A roundup of the best non-toxic shampoo brands for every type of hair, including natural shampoo for babies and affordable family-sized shampoo.
Wavy, straight, colored, curly, thick or fine – we all have our own unique hair. Whether we love our hair or wish we could trade it in for a completely different set of locks, we all use shampoo to manage our hair and keep it looking its best.
But we don’t all use the same shampoo. Shampoo is personal. As I’m sure you know, it can take some experimentation to find the shampoo that works best for your own hair.
Because of that, I would never try to convince you to use one particular shampoo. Just as you wouldn’t wear the same clothes as me, I wouldn’t expect you to use the same shampoo. But I would like to convince you of this: Stop using that conventional shampoo brand and make the switch to a safe, natural, non-toxic shampoo instead.
RELATED: 4 Good Reasons to Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Products for Your Home & Life
Table of Contents
Why You Should Switch to Non-Toxic Shampoo
I know, I know! Switching shampoo is hard! But here’s the thing. Shampoo is a product you use frequently – whether it’s once a day or once a week – it still adds up to a lot of shampoo over the course of time.
Most shampoo is a chemical soup that foams like crazy and smells strongly of something that didn’t come from nature. The chemicals that make all that happen can be harmful to you and to the environment – and in the grand scheme of things, it just isn’t worth it.
Here are the primary things you’ll want to avoid in shampoo:
- Sulfates – Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates are foaming agents and can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a probable carcinogen.
- Certain preservatives – This includes parabens which are linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption, as well as DMDM hydantoin, which releases formaldehyde and is linked to hair loss and scalp burns, according to a class action law suit. (FYI – some type of preservatives are necessary in shampoo but safer ones exist.)
- Artificial fragrances – The term fragrance is a catchall for thousands of chemicals including hormone disrupting phthalates, as well as skin irritants and allergens.
- Petroleum products – Ingredients that come from non-renewable resources are not environmentally friendly.
Luckily, the developers at many different socially and environmentally responsible companies have mastered the art of non-toxic shampoo made with safe, natural and organic ingredients. There are many great choices and because we all have different needs, I’ve split up my non-toxic shampoo recommendations into four sections:
- my personal favorites
- some super affordable family-sized shampoos
- the best baby shampoos around
- reader recommendations
Rest assured, all shampoos listed here are phthalate free, artificial fragrance free, and made without the harmful chemicals found in most conventional shampoo brands. And if you are looking for shampoos without DMDM hydantoin, I’ve got you covered.
Favorite Non-Toxic Shampoo Brands
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure
My hair is very thick and on the dry side, so you’ll notice many of my favorites are for my kind of hair. However, these companies make shampoo for lots of different hair types. Please take my word for it – these are awesome brands that I trust to make great shampoo for your type of hair too! I’ve noted the formulas of shampoo the company makes under each brand listing.
John Masters
- Salon quality products made with many certified organic ingredients.
- Shampoo formulas: normal, fine and dry and damaged hair
- My favorite: The Evening Primrose Shampoo for dry hair is super hydrating with a luxurious feel and is safe for color-treated hair.
- Price: $24 for 8-oz
Beautycounter
- An innovative B-Corporation that is committed to bringing safer beauty products to everyone.
- Shampoo formulas: daily (for all hair types), volume & shape, smooth & control and repair & nourish
- My favorite: Beautycounter Daily Shampoo leaves my hair feeling SO clean and soft. This plus the Beautycounter Daily Conditioner are a perfect pair for soft, shiny hair! It’s my favorite hair conditioner ever!
- Price: $26 for 10-oz
- Learn more about Beautycounter here (one of my favorite companies for so many reasons!)
Aubrey Organics
- A pioneer in the natural personal care products business who uses many organic ingredients in their products.
- Shampoo formulas: dry, normal and oily as well as specialty formulas for all hair types
- My favorite: Aubrey’s Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo for dry hair is a great everyday shampoo and has a lovely light floral scent.
- Price: $11.29 for 11-oz
Acure
- Acure is a family owned company committed to using plant science to deliver effective, natural & organic personal care.
- Shampoo formulas: hydrating, smoothing, clarifying, volume and balancing
- My favorite: Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo with Argan Oil & Pumpkin is moisturizing and very affordable.
- Price: $9.99 for 12-oz ( or $6.99 at Thrive Market)
Derma E
- Derma E began as a small health food store but grew into a leader in the clean beauty industry.
- Shampoo formulas: nourishing, thickening, restoring, scalp relief
- My favorite: Scalp Relief Shampoo formulated to soothe flaky and irritated scalp. This is a go-to for some members of my family.
- Price: $11.75 for 10-oz
Thrive Market
- Thrive Market is an online marketplace selling healthy food and natural products at discount prices
- Shampoo formulas: one basic, all-purpose formula
- My favorite: Bulgarian Lavender Shampoo for soft and silky hair
- Price: $5.99 for 16-oz
- Learn more about Thrive Market here.
