The Best Non-Toxic, Natural Shampoos without Harsh Chemicals
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In today’s world, we are becoming increasingly aware of what we are putting in and on our bodies. Many people are switching over to non-toxic products including natural shampoo. Mainstream, conventional shampoos can contain many harmful ingredients that can lead to negative health effects. To name a few, some of these harmful ingredients include parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates, PEGs, dimethicone, alcohol, and toluene. Potential health issues from these ingredients include cancer, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicities, allergies, skin issues, problems with the immune system, and hormonal issues. In addition to all these health issues, some shampoos are also harmful to the environment. Shampoos that use cleaner ingredients are more biodegradable and safer for our planet.
How To Switch To A Clean Shampoo
When switching to a clean shampoo, it takes anywhere from 2-8 weeks for your hair to adjust. During this detox phase, some people may experience increased oiliness or weighted-down hair. Also, because your hair most likely has a build-up of silicone-based products, you may notice that your natural shampoo doesn’t lather as well. In addition, soap-based natural shampoos tend to have a high pH. It’s important to balance this pH so your hair is strong and to avoid frizzy hair. Some conditioners are more acidic and may balance your pH, but if you aren’t getting good results with your conditioner, you can do a vinegar rinse. See below for details. Here are some tips to help make the transition smoother:
- Cut out all synthetic/silicone-based styling products.
- Wash your hair twice with every wash to get a better lather (especially during the detox phase).
- Don’t wash your hair every day.
- If your hair is oily in between washes, use a clean dry shampoo.
- If you are experiencing frizzy hair, dilute apple cider vinegar with a dilution ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water and use this in place of conditioner. This will help balance the pH of your hair. (Some people suggest even doing 50/50 vinegar to water).
- If you experience flakiness on your scalp, it could be due to hard water. Skip the shampoo for one wash and wash your hair with baking soda. Follow the baking soda with the diluted vinegar rinse. When you shampoo your hair from then on, you may want to add a little baking soda to your shampoo to prevent soap scum in your hair (or you can keep reading for another alternative below).
- Keep going! You can get through the detox phase.
For some people, the transition is quicker than you think. However, if you are having issues with soap scum in your hair and don’t want to use baking soda, I recommend using this bubble bath as a shampoo.
Is this where you stop reading my blog on natural shampoos? I hope not! I know it sounds crazy, but if you look at the ingredients, they add up. Decyl glucoside is the main ingredient in this bubble bath. Decyl glucoside is a wonderful clean surfactant that is usually used in baby shampoos and body washes because it is gentle and safe. The good thing about this bubble bath is that there won’t be any soap scum, because it’s not a natural soap. What I also love is that Bubble and Bee added fruit-based citric acid to help balance the pH. Look at the reviews of this bubble bath and you’ll see that not only are individuals using it as shampoo, but they are happy with the results.
How To Know If Your Shampoo Is Natural
The only way to really be sure that you have a natural shampoo is to look at the ingredients. However, a helpful tool to find cleaner products is the Environmental Working Group (EWG). This organization specializes in product research and provides a rating system ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the purest and 10 indicating the most toxic products. For the utmost assurance of safety and peace of mind, you can even opt for products that are EWG-verified. EWG-verified items are supposed to be the safest products.
While I use the EWG as a guide at times, I also go through all the ingredients to make sure the product is clean. No tool is perfect (including all these clean product apps!) so I do not use them blindly. I look through the ingredients as well. You’ll notice that many of the shampoos below don’t have EWG ratings. That’s because I happened to find very clean ones just by searching. All are clean and safe. Looking at ingredients is key.
I hope you find a great clean living shampoo that works well for you. By making this switch, you can protect your hair and scalp from harmful chemicals, reduce the risk of allergic reactions, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable planet. So, the next time you’re shopping for shampoo, consider opting for a non-toxic clean formula and enjoy the many benefits it offers.
1. Christina Moss Naturals Original Shampoo, Clarifying
EWG Rating: No rating, but I checked all the ingredients and it’s super clean!
