Is John Masters Shampoo Safe?
Written by Irina Webb
Lustrous hair is everyone’s dream. Personally, I have tried numerous hair care products to make my long, dark hair look shiny and voluminous. I won’t deny it—I have been tempted by products promising magical results only to be disappointed. That was before I learned how to read and understand shampoo ingredients. Once I knew what made a hair washing product safe, I switched to using soap. While soap is indeed a safe choice, it did not work for my hair. In fact, soap ruined my hair, and it took me quite some time to restore it. Read on to discover the non-toxic shampoo that helped me achieve beautiful, healthy hair once again!
But what about John Masters Organics sulfate-free shampoo? Is it safe for you? In this post, you will learn about a John Masters shampoo called “Daily Nourishing Shampoo with Lavender & Rosemary.” You will see which of the ingredients in this shampoo are nothing to worry about, and which ones may cause some health concerns. Note that, although the company is called “John Masters Organics,” John Masters shampoo is not organic. And here is why.
Why John Masters Shampoo Is Not Organic
In my search for an organic hair product, I first and foremost look for the USDA organic certification seal. To clarify, this agency certifies ingredients of agricultural origin if they meet its production, handling, processing, and labeling standards. For a product, such as a shampoo, to obtain organic certification, 95% of its ingredients must be USDA-certified organic.
So, is there such a thing as “organic shampoo”?
To reiterate, only ingredients of agricultural origin may get organic certification. Hence, another question arises: can a shampoo be comprised of 95% agricultural ingredients that could qualify for organic certification?
The short answer is no, it cannot. Traditionally, a liquid shampoo must contain certain ingredients that are indispensable in a shampoo formulation. Some of these ingredients are surfactants, emulsifiers, and preservatives. However, none of these chemicals are eligible for an organic certification.
Can these chemicals fit in the remaining 5% of a shampoo formula while the other 95% of ingredients are certified organic? Hypothetically, this is possible. Yet, although I don’t know this for sure, my supposition is that the surfactants, emulsifiers, and preservatives take up a great deal more than would fit in the 5% “box” in order for the shampoo to work well. In a decade of shampoo research, I have not come across a liquid shampoo with such a formula. Actually, John Masters Organics liquid shampoo is a good example of that.
(If you like using dry shampoos, you will benefit from my Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo Guide.)
John Masters Shampoo Ingredients
View the full ingredients list for John Masters Organics Daily Nourishing Shampoo with Lavender & Rosemary as of July 2024:
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Caramel, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Root Extract*, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavender) Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Stem/Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Linalool†. *Organic ingredient. †A natural component of essential oils.
First of all, I want to commend John Masters for disclosing their ingredients in accordance with the INCI Nomenclature Conventions. There are many companies that don’t do that, which, in the end, is misleading for consumers. (The issue is that one ingredient can have different names. So, the INCI came up with a standardized list of ingredients used in cosmetics.)
Second, I truly appreciate the fact that John Masters sulfate-free shampoo contains organic plant-based ingredients. For instance, organic lavender leaf extract helps hydrate hair and dry skin, and organic rosemary leaf oil adds shine to hair.
Let’s discuss the ingredients in bold font and see if any of them are concerning.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Primarily, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a surfactant that does the job of cleaning and creates lather. Although it’s derived from coconut oil, its production is a multi-step process that involves adding intermediary chemicals. As a result, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine may have some toxic contaminants left over from the manufacturing process.
Specifically, 3,3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) is concerning because it can be sensitizing even if present in tiny amounts. Consequently, quality control for this contaminant is crucial.
Hence, if you do purchase a shampoo with this surfactant, make sure that the company sources high-quality cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine from suppliers who prioritize safety. How can you make sure? The first step would be to contact the company directly and ask them. While this might not be your current habit, it really helps everybody if companies know we are watching them.
Interestingly, the website for John Masters Organics Daily Nourishing Shampoo with Lavender & Rosemary has a reference to “coconut” as one of the “key ingredients” in this sulfate-free shampoo:
Yet, there is no actual “coconut” among the listed ingredients. This led me to believe that they are referring to cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine as their “coconut” ingredient. So, I contacted the company and, judging by their reply, I was right:
Nevertheless, even though coconut oil is a source ingredient for cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, can this ingredient pass for a “key ingredient” as “coconut” along with lavender and rosemary? I don’t think so, and I find this extremely misleading. (To learn more about this surfactant, visit my post about cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.)
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
To begin with, many companies point out that cocamidopropyl betaine is “natural” because it is derived from coconut. For your information, the process of derivation alters the source ingredient, and the end chemical has nothing in common with it. To demonstrate, this is what happens.
