12 Non Toxic Shampoo To Keep Your Hair Healthy
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Switching beauty products can seem daunting, especially if you've been loyal to one for years. However, transitioning to non toxic shampoo and conditioner offers multiple benefits for your hair and the environment.
Traditional shampoos often contain chemicals that can harm your hair and skin, potentially causing dryness, irritation, and even hair loss. On the other hand, natural shampoos nourish the hair, enhancing its softness and shine. Initially, your hair might feel different since it retains its natural oils, but this change is a good sign.
We've got lots of great information at the bottom of this post on how we choose these brands and why making the switch is important!
Best All Natural Shampoo
What to look for in a nontoxic shampoo
Finding the right shampoo can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, right? We all have a ton of hair questions. How often should I be shampooing? Which one's best for my oily hair or dry scalp? And who does the whole rinse-and-repeat thing?
While we're all out here trying to get salon-level hair in our bathrooms (and maybe trying to work that TikTok-famous Dyson Airwrap), it's also cool to think about what's actually in those bottles. Non-toxic shampoos? Game-changers. Instead, they're ditching those sketchy chemicals and packing in good stuff like coconut oil and aloe vera.
So, you're not just getting great hair but also dodging all the irritations and dryness that regular ones can bring.
And here's the cherry: many of these non-toxic shampoos are eco-friendly. You're talking organic ingredients, no nasty pesticides, and even biodegradable packaging. So, it's a win-win for your hair and the planet.
🌿 Preferred Ingredients:
For a truly eco-friendly, non-toxic shampoo, ensure your product is packed with natural ingredients such as:
- Coconut Oil - Great for hydration and shine.
- Olive Oil - Nourishes the scalp and prevents dandruff.
- Hemp Oil - Strengthens hair and promotes growth.
- Kaolin Clay - Detoxifies the scalp, promoting hair health.
- Shea Butter - Provides deep moisture and softens hair.
- Essential Oils - Opt for these over artificial 'fragrance' for natural scent and additional benefits.
❌ Ingredients to Avoid:
To maintain clean beauty standards, it's essential to steer clear of potentially harmful ingredients:
- Phthalates - Possible endocrine disruptors.
- Fragrance - Can hide a multitude of chemicals.
- Sulfates - Strips hair of natural oils, leading to dryness.
- PEGs - Can be contaminated with harmful substances.
- Triclosan - Linked to antibiotic resistance and environmental harm.
- Butylate Hydroxytoluene (BHT) - A synthetic antioxidant with potential health concerns.
Top picks for non-toxic shampoo
1. Bubbles & Balms
For those seeking immediate solace and a hopeful skin future, Bubbles & Balms stands ready to assist.
Experiencing a skin flare-up? Bubbles & Balms provides various treatments to restore a compromised skin barrier, all vegan and gluten-free.
For those aiming to stave off flare-ups and skin irritations, the brand boasts an aromatic daily-care collection meticulously formulated for individuals with eczema and dry, sensitive skin. Their products promise to keep skin velvety, radiant, and infused with delightful scents throughout the year.
Furthermore, they offer an extensive range of products:
- Bar Soap: Face Soap, Body Soap, Shave Soap, and more.
- Bath Care: Bubble Truffles, Bath Salts, Bath Bombs, and more.
- Body Care: Skin Salves, Deodorant, Massage Salve, and more.
- Face Care: Night Cream, Face Soap, Lip Balms, and more.
- Bundles: Samplers, Pick 3 options, Multipacks, and more.
- Hair Care: Non-toxic Shampoo Bars, Conditioner Bars, Shave Soap, and more.
Shampoo Bars Offered by Bubbles and Balms:
Best for: Balanced/Combination Scalp & Roots
This zero-waste shampoo bar offers a delightful burst of orange and coconut aromas. It provides 60-90 refreshing washes enriched with antioxidants from herbal extracts.
It's pH-balanced, gentle, and safe for colored hair. The organic orange essential oil offers an uplifting aromatherapy experience, while the orange peel wax protects the scalp and roots. Enjoy the scents of coconut and orange without needing a plastic bottle.
Rosehip & Lavender Shampoo Bar
Best for: Dry/Flaky/Itchy Scalp & Dry Roots
Benefits: This zero-waste shampoo bar is designed for dry to balanced scalps and roots. It repairs the appearance and feel of hair with natural antioxidants and uses gentle, soap-free cleansers derived from coconuts.
The subtle aroma of essential oils is chosen explicitly for dry, sensitive scalps. It's an eco-friendly choice that eliminates the need for plastic packaging.
