16 Harmful Shampoo Ingredients Bad for Our Hair + The Worst Brands to Avoid
Detoxing Your Hair Care: Complete Guide Series
Written by Ajay Chohan, Founder
WE ALL SEEK THAT BALANCE between treating our body right and being efficient with our time. Between being smart with our money but never compromising on our health or beauty in the process. We all strive to buy the best for our families. Unfortunately, cosmetic brands have long taken advantage of our emotions and desires to sell us subpar products.
False advertising by shampoo brands is a key example of this. One might pick up a bottle of shampoo from a supermarket shelf, with flowers & plants bursting out from the front packaging, not realizing that the actual ingredients are mostly synthetic and unnourishing. Harsh chemicals & neurotoxins in our shampoo have very real consequences as well - from allergic reactions, scalp irritation, hair loss and even reproductive health issues.
The focus of this research article will be on unearthing these very harsh ingredients hiding in our shampoo. It can be a daunting task trying to keep up with the ever changing complex chemical compounds and ingredients that compose our shampoos - all with varying levels of toxicity and safety records. What we can do, however, is limit our exposure significantly by being knowledgeable of the most common types of harsh chemicals present. Although the focus of this research piece is on shampoos, many of these toxic additives can be found across the spectrum of beauty products.
Why it matters.
The Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group here states, “The average person is exposed to more than 100 chemicals from personal care products – many of them harmful – before leaving the house in the morning. Why? Because the FDA doesn’t have the power to test products for safety before they hit the market – in fact, the FDA can’t even recall a dangerous product. That’s how chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and other health problems -- like formaldehyde and lead acetate -- end up in our cosmetic goods (1).” Folks, this is precisely why consumer awareness is key!
Too often, there is a large lag between an ingredient of concern coming to awareness, the FDA investigating it, and eventually banning its use. Let’s be more proactive as a society and make detoxing our hair care routines part of our healthy living goals.
I have divided the research in 3 Key Parts:
Part I: The 16 harmful chemicals in our store shampoo - these are everything from harsh sulfates, synthetic fragrances, petroleum based thickeners and parabens
Part II: The worst shampoo brands to avoid - these include popular shampoos like Pantene Pro-V, Herbal Essences and Suave Essentials
Part III: What makes a truly better shampoo? + My best natural shampoo recommendations
PART I: The 16 Harmful Chemicals in our Shampoo that are Bad for Hair and Body
Parabens such as Butylparaben - disrupting our hormones & reproductive systems, as well as known irritants
Parabens are a common but very harmful additive. Parabens are preservatives added to cosmetics to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and thus increase the shelf life of a product. Parabens like Butylparaben are potential hormone disrupters which can negatively impact reproductive development and are also known skin irritants & allergens. The Environmental Working Group in this detailed piece on parabens states, ““Parabens can act like the hormone estrogen in the body and disrupt the normal function of hormone systems affecting male and female reproductive system functioning, reproductive development, fertility and birth outcomes. Parabens can also interfere with the production of hormones.”
Parabens can have harmful effects even in small doses:
What’s equally concerning is that it does not take large doses for these parabens to have harmful effects on our reproductive abilities. Boberg et al. in their study titled ‘Multiple Endocrine Disrupting Effects in Rats Perinatally Exposed to Butylparaben’ found during an experiment on rats that “sperm count was significantly reduced at all doses from 10 mg/kg bw/d (1).” This is dosage that consumers can be reasonable exposed to if they are using paraben containing shampoos, lotions and other cosmetics on a daily basis.
Yikes. When did we agree to be exposed to such serious health consequences from our cosmetics? Where are the warning labels on these products?
Toxic preservatives Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) - neurotoxins in shampoo that are also tied with chemical burns & allergic reactions
Did your shampoo trigger a severe allergic reaction? Check to see if it has Methylchloroisothiazolinone or Methylisothiazolinone in it. These are preservatives meant to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. Preservatives like this are how shampoos can stay in bottles for years without going bad. Outside of shampoos, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone are also used in paper coatings, paints, glue etc. Gross. Methylchloroisothiazolinone has been linked with allergic reactions and chemical burns (4). Methylisothiazolinone has also been tied to allergic reactions as well as to lung toxicity and neurotoxicity (5). These harmful preservatives can be found in shampoos like Pantene Pro-V.
