This list includes shampoos for all hair types, as well as dry shampoo and plastic-free shampoo bars. You can choose the shampoo that is best for you!
We all have different hair. Straight, curly or wavy, wet, dry, coloured – it doesn’t matter. We all have different hair, so we use different shampoos.
It can be difficult to choose the best non-toxic shampoo for our family and ourselves. To simplify the process we have put our research hats and hair to the test to find the best clean shampoo brands.
This list can help you choose the best clean shampoo for your family, whether you’re looking for a liquid or dry shampoo.
Why you should switch to non-toxic shampoo
I know I know! It’s hard to switch shampoo! Here’s the thing. If you use shampoo frequently, whether that’s every day or just once a month, it adds up.
Traditional hair products are full of chemicals and can harm you and the environment.
Check the ingredients list before buying shampoo to see if it contains any of these toxic ingredients:
- Sulfates– Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates can contain 1,4 dioxane which is a possible carcinogen.
- Certain Preservatives – This includes parabens that are linked to breast carcinoma and hormone disruption as well as DMDM hydantoin which releases formaldehyde and is linked with hair loss and scalp burning, according to a Class Action Lawsuit. Some preservatives in shampoo are necessary, but there are safer alternatives.
- Artificial Fragrances– The term “fragrance” is used to describe thousands of chemicals, including hormone-disrupting substances such as phthalates and skin irritants.
- Petroleum Products – Ingredients that are derived from non-renewable sources are not eco-friendly.
- Benzene Benzene is a cancer-causing chemical found in aerosol-dry shampoos. If you are using one, you should check the list of dry shampoos that have been recalled.
If you’re interested, here is my complete list of shampoo ingredients that I recommend avoiding.
It’s good to know that many companies have perfected the art of making non-toxic, organic shampoos using safe ingredients. Clean shampoo brands use plant-based extracts and herbal extracts. They are scented with essential oil or pure plant extracts and do not contain harsh chemicals.
Because we have such a wide variety of needs and different shampoos, I’ve divided my recommendations into four sections.
- The best natural shampoos according to hair type, personal needs and preferences
- Best shampoo bars
- The best dry shampoo brands
- Best non-toxic Baby Shampoos
- Non-toxic shampoos from drugstores
- Reader’s recommendations
All the shampoos on this list are free from phthalates, synthetic fragrances and other harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for shampoos that don’t contain DMDM-hydantoin I have you covered. I want to find you the safest possible shampoo!
Best Chemical-Free Shampoo Brands
My hair is thick, wavy and dry. I also colour it. So I look for clean shampoos that will help me maintain my color and manage my crazy locks.
Take note, as you read the suggestions below, of the different formulas that each company offers under the brand listings. I want to help you choose the best natural shampoo that suits your needs.
Check out their conditioners and other products too!
1. PUREnature
- The Moroccan oil shampoo and conditioning set gives your hair silky smoothness and prevents damage. Pure Nature Lux Spa’s argan oil is the best argan oil for hair care.
- The Moroccan Argan Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner keeps hair hydrated. Better yet, Pure Nature Lux Spa’s Argan Oil Conditioner and Shampoo contains no parabens or is tested on animals.
- This hydrating conditioner and shampoo for straight, wavy and curly hair will leave your hair looking silky and smooth.
- Pure Nature Lux Spa is the only salon-grade shampoo and conditioning set that you can trust. Our Moroccan argan oils shampoo and conditioner are salon-grade excellence and developed by hair care professionals.
- Our shampoo and conditioner for damaged dry hair work by creating a protective layer around each strand. The argan oil penetrates on a cell level, providing hydration and repairs from the inside.
2. Hawthorne Thickening Men’s Shampoo and Conditioner
- What it is: A volumizing and strengthening shampoo for fine hair. It also contains a conditioner that repairs and rebuilds damaged hair. Vitamin B5 stimulates hair growth and rice protein strengthens hair without weighing hair down.
- This refreshing formula with mint and eucalyptus will repair and restore damaged or thin hair.
- WHO IT IS FOR: Men who want thicker hair and those with damaged or thinning hair.