Tea Tree & Charcoal Shampoo Bar
Best for: Oily/Flaky/Itchy Scalp & Oily Roots
Benefits: This gentle shampoo bar is perfect for oily scalps and roots. It offers 60-90 plastic-free washes per bar. Activated charcoal aids in cleansing the scalp and roots of excess oils, while organic tea tree helps remove loose flakes and reduce itchiness from dandruff.
The blend of bergamot, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils provides a refreshing scent. The bar effectively cleanses the scalp and roots with lightweight lathers, free from harsh surfactants.
About Bubbles & Balms
Judith & Justin Sweeney, the devoted founders of Bubbles and Balms, have been on a mission since 2014 to provide solace to those with dry and sensitive skin through their therapeutic salves and fragrant daily-care products. Their commitment to this cause is deeply personal.
Their household grappled with various sensitivities, from eczema and fragrance allergies to chronic dry skin and mental health challenges. Among these, Judith's intense eczema flare-ups in 2014 were particularly distressing.
However, these challenges became a catalyst for innovation. Drawing from their experiences and the insights they gained in managing their skin issues, they introduced products tailored specifically for dry and sensitive skin.
Their dedication goes beyond just product creation. They emphasize safety and integrity at every production juncture:
- Rigorous testing and sourcing of certified cruelty-free ingredients from reliable suppliers.
- Formulations that are assessed for safety and efficacy by the Good Face Project.
- Adoption of award-winning manufacturing practices and hurdle technology preservation.
- A commitment to transparency, where every customer review is verified and shared.
At the heart of their brand lies a profound sense of kindness. Having personally felt the transformative power of service and compassion, they infuse these values into their business and family life.
Their gratitude for the positive shifts in their personal and professional journeys has led them to give back, investing 5% of their sales to support worthy causes.
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2.Shaeco
Dive into the world of Shaeco, where every shampoo bar champions the essence of sustainability and impeccable hair care. Think about it: using less water in production, with the assurance that when you glide that bar across your wet hair, it will lather up beautifully, thanks to the enriching touch of coconut extract.
But it's not just about the lather; it’s the after-feel, the delightful scent, the rejuvenated feel, and the easy-to-style mane. And the cherry on top? Your conscience can rest easy knowing you've made an eco-friendly choice with their commitment to plastic-free, reusable packaging. 🌿🥥🌊
Grab your eco-friendly cap, and prepare for some sudsy splendor as we dive into the fabulous world of Shaeco's shampoo bars and their friends.
One & Done Shampoo Bar: Hey there, lovers of luscious locks! Do you crave a shampoo that's a complete package? "One & Done" might just be your hair's dream date. Its intoxicating aroma and argan oil's magic touch ensures your hair feels loved from root to tip. Whether you've got curly tendrils, a straight cascade, or anything in-between, this bar has your back.
Reasons to Rave:
- Vegan and adores animals (cruelty-free!)
- Salt & sulphate who? Perfect for color-treated, chemically treated hair and even your extensions.
- A big fan of the Curly Girl method.
Silky Touch Shampoo Bar: Dealing with dry hair? Picture this: A tropical escape with a hint of coconut in the air and the promise of frizz-free, soft, and hydrated tresses. That's "Silky Touch" in a nutshell (or coconut shell?). This bar brings your hair back to life, leaving it beaming with health and sheen.
Reasons to Rave:
- Vegan-powered and not a fan of animal testing.
- Can't resist the intoxicating charm of coconut.
- The savior of dry hair everywhere!
Fresh & Free Shampoo Bar: Oily hair, meet your match! Dive into a refreshingly cool experience with "Fresh & Free." Infused with lemon extract, it's like a detox spa day for your hair. The mild verbena scent? Just the cherry on top!
Reasons to Rave:
- Vegan vibes only and cruelty-free.
- The environment gives it two green thumbs up.
- Fresh verbena to keep things zesty.
- Tailor-made for oily hair.
Bonus Mentions
Conditioner Bar Smooth & Ready: Because what's a shampoo without its partner-in-crime, right? The "Smooth & Ready" conditioner bar is here to steal the show, ensuring the softest, silkiest hair imaginable. Pair it with "One & Done," and you've got yourself a power couple!
One & Done Mini Shampoo Bar: On-the-go? Whether you're jet-setting or gym-hitting, this mini wonder ensures fabulous hair is always in tow. It's the perfect 'try-me' size if you're still playing the field with solid shampoos.
About Shaeco
Shaeco, founded by a group of environmentally conscious individuals, places the planet's well-being at the forefront of its ethos. They believe in the individual and collective responsibility for sustaining our world. Beyond innovating cosmetics and accessories, Shaeco embodies sustainability, producing all products locally in Portugal from sustainable raw materials and packing them in eco-friendly materials.