First, they derive coconut fatty acids from coconut oil. Then, they create a reaction between coconut fatty acids and 3-dimethylaminoproplylamine (DMAPA) to produce amidoamine. Afterwards, they combine amidoamine with monochloroacetic acid to get to cocamidopropyl betaine. As you can see, the presence of coconut oil somewhere at the beginning of this process becomes irrelevant.
Further, there is evidence that cocamidopropyl betaine may cause allergic skin reactions in some people. Hence, the American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists cocamidopropyl betaine as a core allergen, even in concentrations as low as 1%. Moreover, due to high rates of cases involving allergic reactions, the Society named it “Allergen of the Year” for 2004. (Learn more about cocamidopropyl betaine in my post about cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.)
In addition to cocamidopropyl betaine, John Masters uses lauramidopropyl betaine and babassuamidopropyl betaine in some of their other shampoo formulations. These ingredients may be contaminated by two manufacturing byproducts – 3,3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) and fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamine (amidoamine), both known as skin allergens (sensitizers). (Note that I am not saying that these potential contaminants are present in the John Masters shampoo, just that they may be.)
To decrease the risk of sensitization, avoid using products with these surfactants, unless you are confident of their purity. For example, you may want to consider Pure Haven shampoos. (The products that helped me restore my hair are Pure Haven Supergreens.)
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Another surfactant, caprylyl/capryl glucoside,belongs inthe group of alkyl glucoside ingredients formed by reacting an alcohol with glucose, a cyclic form of sugar. As mild surfactants, glucosides are common in baby products, bath products, cleansing and skin care products, eye makeup and hair care products, including hair dyes and colors.
The CIR Expert Panel reviewed a study that indicated that caprylyl/capryl glucoside was not readily absorbed through the skin. At high concentrations, it was irritating, and long-term skin irritation resulted in other adverse effects including body weight loss. However, no other adverse effects happened at concentrations that did not cause skin irritation. Ultimately, the products with alkyl glucoside ingredients were not genotoxic, dermal irritants, or sensitizers.
Another glucoside ingredient used in John Masters shampoo is decyl glucoside. While it is non-irritating to the eyes and is not likely to cause contact allergy, in some very rare cases, it may cause a skin reaction. You can learn more about glucoside ingredients in my blog post Are Glucosides Safe?.
I consider glucoside surfactants much safer than cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, and their relatives. This is because glucosides even potentially do not contain the problematic by-product contaminants. When comparing surfactants, I believe glucosides are the safest option. In fact, Pure Haven shampoos, such as Pure Haven Supergreens, use only glucosides as cleansing agents and do a great job of cleaning and improving my hair health.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
This ingredient is not in John Masters Daily Nourishing Shampoo with Lavender & Rosemary, but you can see it in other John Masters shampoo formulations, e.g., their Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating Shampoo. It is one of the 12 isethionate surfactants that CIR describes in its 2017 safety report.
To clarify, the report does not provide much safety information on sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate in particular. However, the CIR Panel believes that due to the similarities in the core chemical structure, the safety profile of sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate should resemble that of sodium cocoyl isethionate:
| Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate is | Sodium cocoyl isethionate is |
| the sodium salt of | the sodium salt of |
| the methyl lauric acid ester of | the coconut fatty acid ester of |
| isethionic acid. | isethionic acid. |
In case with sodium cocoyl isethionate, the CIR report finds it non-mutagenic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating, and not causing birth defects in animal studies. It is also considered a gentle surfactant.
Sodium Chloride
Next, sodium chloride, or table salt, is used in shampoos and other personal care products as a viscosity increasing agent for thickness. In addition, in oral hygiene products, it polishes the teeth, reduces oral odor, and cleanses and deodorizes the mouth (source).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes sodium chloride in its list of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as a substance that migrates to food from packaging. Because the FDA has assessed the safety of sodium chloride, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient.
Hydroxypropyl Guar
A derivative of guar gum, a resinous material made from guar bean, hydroxypropyl guar is an emulsifier, a thickener, and a hair conditioning agent. You can also see it as an ingredient in artificial tear solutions. Some other derivatives of guar gum commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products include guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride and hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (source).
I have found no indication that it poses any health risks when used topically. Thus, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that absorption following dermal exposure is limited. They also reviewed data that indicated that guar gum was not genotoxic or carcinogenic, and it was not a developmental toxicant. Additionally, both guar gum and its derivatives were not dermal irritants or sensitizers.
