The Best Natural Shampoo (20+ Shampoos Rated on Ingredients)

best natural shampoo
8 min reading time

Over the past 2 weeks we researched 20+ of the most popular clean and organic shampoos on the market to see if their ingredients are as conscious as they claim.

There are a number of good reasons to consider the swap to a natural shampoo.

Shampoos have been available on the mass market since the 1920s, and traditionally have used synthetic surfactants, which can be damaging and drying to the hair. Other ingredients like concerning synthetic preservatives (parabens), silicones, and chemical fragrances are found in many conventional shampoos.

On the other hand, natural or organic shampoos replace these harsh chemicals with natural oils, plant extracts, and other natural ingredients. For many people, especially those with problem hair, they notice an improvement to their hair’s health after switching to a more natural shampoo.

Today we’ll be looking at:

  • The ingredients to be aware of in conventional shampoos.
  • Common problems people have when switching to natural shampoos.
  • Ratings for 20+ of the most popular clean shampoo brands.

Ingredients of Concern in Conventional Shampoos

When looking for a natural shampoo, these are the ingredients to look out for.

Sulfates

Sulfates are chemical detergents that have been used in shampoos and conditioners for a very long time. They’re responsible for the smooth lathering effect you expect with your shampoo. They’re very effective at removing dirt and oil, but this comes at a price. They’re very harsh and can be damaging to the hair or scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies to sulfates.

Allergic reactions to sulfates seem to be on the rise, which is another good reason to avoid them. Symptoms like skin redness, rashes, swelling, itchiness, and hives are tell-tale signs that you might be allergic to sulfates.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sulfates for people suffering from rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, or sensitive skin.

There are two main types of sulfates to look out for in shampoo: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

There used to be concern that sulfates were carcinogens. There seems to be no evidence that SLS is unsafe, not labeled a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); U.S. National Toxicology Program; California Proposition 65 list of carcinogens; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the European Union.

However, studies have shown that SLS caused severe epidermal changes in animal lab tests, and was also a possible cause for hair loss in high concentrations.

A Common Natural Alternative: Cocamidopropyl Betaine

As an alternative to SLS and SLES, many manufacturers have turned to cocamidopropyl betaine. In fact, 12 out of 20 of the shampoos we looked at contained this ingredient. This ingredient is derived from coconut oil, but is highly processed.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a known contact allergen, so if you have sensitive skin or are prone to contact dermatitis, this is something to be aware of.

Even though there is this risk, it’s still a much better alternative to SLS and SLES. You might find that shampoos without SLS or SLES don’t clean the hair quite as well, though. There’s a reason why those two ingredients are used, and it’s because they’re effective at cleaning the hair, even if they might do damage over time.

Silicones

If you’ve ever used a conventional shampoo and it left your hair feeling sleek, shiny and healthier than ever before, silicones may be the reason. It’s true—they’re effective at making the hair feel nice, but this also comes at a cost.

First of all, silicone is derived from petrochemicals, which in itself may be cause for some people to avoid them.

Silicones are occlusives, meaning they seal off the hair, trapping in moisture and making it feel more hydrated. The problem is that these silicones build up over time on the hair. Ironically, this can dry out the hair over time, as it becomes harder and harder to wash the silicones out of the hair.

In turn, the body can sometimes have one of two responses: getting dry and brittle because of the lack of moisture, or getting super greasy by producing more oil. The end result is hair that looks worse than ever, and it becomes a vicious cycle of using more products on the hair in an attempt to clean or revive it.

It’s best to avoid shampoos with silicones altogether.

Parabens

Any product with water needs to have a preservative to avoid the risk of mold or other pathogens forming.

Parabens are synthetic preservatives can be found in all kinds of beauty and personal care products. They’ve been linked to endocrine disruption and cancer, and these days there are safer alternatives.

There is a long list of parabens to look out for, but anything ending in “-paraben” should be avoided. This includes propylparaben, methylparaben, isobutylparaben, and more.

Fragrance

Another common ingredient in beauty and personal care is fragrance. The problem with fragrance is that it’s almost always formulated with a long list of hidden ingredients thanks to a pair of laws from the 60s and 70s that allow manufacturers to hide their fragrance ingredients as trade secrets.

