What ingredients should you avoid in shampoo? (the top 15)

In the past decade or so, switching to clean skincare and beauty products has become increasingly popular. Many Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the potential health risks associated with certain ingredients and are also working to reduce their carbon footprint. I switched to clean skincare and beauty products about a decade ago after learning about the beauty industry and the ingredients it uses (including many that are banned in other countries but not in the US).

Since then, I’ve gradually switched out almost every skincare product I use to a cleaner, European brand – Oliveda. And while I’m not perfect (especially with my makeup), I’ve done a pretty decent job of choosing safer alternatives. I will make one caveat, though: I care about the product’s performance. I won’t use a beauty product solely because it’s clean. It also has to work well, so I’m a little picky. And the same applies to my hair routine.

Today I’m sharing about shampoo specifically. Since shampoo and conditioner are products we use multiple times a week, it’s essential that we’re mindful of the ingredients they contain. Shampoo gets ALL OVER your body, so it’s absorbed even more easily. That’s why it’s important to know what’s on the ingredient list. Not only can shampoos contain harmful ingredients that are applied to your scalp, but they can also harm the environment.

Let’s dive in and I’ll share more.

15 Bad Ingredients In Shampoo To Know And Avoid

Here are the top 15 harmful shampoo ingredients to be aware of and avoid when purchasing shampoo.

1. Parabens

What exactly are parabens? Parabens are a preservative that prevents bacteria from growing in shampoos (or other beauty products). Sounds like a good thing, right? Unfortunately, they can also mimic estrogen (a hormone in your body), and this can disrupt the normal function of hormone systems. That means that these parabens can affect your reproductive system, e.g. reproductive development, fertility and birth outcomes. They’ve also been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.

2. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate + Sodium Laureth Sulfate

These sulfates are responsible for the lathering effect you typically get with shampoo. This removes the dirt and oil from your hair. While these aren’t the WORST thing you could put in your hair, they can cause irritation. These are strong chemicals that can cause your hair to become dry, frizzy, or cause breakage. If you’re prone to a flaky, dry scalp, you may want to check your shampoo bottle, since these ingredients can be really irritating.

3. Synthetic Fragrance

Ahh fragrance, the loophole of the American beauty industry. If you slap the word fragrance on an ingredients list, you don’t have to share what’s exactly included in that ingredient? Many brands (but not all) use this as a way to include toxic ingredients that you don’t know about (or want!) in your products. A healthier option is to opt for a brand that discloses what’s contributing to the scents in their products. Essential oils are a great way to make a product smell good without sketchy chemicals. I can’t STAND the smell of most brands that use synthetic fragrances. Conventional laundry detergent, lotions, and hand soaps make me gag, so I always choose cleaner options for those.

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent, but it was banned from being used in antibacterial soaps in 2016. However, it’s not banned in shampoo (or deodorant and toothpaste, actually). And it’s very strong and can cause hormone disruptions. If the Mayo Clinic suggests you stay away from products containing Triclosan, then you might want to listen. 😉

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is another ingredient to be aware of. It’s used as a foaming agent, but SLS chemicals can strip the color and natural oils from your hair if it’s color-treated.

6. Formaldehyde

Yeah, the stuff you used when you were in middle school science class.  Formaldehyde is used to help prevent microbes from growing in water-based products (shampoo). But they can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions. You won’t always see the word formaldehyde on your shampoo bottle since brands can add it in the form of a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Look for quaternium-15 on the ingredient list.

7. Sodium Chloride

You probably learned that sodium chloride is another name for salt in high school chemistry class. Most companies use this to thicken their shampoo, and while it’s not dangerous, it can irritate your scalp and make it dry. It’s best to stay away from this if you can, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to flakiness.

8. Polyethylene Glycols

Polyethylene Glycols (also know as PEGs) are another thickening agent. While there isn’t a ton of evidence that PEGs themselves are super unhealthy, there are byproducts of PEGs that are considered harmful.

9. Dimethicone

Dimethicone is used to give your hair the soft and smooth feeling we’re always trying to achieve. The problem with it is that it will dry out your hair over the long-term and eventually causes buildup that can irritate your scalp. Dimethicone covers the outside of your hair, which will feel great in the short term, but not so good later. This is one of the ingredients that make hair feel greasy.