This non-toxic shampoo is made with certified organic ingredients. It contains no SLS, SLES, parabens, PG or derivatives, sulfates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, anesthetizing agents, or silicone. This is a small family-owned business that makes their products in the USA. This clean shampoo uses plant extracts, essential oils, organic coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and rosemary extract for smoother and shinier hair without stripping, drying out, or leaving build-up in your hair. This natural shampoo is for all hair types whether dry, oily, or normal/natural, processed, or color-treated.
2. Natural Shampoo by Herbal Choice Mari
EWG Rating: No rating, but I checked all the ingredients and it looks good!
This is from the Nature’s Brands website:
- 100% pure and natural
- Certified USDA Made with Organic
- No petroleum-based ingredients
- Cruelty-free, vegan and vegetarian
- Free from SLS and Ammonium LS
- Free from synthetic chemicals or dyes
- Free from PEG, ceteareth and polyethylene
- Free from gluten, dairy, soy, corn, preservatives
- Free from Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Coco-Betaine
- Free of Hydroxypropyltrimonium and other chemicals
- Oils are hexane-free, cold-pressed, non-refined, non-deodorized
- Free from Parabens: propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, DMDM hydantoin
This natural shampoo is made with organic ingredients and cold-pressed, hexane-free oils. It’s very natural and clean. It comes in several different scents that you can also find on this link. Give it a try!
3. Bubble and Bee Lemon Shampoo
EWG Rating: No rating, but doesn’t need a rating. Read more below.
This natural shampoo has great organic ingredients including saponified organic oils of coconut, olive & jojoba, organic lemon essential oil, vegetable glycerin, guar gum, sweet almond oil, organic jojoba oil, organic aloe vera, and rosemary extract. That’s all! No other ingredients. It is free from SLS, coco betaine, synthetic detergents, quats, and synthetic chemicals. In addition, it is gluten-free, GMO-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
This lemon shampoo is for individuals with more oily hair. If your hair isn’t oily, Bubble and Bee has a peppermint and tea tree shampoo just for you! This shampoo is also meant for soft water, but if you have hard water check out this shampoo.
Bubble and Bee is a clean company that makes all their products in-house in small batches and ships them out to you.
4. Alaffia EveryDay Coconut Shampoo
EWG Rating: 1
This natural shampoo is made with coconut oil and ginger which helps deep clean your hair while maintaining moisture and promoting hair growth. It is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oil, artificial color, and synthetic fragrance. It is also cruelty-free, vegan and biodegradable. The cool thing about this company is that they use fair trade ingredients from West Africa. When you purchase this product, you are helping to support education, maternal care, and environmental sustainability.
While this shampoo is completely clean, their other products aren’t. Their body wash contains cocamidopropyl betaine and their kids shampoo and body wash (and conditioner) contains phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate. Just stick to this shampoo and you’ll be good!
5. Carina Organics Daily Moisturizing Shampoo, Sweet Pea
EWG Rating: 1
This non-toxic shampoo is made with organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts that help restore luster, shine, volume, and body to your hair. It is also hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, vegan, 100% biodegradable, paraben-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and dye-free. They also have other natural shampoos that are rated a 1 including: Citrus Daily Moisturizing Shampoo, Unscented Extra Gentle Shampoo, Sweet Pea Extra Gentle Shampoo, and Lavender Shampoo & Body Wash.
6. Earthley Wellness 3-in-1 Shampoo Bar, Face Soap and Body Soap
EWG Rating: 1-2 depending on scents
This non-toxic shampoo bar is a 3-in-1 bar made to clean hair, face, and body. Its ingredients are very clean. It consists of only saponified oils, kokum butter, and the scented ones also contain essential oils. This scent is spring blossoms, but there are other scents, including unscented and rustic.
Final Thoughts On Natural Shampoos…..
By switching to a non-toxic shampoo, you will be doing your hair, your body and the environment a favor. Power through and get through the detox phase and you’ll be so happy that you did. It’s time to ditch the chemicals and take the next step towards a healthier life.