Phthalates are often added to chemical fragrances because they give the scent a longer staying power. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that are linked to reproductive issues in boys and men, and may have other yet unknown health impacts.

Fragrance sensitivity is on the rise, and since these fragrances are often made up from a long list of mystery chemicals, it’s almost impossible for someone with an allergic reaction to find out what exactly is causing it.

Some brands use natural ingredients in their fragrance formulas, namely essential oils. If this is the case, there’s a good chance that the fragrance is safer to use and doesn’t contain phthalates, but essential oils can still cause allergic reactions.

Common Problems When Switching to Natural Shampoo

Not Enough Lather

If you’re used to traditional shampoos that use SLS and SLES, you might be in for a surprise when you try a natural shampoo without these ingredients. SLS and SLES are lathering agents that can dry out the hair and scalp, and so they’re not used in natural shampoos.

A common complaint people have with natural shampoos is that they don’t lather enough.

The amount of lather doesn’t correspond to how well the shampoo is working, though. Even if it seems like the shampoo isn’t lathering enough, it’s still cleaning the hair of dirt and debris.

For this reason, people using natural shampoo for the first time tend to use too much product. As long as you’re scrubbing your hair properly, it’s cleaning your hair adequately even if there isn’t a ton of lather.

Hair Feels More Greasy

When you switch to a natural shampoo, your hair might feel more greasy for the first weeks (or even months).

Traditional shampoos are full of chemicals that strip the natural oils from the hair. This creates a cycle of stripping out oils, then using conditioner to add oils and moisture back to the hair.

Organic and natural shampoos don’t have these harsh stripping ingredients, so when switching to one for the first time, you might find that the hair feels—and looks—greasier and heavier than usual. This is because the body is still producing oils to balance out the stripping, and this will naturally make it feel greasier.

Over time, this will balance itself out, but be prepared to have your hair feel a little gross at first. If you stick it out, you’ll likely find that your hair is healthier and feels better than ever before.

Our Methodology

We researched the internet, online stores and social media for the most popular clean and natural shampoos.

Each ingredient in every product was researched and analyzed for safety based on available public research. Where possible, sources for information are included.

Products are ranked from best to worst with an internal score based on the ingredient rankings.

Below is our list of natural shampoo ratings. They’re rated on this scale:

Best – These products are the best of the best. They contain great ingredients, are non-toxic and are often the best choice for our environment.

Good – These products are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.

Iffy – These products are typically okay, but have some issues that make us unable to give them a “Good” rating. Often times they contain ingredients or materials that are questionable.

Bad – These products typically have toxic ingredients or issues that make them dangerous or unsuitable to use. These products should typically be avoided.

Best

These shampoos are the best of the best in the world of natural and organic shampoos. They’re free of harsh chemicals, contain organic ingredients, and any of them are a great choice.

Captain Blankenship

Sea Shine Shampoo with Aloe and Sea Minerals

This shampoo is made from mainly organic ingredients, none of which are on our list of ingredients to avoid. It has a light scent, from essential oils, and contains only two potential irritants, both of which are essential oils. For these reasons, we give it our top rating.

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate,
  • Water,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Organic Glycerin,
  • Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Betaine,
  • Carrageenan,
  • Sodium Levulinate,
  • Sodium Salicylate,
  • Organic Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil)*,
  • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside,
  • Organic Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil)*,
  • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate,
  • Sodium Anisate,
  • Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters,
  • Magnesium Sulfate,
  • Sea Salt,
  • Sodium Phytate,
  • Organic Seaweed Extract (Chondrus Crispus Extract),
  • Organic Bladderwrack/Seaweed Extract (Fucus Vesiculosus Extract),
  • Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate,
  • Organic Giant Kelp Extract (Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract),
  • Organic Spirulina Extract (Spirulina Maxima Extract),
  • Organic Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract)

Potential irritants: 2*

Sudsatorium

Strawberry Fields Forever Shampoo
Price: $31.50 ($1.86 per oz)

This shampoo has an excellent list of ethically-sourced vegan ingredients and a light strawberry scent that doesn’t linger. It also contains no ingredients that are known to be potential irritants, making it a safe choice for those with sensitive skin. For all of these reasons, this shampoo gets a top rating.

