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
Julie
I found it on ewg with a 9, stay away.
georgia malesis
Thank you Regina!
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
Hi Linda,
As you know it is made in New Zealand so it is a little more difficult to get and our distributor has been out of it. I spoke with them today and they are ordering soon from New Zealand. We should have it soon. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and when it’s back in stock Maia will announce it there.
Linda Zuno
Hello Maia, may you please advise if you will have the Living Nature balancing shampoo back in stock?
Thank you-Linda
Lindsey
Monat is awesome! I actually signed up to be a distributor right after I tried it the first time. I will say I did experience detox after a week or so – as my scalp was getting rid of all the junk built up. After that, I still can’t believe how much my hair has grown or how soft it is now. And not frizzy! That was the real issue. It really is an amazing line. But I will caution you that you need to speak with someone who can customize it for you. It’s not one-size fits all. You’ll get a system custom to your needs that will address you hair goals. All of the products promote growth.
Mary
I have used LOMA haircare products off and on for the last three years after being introduced to them by my longtime hair stylist—ten years. I have also used Inner Sense hair products prior to LOMA and still supplement with Inner Sense Leave-In Conditioner largely because Inner Sense does not contain any silicones, although the Inner Sense Shampoos are too irritating for my scalp and the LOMA Nourishing Shampoo is hands down the mildest and least irritating to my scalp of any shampoo I have used in the last 15 years. LOMA also makes a DEEP CONDITIONER which is silicone free and can be used as a cleanser on extremely dry scalp/hair. I know LOMA has a few questionable preservatives along with the silicone in the shampoos but the pure essential oils are very mild and effective and anti-inflammatory to sensitive scalps. The whole line is color safe too. Worth a try and probably one of the absolute best of the salon brands out there. A very ethical company as well. :)
Catherine
The label in this link also says it contains sodium benzoate?
Catherine
Hi Maia, I’m reading the label on the back of John Masters, and it clearly states it contains sodium benzoate, so I’m surprised it’s not been mentioned, since you did mention it for Beautycounter’s shampoo? Please can you advise? Thanks
Krys
What about Herbaliz? I am looking for a good side product for dandruff.
Gabrielle
Same question! They claim natural but also tons of reports of people experience shedding from it!