uses the safest surfactant, coco glucoside.
  • Does not contain questionable preservatives, like sodium benzoate, that are found in many other shampoos, even in our Best Stuff category.
  • One of the higher performing non-toxic shampoos we’ve tried, but works best when you double cleanse.
  • On the more expensive side.

Cost per ounce: $3.74

Ingredients: aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera) leaf juice, water, coco-glucoside, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, xanthan gum, pisum sativum (pea) peptide, selaginella lepidophylla extract, lactobacillus, glycerin (vegetable, non-gmo), mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, panthenol, camellia sinensis (organic matcha tea) powder, spinacia oleracea (organic spinach) leaf powder, brassica oleracea italica (broccoli) seed oil, hydrolyzed brassica oleracea acephala (kale) protein, hydrolyzed daucus carota sativa (carrot) protein, hydrolyzed citrus limon (lemon) protein, spinacia oleracea (spinach) leaf extract, arthrospira platensis (spirulina) extract, lactobacillus ferment, levulinic acid, cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract, sodium phytate, sodium levulinate, citric acid

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Pure Haven

Rahua

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • High-performing, with rave reviews.
  • Contains coco betaine, the safer, more natural version of cocamidopropyl betaine.
  • Smells amazing.
  • Does not contain questionable preservatives, like sodium benzoate, that are found in many other shampoos, even in our Best Stuff category.

Cost per ounce: $3.87

Sample Ingredients: Aqua, Organic Herbal Infusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Organic Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract and Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Coco Betaine, Sodium Chloride (Sea salt), Organic Saccharum Officinarum (Molasses) Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Organic Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Chlorophyll.

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Rahua

Wellnesse

  • EWG-verified.
  • Contains cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, but ensures it is not contaminated.
  • Does not contain questionable preservatives, like sodium benzoate, that are found in many other shampoos, even in our Best Stuff category.

Cost per ounce: $2.50

Ingredients: Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol, Verbena Officinalis Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Yeast Amino Acids, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Sodium Levulinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Anisate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol

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Wellnesse

Good Stuff

Acure Organics

  • Makes an affordable line of less non-toxic shampoo.
  • Lathers better than some brands.
  • No synthetic fragrance.
  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Uses the safest surfactants, including sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, but does also use cocamidopropyl betaine in some formulas.
  • Does not contain questionable preservatives, like sodium benzoate, that are found in many other shampoos, even in our Best Stuff category.

Cost per ounce: $2.74

Sample Ingredients: Water/eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract*, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Fruit Extract*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract*, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol Acetate, Curcubita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Natural Benzaldehyde, Cinnamomum Aromaticum (Cassia Bark) Oil, Ubiquinone (Coq10), Argania Spinosa Callus (Argan) Culture Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract. *organic Ingredient

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Acure Organics

Act + Acre

  • Gets high marks for performance.
  • Contains sodium benzoate as a preservative.

Cost per ounce: $2.74

Sample Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Heptyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, PCA Glyceryl Oleate, Acrylates Copolymer, Triethyl Citrate, Ioniplex Fulvic Ionic Mineral Complex, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Cistus Ladaniferus Resin, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Viola Odorata Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract, Aquilaria Agallocha Wood Oil, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Gamma-Nonalactone, Ionone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vanillin, Hexenyl Acetate, Dimethyl Heptenal, Caprylyl Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Anhydroxylitol, Heptanol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid.

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Act + Acre

Avalon Organics

  • Contains sodium benzoate.
  • The preservative is benzyl alcohol.
  • Uses the safest surfactants, such as coco and decyl glucoside.
  • Very affordable option.
  • Widely available at Whole Foods and health food stores.

Cost per ounce: $0.67

Sample Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Ingredient), Water (Aqua), Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Chenopodium Quinoa Seed (Certified Organic Ingredient), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract (Saw Palmetto Extract), Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Biotin, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters, Beta-Caryophyllene, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin (Certified Organic Ingredient), Glyceryl Oleate, Inulin (Certified Organic Ingredient), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Sulfate, Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene.

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Avalon Organics

Desert Essence

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • The preservative is benzyl alcohol.
  • Widely available in health food stores.