Best Shampoo Bars
HiBar
- A Minnesota-based company (local to me!) making zero waste shampoo bars & conditioner bars that really work.
- Shampoo formulas: Clarifying, Moisturizing and Volumizing (matching conditioner available for each)
- My favorite: I have the Moisturizing Solid Shampoo and Conditioner bars and they are fantastic! Love how easy they are to hold in the shower!
- Price: $13.95 per bar (equivalent to 16-oz bottle of shampoo)
Ethique
- Started by a student in New Zealand, Ethique has become an international, zero waste hit!
- Shampoo formulas: dry, frizzy, oily, dandruff, volumizing, plus shampoo bars for kids
- My favorite: I bought the special edition Wombar for normal hair (couldn’t resist the purple color!)
- Price: $15 and up per bar
RELATED: Find lots more non-toxic products for home and life here!
Family-Sized Non-Toxic Shampoo
OK I know I was saying earlier that shampoo is personal and we all need different shampoo formulas to manage our own hair type. However, when you have a family, especially with young kids, it’s likely that you can get away with one basic shampoo that will work for almost everyone. Here are some of the affordable natural shampoos that we keep stocked in our family bathroom.
ATTITUDE
- Affordable shampoo with bulk boxes available for refills
- My favorite: Super Leaves Volume & Shine Shampoo
- Price: $9.95 for 16-oz and $29.95 for the 2L refill box
- Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your order (they have a whole range of wonderful products!)
Alaffia Everyday
- Affordable, family sized shampoo made with fair trade shea butter.
- My favorite: Everyday Shea Vanilla Mint Shampoo
- Price: $14.99 for 32-oz
Whole Foods 365
- Everyday value shampoo free of parabens, sulfates and artificial ingredients.
- What we use: Citrus Grapefruit Shampoo
- Price: $7.99 for 32-oz
Non-Toxic Baby Shampoo
Babies tiny bodies can’t process chemicals the way the rest of us so extra care should be taken with shampoo used on infants. Here are some of the safest baby shampoos around. You’ll notice many of them double as baby wash as well! (find more natural baby care brands here)
Earth Mama
- A company dedicated to pure, safe products for babies and moms.
- Recommended product: Earth Mama Baby Wash & Shampoo
- Price: $7.99 for 5.3-oz ($6.99 at Thrive Market)
Pleni Naturals
- Natural baby care products made with fruit & vegetable ingredients (love that they are MADESAFE Certified!).
- Recommended product: Apple + Broccoli Hair & Body Wash
- Price: $16.99 for 8-oz
Babo Botanicals
- Babo Botanicals is known for effective natural products for sensitive skin.
- Recommended product: Moisturizing Baby Shampoo & Wash
- Price: $19.95 for 16-oz ($15.49 at Thrive Market)
BabyTime by Episencial
- Company on a mission to create safe, natural skin care products that support the health of babies skin.
- Recommended product: Peaceful Bubbles Bubble Bath & Shampoo
- Price: $24.50 for 22-oz
More Non-Toxic Shampoo Recommendations
When I put out the all-call for favorite natural, non-toxic shampoos boy did I get a lot of responses! Here are some natural shampoo brands that are highly recommended by other bloggers and Mindful Momma readers.
What is your favorite non-toxic shampoo? Let us know in the comments so we all can learn from each other!
Angela Bravin says
Are these products PERFUMED? Since I’ve changed my lifestyle, going organic, life (as far as possible) without plastic, NO allopathic chemical medicines, cleaning products etc., I’ve become highly intollerant to perfumes of any kind. I find that most “organic” products have intollerable penetrant smells that literally make me sick. HELP!!!!
Micaela says
Hi Angela – Do you know if essential oils bother you or is it just the artificial fragrances? Most (but not all) of the natural brands are scented with essential oils. However, you might be better off with a completely fragrance-free shampoo – which can be harder to find. Earth Mama has an unscented baby shampoo: https://earthmamaorganics.com/products/natural-non-scents-baby-wash.html Hope that helps!
Lisa Ament says
Modere Moisturing Shampoo and Conditioner. Safe ingredients and you don’t need to use much to get a larger.
Micaela says
Never heard of Modere – I’ll look for it!
Karen says
Available in Canada! Yay! Thanks so much!
J. Doyle says
I have white hair and need a shampoo with no coloring of any kind. Clear, in other words. Are any you showed above colorless?
Micaela says
A lot of them are colorless – the Aubrey Organics, Acure and Beautycounter for sure!
Barb says
I’ve heard of package free shampoo bars. I haven’t looked into those. Have you heard of them? Any feedback? Thank you!
