The beauty industry is being revolutionized by what many call “clean beauty.” While the term seems vague, a lot of people are gravitating towards products that use less invasive ingredients. Many conventional shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils and expose your body to potential toxins. From sulfates and parabens to synthetic fragrances and silicones, these ingredients may do more harm than good in the long run.
As a result, this clean beauty movement has brought many new companies on the block with new products including non-toxic shampoos. Nontoxic shampoos are formulated without harmful chemicals, relying instead on plant-based, gentle ingredients that nourish your scalp and strengthen your strands. Whether you're looking for a more sustainable option or hoping to avoid irritants, switching to a nontoxic shampoo can make a significant difference in your hair health.
Luck for you, our editors are constantly researching and staying up to date with the best of the best in the industry. In this case, we’ve found the best non-toxic shampoos to replace your current products, for cleaner and healthier hair. Plus, we'll throw in which ingredients to avoid, how to transition to a cleaner hair care routine, and highlight some trendy, clean shampoo brands to explore.
Your scalp absorbs a portion of what you put on it, so using clean, non-toxic shampoos can help reduce your exposure to synthetic chemicals. Plus, these shampoos are often packed with plant-based, nourishing ingredients that support healthier hair and scalp.
Switching to a cleaner formula can help:
When shopping for a truly clean shampoo, watch out for these common (but harmful) ingredients:
Switching to a nontoxic shampoo may come with an adjustment period, especially if your hair is used to silicones and sulfates. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
Here are 10 of the best nontoxic shampoos that clean effectively without compromising your health:
1. Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath
Why We Love It: Lightweight, organic formula with aloe, coconut, and green tea. Great for fine to medium hair.
2. Fable & Mane
Why We Love It: Volumizing, onion + amla help with anti-breakage & conditioning
3. LolaVie Restorative Shampoo
Why We Love It: Uses plant-based ingredients backed by science, great for thin or fine hair.
4. 100% Pure Honey & Virgin Coconut Restorative Shampoo
Why We Love It: Uses honey and coconut oil to deeply hydrate and repair.
5. Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Shampoo
Why We Love It: A fruit-powered, ultra-gentle formula for all hair types.
6. JVN Revive Repairing Shampoo
Why We Love It: Ideal for color-treated hair with clean ingredients.
7. Viori Rice Water Infused Hair Shampoo Bar
Why We Love It: Zero-waste naked packaging, rice water for antioxidants, and starch that creates a healthy coat on hair.
8. Act-Acre Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo
Why We Love It: Combats the damage mineral build-up from hard water.
Why We Love It: Formulated to your needs, but still ensures the use of clean ingredients.
10. Seed Phytonutrients Daily Hair Cleanser
Why We Love It: Probiotic-rich, gentle formula that promotes a balanced scalp.
If you're looking to explore beyond the shampoos mentioned above, here are some trendy and reputable brands making waves in the nontoxic hair care world:
How do I know if my shampoo is truly nontoxic?
Check the ingredient list for sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Look for third-party certifications like EWG Verified or USDA Organic.
Will my hair feel greasy when switching to a nontoxic shampoo?
It might initially, as your scalp adjusts to producing natural oils without synthetic detergents stripping them away.
Can I use nontoxic shampoos on color-treated hair?
Yes! Many nontoxic shampoos are gentle and specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
Where can I buy these shampoos?
Most of these brands are available online, at health-conscious retailers, or through their official websites. Many retailers will also mark which products are clean and highlight key ingredients.