Ingredients

  • Organic Vanilla Pod and Organic Agave Nectar Infusion,
  • Organic Glycerin,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate,
  • Organic Strawberry Decoction,
  • Organic Sweet Orange Extract (Citrus Sinensis Extract),
  • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate,
  • Lactobacillus,
  • Coconut Extract (Cocos Nucifera Extract),
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Sodium Citrate,
  • Sclerotium Gum,
  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid,
  • Glyceryl Caprylate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Sodium Gluconate,
  • Organic Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla Planifolia Extracts),
  • Organic Clary Sage Oil (Salvia Sclarea Oil),
  • Organic Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil),
  • Organic Benzoin Resinoid (Styrax Tonkinensis),
  • Organic Beet Root Extract (Beta Vulgaris Root Extract),
  • Organic Elder Fruit Extract (Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract)

Acure

Juice Cleanse Supergreens & Adaptogens Shampoo
Price: $9.99 ($1.25 per oz)

This organic shampoo from Acure contains a long list of ingredients, but they’re all clean. It contains a large number of essential oils which can sometimes be irritating for those with sensitive skin.

It also comes in at a great price, and although it isn’t the cheapest shampoo we rated “Best”, it has the best ingredients for the value, and is our recommendation for the best budget-priced natural shampoo.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Betaine,
  • Glycerin,
  • Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Ashwagandha Root Extract (Withania Somnifera Root Extract),
  • Sprulina Extract (Spirulina Maxima Extract),
  • Kale Leaf Extract (Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract),
  • Spinach Extract (Spinacia Oleracea Extract),
  • Mushroom Extract (Ganoderma Lucidum Extract),
  • Cordyceps Sinensis Extract,
  • Holy Basil Leaf Extract (Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract),
  • Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa Extract),
  • Organic Blackberry Fruit Extract (Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract),
  • Organic Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Organic Acai Berry Fruit Extract (Euterpe Oleracea Extract),
  • Organic Rose Hip Fruit Extract (Rosa Canina Fruit Extract)*,
  • Organic Calendula Flower Extract (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract),
  • Organic Rooibos Extract (Aspalathus Linearis Extract),
  • Organic Pomegranate Extract (Punica Granatum Extract),
  • Sweet Orange Extract (Citrus Sinensis Extract),
  • Jasmine Oil (Jasminum Officinale Oil)*,
  • Bladderwrack/Seaweed Extract (Fucus Vesiculosus Extract),
  • Black Pepper Oil (Piper Nigrum Oil),
  • Clove Bud Oil (Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil)*,
  • Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil)*,
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Mandarin Peel Oil (Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil)*,
  • Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil),
  • Camphor Wood Oil (Cinnamomum Camphora Oil),
  • Balsam Peru (Myroxylon Pereirae Oil),
  • Red Cedar Wood Oil (Juniperus Virginiana Wood Oil),
  • Lavandin Oil (Lavandula Hybrida Oil),
  • Vetiver Root Oil (Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil),
  • Cardamom Seed Oil (Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil),
  • Tonka Seed Bean Extract (Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract),
  • West Indian Rosewood Bark Oil (Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil),
  • Bulnesia Sarmientoi Wood Oil,
  • Java Almond Gum Oil (Canarium Commune Gum Oil),
  • Levulinic Acid,
  • Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles,
  • Sodium Levulinate,
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate,
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sodium Hydroxide*

Potential irritants: 8*

Andalou Naturals

Argan Oil & Shea Shampoo
Price: $9.99 ($0.87 per oz)

Andalou Naturals’ Argan Oil & Shea Shampoo has a clean list of organic ingredients and is scented with essential oils. It also comes in at a great price, making it a great budget purchase for a clean and natural shampoo.