Micaela says
Hi Barb – yes shampoo bars can be a great option for some people! I have not tried any myself (need to get on that!) but I have heard of J.T. Liggetts shampoo bars and I know that you can find handmade ones on Etsy. Let me know if you find a good one!
Peppi says
I use SunLeaf Naturals Shampoo & Body Soap Love their products!
Micaela says
Good to know – I haven’t tried SunLeaf Naturals yet.
Archana says
Tree to tub soapberry shampoo …its natural and toxicfree.
Micaela says
Thanks for the tip Archana – I’ll have to look for that one!
Clau says
Alba botanicals shampoos And conditioners are great too! This brand goes underestimated! Face cleaners are all natural and free of GMOs. Their sunscreens are great too! I love this brand 🙂
Micaela says
I’m glad you mentioned Alba Botanica! I love their lotion but have not tried their shampoo!
Kristi Likes says
I use aloe-based shampoo and conditioner from Pure Haven. It is the cleanest shampoo out there and my hair has never looked better!
Micaela says
I’ve never heard of Pure Haven. Thanks for sharing about it!
Sue Kaup says
Great point about the frequency of use when it comes to shampoo and hair products, Micaela! I feel the products that get rinsed off aren’t as critical as the ones that stay on the skin, but this raises awareness. My personal favorite is the Invigorating Seaweed Shampoo and Conditioner from Neal’s Yard Remedies.
Kristi Likes says
I use Pure Haven!!
Lauren Radney says
Hi, Michaela!
Thank you for these types of posts. I can’t tell you how helpful it is for people like me who are beginning their toxin free journey.
Quick question, what so you think about the brand Truly Organic? I’ve been using them for a while especially their shampoo and conditioner, but I hope I’m not being greenwashed. Thank you!
Micaela says
Hi Lauren – I’ve actually never heard of Truly Organic. I took a quick look and I’ve very intrigued. I’m a bit thrown off by all those colors and the glitter – but the ingredients look good! I asked them some questions through the contact form on their website but I have not heard back yet. I’ll let you know what I hear back. Do you like the shampoo & conditioner?
Cathy says
Maple Holistics makes some great non toxic shampoo.
Al Faychak says
I’m a 70 year old male. And I am looking for a shampoo and conditioner that will be healthy and nourishing for my hair. What would you recommend?
Micaela says
Aubrey Organics or Acure would be good – they offer versions for different hair types.
Joshua Howard says
Hi! I really like your articles! I use the wonder seed shampoo because it’s vegan and cruelty-free. The price is affordable and it works really good.
Dawn says
Are there ANY hair & body cleansers that are toxin free, as well as, coconut, palm, olive oil free, gluten & corn free? Having an exhausting search😔.
Micaela says
Gosh – I have to say, I don’t know about that! Most products have at least one of those ingredients. My recommendation would be to go to a local co-op or natural foods store and ask for recommendations. Good luck!
Dawn says
Thank you!
Rachel Eastep says
I have very oily, thinning hair. Since I had my two kids my hair hasn’t been healthy. I use suave now. I need a recommendation for a good non toxic shampoo and conditioner. My hair is also hard to brush. It tangles easy.
Micaela says
Hi Rachel – I wish I could give you a personal recommendation – but my hair is the opposite of yours (thick, curly, dry). One of my favorite brands – Aubrey – has an oily hair line that might be worth a try. Here’s more info: https://aubreyorganics.com/hair-care-2371/oily-hair.html Good luck with your search!
Becca says
I stumbled upon Cara B Naturally products recently and OH MY GOSH – they have a lovely, light scent, are made for babies/children but can be used for anyone, and are some of the most seriously natural products I’ve come across. They only have 3 products, a shampoo, a leave-in conditioner, and a spray detangler (which I’ve not used yet), but the shampoo and conditioner are the absolute bomb. The shampoo is fresh and sweet smelling and the most gentle I’ve found, and the leave in conditioner makes my coarse, frizzy hair behave beautifully with no other products needed. 🙂
Micaela says
I had not heard of that brand – but happy you found something that works for you!
Lia Kulla says
I absolutely love Beautycounter’s everyday shampoo and conditioner. Nothing makes my hair feel as good. But I cannot justify the expense. I tried Hibar to try to get away from plastic bottle but I’m not a fan of the shampoo bar as it turns out. I’m now onto Alaffia Everyday shampoo in coconut.
Maddie Van Horn says
My daughter alerted me to all the toxic shampoos, because I am losing my hair because of Covid. I am in the process of throwing out some of these toxic shampoos. I enjoyed your Article! I am changing my lifestyle because of everything I’ve been through in the last year! Actually I have a good lifestyle I just have to eat more wholesome food and watch the products I use and be kinder to my beautiful hair!!
Micaela says
I’m sorry to hear you had the virus – but I’m glad to hear you are on a mission to change up your products and lifestyle! Hope you find a healthy shampoo that works for you!