The best shampoo and conditioner you can use are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic *mystery* fragrances, and unnecessary additives.
Many conventional hair care products may give you the feeling of being squeaky-clean, but many of them are far from “clean” when it comes to their formulations. They commonly contain ingredients that can disrupt hormones, irritate the scalp, build up over time, or even impact overall health.
While switching to a natural shampoo can take a little adjustment, the long-term benefits—like healthier hair and fewer unnecessary toxic chemicals in your routine—are well worth it if you ask me.
But what are the ingredients you should actually avoid? How do you transition to a natural shampoo without dealing with greasy, heavy hair? And how do you know if a brand is truly non-toxic or just using greenwashing buzzwords?
If you want to learn all about the toxic ingredients to avoid in haircare, keep reading. Or, if you just want to know what to buy, I’m giving you a list of my favorite non-toxic shampoo & conditioner brands, too.
Jump right to the top picks by category:
For curly hair:
For dandruff, itchiness, or scalp care:
For thin, fine hair:
Purple shampoo for blonde & gray hair:
For color-treated hair:
For a shampoo bar:
For babies & kids:
For hemp shampoo & conditioner:
Links for shopping at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are below!
This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine!
In this guide:
Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Shampoo & Conditioner
Not all shampoo and conditioner is created equal. Many conventional formulas contain ingredients that can do more harm than good—not just for your hair but also for your health. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
- Parabens: These are preservatives used to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Obviously preservatives serve an important function, but there are plenty of safer ones available. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormone disruption and potential reproductive issues.
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers: Some shampoos contain ingredients that slowly release formaldehyde over time, like DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Exposure can also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even respiratory issues for some people.
- Synthetic/Undisclosed Fragrances: The term “fragrance” or “parfum” is not an actual ingredient… It’s an umbrella term that can actually include over 3,500 ingredients! Many of these ingredients are totally same, while others can include phthalates & other hormone disruptors, allergens, and carcinogens.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are one of the ingredients that can be hidden under the “fragrance loophole.” You won’t see them listed on the ingredient label. They’re most often used to help fragrances “stick” to your hair (aka to make the scent last longer), but they also act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone function. Research has linked phthalates to fertility issues and developmental problems in children.
- Isothiazolinone Preservatives (such as methylisothiazolinone): These preservatives are used to prevent bacteria and mold, but they’re also well-known skin sensitizers. In fact, Methylisothiazolinone was named “Allergen of the Year” by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2013 due to its high potential to cause allergic reactions. These ingredients aren’t problematic for everyone, but if you have sensitive skin, dandruff, itchiness, or something similar, I would avoid them.
- Silicones: While not “toxic,” silicones coat the hair with a plastic-like barrier that can build up over time, weighing hair down and making it look greasy faster. That’s why a lot of people choose to avoid them in haircare. Some silicones, like cyclopentasiloxane, have been flagged for potential bioaccumulation and environmental concerns.
- Sulfates (like SLS & SLES): Not all sulfates are bad, but some of them can be.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be quite irritating to the skin, especially if you’re prone. It can strip the scalp’s natural oils, leading to dryness and itchiness.
- SLES is less irritating, but it comes with carcinogenic contamination concerns (1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide).
- (P.S. Sulfates create the foamy lather we associate with “clean”, which is why some sulfate-free shampoos don’t get as soapy as conventional shampoo does).
- What about allergens? Many shampoos and conditioners (including many of my recommended brands below) contain botanical extracts and essential oil components like linalool and limonene. These can be used as preservatives and/or for scent (although it’s mostly used for fragrance in hair care). Many people don’t have a problem with these ingredients, but they are classified as allergens and can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. If you have a history of skin reactions, it may be worth avoiding these. I’ve included unscented options below.
- Those with very sensitive skin may also want to be careful of benzyl alcohol, which can be used as a preservative. Again, this isn’t a problem for most people.