Cost per ounce: $1.18

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract *, Sodium Coco-Sulfate (Plant), Decyl Glucoside (Plant), Coco-Glucoside (Plant), Sodium Chloride, Glycerin (Plant), Leptospermum Petersonii Oil (Lemon Tea Tree), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil*, Panthenol (Provitamin B-5), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract (Maca Root)*, Yucca Brevifolia Root Extract (Yucca Cactus)*, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract (Comfrey)*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract*, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract (Sea Kelp)*, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract*, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate

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Desert Essence

FATCO Shampoo Bar

  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, in additional to various safer surfactants.
  • Like all bar non-toxic shampoos, this is much more environmentally friendly than liquid versions.
  • Contains beef tallow, which fans say is the magic to this bar versus other bar shampoos.

Cost per ounce: $10.37

Sample Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor Oil), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary Oil), Mentha Piperita Oil (Peppermint Oil), Rosemary Oleoresin Extract, Panthenol (ProVitaminB5), Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Hexylene Glycol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract (and) Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Bentonite (Green Clay), Citric Acid.

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FATCO Shampoo Bar

Goop Beauty

  • The preservative is benzyl alcohol.
  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
  • Comes in at a higher price point.

Cost per ounce: $4.24

Sample Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Biotin, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Rhizome/Root, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae (Red Algae) Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Triethyl Citrate, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Oil, Cistus Ladaniferus (Gum Rockrose) Leaf/stem Extract, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Cyperus Scariosus (Nutgrass) Root Oil, Coumarin, Gamma-nonalactone, Ionone, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Capryloyl/caproyl Methyl Glucamide, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-73, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Pca, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Aspartic Acid, Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Seed Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Juniperus Virginiana (Red Cedar) Oil, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Pca, Panthenol, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Linoleic Acid, Valine, Benzyl Alcohol, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Vanillin, Rose Extract, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Viola Odorata (Violet) Leaf Extract.

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Goop Beauty

Honest Company Shampoo + Bodywash

  • Contains cocamidoproyl hydroxysultaine, but ensures it is not contaminated.
  • Widely available so easy to find.

Cost per ounce: $3.92

Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Glycerin, Caprybenlyl Glycol, Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Triethyl Citrate, Gamma-Nonalactone, Vanillin, Maltol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Coconut Acid, Glutamic Acid, Citric Acid, Linalool

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Honest Company Shampoo + Bodywash

Grown Alchemist

  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with minor contamination concerns.
  • Refillable glass bottles make this brand planet friendly.

Cost per ounce: $3.76

Sample Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (Plant), Decyl Glucoside (Plant), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Plant), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate (Plant), Coco Glucoside (Plant), Glyceryl Oleate (Plant), Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Plant), Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (Plant), Solanum Centrale (Bush Tomato) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Urea, Sodium Lactate (Plant), Lactic Acid (Plant), Sodium Chloride, Glycerin (Plant), Levulinic Acid, P-anisic Acid (Plant), Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (Plant).

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Grown Alchemist

Hugo Naturals

  • Uses the safest surfactant, decyl glucoside.
  • Contains cocamidpropyl hydroxysultaine, which comes with mild contamination concerns.

Cost per ounce: $1.75

Sample Ingredients: AQUA/PURIFIED WATER ,DECYL GLUCOSIDE ,GLYCERIN ,SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE ,COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE ,LAURYL GLUCOSIDE ,SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE ,GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE ,HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR ,PANTHENOL ,CITRIC ACID ,ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL ,HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS EXTRACT ,CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL ,LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM (HONEYSUCKLE) FLOWER EXTRACT ,LONICERA JAPONICA (HONEYSUCKLE) FLOWER EXTRACT ,GLUCONOLACTONE

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Hugo Naturals

Jason

  • Contains hydroxysultaine, which comes with mild contamination concerns.
  • The preservatives are benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate, which are not our favorite.
  • Very affordable.

Cost per ounce: $0.50

Sample Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Soybean Glycerides, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Ingredient), Chenopodium Quinoa Seed (Certified Organic Ingredient), Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Biotin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Maltodextrin, Menthol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sucrose Laurate, Triethyl Citrate, Alcohol (Certified Organic Ingredient), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

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Jason

John Masters

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Available at many natural foods stores, so very easy to find.
  • The surfactants are cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and cocamidopropyl betaine, both of which come with some minor contamination concerns.

Cost per ounce: $2.63

Sample Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Caramel, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Root Extract*, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavender) Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Stem/Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Linalool†. *Organic ingredient. †A natural component of essential oils.

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John Masters

Juice Organics

  • Uses sodium benzoate as a preservative.
  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Can be found in drug stores.