Concerned by the widespread damage caused by our lifestyle choices, the Shaeco team, who previously collaborated on other projects, committed to a sustainable lifestyle.
They sought to discover and share products that could reduce their ecological footprint, thereby contributing to the solution. One of their primary concerns was the plastic pollution in oceans from non-recyclable waste.
Shaeco emphasizes water conservation in its production processes and opts for vegetable-based inks for packaging to reduce environmental impact. The company shuns plastic packaging, using minimal paper instead. The paper used is 100% recycled, recyclable, and printed with vegetable-based inks, keeping with their sustainable practices.
In 2018, Shaeco introduced a significant innovation – the shampoo bar. This product drastically cuts down plastic usage at home and during travel.
Despite initial skepticism due to the low foam and difficulties in transportation and handling, Shaeco took on board user feedback, improved the product, and offered sustainable packaging that facilitated travel.
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3. Oneka
Oneka's approach to haircare champions earth-friendliness and natural nourishment. Their Unscented Shampoo Bar is designed with purity in mind – there's no added aroma, making it a versatile choice for family members of all ages. The bar boasts a rich concoction of botanical ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, to combat dullness, reduce frizz, and seal the cuticle.
Lavender flower and leaf extract work harmoniously to cleanse and soothe, while Lemon Balm offers antioxidant properties that balance and brighten. Red Raspberry leaf extract, rich in nutrients and minerals, is a standout ingredient promising to restore and repair.
They also offer the White Pine and Petitgrain Shampoo Bar, which shares a similar botanical focus. With a rejuvenating aroma, it cleanses, hydrates, and encapsulates the hair in a creamy texture, resulting in naturally soft and healthy strands.
The commitment to sustainability is evident in Oneka's ethos; these shampoo bars significantly reduce plastic usage, a nod to their environmentally conscious mission. And it doesn't stop at shampoos – Oneka's range extends to conditioner bars, amplifying the eco-friendly haircare routine.
Their Botanical Hair Treatment is another testament to Oneka's dedication to natural wellness. Created at their farm using organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar sourced from their family orchard, this treatment is a fusion of hand-picked certified organic plants. Lemon Balm, Lavender, and Red Raspberry Leaf form the core of this treatment.
While Red Raspberry Leaf brings nourishment, Lavender offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, ensuring the scalp remains calm and clean. Lemon Balm, rich in antioxidants, works diligently to balance and brighten, making Oneka's offerings a comprehensive and holistic approach to hair wellness.
About Oneka
Oneka is B-Corp certified and has a huge impact as a sustainable business. For example, they partner with Plastic Bank to minimize ocean plastic, so for every 500ml of product sold, 3 plastic bottles are removed from the coastlines. They also track their carbon emissions through a life cycle analysis and have partnered with Taking Root and Arbre-Évolution.
Oneka places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They act as stewards of water sources, ensuring the protection and preservation of the essential ecosystems that help purify and maintain water.
Central to their eco-initiatives is their organic farm, where they grow ingredients using permaculture principles. This approach emphasizes the cultivation of plants without chemicals and seeks to create systems that are inherently beneficial to the environment.
By maintaining such a farm, Oneka ensures they have a direct hand in producing sustainable ingredients and reducing the environmental footprint associated with sourcing.
Additionally, their commitment to permaculture means they focus on regenerating the land rather than exploiting it, resulting in a positive environmental impact. THEECOHUB15 for 15% off
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4. Innersense
Dive into the essence of nature's gift for hair with these two meticulously crafted formulations from their range!
Pure Harmony Hairbath offers a delicate cleansing experience, specially designed for fine to medium hair. It's not just about cleaning; it's about enhancing volume and vibrancy. The power-packed combination of quinoa, rice extracts, shea butter, and oils from coconut and avocado ensures hair isn't just washed but nourished and strengthened.
What sets it apart? A completely weightless formula, free from silicones, that balances hair to leave it full of life and bounce. It is recommended for those with fine to medium hair textures. What does it smell like? Imagine a refreshing blend of orange and tangerine.
Key Ingredients:
- Coconut and Rice Bran: Derived from nature's best - coconut, rice bran, and avocado. This trio ensures a gentle cleanse while softening the hair.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil nourishes and uplifts the senses, releasing tension and improving circulation.
- Green Tea: A wonder ingredient packed with antioxidants. It's known for its healing prowess and anti-aging benefits.
Innersense's Color Awakening Hairbath is a meticulously formulated shampoo to breathe life into color-treated hair. Ensuring 100% safety for colored hair, this gentle cleanser has been infused with natural ingredients like coconut and pumpkin seed oils, shea butter, and other botanicals.