- Lastly, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a bit of a gray area due to contamination concerns. Because of the way it’s made, some (poorly-manufactured) CAPB can contain residuals chemicals that can cause allergic reactions in some people. (I personally am not very worried about this ingredient when it’s used by reputable brands.)
Don’t worry: There are plenty of non-toxic shampoo and conditioner options that cleanse, nourish, and protect your hair—without the questionable chemicals.
The Best Non-Toxic & Natural Shampoo & Conditioner Brands—Reviewed
Plaine Products
What sets it apart: It checks all the boxes—it’s not only non-toxic & natural but also refillable, low-waste, and it works!
Plaine Products has quickly become one of my favorite non-toxic hair care brands. I love their Rosemary Mint Vanilla scent. It’s super refreshing, but not too strong at all (I’m sensitive to strong fragrances).
Plaine Products has a refillable subscription model, so once you finish a bottle, you send it back to them. Just keep your plastic pump and use it with your new bottle. (You can also just re-order manually whenever you’re low—you don’t have to do the subscription.)
What they carry:
- Shampoo & conditioner in several different scents (including Unscented)
- Purple shampoo & deep conditioner for blondes & silvers
- All-in-one hair & body wash
- Regular body wash (which also comes in several scents)
- Lots of other hair care & body products, including hair oil, styling gel, body lotion, face wash/moisturizer, etc.)
What I like about it:
- It works! It foams pretty well, it gets my hair clean, and the conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft & detangled.
- Great for the whole family, including guys, gals, & kids
- Refillable (low-plastic & low-waste!)
- I like how it’s a low-waste option that doesn’t come with a learning curve. Some people don’t like shampoo bars, and I get that. This is a (single-use) plastic-free shampoo brand that works the same way your conventional shampoo does, so this an easy swap to make!
- You can get a lot of your body care in one place (hair care, body wash, lotion, face wash, etc.)
- All natural & non-GMO ingredients
- Vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA, small business
- A lot of small shops in the east/midwest carry them, so you may be able to shop locally if you live in those areas.
What I don’t like about it:
- Higher price point than some of your other options (although it is pretty concentrated and I have found that it lasts longer than others)
Stay tuned because I have an entire review of Plaine Products coming soon!
Use code THEFILTERY20 for 20% off.
Evolvh
What sets it apart: Customization! They have different non-toxic hair care for different needs—curls, color-treated hair, volumizing, growth support & scalp care, everyday shampoo, and more.
Evolvh is only a hair care brand, so they really know how to do non-toxic shampoo, conditioner, and styling products well.
Celia has tried a lot of Evolvh’s products, including the SmartCurl line and several volumizing products. You can check out her full review here.
The line I personally have used the most is the Growth Support. I’ve used the Shampoo, Conditioner, RootBoost Serum, and Styling Foam. I really like them all. The shampoo and conditioner definitely get the job done and I liked how they supported my natural waves (even though it’s not the curl-specific line).
I also really like the Styling Foam because it encourages my natural waves and provides some frizz control, but it’s still lightweight. It doesn’t make my hair feel crunchy or weighed down.
I’ve also used their Standard Hair Oil. I’m not huge on using hair oil in general because my hair is already on the oily side, but when I do use this, I have noticed a difference in how soft my hair feels.
What they carry:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Hair repair products (like a mask, leave-in conditioner, and scalp serum)
- Styling products (like oil, foam, and balm)
What I like about it:
- I really like how Evolvh has different solutions for different needs. You can take their Hair Quiz to get a custom routine, or you can build your system manually. Whether you have color-treated hair or curls, if you struggle with hair loss, or something else, they’ve got solutions for pretty much everyone.
- Their products work well!
- A lot of their ingredients are ECOCERT certified and/or organic. They are all non-GMO.
- A lot of their products are fragrance-free. They just have a light, pleasant scent that comes from the natural ingredients themselves.