10. Synthetic Colors

Just like synthetic fragrances, synthetic colors are also a no-no. The colors are added to make shampoo look nice. But they are usually made from petroleum or coal-tar sources, which are (you guessed it) not good for you. They can cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity in sensitive children. You’ll likely see them as FD&C or D&C combined with a number.

11. Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine is another ingredient used to create the foaminess of shampoo when it lathers. While it seems safe since it comes from coconut oil, when used alongside dimethylaminopropylamine, it can cause irritation, eczema and allergies. In fact, in 2004, cocamidopropyl betaine was named the Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

12. Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Palmitate is used in beauty and skincare products as an anti-aging ingredient. But there are multiple studies suggesting that there’s a possible link between retinyl palmitate and skin cancer.

13. DEA

DEA is generally used as an emulsifier in shampoos, cleaners, and detergents. It’s an ethanolamine compound that’s been associated with cancer in the liver in female mice (YIKES) and it’s banned in cosmetic products in Europe.

14. TEA

TEA is another ethanolamine compound and is used as a fragrance, pH adjuster, and emulsifying agent. It’s also banned in Europe for being associated with cancer in the liver in female mice, like DEA.

15. Alcohol

Not all alcohols are bad in shampoos. Cetearyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol can actually help your hair retain moisture. However, isopropyl alcohol or propanol have a drying effect which can cause irritation. Make sure to identify which type of alcohol is in your hair care products.

Non-Toxic Shampoos to Try

Now that you know what ingredients to avoid in shampoos, I’ve created a roundup of the best clean, non-toxic options that are safer for your hair and scalp (I did the same in this blog post for the best dry shampoos). Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or tailored to your hair needs, this list has you covered.

Best Overall: Roz Foundation Shampoo

Roz is a luxurious, coconut-based shampoo brand focused on high-quality but minimal ingredients. It’s gentle, lathers well, and smells incredible (and I’m super sensitive to scents). The packaging is pretty too and you can buy Roz at Nordstrom (free shipping and returns!) which is great. This is the shampoo and conditioner I use in my hair care routine.

Most Affordable: Attitude Hair Shampoo

Attitude offers EWG-verified shampoos that are budget-friendly and effective. Made with natural, vegan, and hypoallergenic ingredients, this is a solid pick if you’re just getting started with clean hair care but don’t want to spend a lot. It can be found on Amazon.

Best for Tricky Hair: Prose Custom Shampoo

Prose creates custom shampoos based on your hair type, goals, lifestyle, and even climate. If you’ve struggled to find a shampoo that actually works without harmful chemicals, their personalized formulas might be the way to go. I didn’t love the packaging since it felt cheap, although I understand why they have the packaging they do, since it’s personalized with your name. But, the product itself was great.

Best for Dry Hair: Rahua Classic Hair Shampoo

Rahua sources its deeply nourishing ingredients from the Amazon rainforest. It’s ideal for dry or damaged hair and helps restore hydration, shine, and softness using clean ingredients. I have used Rahua in the past and like it a lot, but prefer the scent and packaging of Roz. 

Best for Hair Growth: Vegamour Revitalizing Shampoo

Vegamour combines clean ingredients with clinically tested plant actives, supporting fuller, thicker hair over time. It’s a little pricey ($38), but it’s effective in promoting hair growth and reducing shedding. (Another option is Divi, but it’s best for fine hair since it’s designed not to weigh hair down. Although I loved the smell of the Divi shampoo and conditioner, I didn’t find them hydrating enough. Vegamour works for thick hair that you’re trying to grow out.)

Best Squeaky Clean: Innersense Harmony Hairbath Shampoo

Innersense is a cult favorite in the clean beauty world. Their shampoos are ultra-gentle, sulfate-free, and packed with certified organic ingredients. They are super transparent with the ingredients they use– what you see on the bottle is what you get. If your scalp is sensitive or you just want a truly mild cleanse, this organic Innersense shampoo is a great option.

I hope this list helps you feel more in control when you’re buying your next bottle of shampoo that suits your haircare needs!