These elements amplify and safeguard the vibrancy of hair color and cleanse the hair deeply, leaving it looking luminous and healthy without any residue, dryness, or color fade.
At the heart of its formula lies a combination of Coconut and Rice Bran, which is ingeniously sourced from coconut, rice bran, and avocado oils. This trio offers a gentle, sulfate-free cleansing experience while simultaneously softening the hair.
Another key ingredient, Pumpkin Seed Oil, elevates the hairbath's sensory experience. Recognized for its harmonizing effects, this oil imparts an uplifting top note, fostering a therapeutic ambiance that alleviates tension and augments circulation.
Additionally, the inclusion of certified organic Shea Butter is noteworthy. Esteemed for its rich bio-active triterpene esters content, Shea Butter showcases many benefits.
From its pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties to its enhanced protection against UV-B rays, Shea Butter is a powerhouse emollient that ensures the hair is well-nurtured and shielded.
In essence, Innersense's Color Awakening Hairbath is not just a haircare product; it's an experience that indulges the senses while providing top-tier care for color-treated hair.
About Innersense
Founded by Greg and Joanne Starkman in 2005, Innersense came to life, addressing the need for truly clean and organic hair care.
Innersense Organic Beauty ardently champions the environment, ensuring their carbon footprint is neutralized through a collaboration with Climate Neutral.
Each transaction on their website stands as a testament to their commitment to a carbon-neutral ethos. To further minimize their environmental impact, they've partnered with rePurpose Global, ensuring their plastic usage doesn't add to the global waste.
Their commitment extends to using 100% recycled plastic for their white bottles. Additionally, 1% of their annual sales is dedicated to environmental initiatives in partnership with 1% for the Planet.
On the social front, as a Certified B Corp, they uphold the gold standard in socio-environmental responsibility. Their generosity shone in 2021 with donations exceeding $300,000 to numerous charitable entities.
Collaborations with organizations such as Feeding America, Williams Syndrome Association, and Lipstick Angel exemplify their dedication to societal well-being and their principle of placing people over profit.
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5. Graydon
Graydon carries the best toxic free shampoos, soaps, and overall body care. With a background in holistic wellness and as a vegan chef, Graydon makes sure the formula is based on plant-based, results-driven ingredients, including botanical retinol, collagen, peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, niacinamide, and gemstone crystals.
All of which are dermatologists and clinically tested, hypoallergenic, non-irritating, vegan, and cruelty-free.
A very popular non-toxic shampoo is the Matcha Mint Shampoo which soothes your scalp with gluten-free oat oil, and revitalizes your scalp and hair follicles with invigorating peppermint; other ingredients include jojoba easter and antioxidant-rich matcha green tea.
Just to note that the aroma of this product comes from natural aromatic fruit extracts and peppermint, not essential oils.
They also improved the sustainability of the packaging. The serums are housed in glass bottles, and refreshing face mist and luxurious body oil come in a 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottle. They also offer refill options to reduce our carbon footprint. Use code THEECOHUB15
About Graydon
They're big on sustainable packaging, using 50% Post Consumer Recycled Resin for some of their bottles, ensuring full recyclability. Their boxes are eco-friendly, made from sustainably sourced pulp, and manufactured locally to reduce carbon emissions.
As part of the "Last Mile Initiative," they tackle the challenge of hard-to-recycle components. As a founding Pact member, the brand offers drop-off locations and a Mail-Back Program for these items.
Their Moon Boost Serum showcases full transparency, backed by Provenance®, which verifies and highlights their genuine sustainability efforts. Ingredients? Fully transparent. The Good Face Project, a third-party organization, scrutinizes its ingredient list to guarantee safety and efficacy.
Ocean health is a priority. Through a partnership with the Ocean Legacy Foundation, a portion of the sales from their Fullmoon Serum goes toward combating ocean plastic pollution.
For the planet, with every order, a tree is planted via Ecologi in places like Madagascar and Nicaragua. This initiative aids the environment and boosts local employment.
Deliveries are carbon-neutral. Their online platform calculates and offsets the carbon emissions from shipping, working in sync with Shopify Planet.
Lastly, they utilize upcycled ingredients, turning potential waste into valuable product components.
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6. 100% Pure
We love 100% Pure's Kelp and Mint Volumizing Shampoo! This invigorating shampoo does more than cleanse; it boosts hydration and vitality for your locks. It skillfully combines kelp, known for its thickening and strengthening properties, with seaweed collagen to impart an enviable shine to your hair.
