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When you go to your local supermarket or beauty store to buy shampoo and conditioner, the options are plentiful. The bright bottles with promises of gorgeous, shiny locks are everywhere. But hidden behind those appealing labels can often be a cocktail of chemicals that aren’t just harmful to our bodies, but to Mother Earth as well.
Now, you might wonder, what’s hiding in your regular bottle of shampoo? To name just a few concerning ingredients:
- Sulfates: Yep, they’re not just in baby shampoos. These lathering agents, often labelled as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, can wreak havoc on adult scalps too, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Parabens: While these preservatives keep your shampoo fresh, they pose a number of concerning health risks.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Those tropical, floral, or oceanic scents might transport you to a faraway land, but they can also carry with them a host of undisclosed chemicals.
Thankfully, the beauty industry has recently seen a green revolution taking over. Brands are increasingly aware and are delivering shampoos that not only care for our hair but also prioritize our health and the planet. So, how do you navigate this eco-friendly world?
How To Find Non-Toxic Shampoos and Conditioners
Firstly, look for shampoos labeled as organic, eco-friendly, biodegradable, or natural. These words, though sometimes thrown around a bit too freely, can be an excellent first step in narrowing down green options.
Brands like Avalon Organics, Shea Moisture, and Acure are leading the charge, offering shampoos that are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. Not only do these shampoos avoid harmful chemicals, but they’re also packed with natural ingredients that nourish the hair, like argan oil, lavender, and biotin.
You might also consider the packaging of your shampoos and conditioners. Brands that use recycled materials or offer refill stations usually reflect an eco-conscious approach beyond just the liquid you’ll find inside.
In this day and age, choosing the best shampoo is about more than just shiny hair. It’s about making choices that align with our values, cherish our health, and show a little love to the planet.
9 Best Non-Toxic and Organic Shampoos and Conditioners
Here are our top picks for the best organic and non-toxic shampoo and conditioner brands. These products work effectively to clean and condition all different types of hair.
1. Avalon Organics
Embracing the philosophy that beauty comes from the Earth, Avalon Organics meticulously selects botanicals that adhere to USDA standards. Their Nourishing Lavender Shampoo is enriched with lavender essential oil, quinoa protein, aloe, calendula, and vitamin E. This combo works in harmony to cleanse, hydrate, and impart a relaxing aroma to your hair care routine.
Avalon doesn’t use any parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, or phthalates in their hair care products.
2. Shea Moisture
Emphasizing the use of raw shea butter, Shea Moisture products are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. Their Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner is particularly delightful (and smells incredible!). It’s sulfate-, paraben-, and phthalate-free and includes coconut oil and milk to help restore shine while promoting elasticity.
Shea Moisture also makes a gentle mango scented shampoo and conditioner set designed for kids.
3. Acure
Acure’s dedication to clean beauty means their products are untouched by parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. The Ultra Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil & Pumpkin is a crowd favorite, infused with organic argan oil, argan stem cells, and pumpkin seed oil, offering a hydrating cleanse alongside a silky after-feel.
4. Alaffia
With a focus on fair trade and sustainability, Alaffia’s products are crafted with ingredients like unrefined shea butter and virgin coconut oil. Their Everyday Shea Lavender Shampoo is not only soothing for the scalp but also supports Alaffia’s broader mission of empowerment in West African communities.
5. John Masters Organics
John Masters Organics emphasizes natural luxury in its line-up. Their Lavender and Rosemary Shampoo is a standout. This natural formula offers a rich, creamy lather from natural surfactants infused with French lavender which soothes and hydrates your hair and scalp. It smells amazing, and it does a fabulous job of getting your hair fresh and clean.
6. EO Shampoo and Conditioner
With a penchant for aromatic excellence, EO — standing for “Essential Oils” — creates blends that resonate with nature’s rhythm. The Lavender & Coconut Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner interweave the soothing character of lavender with coconut’s moisturizing essence, promising a holistic and aromatic haircare session. I also love EO’s organic hand soaps, which smell amazing and are great at getting my kids’ messy hands clean after they play outside.
7. The Honest Company
Founded on principles of transparency and trust, The Honest Company brings a refreshing, well, honesty to the realm of personal care. Their Honest Shampoo and Conditioner duo is no exception. Crafted without any harsh chemicals, the shampoo offers a gentle yet effective cleanse, suitable for all hair types.
Infused with a botanical blend of aloe, chamomile, and calendula, Honest shampoo nourishes the scalp and leaves hair feeling revitalized. Following up with their conditioner, which boasts a luxurious blend of coconut oil, jojoba protein, and quinoa extract, ensures hair is left silky, manageable, and shining with health. As with all their products, what’s just as important as what’s inside is what’s left out — no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
Honest also makes great baby shampoo (the conditioner works amazingly in my daughter’s hair) and face wash, if those are on your shopping list.
Organic Shampoos and Conditioners for the Win
While each of these brands offers something unique, what they share is a commitment to cleaner, more sustainable beauty. Checking their ingredient lists, sustainability initiatives, and customer reviews can give a more comprehensive understanding of each brand’s values and efficacy. Always prioritize what aligns best with your hair needs and personal values.
Don’t forget to pair your organic shampoo and conditioner with an all natural heat protectant spray for extra protection before you dry, curl, or flat iron your hair.