This is the least expensive shampoo we rated “Best”, although we recommend the Acure shampoo over this one as it has more organic ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Water,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate,
  • Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate,
  • Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Fruit Stem Cells (Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis),
  • Organic BioActive Berry Complex,
  • Organic Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil),
  • Arginine,
  • Threonine,
  • Serine,
  • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein,
  • Organic Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil),
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Stearyl Citrate,
  • Panthenol,
  • Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Organic Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Butter),
  • Organic Rooibos Extract (Aspalathus Linearis Extract),
  • Organic Green or White Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Tea Leaf Extract),
  • Tocopherol,
  • Allantoin,
  • Guar Gum (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum),
  • Sodium PCA,
  • Lactic Acid*,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Vanilla Isolates,
  • Organic Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*

Potential irritants: 4*

Good

These natural shampoos are also a good choice, but don’t quite go above and beyond like the shampoos we rated “best”.

Shea Moisture

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
Price: $11.99 ($0.75 per oz)

This shampoo from SheaMoisture contains a decent list of ingredients and comes in at an inexpensive price. We reviewed shampoos with better ingredients, and it’s important to note that it contains fragrance, with the scent coming from undisclosed essential oils. It’s not quite at the level of other shampoos we looked at, but still receives a “Good” rating.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate,
  • Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend)*,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein,
  • Panthenol,
  • Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol,
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Castor Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil),
  • Peppermint Leaf Extract (Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract)*,
  • Buriti Fruit Oil (Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil),
  • Hydrolyzed Keratin,
  • Tocopherol,
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Vinegar,
  • Yeast Extract,
  • Niacin,
  • Clover Flower Extract (Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract),
  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid,
  • Caprylyl Glycol*,
  • Caramel

Potential irritants: 2*

Auromere

Aloe Vera-Neem Ayurvedic Shampoo
Price: $10.95 ($0.68 per oz)

This shampoo has a very simple list of ingredients, with Cocamidopropyl Betaine being the only iffy ingredient for its potential for causing contact dermatitis. However, this is a common ingredient in natural shampoos as an alternative to harsher sulfates and should only be a concern for those with very sensitive skin.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Neem Extract (Azadirachta Indica Extract),
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Hibiscus Flowers,
  • Alpha Olefin Sulfonate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Rose Ether,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil)

Potential irritants: 1*

Desert Essence

Italian Red Grape Shampoo
Price: $8.99 ($1.12 per oz)

Dessert Essence’s Italian Red Grape shampoo is one of the original clean shampoos, coming to market more than 15 years ago.

One downside to the shampoo is that it has undisclosed fragrance, which is reported to be natural. Other than that, the list of ingredients is clean and has only a few total ingredients that may be unsuitable for those with sensitive skin.

Ingredients

  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Organic Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil),
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Natural Fragrance*,
  • Glycerin,
  • Resveratrol,
  • Panthenol,
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Organic Maca Root Extract (Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract),
  • Organic Yucca Cactus (Yucca Brevifolia Root Extract),
  • Organic Comfrey Extract (Symphytum Officinale Extract),
  • Organic Nettle Leaf Extract (Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract),
  • Organic Giant Kelp Extract (Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract),
  • Organic Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba Bark Extract),
  • Citric Acid,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Dehydroacetic Acid,
  • Limonene*,
  • Potassium Sorbate

Potential irritants: 3*

Avalon Organics

Thickening Biotin B-Complex Shampoo
Price: $7.24 ($0.52 per oz)

This shampoo has a good list of natural ingredients, and none that give us concern. The main ingredient is organic aloe, and it has a very mild natural scent.

Note that although this brand is called Avalon Organics, not all of the ingredients in this shampoo are organic.

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Water,
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate,
  • Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Organic Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil),
  • Cedar Oil (Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil),
  • Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Oil),
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil)*,
  • Grapefruit Peel Oil (Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil),
  • Eucalyptus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil),
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Red Cedar Wood Oil (Juniperus Virginiana Wood Oil),
  • Organic Babassu Oil (Orbignya Oleifera Oil),
  • Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil),
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Ginger Root Oil (Zingiber Officinale Root Oil),
  • Organic Oat Kernel Extract (Avena Sativa Kernel Extract),
  • Organic Calendula Flower Extract (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract),
  • Organic Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Organic Quinoa Seed (Chenopodium Quinoa Seed),
  • Grapefruit Fruit Extract (Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract),
  • Organic Carrot Root Extract (Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract),
  • Organic Avocado Extract (Persea Gratissima Extract),
  • Organic Raspberry Fruit Extract (Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract),
  • Saw Palmetto Extract (Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract),
  • Organic Tomato Leaf/Stem/Fruit Extract (Solanum Lycopersicum Leaf/Stem/Fruit Extract),
  • Biotin,
  • Niacinamide,
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters,
  • Beta-Caryophyllene,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Organic Glycerin,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Organic Inulin,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Sodium Phytate,
  • Sodium Sulfate,
  • Alcohol,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Limonene*