The French sea salt blend enhances your hair's natural texture. Moreover, aloe and rose hydrosol ensure your hair regains lost moisture, while saponified coconut oil offers a gentle cleanse. Specially formulated to be sulfate-free, it's also gentle on colored hair. So, if you're looking for volume, strength, and a luminous shine, this shampoo promises all that and more.
The Honey and Virgin Coconut Restorative Shampoo will indulge your hair with a dose of intense hydration and cleansing through this luxurious shampoo. Combining the deep moisturizing properties of honey with the nourishing goodness of virgin coconut, it promises hair that's not just clean but also stronger, healthier, and glossier.
The coconut-derived foam ensures a gentle cleanse, while the formula promotes a healthy scalp and enriched hair. Specially crafted to be sulfate-free, it takes care of colored hair just as well. A longtime user shares their journey with this shampoo, saying they've been loyal to it for about seven years.
Despite exploring other alternatives, this shampoo remains unmatched, leaving hair feeling immaculately clean, soft, and free from any residue. A testament to its quality and efficacy!
About 100% Pure
Recognized in the eco-conscious beauty sphere, 100% Pure stands out for all the right reasons. Their ingredient list boasts an impressive cruelty-free lineup that adheres to stringent purity guidelines, ensuring zero use of harmful substances.
Instead of synthetic dyes, they lean on nature's vibrant palette: hues derived from fruits, veggies, tea, and cacao.
Their environmental commitment is evident in their packaging choices - they use recycled plastic, glass, and tin. Plus, they offer a unique recycling initiative for their products.
Orders are dispatched in materials that can be either recycled or composted. And with every buy, they either offer a bowl of vegan dog food to a canine sanctuary in China or collaborate with Trees for the Future to plant a tree.
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7. Plaine Products
Let's talk about Plaine Products natural shampoo and conditioner! The luxurious shampoo, meticulously formulated with nature's finest, cleanses, restores, and enhances hair texture. Infused with vegan ingredients, it prominently features Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, a reservoir of 75 nutrients, ensuring thorough purification by eliminating residue and oil while preserving the hair's innate sheen.
Incorporating Chondrus Crispus Extract, a nourishing red seaweed, guarantees prolonged moisture and revitalization of damaged follicles. The blend is further enriched with Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, known for promoting hair growth and acting as a natural conditioner.
To cap it off, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is added to bolster hair strength and shine. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose from three scents.
Citrus Lavender, ideal for hydration and fortifying hair; Rosemary Mint Vanilla, crafted for those aiming for a thorough cleanse and balanced scalp pH; and Unscented, tailored for those with sensitive skin or a preference for a fragrance-free experience.
The rejuvenating conditioner is a panacea for lifeless hair. Expertly blended with the finest vegan components, it hydrates and imparts a luminous sheen and smoothness without adding unnecessary weight to your locks.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is a standout ingredient that boasts an impressive spectrum of vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E. Each of these vitamins plays a critical role in maintaining hair health and coupled with aloe's innate moisturizing prowess, the scalp and hair remain nourished and revitalized.
Taking hydration to another level is Butyrospermum Parkii, commonly known as Shea Butter, laden with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, especially vitamins A and E. It functions as a natural fortifier, softening hair strands while locking in moisture.
Complementing it is Mangifera Indica, or Mango Seed Butter, acclaimed for its ability to retain moisture, curtail breakage, and fortify hair follicles. Rounding off this stellar lineup is Camellia Sinensis, the Green Tea Leaf Extract, which not only lends an added shine but also addresses concerns like an oily scalp, ensuring nutrient delivery and promoting hair growth.
About Plaine
Founded by sisters Lindsey and Alison, Plain Products is a testament to their commitment to safety and sustainability. Meticulously, every ingredient is cross-referenced with the Environmental Working Group's database, ensuring its non-toxicity and safety.
Their offering spans clean skincare, holistic hair care, essential travel items, and eco-conscious gift solutions. With a range of nontoxic shampoos, customers can choose from unscented, invigorating rosemary mint vanilla, or refreshing citrus lavender. Eschewing harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and palm oil, they champion the use of essential oils over synthetic fragrances—a delightful and healthy twist!
Plain Products is particularly favored by those with sensitive skin or a preference for unscented products. Their dedication to the environment is evident: from promoting aluminum bottles as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic to collaborating with like-minded non-profit partners.
With 100% recycled packaging and strategic proximity to their headquarters, Plain Products not only reduces waste but also minimizes their shipping footprint, reinforcing their ethos of a greener, safer world.
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8. BKIND
Bkind's Grapefruit and Eucalyptus Shampoo Bar is the perfect solution for those with normal to oily hair. This eco-friendly shampoo bar offers a deep cleansing experience by effectively removing build-up and invigorating the senses with a refreshing blend of grapefruit and eucalyptus. Its formulation is enriched with powerhouse ingredients, each chosen for specific benefits.