Sulfates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - baldness causing harsh chemicals stripping your hair & scalp of their natural protective oils AND toxic for your overall health
This is a big one. Sulfates are harsh synthetic detergents that clean the dirt and build up in your hair, but also “clean” away all the oils protecting your scalp & hair. They are surfactants, meaning they work by acting on the surface (the scalp in the case of your shampoo). In addition to the cleaning, they are added to shampoos to give it the bubbles and foaming upon application that consumers love. Unfortunately though, these harsh sulfates deprive your hair of their protective oils and can also make the hair brittle contributing to hair loss.
Allergic reactions:
Given their harshness, sulfates are skin and eye irritants. According to a study by J. Geier et al. published on the Wiley Online Library on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), “results showed that of the 1600 tested patients, 668 (41.8%) had an irritant reaction to SLS.” The same study also mentions the reactions to SLS being more common during winter months. Which makes sense, because a separate study published in the National Library of Medicine found that the warmer the water, the more irritating SLS is shown to be.
Importantly the study mentions, “skin damage was higher in sites treated with warmer temperatures and a highly significant correlation between irritation and temperature was found. In conclusion, the study shows that water temperature during washing has an important effect on the onset of irritant contact dermatitis.” So while sulfates are generally considered safe if in contact with your skin for a short amount of time, if you are someone that takes long hot showers or are in general sensitive to sulfates, the odds of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate triggering an allergic reaction increase.
Hair loss:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) has long been tied to hair loss. As this article on Simply Organic Beauty states, SLS is a harsh detergent that causes scalp itchiness, dryness and redness. SLS also damages hair follicles and this damage to the follicles can add up over time. Once a specific hair follicle has been damaged enough, it will no longer be able to generate a new strand of hair, leading to hair loss.
Potential cancer concerns due to contaminants:
Another concern is that Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) may be “contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane,” which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies as cancer causing human carcinogens (2). The California Environment Protection Agency also says ethylene oxide is a toxicant which may interfere with human development (2).
Bad for the environment:
Sulfates are also toxic to the environment and especially our oceans & the aquatic life. Hundreds of millions (or billions) of people shampooing daily and releasing these into the environment can really add up.
Please Note: Here is my article on the best all-natural shampoos from small companies with integrity.
Synthetic colors - tied to skin irritation & allergic reactions
Most synthetic colors used in shampoos and other beauty products are made from petroleum. Yikes. Common colorants include Blue 1 and Yellow 5, both of which are made from coal tar (a petroleum product), and are found in shampoos like Selsun Blue, Suave Essentials Ocean Breeze and Herbal Essences. These synthetic colors have been linked to allergic reactions like skin irritation and dermatitis, as well as cancer (3).
Synthetic Fragrance - bad for our hair and body + linked to skin irritations, asthma and issues in our reproductive systems
Sadly, the “fragrance” in your shampoo can denote any number of over 2000 hidden chemicals that are founds in cosmetics. These chemicals have various levels of toxicity and safety track records. Cosmetic companies are not required to disclose exactly which synthetic chemical(s) their fragrance is made from, leaving the fun to us. Fragrances are often responsible for skin irritations and other allergic reactions consumers have to cosmetics.
A “self-regulated” industry:
A study published by the European Union’s scientific committee on cosmetic products has some interesting and disturbing facts about fragrances in our shampoos. Their summary on page 24 states that adverse reactions to fragrance ingredients can include facial or hand eczema and allergic contact dermatitis. The study also mentions some other facts like the fragrance industry being “self-regulated” (gasp) and that “well-known fragrance allergens are found in 15%-100% of cosmetic products and most often in combinations of 3 to 4 in the same product.”