- Made in the USA (Colorado Springs, CO)
What I don’t like about it:
- They’re pretty heavy on the plastic. (They do, however, have a recycling program, so you can send your empties back to them!)
- I have had an issue in the past with the shampoo ingredients separating in the bottle. It wasn’t a big deal for me, but I had to shake it to get it to mix up. (If I didn’t shake it, I would either get a squirt of shampoo that was too liquid-y or too thick.)
By the way, Evolvh is mostly vegan, but their Superfinish Polishing Balm and UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque that are not vegan.
Use code THEFILTERY15 for 15% off.
Attitude
What sets it apart: Great option for low-tox newbies
Attitude is a great brand for you if:
- you are new to non-toxic living
- you want to get a bunch of stuff in one place (hair care, body care, cleaning supplies, etc.)
- you need products for the whole family
I’ve been using Attitude’s products for years now. They carry several different options, whether you just need an everyday shampoo, have dyed hair, want help with volume, or something else.
What they carry:
- Shampoo & conditioner in various scents (including Unscented) and for various needs (color-treated, curls, etc.)
- 2-in-1 hair & body wash
- Treatments (detangler, hair mask, oil)
- A LOT of other personal care & home products
What I like about it:
- Zero learning curve. It foams well and works like regular shampoo & conditioner so it’s a super easy swap to make if you’re just starting out in the world of low-tox living.
- It’s on the more affordable side.
- Great for the whole family. (My husband likes both the 2-In-1 Shampoo and Body Wash Scalp Care and the 2-In-1 Shampoo and Body Wash Sport.)
- A lot of their products are EWG Verified. Most of them are made with 95-99% natural ingredients.
- They have some zero-waste shampoo/conditioner bar options.
- Vegan & cruelty-free.
What I don’t like about it:
- Some of their products are low-waste/refillable and others aren’t. A lot of them come in plastic bottles.
- A few of their products (mostly conditioners) contain an “iffy” ingredient or two. For example, their Clarifying Conditioner contains Triethanolamine, which may be a skin irritant/allergen for some people.
Honest
What sets it apart: Available at Target! One of the most affordable options.
Honest is another great brand for you if you’re just starting your “clean living” journey. It’s a very accessible brand, meaning that:
- they carry lot of different products for home & personal care
- it’s affordable & readily available at big box retailers
- it works the same way conventional shampoo & conditioner does, so it’s an easy adjustment to make
I really like their shampoo & conditioner. It’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. I think this is a great option for people who have kids.
What they carry:
- Shampoo + body wash combo as well as conditioner. They offer several scents, including an option for Sensitive Skin.
- Detangling spray
- LOTS of other body, baby, & home care products
What I like about it:
- Affordable
- Great for babies & kids
- Good option for people with sensitive skin
- Made in the USA and cruelty-free
What I don’t like about it:
- Packaged in plastic. (Although sometimes they have refills available.)
- It’s not clear if it’s actually vegan or not…
P.S. The other non-toxic shampoo & conditioner I like from Target is Acure.
Avalon Organics
What sets it apart: Most affordable organic shampoo & conditioner
What they carry:
- Shampoo & conditioner in various scents and needs—soothing, thickening, anti-dandruff, clarifying, strengthening, and more.
What I like about it:
- Most affordable brand with majority organic ingredients.
- It works pretty well, especially considering the price point and ingredient quality
- Most of their products/ingredients come with third-party certifications such as EWG Verified.
What I don’t like about it:
- Packaged in plastic
- You cannot get it direct from their website. You have to buy it from a retailer.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Even More Non-Toxic & Natural Hair Care Brands To Try
If none of the brands above float your boat, here are even more non-toxic shampoo & conditioner brands to check out:
- Acure (they have a good hemp shampoo option) | Target | Amazon
- Chagrin Valley (great zero-waste bar option; see Ana’s review here) | Walmart | Amazon
- Dr. Bronner’s hair rinse (not a conventional shampoo; see Celia’s review here) | Walmart | Amazon
- Fat & The Moon (another great low-waste/plastic option; code THEFILTERY gets you 15% off)
- Innersense (they have a good purple shampoo for blonde & gray hair) | Walmart | Amazon
These Are the Iffy Brands
The following brands are also kinda low-tox. They are free from the ingredients of main concern but have a couple of iffy ones in there, too.