Cost per ounce: $1.50

Ingredients: Organic Aloe barbadensis*, vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate†, stearalkonium chloride, simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba seed oil)*, helianthus annuus (organic sunflower seed oill)*, cetyl alcohol, panthenol (Vitamin B5), cocos nucifera (coconut extract), moringa pterygosperma seed extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, argania spinosa kernel (organic argan oil)*, borago officinalis (organic borage seed oil)*, linum usitatissimum (organic linseed oil)*, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane extract), schinziophyton rautanenii (mongongo kernel oil)

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Juice Organics

LolaVie

  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with mild contamination concerns.
  • Contains only natural fragrance.
  • We’d like to see some organic ingredients here.

Cost per ounce: $4.75

Sample Ingredients: Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Glycosphingolipids, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Biotin, Caffeine, Melatonin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hexapeptide-11, Polyquaternium-10, Betaine, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Linalool, Limonene *naturally-derived fragrance

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LolaVie

Necessaire

  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
  • The Fragrance-Free version is EWG-verified.
  • Necessaire’s Rosemary shampoo does not specify which ingredients make up the “fragrance,” although it is free of phthalates.

Cost per ounce: $3.57

Rosemary Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Ceramide AG, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NG, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Butylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Dextran, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sucrose Distearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dipropylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Limonene, Linalool.

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Necessaire

Oliveda

  • Contains the bioactive olive leaf cell extract, which helps with dry and damaged hair as well as dry scalp.
  • Preservatives are sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with minor contamindation concerns.

Cost per ounce: $4.75

Sample Ingredients: olea europaea (olive) leaf cell extract, aqua (water), sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, polyglyceryl-3 caprate, pentylene glycol, glycerin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, maltodextrin, sodium chloride, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, jasminum officinalis flower extract, zingiber officinale oil, cymbopogon winterianus herb oil, lavandula hybrida oil, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citric acid, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene.

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Oliveda

Reverie

  • Uses the safest surfactants, lauryl and coco glucoside.
  • Contains benzyl benzoate and sodium benzoate.
  • Contains only natural fragrances.

Cost per ounce: $4.75

Sample Ingredients: Aqua, Lauryl glucoside, Coco glucoside, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Caprylyl capryl glucoside, Glyceryl laurate, Sodium lauroamphoacetate, Gluconolactone, Sodium lauroyl glutamate, Sodium PCA, Sodium lactate, Arginine, Aspartic acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Hydrolyzed sweet almond seedcake, Phospholipids, Hydrolyzed oat protein, Panthenol, Phosphorus, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Calcium pantothenate, Magnesium salicylate, Zinc gluconate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, PCA glyceryl oleate, Citrus paradisi (pink grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower/leaf oil, Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) leaf oil, Citrus bergamia (bergamot) peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) leaf/flower oil, Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) flower oil, Vanilla planifolia (bourbon vanilla) fruit extract, Santalum spicatum (sandalwood) wood oil, Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) seed extract, Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (balsam) resin extract, Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) leaf oil, Bisabolol, Phenethyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate, Sodium phytate, Citric acid

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Reverie

Seed Phytonutrients Shampoo

  • Plastic-free.
  • Preservatives are sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
  • The surfactant is cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • Lower priced than other plastic-free brands.

Cost per ounce: $2.47

Sample Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate (Coconut), Glycerin (Vegetable), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (Coconut), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Coconut), Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Sugar/Coconut), Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Coconut), Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Coconut), Lauryl Glucoside (Sugar), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Beans), Xanthan Gum (Sugar), Fragrance (All Natural), Gluconolactone (Glucose Syrup), Potassium Sorbate*, Sodium Benzoate*

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Seed Phytonutrients Shampoo

Ursa Major

  • Uses the safest surfactants, like decyl glucoside and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
  • Contains lauramidopropyl betaine, which comes with very minor contamination concerns.
  • Contains only natural fragrance ingredients.

Cost per ounce: $3.25

Sample Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Abies Balsamea (Balsam Canada) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Calcium Gluconate, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Cistus Ladaniferus Oil, Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Panthenol, Juniperus Oxycedrus Wood Tar, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Citric Acid, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Gluconolactone, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract.

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Ursa Major

Umanos

  • The surfactant is cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • Preservative used is benzyl benzoate.