Potential irritants: 6*

Innersense

Color Awakening Hairbath
Price: $28 ($2.8 per oz)

The only ingredient on our iffy list is sodium benzoate, which is a preservative and generally shouldn’t be a concern. Other than that, there are no other ingredients of concern, and we give this product a rating of “Good”.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Caprylyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate,
  • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate,
  • Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil)*,
  • Organic Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil)*,
  • Eucalyptus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil),
  • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey,
  • Sorbic Acid,
  • Hydrolyzed Quinoa,
  • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein,
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Dehydroacetic Acid,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sweet Orange Oil (Citrus Sinensis Oil)*,
  • Organic Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil),
  • Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil),
  • Rice Bran Oil (Oryza Sativa Bran Oil),
  • Green or White Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract),
  • Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract),
  • Avocado Extract (Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract),
  • Mango Fruit Extract (Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract),
  • Coconut Acid,
  • Sodium Isethionate

Potential irritants: 5*

Sukin

Natural Balance Shampoo
Price: $9.99 ($0.59 per oz)

This natural shampoo from Sukin gets a rating of “Good”. It does contain a substantial number of potential irritants, most of which are essential oils, and should only be a concern for those with sensitive skin. It comes at a very affordable price, too.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate,
  • African Baobab Seed Oil (Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil),
  • Field Horsetail Leaf Extract (Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract),
  • Burdock Extract (Arctium Lappa Extract),
  • Nettle Leaf Extract (Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract),
  • Tangerine Peel Oil (Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil)*,
  • Mandarin Peel Oil (Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil)*,
  • Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil),
  • Vanillin,
  • Tocopherol,
  • Glycerin,
  • Polyquaternium-10,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Benzyl Alcohol*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 7*

Rahua

Hydration Shampoo
Price: $34 ($3.66 per oz)

This shampoo does contain undisclosed natural fragrance, and we would prefer transparency with all ingredients. That issue aside, the product contains a good list of ingredients and you can feel safe using it.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Herbal Infusion (Organic Mango Extract, Organic Passionfruit Extract, Organic Aloe Extract, Organic Green Tea Extract),
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate,
  • Coco-Betaine*,
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate,
  • Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Vegetable Glycerin,
  • Rahua Oil (Oenocarpus Bataua Oil),
  • Sacha Inchi Oil (Plukenetia Volubilis Oil),
  • Sucrose,
  • Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein,
  • Buriti Fruit Oil (Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil),
  • Kaolin Clay,
  • Natural Fragrance*,
  • Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon Nardus Oil),
  • Lactic Acid*,
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose,
  • Glycine,
  • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate,
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • L-arginine,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Potential irritants: 3*

Ethique

Frizz Wrangler Solid Shampoo
Price: $15 ($3.87 per oz)

This solid shampoo contains behentrimonium methosulfate, which receives an “iffy” rating because it was found to have potential reproductive impacts in animal studies. However, since this is a shampoo, this should not be a concern.

This shampoo also contains undisclosed natural fragrance, which can be a concern if you have sensitive skin. All factors considered, this shampoo receives a “Good” rating.

Ingredients

  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate,
  • Coconut Butter (Cocos Nucifera Butter),
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate,
  • Stearic Acid,
  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate*,
  • Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Butter),
  • Cetyl Alcohol,
  • Stearyl Alcohol,
  • Natural Fragrance*,
  • Lactic Acid*,
  • Citral*,
  • Limonene*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 6*

EVOLVh

UltraShine Moisture Shampoo
Price: $26 ($3.06 per oz)

This natural shampoo has a clean list of ingredients, fragranced with essential oils and having a pleasant lemon scent. For its clean list of ingredients, we give it a Good rating.

