Clean & Natural Non-Toxic Shampoo & Conditioner

Introduction:

I had been looking for a natural and toxin free shampoo & conditioner. I have come to the conclusion that there is no perfect product on the market that is “toxin-free.” However, I did find a decent alternative. Here is my research and the information I gathered below.

(Note: I realize the EWG is not perfect, but I do find their tools useful for understanding ingredients in products. For those who are not familiar with them, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and advocating for chemical safety on consumer products, among many other things.)

Gathering Recommendations:

I compiled a list of recommended Shampoos/Conditioners by going though Facebook group posts in a natural living/Non-toxic lifestyle group. I collected each from group comments on their favorite brands (using several posts). Each mention/suggestion was added as a “vote.”

[Note: I only looked up some of these using EWG database, or making my own report.

EWG ratings range from 1-10, with 1 being the least toxic, and 10 being the most toxic]

• 17 Votes – Rowe Casa – (rated 2 on EWG) contains Behentrimonium methosulfate/BTMS
• 14 Votes – Innersense (rated 5 on EWG)
• 12 Votes – Attitude (2 complaints about rash and some people said less natural)
• 7 Votes – Under Luna (contains Behentrimonium methosulfate/BTMS, chamomile)
• 7 Votes – Pure Haven
• 6 Votes – Living Libations (rated 2 on EWG) – contains aloe and citrus
• 5 Votes – Carina Organics (rated 2 on EWG)
• 5 Votes – Alaffia Shea (contains Behentrimonium chloride (BTC), emulsifying wax)
• 4 Votes – Young Living (but contains fragrance)
• 4 Votes – Beauty Counter (rated 5 on EWG) – Contains citrus, Behentrimonium methosulfate/BTMS, Sodium Benzoate, limonene, Stearalkonium Chloride, Limonene, and Dimethicone)
• 4 Votes – Evolvh (rated 5 on EWG) – contains fragrance, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, benzyl alcohol
• 4 Votes – Plaine (rated 4 on EWG) – contains glycolic acid, aloe, Sodium Benzoate

Other mentions that I did not research:

• 3 Votes – 100% pure, Acure, Honest
• 2 Votes – John Masters Organics, Kitsch Rice water conditioner bar, Seibella, Kitsch, Avalon Organics, John Masters Organics,
• 1 Vote – JVN, Farmasi, Vanicream, Viori, Daviles Hair, Aiir, Coco & Eve, Pomifera, Modere, Wells Club, Earth Mama Organics, Original Mineral, Pacifica (coconut milk), Vida bars, Captain Blankenship, Monat, Ecoslay, Rhyme & Reason, Lus, Pipette, Aleavia, Shea Moisture, Earthling Bar Shampoo, Earthley, Earthly, Authentic Beauty Concept, Cocokind, Versed, Well people, Kavella, Ethique, Tru Aura, Audere, Ecoroots, Mountain Rose Herbals, Vegamour, Pura’dor

More Research:

Here is a more in-depth analysis of four conditioners I was looking into:

What I bought after my long 4-hour long analysis:

At first I actually placed an order for Plaine Products conditioner, but then 1 minute later realized I made a mistake and asked for a cancellation (which they quickly did for me). The reason I changed my mind was because it was in an aluminum bottle, which I did not feel comfortable using.

What I then bought was:

Attitude Oatmeal Sensitive Natural Care Shampoo: (rated 3 on EWG)

Aqua / water / eau, sodium coco-sulfate, coco-glucoside, glycerin, sodium cocoyl isethionate, citric acid, glyceryl oleate, panthenol, sodium chloride, inulin, avena sativa (oat / avoine) kernel extract, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar) gum, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate.

Main concerning ingredients:

• Sodium Benzoate (rated 3 on EWG)

Attitude Oatmeal Sensitive Natural Care Conditioner: (rated 3 on EWG)

Aqua/water/eau, cetearyl alcohol, vegetable glycerin, caprylic /capric triglyceride, behentrimonium methosulfate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, dicaprylyl ether, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, avena sativa (oat / avoine) kernel extract, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid.

Main concerning ingredients:

• Behentrimonium methosulfate/BTMS (rated 5 on EWG)
• Sodium Benzoate (rated 3 on EWG)

I have used these a few times so far and feel happy with them. I chose them because of the short ingredient list, with things in it that make sense for these products. I also have not had any reactions to BTMS or Sodium Benzoate in the past.

I still am considering homemade shampoo and conditioner, but at this moment I am not ready for that. I have tried several methods in the past and have not preferred them over actual shampoo and conditioner.

Final Thoughts:

I don’t think any shampoo & conditioner is perfect, but some are low-toxin and still have the effect I want for my hair. I don’t know if I will switch products anytime soon, but I hope my research is helpful for you in some way.