The inclusion of Ginkgo Biloba is notable for its properties that nourish hair follicles, aiding in hair growth and reducing hair loss. Panthenol, another key ingredient, boosts scalp health by retaining moisture, adding an unmistakable sheen and softness to the hair. Combing becomes a breeze as it envelops each hair strand with a protective layer, minimizing hair breakage.
For those seeking softness and volume, the shampoo bar doesn't disappoint, thanks to the cacao seed butter, which also combats dandruff by nourishing the scalp. Oat protein gives hair a protective shine, guarding it against potential damage while adding volume.
A noteworthy mention is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, a plant-based ingredient often mistaken for the harsher Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It ensures a thorough cleanse, ridding the hair and scalp of dirt and oil without stripping away essential moisture.
Free from sulfates and silicones, this shampoo bar promises a gentle yet effective cleanse, keeping the hair's health and the environment in mind.
About BKIND
BKIND is a Montreal-based sustainable brand that offers natural products that are very effective and soft on your hair and body. Various hair, body, and skincare, and they also offer cruelty-free nail polishes for different seasons.
Products are shipped internationally so they use resistant jars and 100% recyclable plastic, and when it’s possible, paper or cardboard.
They have OceanBound plastic packaging where some of the tubes are made with plastic found on ocean banks, turning cleaner oceans into durable and recyclable packaging. BKIND is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free certified.
They believe in giving back therefore 2% of sales are donated to a different shelter or organization helping animals. In 2021, they gave back 2% of online and in-store sales to SOS Miss Dolittle, a shelter for wildlife located in Quebec. USE CODE THEECOHUB for 15% off
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9. Ethique
Ethique offers a revolutionary approach to haircare with its range of shampoo bars - solid alternatives to traditional liquid shampoos. Tailored to cater to diverse hair needs, their lineup includes bars suitable for all hair types, ranging from dry and oily to dandruff-prone hair.
Their standout collection, designed especially for curly hair, is formulated with a unique blend of oils to hydrate and nourish waves, curls, and coils deeply. For those who need help deciding which shampoo bar to opt for, Ethique provides a comprehensive guide to assist in the selection process.
The Healy Kiwi™ Calming Solid Shampoo Bar is among their top sellers, crafted explicitly for sensitive scalps. This bar boasts a potent fusion of neem and karanja oils, celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine for their remedial properties. Paired with the soothing attributes of oatmeal, Healy Kiwi is a powerhouse in alleviating scalp irritations.
Including fairly traded cocoa butter and coconut oil ensures hair remains nourished, leaving it soft and radiant.
Contrary to its name, Healy Kiwi does not feature kiwifruit as an ingredient. Instead, the name is a nod to Ethique's roots in Aotearoa, New Zealand, symbolizing their Kiwi heritage.
With its delightful neem, karanja, and lime scent, the bar guarantees a rich lather without waxy residue, offering at least 80 uses per bar.
About Ethique
This is one of our favorite eco-beauty brands because of their story. Brianne started mixing formulas up in her kitchen in New Zealand when plastic-free wasn't much of huge concern as it is for many today. Non toxic shampoo bars and soaps were not a ‘thing’ and they definitely weren’t available from your local supermarket - or even Amazon.
Ethique is fully plastic-free and is empowering consumers to #giveupthebottle, but we’re just as passionate about what they’re replacing it with and what goes into each beauty bar. We must say the packaging is probably what makes them very unique.
They are B-Corp certified and strong believers in the honest, fair trade of ingredients and in particular, direct trade partnerships with producers, wherever possible.
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Best non-toxic shampoo for curly hair
10. Holy Curls
One of the best all-natural hair care for curly hair is based in London.
Holy Curls presents a groundbreaking, non-toxic shampoo explicitly tailored for curly hair, capturing the essence of nature's most nurturing ingredients. At its core, the shampoo boasts the renowned Baobab Oil, often hailed as the "Tree of Life."
Extracted from the seeds of the fruit, this oil is a treasure trove of nutrients, encompassing a rich blend of omega fatty acids - 3, 6, and 9, accompanied by a spectrum of rare fatty acids and vitamins. This ensures rapid absorption, leaving hair conditioned, deeply moisturized, and luxuriously soft.
The formula is further enriched with the Amazonian marvel, Cupuaçu Butter, a potent Cocoa butter relative. This superfruit is nature's answer to powerful moisturization, seamlessly locking in essential moisture and bestowing a radiant shine upon the hair.