- How to use: Use a walnut-sized amount of the product and lather it in your hands. Use your fingertips to massage the product into your scalp and hair while it is still wet. After rinsing, pat your hair dry and use a towel to finish drying.
- Sulfate Free. Paraben-Free. Silicone-Free. Phthalate-Free. Cruelty-Free. Vegan.
3. Native Shampoo and Conditioner
- Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner Set – This kit strengthens your hair and protects it from damage. It also replenishes the hair with moisture, reducing breakage. Enjoy healthier, longer hair that is less damaged, frizzy and tangled.
- Native Shampoo and Conditioner Set contains simple and naturally derived ingredients. Just 10 ingredients are used to give your hair strength. These include coconut oil-derived cleansers and food-grade cleansing salts. Free of silicones, sulphated detergents, parabens, and dyes.
- Native Shampoo and Conditioner are vegan and cruelty-free. They do not contain any animal by-products or ingredients. Native shampoo and conditioner are never tested on animals. Only humans volunteer to test the set.
- All Hair Types: Gentle, compatible with all hair types from fine and damaged to coloured and treated. Rinse, lather and repeat to get full, happy hair. Hair care shouldn’t be complicated.
- Almond & Shea Butter – A rich and warm scent created by the combination of shea and almond butter. This set includes a 16.5-fl-oz shampoo and a 16.5-fl.oz conditioner.
4. Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening shampoo
- The gentle cleansing and nourishment of fine, thin hair helps to build volume
- Formulated with botanicals, essential oils and certified organic ingredients.
- No GMOs or harsh preservatives. No synthetic colours, fragrances or fragrances.
- Leaping Bunny Program: Always cruelty-free and never tested on animals
- One 32 oz. Avalon Organics Thickening Biotin Complex Shampoo
Non Toxic Shampoo for Babys
Baby shampoos should be used with caution as their bodies are not as capable of processing chemicals. These are the best baby shampoos, which use natural ingredients rather than toxic chemicals. Many of these can also be used as baby washes!
1. Tubby Todd
- Two gentle, easy-to-use products that have clean ingredients and are safe for all skin types.
- The Hair Duo Bundle has been dermatologist tested and is hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and free of gluten, dairy products, SLS/SLES or parabens.
- Use Hair and Body Wash to gently cleanse; hydrate and detangle using Conditioner
- Tubby Todd’s products are made from a blend of plant extracts and natural extracts; our formulas were created with sensitive skin as a priority.
- Includes 2 products: 25oz Lavender Rosemary Hair + Body Wash, 25oz Lavender Rosemary
2. ATTITUDE
- Clean ingredients and full transparency: EWG Verified
- High-performance 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo to cleanse delicate baby skin.
- Formulated with 97.9% natural derived ingredients, including blueberry leaf extraction with soothing and protective qualities for dry skin.
- Dermatologically examined
- PETA CERTIFIED: 100% vegan, cruelty-free
3. Pipette
- The Pipette Vanilla & Ylang Ylang Baby Body Wash and Shampoo is formulated using plant-derived ingredients. It cleanses gently your baby’s delicate hair and skin without drying out or causing irritation. It’s a must-have for your baby.
- Baby body wash and shampoo Pipette are essentials for newborns. Plant-derived glycerin is a natural ingredient that moisturizes a baby’s delicate skin. Our baby soap and shampoo will give you a safe, gentle clean all over.
- RESTART THE NATURAL ALIGNMENT: Hydrate with sugarcane-derived squalane, a moisturizing superhero. This natural hydrating component in our baby shampoo and wash helps restore the delicate skin of your baby.
- Our baby products and baby wash are always made with a sensitive baby wash. All babies can use this sensitive baby wash.
- Pipette’s skincare products were developed with the help of dermatologists and pediatricians, and they are tested rigorously to ensure that they are hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic fragrances. EWG Verified.
4. Babo Botanicals
- This gentle shampoo and wash is designed for children. With 23 plant-based components like nourishing shea & oat butter, this shampoo is great for everyday use. It leaves hair and skin extra soft.
- Specially developed for babies, without essential oils or fragrances. Comes in a plastic PCR bottle. Pediatrician Tested. EWG Verified. Cruelty-free & Vegan. From birth, suitable for babies.