The ingredient comfrey is on our list of iffy ingredients, but is not a concern in a shampoo, because comfrey is only toxic if ingested.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Seaweed Extract,
  • Organic Lime Peel Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Oil)*,
  • Organic Lecithin,
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Organic Soybean Seed Extract (Glycine Soja Extract),
  • Organic Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil),
  • Soy Amino Acids,
  • Vitamin C from Organic Rosehip Oil (Rosa Mosqueta Hip Oil),
  • Wild Pansy Extract (Viola Tricolor Extract),
  • Sweet Clover Extract (Melilotus Offincialis Extract),
  • Apricot Fruit Extract (Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract),
  • Ivy Extract (Hedera Helix Extract),
  • Comfrey Extract (Symphytum Officinale Extract),
  • Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Organic Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba Bark Extract),
  • Camellia Leaf Extract (Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract),
  • Organic Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma Grandiflorum Butter),
  • Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil),
  • Watercress Flower/Leaf Extract (Nasturtium Officinale Extract),
  • Nectarine Fruit Extract (Prunus Percisa Nectarina Extract),
  • Passionfruit Extract (Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract),
  • Grapefruit Peel OIl (Citrus Grandis Peel Oil),
  • Organic Dehydroacetic Acid,
  • Organic Benzyl Alcohol*

Potential irritants: 2*

John Masters Organics

Scalp Stimulating Shampoo with Spearmint and Meadowsweet
Price: $24 ($3 per oz)

Peppermint oil is rated iffy because it acts as a penetration enhancer, causing other ingredients to more easily absorb into the skin. However, in a product that otherwise has clean ingredients, this is not a concern.

Ingredients

  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Water,
  • Sodium Levulinate,
  • Organic Spearmint Oil (Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil),
  • Organic Meadowsweet Flower Extract (Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract),
  • Organic Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil)*,
  • Star Anise Oil (Illicium Verum Oil),
  • Clove Leaf Oil (Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil)*,
  • Wild Mint Oil (Mentha Arvensis Oil),
  • Organic Wintergreen Oil (Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil),
  • Celery Seed Extract (Apium Graveolens Seed Extract),
  • Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract,
  • Tabasco Pepper Fruit Extract (Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract),
  • Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)*,
  • Smithsonite Extract,
  • Eucalyptus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil),
  • Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil),
  • Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis Oil),
  • Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil),
  • Linseed Oil (Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil),
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Panthenol,
  • Spearmint Oil (Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil),
  • Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil),
  • Wintergreen Oil (Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Oil),
  • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Phytate,
  • Sodium PCA,
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,
  • Caramel,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Limonene*

Potential irritants: 5*

Iffy

A total of 5 of the natural shampoos we looked at received an iffy rating. These shampoos have issues that make us unable to recommend them.

Derma E

Therapeutic Mint & Herbal Blend Thickening Shampoo
Price: $9.99 ($1 per oz)

This shampoo contains polysorbate-20, which has the potential of being contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both of which are possible human carcinogens. For this reason, we give this product a rating of “iffy”.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine,
  • Glycerin,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Glyceryl Laurate*,
  • Polysorbate 20,
  • Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Panthenol,
  • Sea Salt,
  • Menthol,
  • Menthone Glycerin Acetal,
  • Eucalyptus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil),
  • Bakuchiol,
  • Tea Tree Leaf Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)*,
  • Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil),
  • Spearmint Oil (Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil),
  • Sodium Hyaluronate,
  • Sodium PCA,
  • Vegetable Collagen,
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Ethylhexylglycerin*

Potential irritants: 6*

Earth Science

Olive & Avocado Super Concentrated Shampoo
Price: $10.99 ($1.83 per oz)

This shampoo has undisclosed fragrance, but the brand claims that it is “natural fruit-blossom fragrance”. However, because we can’t verify this, we have to give it a rating of “Iffy”.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine,
  • Glycerin,
  • Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil),
  • Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter),
  • Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil),
  • Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Hydrolyzed Silk,
  • Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil),
  • Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil),
  • Glyceryl Caprylate,
  • Glyceryl Undecylenate,
  • Glycol Distearate,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Fragrance