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Another hair conditioning agent, hydrolyzed rice protein, helps enhance the appearance and feel of hair by increasing hair body and suppleness (source).
The CIR assessed the safety of ingredients made from rice, including extracts, bran, starch, powder, and proteins. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that based on composition information and irritation and sensitization tests, rice derivatives are safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Caramel
Definitely, you know caramel, derived from heating edible sugar, as a food coloring and flavor additive in candy, confections, and desserts. As the sugar melts, it breaks down to give a characteristic caramel color and flavor. In cosmetic formulations, caramel imparts a brown color to personal care products (source).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes caramel in its list of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as a multipurpose food substance. Also, the FDA lists caramel as a color additive exempt from certification and considers it safe for use in coloring cosmetics and personal care products, including lip and eye skin products.
Potassium Sorbate
Moving on to preservatives used in John Masters shampoo, I believe they are some of the safest currently used in personal care products.
First, potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and occurs as a white crystalline powder, granules, or pellets. In cosmetics and personal care products, its function is to prevent the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, and thus protect products from spoilage (source).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes sorbic acid and potassium sorbate in the group of substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as preservatives for direct addition to food.
According to the CIR safety review, both sorbic acid and potassium sorbate were practically nontoxic in acute oral toxicity studies. At concentrations up to 10%, they were practically nonirritating to the eye, and at concentrations up to 10%, they were at most only slightly irritating to the skin. The studies also showed these ingredients as nonmutagenic, and diets containing sorbic acid or potassium sorbate revealed no carcinogenic effect. Plus, no developmental effects were observed with potassium sorbate. Additionally, formulations containing up to 0.5% sorbic acid and/or potassium sorbate were not significant irritants and were not considered to be sensitizers.
That said, I want to clarify that I don’t recommend consuming food with potassium sorbate or any other preservatives. Ideally, we should aim at consuming whole foods without added ingredients.
Sodium Benzoate
Second, sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid and is also a food-grade preservative (source).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes benzoic acid and sodium benzoate in the group of substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as direct food additives.
If you are interested in knowing whether sodium benzoate produces a carcinogen when it interacts with citric acid (an often-repeated but groundless claim circulating on the Internet), please read my post Sodium Benzoate & Citric Acid Myth.
Sodium Phytate
Finally, sodium phytate is also a food-grade preservative. It is often a component of Dermofeel PA-3, a preservative that helps make the preservation system more robust. Although you don’t see sodium phytate in the Daily Nourishing Shampoo with Lavender & Rosemary, you can see it in some other John Masters shampoo formulations, such as Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating Shampoo.
To begin with, the 2018 CIR report states that one clinical study tested a cream with 0.49% sodium phytate on 22 subjects and found no irritation. Another study tested a product with 50% sodium phytate and classified it as a minimal irritant to non-irritant. In addition, in a test involving 25 subjects, a product with 1% sodium phytate did not cause skin sensitization. Lastly, in vitro tests showed no genotoxicity and no sensitization potential.
So, based on my research, I believe sodium phytate is safe to use in personal care products, such as shampoo. In fact, Pure Haven shampoos, including Pure Haven Supergreens, also use sodium phytate as part of their preservation system. (Learn more in my blog post The Best Safest Shampoo.)
Conclusion: Is John Masters Shampoo Safe?
While The Ingredients In John Masters Shampoo Are Generally Safer Than Those Of Many Conventional Shampoos, A Few Ingredients Still Present Some Health Concerns.
In conclusion, it is great that John Masters sulfate-free shampoo contains organic plant-based ingredients, such as lavender leaf extract. Most other ingredients are fine, too. By the way, I really appreciate the fact that John Masters shampoo uses no fragrance, or even “natural” fragrance. (You can learn why I avoid products with fragrance in my blog post about Hypoallergenic Perfumes.)
Nevertheless, because of the presence of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and cocamidopropyl betaine, I can’t consider John Masters shampoo safe. These ingredients, along with their amidopropyl betaine relatives, may contain two manufacturing byproducts—3,3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) and fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamine (amidoamine)—both known skin sensitizers. Therefore, it’s essential to buy products with these ingredients from reputable companies that prioritize ingredient purity control.
To minimize the risk of sensitization, consider using shampoos without these ingredients. Personally, I use Pure Haven shampoos. I particularly love Pure Haven Supergreens shampoo and conditioner because they helped restore my hair after I ruined it with soap. Now, my hair is shiny, and even my natural color is coming back. Plus, my sensitive scalp is never itchy or irritated, which is crucial for healthy hair growth. Plus, I see lots of new hair growth!