Coconut oil, a time-honored ingredient, brings its emollient prowess. Derived from matured coconuts, it ensures the hair remains lustrously soft and shiny and benefits the scalp.
Aloe Vera leaf gel complements this ensemble, endorsing shine and hydration and actively combatting hair loss and dandruff.
But what sets this shampoo apart is its accolade as the 'Best Shampoo of 2020' by the Women's Health Beauty Awards.
Its vegan composition is just the tip of the iceberg. The shampoo is characterized by a refreshing yet subtle scent, evoking feelings of cleanliness. Its texture is perfect – lathering generously and caressing the scalp with every wash.
Curly-haired users will find this shampoo particularly beneficial as it accentuates curls' natural form and bounce, ensuring they remain pristine.
Furthermore, including Yucca Extract is a nod to holistic hair care. Derived from the Mohave Yucca Plant, this emollient is laden with natural saponins, acting as an organic cleanser. It offers a soothing touch to the scalp, with many attributing it to curing dandruff and promoting hair growth.
Lastly, the symphony of essential oils, featuring Sweet Orange, Davana, Lime, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin Orange, and Ginger, elevates the sensory experience, making every wash an aromatic delight. Holy Curls, with its expertly curated ingredients, offers not just shampoo but a holistic hair care experience.
About Holy Curls
Holy Curls is more than a brand; it's a movement celebrating diversity and authenticity. Rooted deeply in nature, they prioritize natural or naturally derived ingredients, removing harmful chemicals and animal testing. Their dedication is to the curly community, ensuring that each product complements curly textures.
Transparency and genuineness are paramount to Holy Curls. They believe in celebrating the good and the challenging, emphasizing that beauty is an inside-out journey—their philosophy champions mental well-being, self-reflection, and the strength of community. Valuing rebellious spirits and curiosity, they draw power from unity and shared stories.
At its core, Holy Curls aims to debunk myths surrounding curly hair, showcasing its resilience and style. Born from the personal journey of its founder, a woman who navigated her sense of identity in Sweden, the brand stands as a testament to self-acceptance and the power of community. Holy Curls reminds us that we're all unique, and that's our strength.
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11. Corvus Botanicals
Corvus's ETHEREAL Shampoo Bars are a testament to sustainable, high-quality hair care. Crafted with gentle surfactants, these bars ensure a residue-free, non-oily hair cleansing experience akin to salon-quality treatments. Yet, their real charm lies in their eco-conscious design.
These bars are ocean-safe and biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact.
Infused with natural botanicals like Chamomile, Marshmallow Root, and Colloidal Oatmeal, the bars are enriched with nourishing oils and butters.
Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter are key ingredients, ensuring optimal moisture retention for the hair. Furthermore, with a commitment to catering to all, the bars are unscented, making them a perfect choice for those with sensitive noses.
A notable highlight is their longevity. A single Corvus shampoo bar promises unparalleled durability, lasting as long as two 16 oz bottles or approximately 80 washes, and potentially even more for many users. This makes them not only an environmentally responsible choice but also a cost-effective one.
About Corvus
Founder, Stacia Thompson-Wrench has a background in Environmental Biology and made Corvus Botanicals sustainably and ethically. Corvus Botanical is Canadian-based and offers all-natural skincare, non-toxic shampoo bars and soaps, lip tints, candles, and more.
Using local, and sustainable beeswax in most products. All vegan products include non-toxic shampoo bars, soaps except oatmeal and honey, bath salts, face and body/hair oils, and deodorant creams. Shampoo and conditioner bar bundles made with mostly shea butter and coconut butter seem quite popular.
They don’t include palm oil in their products; ingredients are also evaluated for their fair-trade practices, local community focus, and relevant certifications. They prioritize fair trade and consider their carbon footprint and life cycle.
Corvus Botanical’s packaging is 100% compostable at home and commercially. All glass containers with metal lids can be reused, re-purposed, or recycled. Including their paper packaging, which is FSC certified and can be either composted or recycled.
What we love 💚
Best organic baby shampoo
12. Carina Organics
Carina Organics presents its ultra-gentle baby shampoo & body wash, designed with the delicate nature of a baby's skin in mind. Formulated with certified organic ingredients sourced from plants, vegetables, flowers, and trees, this shampoo ensures a pure and natural cleansing experience.
Notably, it is infused with the essence of organic sweet pea, lending a gentle fragrance that is pleasing yet not overpowering.
One of the standout features of Carina Organics baby shampoo is its reduced lathering capability, ensuring it rinses off easily. This means parents won't have to worry about any irritating residues, making the shampoo apt even for the tender scalp of a newborn.