Cost per ounce: $3.60

Sample Ingredients: Water (purified H20), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (Coconut-Based Cleanser)*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Coconut-Based Cleanser)*, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate (Coconut-Based Cleanser)*, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (Vegetable Derived Cleanser)*, Glycerin (Plant-Based Skin Softener)*, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (Texture Enhancer/pH Adjuster), Benzyl Alcohol (Plant-Based Preservative)*, Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Coconut-Derived Preservative)*, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Plant-Based Conditioner)*, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Sodium Chloride (Natural Thickener),Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Essential Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Sodium PCA (Natural Moisturizer), Phytic Acid (Plant-Based Moisturizer)*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Lactate (Plant-Based pH Adjuster)*, Arginine**, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Essential Oil*, Aspartic Acid (Plant-Based Amino Acid)*, PCA (Natural Moisturizer), Spirulina Maxima Extract*, Laminaria Digitata Extract (Brown Algae) Extract*, Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract*, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Seaweed) Extract*, Porphyra Umbilicalis (Nori) Extract*, Glycine**, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Essential Oil*, Alanine**, Serine**, Valine**, Isoleucine**, Threonine**, Proline**, Phenylalanine**, Histidine**, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract* *Plant-based **Amino acid

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Umanos

Vanicream

  • Uses the safest surfactants, such as lauryl and coco glucoside.
  • The only conventional brand to make the Good Stuff list.

Cost per ounce: $3.60

Sample Ingredients: Water, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Glycerin, Sucrose Cocoate, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride.

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Vanicream

Weleda

  • Uses the safest surfactants, such as coco glucoside.
  • Uses only natural fragrance ingredients.
  • Widely available.

Cost per ounce: $4.51

Sample Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Squalene (Squalene), Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium PCA, Panicum Miliaceum (Millet) Seed Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sucrose Laurate, PCA Glyceryl Oleate, Arginine, Sodium Phytate, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citral*, Citral*, Coumarin*.

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Weleda

Wonder Valley

  • Contains cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, which comes with some minor contamination concerns.
  • Uses only essential oils for fragrance.

Cost per ounce: $3.56

Sample Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Phytic Acid, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower (Marigold) Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend)

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Wonder Valley

Okay Stuff

Briogeo

  • Many of the ingredients are organic.
  • Contains disodium laureth sulfosuccinate and lauramidopropyl betaine, both of which come with some mild contamination concerns.
  • Uses undisclosed synthetic fragrance in some formulas, but specifies that they are phthalates-free.

Cost per ounce: $2.32

Sample Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate*, Lauramidopropyl Betaine*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine*, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Glycol Distearate*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Biotin, Panthenol, Glycerin*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Tilia Tomentosa Extract*, Sargassum Filipendula Extract*, Phospholipids*, Glycolipids*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols*, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin Oil*, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil*, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil*, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate*, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate*, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*, Citric Acid*, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

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Briogeo

Ceremonia

  • Uses cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • For every Ceremonia product sold, the company removes twice as much nature-bound plastic waste from the environment to be recycled and repurposed through a partnership with rePurpose Global.
  • Uses undisclosed synthetic fragrance, but specifies that they are phthalates-free.

Cost per ounce: $2.58

Sample Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Yucca Schidigera Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-10, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid.

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Ceremonia

Cote

  • Contains sodium benzoate.
  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with minor contamination concerns.
  • Uses undisclosed synthetic fragrance, but specifies that they are phthalate-free.

Cost per ounce: $3.40

Sample Ingredients: Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Inulin, Heptyl Glucoside, Fragrance*, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ilex Paraguariensis (Maté) Leaf Extract, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil, Squalane, Panthenol *Fragrance Made With Clean, Safe Synthetic Ingredients

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Cote

Each & Every

  • Contains lauramidopropyl betaine, which comes with very minor contamination concerns.
  • Uses sodium benzoate as the preservative.
  • Contains only natural fragrance.

Cost per ounce: $1.00

Sample Ingredients: Purified Water, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Salicylate, Polyquaternium-10, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil.

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Each & Every

Kitsch Shampoo Bar

  • Free of phthalates but not specific about fragrance.
  • Like all bar non-toxic shampoos, this is much more environmentally friendly than liquid versions.

Cost per ounce: $4.37

Sample Ingredients:  Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Natural Fragrance (Natural Fragrance Derived from Plants), Iron Oxide (Natural Color).

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Kitsch Shampoo Bar

Maya Chia

  • People are absolutely raving about how well this works.
  • The most expensive non-toxic shampoo we reviewed.
  • The surfactant is cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • Uses undisclosed synthetic fragrance, but specifies that they are phthalate-free.