Browse the I Read Labels For You blog for information on ingredients and product safety. Feel free to visit my shop for multiple options for non-toxic personal care and household products. Get instant access to all my e-books. Additionally, you are welcome to book a service with me to get help with living healthy.
Download The Free Guide!
5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home
Join our informed consumer community and get our free guide the “5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home”.
Hello Irina and others 🙂
Being an organic gal (like many of you I’m sure) and a Naturopath, I just had to share a shampoo (and conditioner as well) that I’ve finally found and been using successfully for several months now:
Dr. Christopher’s BF&C Shampoo (and Conditioner) for Normal Hair
I love it as it has NO toxic ingredients whatsoever and is primarily aloe vera gel… my thin, blonde hair (I don’t dye it but thinking of trying Hairprint soon perhaps) has never looked healthier!
Hope this help anyone who has been searching for years too!
Pam
Hi, Pam:
Thank you for commenting. I am always on a lookout for a clean shampoo that works well as well. Unfortunately, the ingredients of Dr. Christopher’s BF&C shampoo are not listed in INCI convention required by the FDA, which makes it hard to know what ingredients they use. For example, when they say coconut oil betaine, it can be coco-betaine or cocamidopropyl betaine, the latter I avoid. ~Irina
I’m very interested to read the updated blog on these products once it is available as I have been using John Masters products for about a month now and I am blown away. Best stuff I’ve ever used for sure. I was using the Body Deli Living Hair Shampoo and Conditioner but the John Masters products puts them to shame. Not even a close comparison. I have a pretty severe thyroid disorder and as a result I have lost a great deal of hair, which has always been thin, even before it started falling out. In just a month (of using the Rosemary and Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner almost daily and Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer every other day and the Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo once a week) I can’t express how happy I am. My hair is growing nicely, looks and feels heathy, it’s shiny and appears fuller already. I am beyond thrilled with these products!
Thank you so much, Holly, for your feedback! ~Irina
Hi Irina, I found your site in a search to figure out what happened to the formula in John Master’s Lavender/Rosemary shampoo. I’ve emailed them twice and eventually got a response that had nothing to do with my question. It looks like you might be providing an update at some point. I’m wondering if there is a quick answer as to whether or not it has changed. It seems more runny and gelatinous, it does not penetrate my hair anymore. My first thought had been that they were watering it down in an effort to yield higher profits. After reading through some of the comments, I’m thinking they pulled out a toxic, yet helpful ingredient! 🙂 Thanks for any insights.
Hi, Alex:
There is so much on my plate right now. Realistically speaking, I am not sure when I will get to it. But thank you for asking and letting me know. What do you think about the re-formulated Hairprint shampoo that I recently reviewed: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/hairprint-herbal-shampoo-review/ ~Irina
Thanks for your reply Irina. I was excited to consider Hairprint, but unfortunately they do not have a product for natural blondes, which myself, husband and kids all are. Hoping they are able to develop something soon, I’d love to get rid of my grey!
Also, I did hear back from John Masters and got this response:
“As far as the Shampoo for Normal Hair goes, the formula was updated recently. We actually added new ingredients to improve the formula and lather. We’ve added more organic content and are now using new ingredients to increase performance.”
While this may be true on their end, it does not increase performance for my hair type.
Alex
Hi Irina,
Great blog, and have you tried Living Libations Seabuckthorn Shampoo?
Coco
No, I have not. Have you? It seems a bit too expensive for me. ~Irina
I just tried it for the first time and so far my hair feels clean, soft, silky and moisturized; and I live in Vancouver Canada where it is currently cold, not great for skin. You are correct about the price, far too pricey for something that is instantly washed down the drain. My search for the ideal natural based shampoo continues. Thank you for such an informative blog, so appreciated. Be Well, Coco
Hi Irina!
Thank you for all your hard work and the write ups. I’ve switched to natural shampoos about over a year now. I started with John Masters as well but eventually found Morrocco Method and to my limited ingredient knowledge it seemed amazing compared to the rest. Morrocco method definitely improved my hair quality over the year and might have even helped with growing back some baby hairs (I lost a lot of hair a year ago). However about half a year later I developed very itchy scalp and flakes and it doesn’t seem to stop so I’m considering switching shampoos.
I would really like to know if you tried or your thoughts on Miessence shampoo for normal to dry hair? I’m about to order it as the list looks pretty good…
Here’s the link
http://www.miessence.com/shop/en/product/12101/desert-flower-shampoo
Thank you so much!