The product comes in a standard 250 ml (8 fl. oz.) bottle. Still, for eco-conscious people looking for value purchases, Carina Organics offers more extensive refill options in 1-liter and 4-liter sizes.
Furthermore, catering to varied preferences, this baby shampoo & body wash is available in both scented and unscented versions, ensuring every parent can choose what's best for their little one.
About Carina Organics
Carina Organics strives to offer the purest body products, prioritizing 100% natural ingredients and shunning harmful chemicals such as cortisone, steroids, DEA, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. With growing awareness of the dangers of synthetic substances in many beauty products, Carina Organics is deeply committed to safer, organic alternatives.
Since its foundation in 1972, Carina Organics has consistently chosen natural and organic ingredients. Their shampoos, enriched with organic palm kernel and coconut extracts, cleanse effectively and produce a rich, creamy lather courtesy of the natural botanicals incorporated.
The brand's skin creams and conditioners boast organic essences like avocado, olive, and sunflower, ensuring natural hydration.
Carina Organics takes immense pride in sourcing the finest ingredients, often hand-picking them from the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Every product from their range is handcrafted in Vancouver, British Columbia, symbolic of their unwavering dedication to holistic well-being.
What we love 💚
Why consider using a non-toxic shampoo?
Shampoos contain an excess amount of toxic ingredients with the long, complicated names you see on every beauty product label. They can be toxic due to their mere presence, while others may pose a risk due to continued or regular use. The toxic ingredients can lead to a number of harmful effects such as dry and damaged hair, hair loss, skin and eye irritation, itchy scalp, allergies, and respiratory problems.
It can be difficult to say goodbye to your favorite brand of hair care products but it's important to choose a shampoo made with ingredients to promote healthy hair. Some ingredients you might want to look out for:
- Synthetic fragrances — multiple ingredients are used for fragrances and can include toxic chemicals like phthalates and polysorbate 20.
- Parabens are a family of related chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products. According to the Environmental Working Group, the most commonly used six types are methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl- and isobutylparaben. The so-called shorter-chain parabens, methyl- and ethyl-, are commonly used in combination, whereas butylparaben is often used alone. The longer-chain parabens, propyl- and butyl-, are linked to stronger estrogenic activity (Blair 2000 and Vo 2010).
- Preservatives make products last longer like parabens, quaternium-15, bronopol, and triclosan. Some preservatives (like quaternium-15) release formaldehyde, which can be carcinogenic
- Polyethylene glycol — a thickening agent that’s potentially carcinogenic.
- Ethanolamines — diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). These are emulsifiers (foaming agents) and when combined with other chemicals they can form nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA) which is a carcinogen.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine — another common ingredient in shampoos, it can cause skin irritation, as well as allergies.
- Silicones like dimethicone or simethicone. They may make your hair look smooth and shiny but can also cause dryness or damage.
- Sodium chloride — a thickener that can become an irritant.
How we select non-toxic shampoo
We have developed easy clean beauty criteria which serve as a guide for picking out your toxic-free shampoo. Criteria include:
This refers to naturally derived ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, toxins, or synthetic additives. They are beneficial for both the skin and the environment. Natural ingredients tend to be biodegradable, meaning they won't harm aquatic ecosystems when washed down the drain.
Vegan:
Vegan skincare products don't contain any animal-derived ingredients. This means no animal fats, milk, honey, or other by-products. Choosing vegan products supports the reduction of animal exploitation in the cosmetics industry.
Cruelty-free:
Cruelty-free products are developed without any testing on animals. Brands that adopt this practice ensure that no animals are harmed or subjected to potentially harmful tests during the product's development or manufacturing process.
Palm oil production is a leading cause of deforestation, habitat destruction, and species endangerment. Many skincare products contain palm oil or its derivatives. Opting for palm oil-free products helps reduce demand and lessens the environmental impact.
Sustainable sourcing & Ethical manufacturing:
This is about how ingredients are sourced and how products are made. Sustainable sourcing ensures that ingredients are harvested without depleting natural resources, respecting indigenous rights, and not harming ecosystems. Ethical manufacturing, on the other hand, focuses on creating products under fair working conditions, ensuring worker rights, and adopting environmentally friendly production practices.
Eco-friendly packaging focuses on using recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials. Such packaging reduces the amount of waste in landfills and oceans. Brands might use glass instead of plastic or adopt refillable systems where customers can bring back containers to be refilled, thus reducing waste.
A final word on non-toxic shampoo
Have you made the switch to a toxic free shampoo yet? Have you found what local or online stores carry them? This list of non-toxic shampoos will make it easier for you to switch to a safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly hair care product. Please remember to do your research and ask questions until you find the perfect brand that works for you. What shampoo are you currently using?
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