Cost per ounce: $5.33

Sample Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) leaf Juice, Water/Aqua, Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Anetholea Anisata Leaf (Aniseed Myrtle) Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus (Amaranth) Seed Extract, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Saccharomyces/Black Tea Ferment, Superoxide Dismutase (and) Horseradish Peroxidase, Avena sativa (Oat) Bran Extract, Biotin, Phospholipids,Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxy-propyltrimonium Lemon Protein, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Fragrance**, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate

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Maya Chia

Native Shampoo

  • Contains lauramidopropyl betaine, which comes with very minor contamination concerns.
  • Uses synthetic fragrance, although specifies that it is phthalate-free.
  • Affordable, widely available option.

Cost per ounce: $0.61

Sample Ingredients:  Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid

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Native Shampoo

Oway

  • Contains disodium laureth sulfosuccinate and cocamidopropyl betaine, both of which come with some contamination concerns.
  • Scented with only essential oils.

Cost per ounce: $3.25

Ingredients: WATER, SODIUM COCETH SULFATE (ND), COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE (ND), ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT (BD), ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT (O), ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT (FT) TILIA TOMENTOSA BUD EXTRACT(ND), CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) PEEL OIL (EO), ABIES ALBA LEAF OIL (EO), CORIANDRUM SATIVUM (CORIANDER) FRUIT OIL, PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL (EO), CITRUS SINENSIS PEEL OIL EXPRESSED (EO) CITRUS GRANDIS (GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA (CAMPHOR) BARK OIL (EO), CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) SEED OIL (EO), CITRUS RETICULATA PEEL OIL (EO), LITSEA CUBEBA FRUIT OIL (EO), ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL (EO), OCIMUM BASILICUM (BASIL) OIL (EO), CYMBOPOGON NARDUS (CITRONELLA) OIL (EO), PIMENTA OFFICINALIS (PIMENTO) LEAD OIL (EO), SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) OIL (EO), TAGETES MINUTA FLOWER OIL (EO), HYDROLYZED SWEET ALMOND PROTEIN (ND), COTTON SEED OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS (ND), DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE (ND), COCO-GLUCOSIDE (ND), GLYCERYL (ND), CREATINE(ND), MENTHOL (ND), SODIUM CHLORIDE(ND), CITRIC ACID(ND), TOCOPHEROL(ND), HYDROGENATED PALM GLYCERIDES CITRATE (ND), SORBIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, LIMONENE (ND), CITRAL (ND)

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Oway

Purezero

  • Everything checks out, but they only say fragrance is phthalate-free without any further details.
  • Uses cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • Affordable, widely available option.

Cost per ounce: $0.46

Sample Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide, Sodium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Coco-Betaine, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum).

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Purezero

Shea Moisture

  • These all contain organic ingredients, and not too many of them.
  • Affordable option.
  • Uses the safest surfactants, such as decyl glucoside.
  • Uses undisclosed synthetic fragrance, but specifies that they are phthalate-free.

Cost per ounce: $0.84

Sample Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycol Stearate, Fragrance, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Citric Acid, Stearamide AMP, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin (Vegetable), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Benzoic Acid

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Shea Moisture

Sienna Naturals

  • Uses cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • Uses only natural scent ingredients.

Cost per ounce: $2.80

Sample Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens, Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride.

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Sienna Naturals

Vegamour

  • Uses cocamidopropyl betaine, which comes with some contamination concerns.
  • Very expensive.
  • We have used and really liked the performance of this shampoo.
  • Uses undisclosed synthetic fragrance, but specifies that they are phthalate-free.

Cost per ounce: $6.00

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Fragrance/Parfum, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Chloride, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycerin, Biotin, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, sr-(Spider Polypeptide-1 Oligopeptide-178), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Ceramide NP, Sorbitan Oleate, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Citric Acid, Caffeine, Xanthan Gum, Alanine, Cetrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Linalyl Acetate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tromethamine, Hydrochloric Acid, Dipotassium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Serine, Valine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Proline, Phytosphingosine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-9, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-86, Nicotiana Benthamiana Octapeptide-30 sh-Oligopeptide-2.

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Vegamour

Bad Stuff

It’s interesting that the expensive brands that you might only in salons seem to be among the most toxic shampoos on the market.Bumble and Bumble, for instance, contains BHT, fragrance, and a bunch of PEG chemicals. Phyto andNexxus shampoos both contain synthetic fragrance, among other Bad Stuff.

Frederic Fekkai shampoos, depending on the specific formula you choose, may contain fragrance or PEG chemicals. One exception is theirApple Cider Vinegarformula, which looks to be Good Stuff!