Respiratory problems:
These fragrances are also often tied to respiratory problems like asthma. As the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics here states, “since fragrance ingredients are volatile, they easily enter the air as gases and expose the eyes and naso-respiratory tract. For asthmatics, the effect of exposure may be more severe.”
Bad for our reproductive and immune health:
Some common harsh chemicals in fragrance can include Cinnamal, Isoeugenol and Benzyl Salicylate. As an example of one of these ingredients, according to the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group research here, Benzyl Salicylate is a "known immune system toxicant and allergen" and a “potential hormone disruptor with harmful effects to the reproductive system.” This article mentions other severe reactions to include “burning sensation, nausea, vomiting and damage to the liver and kidneys.” Mind you these are extreme symptoms, but if you have experienced any of these, now you have some cues as to the cause.
So think twice before you use your lavender or rose “infused” shampoo. Consumer awareness is absolutely key - demand disclosure from your favorite beauty and skin care products on what exactly constitutes their “fragrance.” Till then, avoid any product with synthetic fragrance.
DMDM Hydantoin + Formaldehyde - tied to scalp irritation, hair loss and cancer
DMDM Hydantoin is a preservative added to increase a shampoo’s shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria & fungi. DMDM Hydantoin has been tied with scalp irritation & hair loss (6). This preservative can be found in shampoos like Selsun Blue and TRESemmé.
Now, DMDM Hydantoin works by releasing Formaldehyde over its shelf life, which prevents the growth of bacteria by killing the microorganisms causing it. The issue is, formaldehyde is not safe for humans either and is considered a possible cancer causing carcinogen (6). These chemicals can be absorbed by the skin and have thus been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions (7).
If you have an infant at home or work at a hair or nail salon where you are exposed to this everyday, you are especially vulnerable. Countries like Japan and Sweden have completely banned the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin (7).
Please note: Other common preservatives that release formaldehyde include Bronopol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15 and Diazolidinyl Urea - so watch out for any of these ingredients in your personal care products!
Selenium Sulfide - a cancer causing carcinogen
Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program describes Selenium Sulfide as a yellow-orange colored powder and a type of ‘selenium salt.’ Their research states that "selenium sulfide is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals." The study further states, “oral exposure to selenium sulfide caused tumors in two rodent species and at two different tissue sites.”
Selenium Sulfide is commonly used in anti-dandruff shampoos like Selsun Blue, mostly at a concentration of 1%. Our recommendation would be to strictly limit the use of shampoos or lotions that contain this potent and potentially dangerous ingredient.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) - tied to allergies and skin irritation
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is primarily a surfactant added to cleanse dirt and oil from your hair, although it is also added to give your shampoo the foamy and “rich” feeling. The National Library of Medicine here describes Cocamidopropyl Betaine as an “amphoteric synthetic detergent." This ingredient has been tied to skin & eye irritation, as well as blistering and burning for more sensitive skin. It was named Allergen of the Year in 2004 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (8). In addition to humans, runoff of Cocamidopropyl Betaine from shampoos has been shown to be harmful to the environment and especially the aquatic life.
The allergies that people experience have been found to be generally tied to the production process and the impurities produced during it, rather than CAPB itself. So if you do use a shampoo containing Cocamidopropyl Betaine, ensure it’s a brand that prioritizes ingredient quality.
Please Note: Here is my article on the best all-natural shampoos for safe cleansing + wholesome nourishment.
Thickeners. PEGs like Polyethylene Glycol and PPGs like Polypropylene Glycol (PPG-9) - concerns around impurities and toxicity
PEGs and PPGs are petroleum based compounds that act as thickening agents. These are added to shampoos to give it that “rich” feeling. The U.S. National Library of Medicine in their research acknowledge that there is currently not enough evidence on any harmful effects of these compounds but that “it is essential to continuously monitor the safety and risks of PEG-derived products being exposed to consumers using cosmetic products to ensure that no potential health threats will arise, especially when used extensively and chronically.” The research also mentions the possible presence of impurities in PEGs and PPGs such as 1,4-Dioxane, Ethylene Oxide, and Propylene Oxide - all of which are known to be carcinogenic.