Hi, Victoria: Yes, I have looked at this shampoo before and their ingredients look good to me, too. You can use this link make your purchase to get me some credit. Thank you in advance. Please let me know how you like the shampoo. ~Irina
It looks like the ingredients have changed since you posted this blog?
The official website shows different ingredients.
I will be updating this post soon. Thank you, John. ~Irina
What about fragrance-free Shea Moisture Shampoo for my interracial baby who is almost 1? She needs moisture as the Castile soap (Mamasuds) leaves her hair very dry and frizzy
Thank you for asking! I will be addressing your question in the next week’s post. Stay tuned. 🙂 ~Irina
Hi Irina, I have the same issue as you (dry sculp), so most of the shampoos dont work for me because they tend to make my sculp even drier. Until I tried Prairies natural (avalanche therapeutic shampoo). Have you ever tried it and what do you think about the ingredients?
Purified water, cetearyl alcohol, glycol stearate, emulsifying plant wax, d-pahthenol (pro-vitamin B5),aqueous extract of nettles, sea kelp, horsetail grass, sage, oat straw & arnica, aloe vera, ascorbic acid, silk amino acids, zinc omadine, magnesium sylicate/selenium, msm crystals, essential oil blend of white pine, eucalyptus & peppermint, vitamin E, cysteine/methionine, glucose and glucose oxidase & lactoperoxidase, citric acid & sodium citrate & natural fragrances.
Hi, Angie: Does this shampoo produce any foam? There are no surfactants listed. Also, I do not like that they do not follow INCI requirements for listing ingredients, which makes it a guessing game what they ingredients are, e.g. emulsifying plant wax. ~Irina
Thanks for this info! I would love you to try out my haircare line and give me your honest opinion. You will NOT believe the minimal ingredient list in my shampoo and conditioner. I too am on the hunt for products without synthetics. I ended up starting a business for lack of alternatives 🙂 Email me for the coupon code for free samples!!
Hi, Kim: before I try products, I study their ingredients to see they are formulated to the standards of I Read Labels For You community. I also look into whether sufficient preservation system is used. Currently, I use and love Hairprint shampoos and conditioners. I haven’t seen the ingredients listed on your website, please email me with a list of ingredients. Thank you for contacting me! I look forward to hearing from you. ~Irina
Hi! I’ve just started using John Masters Organic Citrus/Neroli Conditioner for my dry curly hair. I use Dr. Bronner’s Lavender soap for shampoo and this for conditioner. I was, however, shocked to find out that there is sodium benzoate in the product, since the mixture of sodium benzoate + citric acid (from the oranges) is a known carcinogen. Are there any products you can suggest that don’t contain any preservatives at all? Especially not ones that could increase my risk of cancer.
Hi, Jess:
Is there an information source you can provide regarding sodium benzoate reacting with citric acid? My understanding is that sodium benzoate may react with ascorbic acid, not citric acid, to form carcinogenic benzene. That’s why it is important to avoid eating food with sodium benzoate used as a common preservative. Thanks. ~Irina
Hey, I was wondering if you’ve ever looked into the shea moisture line of shampoos. Particularly, this one. http://www.target.com/p/sheamoisture-community-commerce-hydration-intensive-shampoo-13-oz/-/A-15651081
Wondering if you see any red flags here? Thanks!
Hi Ali, can you help me locate ingredients for it? Thanks. ~Irina
Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin (Vegetable), Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trichilia Emetica Seed Butter, Ficus Carica (Fig) Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearamide AMP, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, Honey
It looks pretty good! Do you like it? Looking at the preservatives, it seems that its shelf life is short. ~Irina
I haven’t used it, myself, but was also interested mostly due to the brand…. I & my toddler use the Shea moisture African black soap deep cleansing shampoo & balancing conditioner & I REALLY like it for the two of us.
Looks like a good one! ~Irina
Thanks Irina! As always you are very helpful. I guess I’ll switch back to Acure repairing shampoo which I used in the past but didn’t like so much. Hairprint customer service said the shampoo is coming out in September so well just have to wait. What about leave in conditioners? Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Irina,
Are you still using this shampoo? I know you are also using the hairprint so how does it work for you? I’ve been using hairprint for the last 6 months and it never truly worked for me. The color and grays have gone back to their previous color after a couple of weeks. Upon talking to their customer service I was told John Masters shampoo that I was using (honey&hibiscus) was coating my hair and the pigment wasn’t getting to the hair shaft. I was told to stop using this shampoo. What are your thoughts on that? I’m at a loss and don’t know what else to use…
I know. It is frustrating. I do not use it any more. There is wax in the shampoo that normally is good but it probably blocks Hairprint from being effective. Hairprint is developing their own shampoos, which should come out soon, possibly this summer. In the meantime, you can a shampoo from this list. ~Irina
You haven’t answered people’s requests for a conditioner to use with Hairprint. Please do! I use Hairprint and want to find a nonallergenic conditioner that has no blockers…
Hi there: To tell you the truth, I have not found a conditioner that meets all my high standards yet. By the way, if your hair is not damaged by chemical dyes (and if you use Hairprint, it won’t be), you do not even need any conditioner. I have been using this leave-in conditioning mist. You might want to try it. Let me know you think. ~Irina
I ordered By Valenti bar shampoo for my 7 year old. It works great!!
