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
Alana
Hello! I am a big fan of natural things, and enjoying the wealth of resources I’ve just discovered on your site! I was wondering if you had any thoughts on either the 100% Pure brand of shampoos and conditioners or using castile soap as a shampoo– I have tried the latter with an apple cider vinegar rinse, and my hair has unfortunately come out VERY greasy after using it a few times (and I am prone to greasy hair already). I’d be glad to hear your thoughts on either of these!
CT
Shea Moisture is now the Bad Stuff so sad!
I am on this post today because I was a religious user of shea moisture and some of their products (not all, but the new I solely used) had no chemicals nor preservatives. Frankly I’m allergic to something and never bothered to get tested. I had a very bad shower recently and alas their ingredients are forever changed they came for the last of the line that they’d spared. :(
sara
I’m disappointed you don’t have a shampoo bar listed :(
Paul Guerrero
Hi! What is your opinion on Hairprint Shampoo?.
Thank you!
Reema
What about curlie ellie? Is it considered good stuff?
Kimberly
I went to an organic salon today and they use O Way products from Italy. Has anyone tried these products, or do you know if they are considered safe? After a month of using Beauty Counter my hair was looking worse than ever. Today my hair actually seems healthier. I took home samples so that I can try them out on my own.
Kimberly
Im curious of what your opinion is on Monat. A lot of friends seem to really like it.
Steph
Hello,
I have been a no sulfate/paraben advocate for years. For the past year, I started weeding out other harsh chemicals as well. I have lots of fine hair, that tends to be oily on the roots, dry on the ends. I used to think it was impossible to find the right kind of products. What I now realize is that I just needed to retrain myself. Forget about what I grew up learning. Thank you for your list. I’ve been using John Masters, so it’s nice to see this on your list.
Have you looked at Plaine Shampoo/Conditioner? I believe that is what they are called. I would love to know your thoughts on them?
Kristin
What about the Not your Mothers hair care line? Specifically the shampoo and conditioners.
Hailey
Hi I’m from Canada and there are two Canadian brands I’m curious about.
Attitude shampoos and conditioners, and Rocky Mountain Soap Co.
Any information you can pass along would be great! :) Thanks!