Additives for foaming and thickening. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) and Monoethanolamine (MEA) - linked to skin irritation, liver tumors and reproductive health problems
These compounds are sadly quite widespread and can be found in shampoos, lotions, shaving creams etc. These are primarily used as foaming or thickening agents. The David Suzuki Foundation foundation in its research found that DEA can cause skin and eye irritation.
Cancer concerns: The U.S. National Toxicological Program also found that “In laboratory experiments, exposure to high doses of these chemicals has been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid (9).”
Reproductive health concerns: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics details the risks of these compounds to our reproductive health. Their research mentions “studies have found that DEA affects human male reproductive health. DEA alters sperm structure, causing abnormalities that affect the sperm’s ability to swim and fertilize the egg.”
Yikes, all these health concerns just to give our shampoos the foaming feel!? No thank you. The European Commission has completely banned the use of DEA. These compounds have to adhere to certain FDA limits when used in the U.S., but our recommendation would be to stay away from them altogether.
Triclosan (TCS) - a known hormone & endocrine disruptor with links to cancer
Triclosan is an antimicrobial that was initially used only in hospitals (10). The U.S. National Library of Medicine in their extensive research found that given how common Triclosan is used in products, 75% of the U.S. population is exposed to it. This ingredient is especially concerning as it is easily absorbed by the human skin and is also absorbed by crops & vegetables when present in soil (10).
TCS is a known endocrine disruptor (10). Exposure to TCS was shown to cause a decrease in sperm count and a reduction in hormone levels in experiments on fish and rats (10). TCS was linked to cancer and liver tumors in experiments on rats (10). TCS negatively impacted cardiovascular health in mice (10). Studies on humans showed correlation between high levels of TCS with "reproductive and developmental defects" in the fetus (10). Additional studies on humans found that elevated levels of TCS had links to allergies, asthma and wheezing (10).
The European Union banned TCS from all human hygiene products in 2017 (10). In 2016, the U.S. FD&A banned the use of TCS in soaps, but sadly it can still be found in shampoos, hand sanitizers and even mouthwash (yikes). It’s safe to say, stay a mile away from any product containing Triclosan.
Tetrasodium EDTA - a sodium salt which makes skin more vulnerable to absorbing toxic chemicals
Tetrasodium EDTA is a sodium salt which the National Library of Medicine described as a 'cytotoxic' (11). While Tetrasodium EDTA itself luckily does not pass through the skin, it does make the absorption of other harmful chemicals commonly found in shampoos easier, which does pose a risk (11).
Toluene - linked with birth defects and a weakened immune system
Toluene is most commonly used in hair dyes, but we are including it here given just how toxic it is. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has done extensive research on Toluene’s harmful health effects, here are some key and disturbing findings:
A study of nail salon workers who were consistently exposed to Toluene below 100 ppm found links to “neurobehavioral changes” and “attention, concentration and motor performance deficits” (12)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) characterizes Toluene as a “hazardous air pollutant” and a “known human respiratory toxicant” (13)
The California EPA Proposition 65 lists Toluene as a “possible human developmental toxicant” (13). During pregnancy, exposure to Toluene can result in “developmental damage in the fetus” (12).
Please note these other ingredient names by which Toluene can be present in cosmetics: Benzene, Methylbenzene, Phenylmethane and Toluol. These are ingredients to avoid at all costs.
Silicones like Dimethicone - synthetic oils in our shampoo that can clog pores & cause scalp irritation
Dimethicone is a type of silicone, or a synthetic oil, that’s used as a conditioning substance (14). While it is added to conditioners as a protective cover for hair, these silicones can build up on your scalp and prevent the absorption of other moisturizing nutrients (15). The clogged pores can also cause skin irritation.
It is much better to use conditioners that use natural oils such as jojoba or grape seed oil. Like with any synthetic ingredient, it’s best to err on the side of caution and go for a product that uses natural alternatives.
These are some other synthetic silicones to watch out for: Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane (16).