Do you use a “conditioner” with it? What kind?
I do not use any conditioner on my son’s hair. Thanks. ~Irina
Hi Irina, I’m just wondering what you think of Sunfood Natural Plant Based Shampoo. I’ve been using it for a few months. Of all the natural shampoos I’ve tried, I like this one the best. My hair is very soft and shiny and it doesn’t seem to leave a build-up.
Thank you so much for the work you are doing in getting this important information out. I was going to try Madison reed but won’t now that I have read what you wrote about it. I have been using Morroco method light brown henna, which gives me nice shine but my pure white roots have an orange tinge and the rest of my hair is a dark brown, nothing like the dark blonde I originally was. I also use their apple cider vinegar shampoo, and my hair is shiny. The shampoo looks like mud and doesn’t have any foaming agents so there is no lather, and I’ll probably continue to use it, but not the conditioner because it makes my hair too oily. I do miss my blonde.
Hi Irina! I have just discovered your blog and I am really enjoying it. I was wondering if you have any recommendations on natural and organic deodorants? I have tried making it and buying some brands and they mostly cause my armpits to get irritated and itchy. Please advise if you can. Thank you!
Yes, I do. Please check out this blog post here. Thanks! ~Irina
Hi Irina, what are your thoughts on using just caslight as a shampoo and the caslight bar soap for the body? It seems like such a great product but worry its better for cleaning the home than the body? I used to use WEN and realize how tricky the manufacturer was with hiding the real ingredients in the product. I must admit, I worry that my hair will be too dry without a conditioner. Are there any you recommend?
Thank you, thank you!
Hi Leah: did you mean castile when you said caslight? Some people use castile soap with a great success. And I actually have been using it on my 3 year old son’s hair with success. When I used it on me my got dry and I do not think conditioner would solve dryness. It will probably just mask it. Let me know if I can help further. ~Irina
I have been using John Masters Shampoo and I love it! But my hair is very thin that it gets tangled easily, especially right after I get up in the morning. Do you know any good conditioner that is not too bad? 🙁
Hi Ashly: thank you for asking. You might want to check out Herbaliz herbal vinegar rinse or frizz tamer. Let me know how these products worked for you, if you try them. My hair used to tangle when I used chemical hair dyes. Not anymore.
~Irina
Have you ever heard of CALIA shampoo and conditoner!? Calianatural.com they seem to have super clean ingredients whats your stand on it? Thank you
Hi Anna: Thank you for checking with me. I just looked at their website and my understanding is that the way the ingredients are listed is incorrect. For example, for foaming agents, they name raw materials such as coconut oil but not what foaming agents were derived from coconut oil. We all know that coconut oil alone can’t be used to wash the hair. The way they list ingredients, reminds me of this story: https://wp.me/p3b5KF-12j
Thanks for the response! I am definitely taking small steps, the Annmaire skin care was the first step (but maybe I’ll have to re-evaluate that) and now the hair products. You breaking down the science for me is a HUGE help and exactly what I was searching for! Also someone who has tried multiple products so I don’t have to is greatly appreciated! You are an excellent resource and I’m sure its time consuming and probably expensive so thank you!
I am so glad I found you! I have just started my journey in dumping the chemicals and I started with hair care products. After two weeks of researching, asking friends, shopping around I felt completely defeated and ready to give up. Why is this so hard & confusing?! Friends recommended products but they had the same chemicals I was trying to get away from. I finally feel I have a resource I can trust! Thank you!!
P.S. I started using Annemarie Skin Care line & love it. I hope it’s as clean as they claim!