Potential irritants: 1*

Giovanni

Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo
Price: $9.99 ($1.18 per oz)

The main reason why we can’t recommend this shampoo is because it contains polysorbate-20, which can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both thought to be carcinogens.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Cocoamphoacetate,
  • Lauryl Glucoside,
  • Decyl Glucoside,
  • Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate,
  • Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Apple Extract (Pyrus Malus Extract),
  • Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice),
  • Organic Matricaria Extract (Chamomilla Recutita Extract),
  • Organic Orange Fruit Extract (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract),
  • Organic Grapefruit Fruit Extract (Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract),
  • Organic Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract),
  • Organic Purple Coneflower Extract (Echinacea Purpurea Extract),
  • Organic Soybean Seed Extract (Glycine Soja Extract),
  • Organic Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil),
  • Organic Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract),
  • Organic Giant Kelp Extract (Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract),
  • Organic Mango Fruit Extract (Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract),
  • Organic Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba Bark Extract),
  • Xanthan Gum,
  • Glycol Distearate,
  • Panthenol,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Polysorbate 20,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Natural Fragrance*

Potential irritants: 3*

Yes To

Tea Tree Scalp Relief Soothing Shampoo
Price: $7.99 ($0.67 per oz)

This shampoo from Yes To has a generally good list of ingredients. However, it contains undisclosed fragrance. We were unable to determine if the fragrance is natural or not, and because we can’t get any information on it, we have to give it an iffy rating.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Glycerin,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Caprylate,
  • Tea Tree Leaf Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)*,
  • Sage Oil (Salvia Officinalis Oil),
  • Menthol,
  • Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil)*,
  • Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil),
  • Sweet Potato Root Extract (Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract),
  • Candlenut Seed Oil (Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil),
  • Cypress Leaf/Stem Oil (Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Oil),
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Salicylic Acid*,
  • Glyceryl Undecylenate,
  • Caprylyl Glycol*,
  • Sorbic Acid,
  • Fragrance,
  • Phenoxyethanol*,
  • Linalool*

Potential irritants: 8*

Live Clean

Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
Price: $7.25 ($0.6 per oz)

While this shampoo has a good list of ingredients, it contains undisclosed fragrance. We were unable to determine if this fragrance is natural or chemical, and although based on the brand it’s most likely a natural fragrance, we cannot give it a good rating for this reason.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil),
  • Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil),
  • Organic Coconut Extract (Cocos Nucifera Extract),
  • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein,
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid),
  • Panthenol,
  • Tocopheryl Acetate*,
  • Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate,
  • Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,
  • Glycol Distearate,
  • Glycerin,
  • Glyceryl Oleate,
  • Coco-Glucoside,
  • Glyceryl Stearate,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Benzoic Acid,
  • Coumarin*,
  • Hexyl Cinnamal,
  • Linalool*,
  • Fragrance,
  • Citric Acid,
  • Sodium Hydroxide*

Potential irritants: 6*

Bad

Only one of the natural shampoos we looked at received a “bad” rating, because it contains undisclosed chemical fragrance.

Love Beauty and Planet

Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Volume and Bounty Thickening Shampoo
Price: $6.99 ($0.52 per oz)

Love Beauty and Planet is featured on our list of greenwashing brands, and this shampoo is a good example of why.

It contains harsh sulfate SLS and undisclosed fragrance, two ingredients that we would recommend avoiding. For this reason, this product receives a rating of “Bad”.

Ingredients

  • Water,
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate,
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine*,
  • Sodium Chloride,
  • Perfume,
  • Sodium Benzoate*,
  • Citric Acid,
  • PPG-9,
  • Disodium EDTA,
  • Polyquaternium-10,
  • Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil),
  • Glycerin,
  • Coconut Water (Cocos Nucifera Water),
  • Black Wattle Flower Extract (Acacia Decurrens Flower Extract),
  • Isopropyl Alcohol,
  • Sodium Acetate,
  • Sodium Hydroxide*,
  • Potassium Sorbate,
  • Tapioca Starch

Potential irritants: 3*

 
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