Retinyl Palmitate - tied to the formation of cancerous tumors, reproductive health issues, as well as skin irritation & itching
Hello Natural Living here describes Retinyl Palmitate as “the ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid (a common saturated fatty acid).” This ingredient is most commonly used in sunscreen and other creams but can also be found in shampoos.
The National Toxicology Program in their research found that “mice given creams containing retinyl palmitate or retinoic acid had even more tumors and earlier onset of tumors than animals given the carrier cream, both with and without exposure to the synthetic solar light.” The study presented strong evidence between applying Retinyl Palmitate to the development of cancerous tumors. Other health concerns included in this study include the ingredient being a skin irritant and causing redness & dryness. The focus of this study was on sunscreen with the mice exposed to artificial solar light since Retinyl Palmitate is most commonly used in sunscreen lotions. The Environmental Working Group in their extensive research also noted some key concerns of this additive to be cancer and potential reproductive health problems.
We urge you to ditch any shampoos, sunscreen lotions or other “skin care” products containing Retinyl Palmitate.
Sodium chloride - a thickener in shampoos tied to an itchy scalp and hair loss
Sodium chloride, or salt, is a thickening agent added to shampoos (14). Adding this has no effect on the shampoo’s cleansing ability, but is simply added to “improve” the texture (14). Sodium chloride can make your scalp dry and itchy. The itchiness, and the hair scratching it prompts you to do, can damage hair follicles thus contributing to hair loss.
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Babo Botanicals: All-Natural Wholesome Shampoos
Babo’s Oat & Calendula shampoo is truly plant-based and safe for the most sensitive of scalps. Their concoction starts with mild yet effective coconut based surfactants for cleaning all buildup. What comes after is a treat for our hair and scalp.
Babo shampoos have what they call the nutri-soothe blend - a blend of calendula, chamomile, watercress and meadowsweet flower extracts - known for their antioxidant & soothing properties. The goodness also includes oat kernel extract which is incredibly soothing for a dry or irritated scalp.
Kate Solomon founded Babo after her first born, leveraging her passion and knowledge for beekeeping & sustainable agriculture. You can find this Babo shampoo here. I also love Babo’s baby focused line including their Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash and Sensitive Baby Sunscreen.
Please note: Small Batch Goodness is a participant in the Amazon Associates program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through Amazon or other affiliate links on my site, I may earn a commission.
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Part II: Below are the Worst Shampoo Brands to Avoid
Let’s now get into some of the “top” shampoo & conditioner brands containing toxic ingredients that are not safe for us. Given their high concentration of harsh chemicals; these shampoos are bad for our hair, skin and the environment.
Note: Please refer to Part I: The 16 Harmful Chemicals in Shampoos for more details on a mentioned ingredient as well as for our sources around the health concerns.
Herbal Essences (like the Herbal Essences Rose Hips Smooth Shampoo that’s popular these days)
Herbal Essences was an easy choice for our worst brands list. The irritation and allergies powerhouse Sodium Laureth Sulfate is literally the first ingredient after water. Herbal Essences shampoo has synthetic fragrance and neurotoxins like Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, all of which are known to trigger allergies. It is also full of synthetic colors like Red 33 which gives Herbal Essences’ “rose hips” shampoo its trademark color. Please Avoid.
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
More like “daily harsh chemicals renewal.” Pantene shampoos are full of harmful ingredients linked to allergies or worse like sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. They have synthetic fragrance linked to irritations as well as hormonal and reproductive issues. Pantene shampoos also have harsh preservatives and neurotoxins Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone - linked to allergies and chemical burns. It’s no wonder Pantene has often faced consumer complaints around sudden hair loss triggered after using their shampoos.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
This is a tough one as it does have measurable amounts of natural plant extracts. However, all the natural extracts in the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo come after and thus form a lesser percentage of the concoction than the harsh chemicals.
After water, the first two ingredients are sodium laureth sulfate + sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh detergents that are linked with irritation, damage to hair follicles and hair loss. Synthetic fragrance rounds up this Paul Mitchell shampoo’s top five ingredients. This is a shampoo to be avoided, whether you are at home or the hair salon.