Hi Camile: thank you so much for joining my blog! I agree the journey of ridding of harmful chemicals is not easy for anybody. And it is a process. Not to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, I recommend taking small steps at a time and taking time to feel good about your accomplishments. I think my independent and unbiased science-based blog will help you stay on track. I tried Annemarie Skin Care line, too. I also concluded that plant oil-based skin care is the cleanest way to take care of the skin. Annemarie Skin Care has not made my top skin care picks yet. But I hope with a few minor adjustments, they will soon. By the way, I am running a skin care products giveaway next week. Do not miss it!
the best pick of the shampoo which is it …???
my requirements are i shampoo my hair daily i have some hair fall i want the nutritions for the hair to stimulate hair growth … I’m looking for some kind of shampoo with no sulphates paraben free
and also read glucosides shampoo is good …does the john masters have that …???
suggest me the best what u have felt so far with the knowledge of the label and ur digging to it …some thing not more affecting chemicals…i have made my statement clear to u understand i guess…
which is ur top pick of the shampoo ..u refer as i will not say john masters is best but my top pick of the three …i want the best pick of us the top which one ?
Hi Venkat, I am working on it. Please subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss the updates. Thanks.
Hello, Irina. Thank you so much for sharing your research. I am new to this toxic-free world and have really enjoyed reading your site! You mention in your last comment that in terms of toxicity, Ava Anderson shampoo is not perfect. Can you tell me more about that? I am considering trying this product line and would love to know more about what you think about this shampoo and any other Ava Anderson product you have researched. Thank you!
Hello Jennifer: Thank you for asking. Actually, Ava Anderson shampoo looks very good. It is their conditioner has behentrimonium methosulfate, which is ammonium quart with no safety data. It is a pretty common ingredient in “natural” shampoos and conditioners. It almost seems to be unavoidable.
Hi Irina,
Thank you so much for all your research and in-depth analysis. It definitely helps me as I am trying to switch everything over. Have you tried Griffin Remedy or Ava Anderson’s shampoo and conditioner? From my limited knowledge, the products seem safe and I have been quite happy with the results. What would you think?
I have used Ava Anderson and I like its performance. In terms of toxicity, it is not perfect but it is one of my top picks. As for Griffin Remedy, I believe they are in violation of ingredient disclosure rule. Instead of naming surfactants used, they state “coconut oil blend with emulsifiers and sugars.” That’s like saying this salad has fruits and vegetables. I sent them an email. Thank you for asking.
Thank you so much for that! I’m still learning so it’s good to know that Griffin Remedy isn’t disclosing their ingredients! Good to know Ava Anderson is one of your top picks! 🙂
With all of the products you have tried on your hair, which products do you currently use on your hair. It looks so healthy and lush.
Thank you, Wendy! At the time of the picture, I was using John Masters shampoo described in the post. I also colored my hair with henna, which is a great hair conditioner. Now I am using a different shampoo not because I did not like John Masters but because of the nature of the blog I have to keep trying new products.
I am so glad to have found this site! Thank you, especially, for your post about hair dye. I am going gray and also entering the teaching profession after being a stay at home mom and student for many years. I want to be professional in appearance while maintaining my non-toxic practices. I am going to try Henna after researching the correct methods and best products.
As far as hair care, I have been trying different methods for years to get away from conventional shampoos. I have tried using Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap, which I love for other uses but is not great on hair. I have tried baking soda and apple cider vinegar, which really dries my hair. I liked that my scalp was actually clean, though. I have tried water only…Yuck! I am active with three boys and we are outside all the time. Water only does not clean anything…I have tried expensive organic and all-natural shampoos but every sudsing detergent, sulfate-based or plant-based, makes my hair brittle and it breaks constantly.
For the past few months, I have been using Dr. Bronner’s Unscented bar soap on my scalp and raw honey as a conditioner since it is a humectant. After my hair is almost dry, I apply avocado oil. It is not great but my hair is not breaking…There are hardly any hairs in my brush or the shower drain anymore! My wildly curly/wavy (no uniformity) hair actually looks somewhat nice, although my scalp is still not where I want it to be as a professional.
I have recently discovered Morrocco Method hair products and ordered the starter kit and boar bristle brush. Their hair care is raw and vegan and has no sudsing properties. They also sell Henna and offer videos and other How-To’s on how to apply it. Have you ever heard of or used this brand? It is pretty expensive but I am at the point where I need something to work for me and am willing to pay extra…
Thank you for all you do! I love discussing natural and non-toxic living with others who are interested in a higher quality of life.
Hi Anne: I am certainly happy that you found my blog! I admire you for your hard work and persistence. I do not know how much you read but I went through a similar story. And yes, Morrocco Method was one of my stopping places. At that point, my hair was in such bad shape that I would be willing to try something new if I whole-heartedly believed in the safety of the ingredients. That did not happen, at least not yet. The company considered my feedback and said they would be making improvements. In the end, I had to revert to the conventional shampoo. I heard from my other blog readers that Morrocco Method liked their products. I would love to hear your feedback.