The lower-end brands (Pantene, Garnier Fructis, Suave) all seem to contain things like fragrance, sodium laureth sulfate, PEG, artificial colors methylisothiazolinone, and methylchloroisothiazolinone.

Sneaky Stuff

Alterna  sounds, well, alternative, but considering it contains parabens, among other concerning ingredients, it should be avoided.

Aveeno seems like it’s trying to name its shampoos after menu items in a vegan restaurants. Blends include Apple Cider Vinegar, Fresh Greens, Blackberry Quinoa, and Oat Milk. Unfortunately, the actual ingredients in these shampoos are things like behentrimonium chloride (moderately concerning) and fragrance.

Babo Botanicals adult shampoos that are in the carton should be avoided. These ingredients were changed to make the shampoo thinner to pour easier from the carton, and Babo is vague about what they use in their shampoo, although they assured us they do not use phthalates. They probably belong in Okay Stuff in terms of the actual risk using these products present, but I don’t like the way they’ve gone about adding synthetic fragrance.

Desert Essence shampoos contain a handful of ingredients that EWG considers moderately concerning–including phenoxyethanol and cocamidopropyl betaine.

Giovvani‘s line of haircare always looks weird to me in Whole Foods–its packaging is much more cheesy salon brand than natural brand, but the ingredients aren’t terrible. Still, none of it is organic, and it uses some synthetic fragrances.

Lush shampoos are marketed to look natural, with the product page highlighting that they contain salt, lemon, and seaweed. Unfortunately, they also contain synthetic fragrance and sodium laureth sulfate. Other products from this super sneaky brand include parabens, even!

Prose is a brand that I really wanted to call Good Stuff! Unfortunately, depending on your personalized formula, Prose shampoos can contain behentrimonium chloride (which is moderately concerning) or PEG ingredients (which are more concerning). The problem is that you can’t see the actual ingredients that will be in your formula until you order.

Roz shampoos contain synthetic fragrance and doesn’t even specify that it’s phthalate-free.

Stay sane,
Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

Tags:Bath & Body Guides

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249 comments

Michele P Pescatore

For several years I have had issues with eczema at the back of my head. I have tried many kinds of shampoos and conditioners, some with “good stuff” and some with “bad stuff”. Some of the natural shampoos or conditioners help my scalp somewhat but dry my hair. I am in my sixties so I try not to wash my hair more than twice a week and have been told that my hair is healthy, just need some help with my scalp. Diet does make a difference but I still would like to find a gentle shampoo and conditioner to help. Can you make any suggestions? Thank you.

Kim

I found this. Looks good. What do you think?

https://modernmammals.com/

Patricia Hopkins

Do you have a list of sent free shampoo and conditioners. I can’t find one I like.

Maggie

I have been a fan of Acure as well, but the shampoos mist have been reformulated?? Many have cocamidopropyl betaine and my favorite (coconut & marula) now lists “fragrance (parfum)”. :-(

Tiffany

I like using Argan Oil shampoo from Maple Holistics.

Neha Verma

Hi Maia,
Thanks for sharing ..I was wondering if you have heard of WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and the hair conditioner that goes with it. Would love to have your opinion on it. Thanks

Eryka

I just got my haircut today and of course, my hairstylist tried to sell me the salon products.
I love your safe product guides so I came to find a product I’d feel comfortable with. Shea moisture is readily available so I thought I’d look at their website. So many reviews in the last month saying they changed their formula ? can you take a look at it?

Doctor Petra Jameson

Really love this article! If you ask me organic products are the way to go!

Cheryl

I just bought Avalon Organics after a devastating diagnosis with allergies including Cocoamidapropyl Betaine. I think they’re ok as they were the only one I could find that actually lathers. It still leaves my hair feeling really strange and dry in a way that no deep conditioner seems to be able to get through. HELP!

Laura M

What a great read – I don’t know how you make time to respond to so many questions and comments. Just wanted to say that, based on what I read in the article as well as the comments thread, I just ordered a buuuuunch of ACURE products. Looking forward to trying them. I’ve used Monat for the last two years and it did regrow some of the hair I lost after having my third baby. However, I’m noticing that it’s breaking off like crazy. It’s become dry and fragile. Never a problem I’ve had before. It’s super expensive and I’m bummed to throw out the collection of products I’ve built up, but I really don’t feel good about using the stuff any more! Again, thanks for your research and recommendations.

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