Dove Nutritive Solutions Shampoo for Damaged Hair Intensive Repair
Dove picked a long & fancy name for their new shampoo, but it’s still one of the worst shampoos to use. Dove shampoo’s key ingredients include Cocamidopropyl Betaine - tied to skin & eye irritation, Sodium Chloride - tied to an itchy scalp and hair loss, synthetic toxic fragrance and PPG-9 aka Polypropylene Glycol - a petroleum based thickening agent with concerns around toxic impurities. Add to all of this, Dove shampoo contains no natural or actually nourishing ingredients.
Suave Essentials
Like with other major brands, Suave Essentials has tens of different shampoos with different names, but they mostly contain the same harmful ingredients. Most of the Suave shampoos have Sodium Laureth Sulfate as the key first ingredient after water and are full of toxic synthetic fragrance and petroleum based synthetic colors. You can check out our article here for more on why you need to ditch Suave shampoos.
TRESemmé Rich Moisture Shampoo
Quite similar to the Dove shampoo above. The TRESemmé shampoo contains the skin irritant Cocamidopropyl Betaine, petroleum based thickening agent PPG-9 aka Polypropylene Glycol, synthetic fragrance tied to respiratory problems & reproductive issues, and the silicone Dimethiconol that is not soluble in water and can build up on your scalp causing irritation. The TRESemmé shampoo is not good for your hair in any manner! Avoid.
Aussie Total Miracle Shampoo
The harsh detergents Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine are literally the first three ingredients in the Aussie Total Miracle shampoo after water. These detergents are tied to allergic reactions, skin irritation and hair loss. Aussie Total Miracle shampoo also has the silicone Dimethicone (see Part I) and toxic synthetic fragrance. Not something you want your hair exposed to everyday!
Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The harsh detergents Sodium Lauryl Sulfate + Sodium Laureth Sulfate, consistently linked to allergic reactions and even hair loss, are the first two ingredients after water. The “fresh scent of Classic Clean” in the Head & Shoulders shampoos actually comes from synthetic fragrance and the shampoo’s color comes from synthetic coal tar derived colorants. It then has the silicone Dimethicone which can clog pores leading to scalp irritation.
Lastly, Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff shampoo has the harsh preservatives and neurotoxins Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone - again linked to allergies and worse. No, definitely NOT worth any dandruff fighting properties.
Alberto VO5 Moisture Milks Strawberries and Cream Moisturizing Shampoo
A misleading name for a disgusting concoction. Alberto VO5 is full of the usual harsh detergents SLS and SLES. Contains toxic synthetic fragrance and synthetic colors. Has the surfactant Cocamidopropyl Betaine linked to skin irritation and blistering.
Alberto VO5 also contains the Formaldehyde releasing preservative DMDM Hydantoin which is linked to cancer and skin allergies. Its Walmart product listing even comes with a California Proposition 65 warning! Yikes. Please avoid this brand.
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo
Fancy name and branding, but the same concerning ingredients. The harsh detergents SLS and SLES are the first two ingredients after water in this L'Oreal shampoo, thus forming the highest percentage of this concoction. The main ingredients also include Sodium Chloride and the synthetic silicone Dimethicone - both of which are tied to an itchy scalp & skin irritation.
The shampoo’s “irresistible fragrance” comes from synthetic fragrance, often responsible for allergic reactions consumers have to shampoos. Given these ingredients, we can not recommend anyone to use L'Oreal shampoos.
Selsun Blue Maximum Strength with Aloe Dandruff Shampoo
You can read our detailed piece on this shampoo here. Selsun Blue contains the Formaldehyde releasing preservative DMDM Hydantoin, linked to cancer and skin allergies. Selsun Blue’s trademark blue color comes from Blue 1, a synthetic colorant made from coal tar, and linked with allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Selsun Blue has also faced consumer complaints and a class action lawsuit over hair thinning and hair loss, which its active ingredient Selenium Sulfide is suspected to contribute to. We do not believe the Selsun Blue shampoo is worth using for any of its dandruff fighting properties.
Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo
This shampoo does have actual apple, sugar cane and lemon peel extracts - but that was not enough to keep it from our worst brands list. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are the first three ingredients after water in Garnier Fructis - meaning they compose the majority of this concoction. These are harsh detergents and surfactants constantly tied to allergic reactions, skin irritation and even hair loss.
Garnier Fructis shampoo’s key ingredients also include Sodium Chloride and the synthetic silicone Amodimethicone - both of which are tied to an itchy scalp. This Garnier Fructis shampoo also contains synthetic fragrance. Mind you, all of these potentially harmful chemicals are listed before any natural extracts on the ingredients label, meaning the extracts are quite minuscule compared to the harsh synthetic ingredients.
If you want stronger and healthier hair, we recommend you look elsewhere.
Nexxus Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner -Therappe and Humectress collection
With a fancy name & a higher price point than many shampoos on this list, one would not expect the Nexxus shampoo to have cheap additives. Not the case unfortunately. After water the first ingredient is your usual suspect, the skin irritation and allergies causing Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It has the harsh detergent Cocamidopropyl Betaine. And synthetic fragrance? Check. This Nexxus shampoo also has the notorious neurotoxic twins Methylchloroisothiazolinone + Methylisothiazolinone - harsh preservatives tied to chemical burns of the scalp.
Nexxus proudly states “This moisturizing shampoo and conditioner locks in moisture to unleash hair’s smoothness.” Sadly this ability comes from the conditioner having the synthetic oil silicone Dimethicone - which can clog pores leading to scalp irritation. The Nexxus conditioner is also full of coal tar made synthetic colors tied to skin irritation and even cancer - these include Yellow 5, Red 33 and Blue 1. Please stay a mile away from this collection.
American Crew 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash
More like 4-in-1, four synthetic harsh chemicals that is. Unsurprisingly, the first ingredient after water is the king of skin irritation and allergies Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Right after that in this American Crew shampoo is the synthetic oil silicone Dimethicone, which can build up on our scalps causing clogged pores and irritation. The fact that Dimethicone is a top 3 ingredient, meaning it is present in this concoction in a large quantity, is especially concerning.
This American Crew shampoo also has a ‘healthy’ amount of synthetic fragrance and the harsh detergent Cocamidopropyl Betaine. We recommend you spare your hair & body and avoid American Crew shampoo and body wash products.
You might be thinking, this pretty much lists every shampoo and conditioner brand I have used & know, and you are right. Almost all mainstream shampoos simply do not belong in our daily shampooing routine. The research on both the short term effects like allergies and the long term bioaccumulation effects like hormonal & reproductive harms and cancer is pretty extensive.
PART III: Guidance for Buying Better - What Makes a Better Shampoo?
The best natural shampoos are safe yet effective. Such shampoos gently cleanse + restore with ingredients that are whole + alive + naturally nourishing. Meaning — the ingredients come from whole botanical and flower extracts from living & breathing plants — not dead chemical compounds from a lab.
For starters, the cleansing should be done via non-toxic and high quality surfactants like castile soap. The shampoo should also truly rejuvenate & strengthen our hair and increase its vitality. Not just give the feel of it. This is where whole botanical based shampoos that are naturally rich in vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help.
The quality and aliveness of the ingredients is thus the biggest factor that makes a truly better natural shampoo. You can read my best natural shampoos article where I further cover the attributes of such shampoos and give my recommendations by category.
Additional Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27122241/
https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-sodium-laureth-sulfate/
https://lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?fetch=personal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylchloroisothiazolinone
https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/chemical-free-living-methylisothiazolinone/
https://www.classaction.org/news/class-action-claims-maximum-strength-selsun-blue-may-cause-scalp-irritation-hair-loss
https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/formaldehyde/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18627690/
https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/the-dirty-dozen-dea-related-ingredients/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6126357/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12396676/
https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/toluene/
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/706577-TOLUENE-TOLUENE-TOLUENE/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dimethicone#what-is-dimethicone
https://www.byrdie.com/silicones-shampoos