Hi, Anne: how are you doing? How is your new job? I hope you found your perfect hair regiment. I know you have tried a lot of different things. What hair products have you stayed with? ~Irina
Hi, Irina. I found this shampoo at Laurel Whole Plant Organics store and apparently it’s the “cleanest” that Laurel could find on the market. It’s called Josh Rosebrook Shampoo and I bought a mini version of the shampoo and the conditioner. I like them both and my hair was the softest I’ve ever had it after I washed and conditioned it with JR products. I’ve only used the shampoo and conditioner 2x but so far so good. Take a look at the ingredients list and see what you think.
http://joshrosebrook.com/products/deep-nourishing-shampoo
Hi Emilia: I have tried this shampoo. And yes, the ingredients are clean. And it worked well at first. But after about 5-7 washes I got so much soap build up that I could not get my hair clean. I had to revert to a non-soap shampoo. 🙁
Been loving all your posts! Thanks. Can’t wait to get this shampoo…how are their conditioners? Safe as well?
I am finishing up my first bottles of shampoo and conditioner. I like them and am considering buying more. I have tried looking up each ingredient on the EWG website and they seem okay (with my limited knowledge), but I was hoping to find out your thoughts. Thank you.
I would say it is in the same category with John Master’s. I do not see any red flags except for the same issues that apply to all shampoos across the board. Not every ingredient that could be organic is organic though. Do you know where it is made?
According to an email I just received from them, all of their products are manufactured in California.
Have you looked into Andalou Naturals shampoo? Thank you.
Yes… Are you using the shampoo or thinking about trying it?
Hi Irina, I am still desperately searching for a decent non-toxic shampoo option. Currently using baking soda and vinegar but I do need to find something. I know 100% Pure makes several different scents of shampoo. Have you tried any of the others? I had no idea about the honeysuckle. These potential endocrine disruptors are scary because they can throw off hormonal balance and metabolism, among other things. Thanks for the tip. Like you said, shampoos are the most difficult to replicate without toxins and without unwanted side effects like buildup or dryness.
Do not hesitate to ask me about any shampoo. I believe I read ingredients of pretty much all shampoos on the market. Can you imagine? Also, I am going to contact John Masters Organics and voice my thoughts on their product. Feel free to do the same.
Loved the article. Wondering of you have tried any shampoos from either 100% Pure or BumbleandBee since you mention both companies on your site and they both sell shampoos?
Hi, Maria! It is always good to hear from you. Yes, I studied the ingredients of the both shampoos and tried them on me as well. 100% Pure felt good on my hair. It did not leave any soap residue, which is what happened with all the other soap-based shampoos or shampoo bar. It is a mystery to me why it was different… I stopped using it because I learned that Honeysuckle preservative used in 100% Pure shampoo is controversial. While it seems pretty innocent, honeysuckle contains parahydroxy benzoic acid that may behave in a similar way to synthetic parabens, which are endocrine disruptors. Since there are no sufficient studies available to prove one way or the other, I prefer to stay away from Honesuckle preservative for now. As for Bubble and Bee shampoo, it is soap-based and while initially it worked well after a month or so I got so much soap buildup that I had to use baking soda and vinegar to remove it. What shampoo do you use?
I am so happy you are finding success in your quest! Your perseverance is paying off!
Good article Irina. I have been switching everything I use in general. I will definitely be trying the products of John Masters in the near future. I am always looking for more organic products. It is really the only way to go since all the regular products that are commonly used in households across America are loaded with chemicals. Thanks for the great information like always.
Hello Irina:
Do you know if gluten intolerant people can tolerate wheat germ oil in products? Rowena
I think it depends on a condition. If you have a strong allergic reaction to gluten, it would be prudent to stay away wheat germ oil, too.
http://www.amazon.com/John-Masters-Organics-Bare-Unscented/dp/B004UF1P3M/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1426801673&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=John+Masters+Organics+-+Shampoo+Hair+Reconstructing+Honey+and+Hibiscus
What about this unscented one – cheaper too? http://www.amazon.com/John-Masters-Organics-Bare-Unscented/dp/B004UF1P3M/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1426801673&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=John+Masters+Organics+-+Shampoo+Hair+Reconstructing+Honey+and+Hibiscus
I have not tried it so I do not know how it works on the hair. As for the toxicity, it is very similar to the reconstructive one. It has the same preservatives. Some of the surfactants are different but the same type of story – not much information available. No red flags with other ingredients. I would give it a try.