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.
248 comments
Maia James
Haha, I love the Eagle Eye! And yes! This guide is overdue for an update—we are putting John Masters and Evolvh as Good Stuff and then brands without CB will be moved to Best:)
gracie97
Hi! I notice the Evolvh shampoo contains cocamidopropyl betaine- isn’t this the ingredient that got John Masters kicked off the list? (This is me rationalizing my desire to keep buying John Masters, haha)
ProfD
Shea Moisture just reformulated Moisture Retention shampoo, calling it Deep Moisturizing and added phenoxyethanol.
5 years since you updated this list…fans would like a new one!
Malavika Kodur
Hi, do you have any recommendation for organic hair color?
Alex
I found the same issue with the John Masters shampoo.
Stephanie
I’m not sure if you are still responding to this post, I hope so! Do you know anything about Enjoy Holistic hair products?
ilyse betancourt
What do you think of the brand Innersense?
Marina
What are your thoughts on Herbal Essences Bio:Renew line? Some of their shampoos that are advertised as sulfate-free have an EWG verified rating, but I’m skeptical after looking at the list of ingredients.
Thanks!
Nicole
Hi, you list and describe cocamidopropyl betaine as a problematic ingredient (agreed!), but it’s listed as the second ingredient in the Acure shampoo you recommend. Perhaps they’ve recently changed the ingredient list?
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.
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)â€. :-(
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.
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!
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
I spoke to them and it’s a blend of essential oils not fragrance.
Justina
Just bought the Acure shampoo thinking it was still the old formula that I loved. They added fragrance to it that I dont believe was an ingredient before and it makes my head itch! ?
Christina Martinez
I got a one inch thick list of products that i can use from my dermatologist. They put in a database latex and formaldehyde and it sorted out the products. I would try that. It’s really a struggle because no one has heard of this allergy and even fewer realize that it’s in EVERYTHING
Rachel
I used New Wash and loved it – effective in hard water, no itchy scalp, one and done, etc. The only caveat I have for that product is that if you have fine, low porosity hair then build-up is likely to be an issue (as it was for me) due to the use of Behentrimonium Methosulfate – which is a cationic conditioning agent (i.e. a quaternay ammonium salt, a “quat†basically… cationic surfactants are conditioning agents that bond to hair, due to their positive charge).
Cationic surfactants are exceedingly difficult to remove, and standard sulfate shampoos (SLS, etc.) won’t do it… only C12-14/14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate will remove them effectively (e.g. Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo and a few other brands)… while these aren’t sulfates, they can be every bit as harsh and irritating, especially for sensitive scalps.
Those with thick, coarse, dry, high porosity (often wavy/curly) hair tend to love and do well with cationic surfactants – as they excel at anti-static and frizz control – which is why these ingredients and their variations are now so prevalent in nearly everything.
Cationic surfactants and quats give me instant buildup, and quats in particular cause hairline/scalp breakouts for me. I’ve had to become a diligent label reader and ingredients sleuth in order to find products that meet my standards for safety and efficacy without the inclusions of these ingredients.
I loved everything else about New Wash so much that I’ve been sorely tempted to try the new “Deep†formula – designed to be more cleansing and less conditioning for finer, oilier hair types… but alas: while it has moved significantly further down the ingredients list, the product still had BHMS in it, and will thus result in near-instant build up for me.
So… just something to be aware of… if build up is not generally an issue for you, you might love it!
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
Not familiar with that brand; we will add it to our list of future updated guides. Here is what we do recommend https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/category/body/hair/
Debbie
I was wondering about your opinion about the Monat hair products….good stuff, sneaky, or bad. Please advise.
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
The fragrance in the shampoo is a blend of essential oils, and we are ok with surfactants they use.
Korz
Hi – I just bought some Acure coconut Shamppo and it has some concerning ingredients, most significantly “fragrance.” It also has a number of the marginal alternatives to leading surfacants. I wonder if this product endorsement needs to be reassessed?
Korz
Squire, is that you??
Mel
John Masters – is it safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to use?
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!