- Alaffia (They use phenoxyethanol as a preservative, which I personally am not very concerned about, but some people choose to minimize.)
- Captain Blankenship (Their stuff is mostly fine. The conditioner just has one ingredient I’m not crazy about.)
- JVN (Mostly pretty good but, they use undisclosed fragrance. If they’re willing to disclose the ingredients to me, I might move them up. I know a lot of people like this brand.)
- Native (See my full review here)
- Prose (Full pros & cons here)
Tips on Transitioning to Natural Shampoo
Depending on which brand you choose, switching to a natural shampoo can take some adjustment—especially if you’ve been using conventional (silicone-heavy) products for a while.
Your hair and scalp may time to rebalance, and you might experience a temporary “heavy” or greasy feeling as built-up residue gets washed away. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
- Clarify First: If you’ve been using silicone-heavy conditioners or styling products, your hair might have a buildup that natural shampoo won’t remove as easily. A quick fix? Try a DIY apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse:
- Mix 1 part raw, unfiltered ACV with 4 parts water
- Pour it over your hair after shampooing
- Let it sit for a minute
- Then rinse thoroughly.
- This helps break down buildup, balance scalp pH, and boost shine.
- Use a Scalp Brush or Exfoliator: Your scalp plays a big role in hair health, so keeping it clean and stimulated can help with the transition. A scalp scrub (like this one) or a silicone scalp brush can remove excess oil, product residue, and dead skin, helping your natural shampoo work better.
- Lather Twice if Needed: Because sulfate-free shampoos don’t strip your hair as aggressively, they don’t always lather as much on the first wash—especially if your hair has a lot of buildup. If your hair still feels greasy after one wash, try shampooing again. The second round usually gives a better cleanse.
- Rinse Well & Be Patient: A lot of people think their natural shampoo “isn’t working” because their hair feels heavy or waxy. Sometimes, this is just leftover residue that wasn’t rinsed out completely. Make sure you’re thoroughly rinsing all the product from your hair, and give your scalp a couple of weeks to adjust before deciding if the shampoo is right for you.
- Ease Up on Conditioner (At First): If you’re used to slathering on thick, silicone-based conditioner, your hair might initially feel drier without it. But as you transition to a natural conditioner, try actually skipping it for a wash or two. Your scalp will naturally start adjusting its oil production, and you may find you don’t need as much conditioner as you thought. If your ends feel dry, try a lightweight leave-in or a tiny bit of oil instead. (Many of the brands I recommend above offer leave-in conditioners, serums, and oils to choose from.)
- Filter Your Shower Water: Hard water and chlorine can make hair dull, dry, and harder to manage—especially during a shampoo transition. A shower filter can help remove harsh minerals and chemicals, which can make a noticeable difference in hair texture and scalp health.
- Don’t Panic Over the Adjustment Period: If your hair feels off at first—greasy, dry, heavy, or limp—know that it’s normal. This phase usually lasts a couple of weeks as your scalp adjusts and your hair gets rid of old buildup. Stick with it, and soon you’ll start noticing softer, healthier hair that actually needs less product to look good. Enlist the help of some non-toxic dry shampoo if you need to!
If you have any other questions about non-toxic hair care that weren’t addressed here, let me know in the comments below!
And if you find this sort of info helpful, sign up for Filtered Fridays. In my (free) weekly newsletter, I share new reviews, toxin-related news, greenwashing examples, and more.
Was Carina Organics considered at all?
They’re non-toxic! They are on my list to check out, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. But I just checked their ingredients and added it to the list. Thanks for asking!