Are Natural Shampoos Without Chemicals Safe?

When you see “natural” on a product label, how does it make you feel? I used to think that a “natural” product is somehow better, gentler, or less harmful. However, the reality is more complicated. Did you know that there is no legal definition for the term “natural” in relation to cosmetics? This means that marketers can slap the word “natural” on almost anything. Take gasoline, for example: it is derived from crude oil, which is naturally occurring, but would you want it in your shampoo? This illustrates the confusion and potential misunderstanding that surrounds the term “natural.” In this post, we’ll explore natural shampoos without chemicals, what makes a liquid shampoo safe and effective, and what shampoos can make your overall toxin burden lighter.

Are Natural Shampoos Without Chemicals Safe?

To start with, let’s break down the types of natural hair cleaning products available. For instance, shampoo bars that are made through the saponification process—from olive oil and lye—are often considered both “natural” and safe for many people. Likewise, some non-toxic dry shampoos, made from plant-based powders and minerals, can also fall under the “natural” umbrella. While you can call them “natural shampoos without chemicals,” they don’t work in all situations and for all hair types.

For these reasons, liquid shampoos are the most obvious choice for most people. But here’s the catch: liquid shampoos, by their very nature, cannot be considered “natural” in the way you might hope. To create a functional liquid shampoo, a few key ingredients are absolutely necessary — water, surfactants, and preservatives. Without these components, the product wouldn’t be able to effectively clean your hair or maintain its safety over time. In essence, liquid shampoos rely on chemicals to work, even if they’re derived from plant-based sources.

In addition to surfactants and preservatives (which are oftentimes sulfates, parabens, and ethoxylated ingredients), many liquid shampoos also include conditioning agents (quaternary ammonium compounds), silicones, humectants, thickeners, emollients, and pH adjusters. Plus, they may include synthetic fragrances and dyes to make them appealing. In other words, with all the listed components that are technically “chemicals,” it’s close to impossible to find liquid shampoos without chemicals. (Find out which Shampoo Brands To Avoid Today and why.)

Let’s take a closer look at the core ingredients that make a liquid shampoo effective – surfactants and preservatives.

Surfactants Wash Your Hair

To begin with, surfactants are the primary cleaning agents in shampoo. They are responsible for removing oil, dirt, and buildup from your hair and scalp. In simpler terms, they act as detergents, helping water mix with oil on your hair so it can wash away.

While surfactants can be derived from a variety of natural sources, such as coconut oil or palm oil, their chemical structure may change significantly during the manufacturing process. Often, the end ingredient has nothing left in it from the source “natural” material, like coconut oil. This means that the “naturally derived” label on a surfactant does not necessarily make it safe or gentle.

Some examples of surfactants derived from coconut oil are sulfates, cocamidopropyl betaine, and cocamide DEA.

Sulfates

First, sulfates in shampoo act as surfactants, reducing surface tension to lift dirt, oil, and grime from the hair and scalp, making it easier to rinse away. While effective at cleaning, sulfates can strip natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or color fading in dyed hair. Those with sensitive scalps may experience these issues more severely.

One example of sulfates is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). In cosmetics and personal care products, it acts as a detergent and foaming agent. It is derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, which makes it an ethoxylated ingredient. The main concern with ethoxylated ingredients is that they may contain residues of carcinogenic reagents that were used in the manufacturing process. On my website, I include ethoxylated ingredients in the list of “ingredients to avoid.” You can learn more about ethoxylated ingredients in my blog post Polysorbates: Read This Before You Shop!.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Second, cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil. It functions as a foaming agent and cleansing agent in many conventional shampoos. It can cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with eczema or other sensitivities. This is due to the potential residual presence of 3,3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) and fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamine (amidoamine) impurities, which are known sensitizers (source, source, and source).

Bottom line, despite being derived from a natural source, cocamidopropyl betaine might not always be as gentle as one would assume. Under certain conditions, it may potentially provoke the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines in the product. Therefore, it is important to buy cosmetics from companies that source high purity cocamidopropyl betaine and prevent nitrosamine formation in the products.

Cocamide DEA

Third, cocamide DEA is another surfactant derived from coconut oil, often used for its foaming and thickening properties. It is a derivative of diethanolamine (DEA) and may contain DEA as a contaminant. Both diethanolamine (DEA) and cocamide DEA are on the list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. While the European Union does not permit diethanolamine (DEA) in cosmetic and personal care products, it allows its derivatives, including cocamide DEA, with certain restrictions to minimize the possibility of carcinogenic contaminants.

Preservatives Protect Your Liquid Shampoo From Bacteria

Further, preservatives are an essential part of liquid shampoos. They help to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold, ensuring that the product remains safe to use for an extended period. Without preservatives, liquid shampoos would become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms, which could lead to infections or irritation. (Learn more about that in my blog post WaterWipes Baby Wipes.)

Are there preservative-free shampoos? Yes, some non-toxic dry shampoos and shampoo bars are preservative-free. But if your liquid shampoo lists no preservatives in its formulation, steer clear of it.

Some commonly used preservatives in shampoos are parabens, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, and formaldehyde releasing preservatives.

Parabens

First off, parabens are synthetic preservatives, commonly found in personal care products, such as shampoos, to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. By inhibiting microbes, they help extend the shelf life of shampoos. Parabens are also affordable, making them a cost-effective choice for manufacturers. However, some studies suggest that parabens may mimic estrogen, potentially disrupting hormonal balance and posing possible health risks (source). Moreover, parabens have links to damaging cells in the glands that keep our eyes moist and healthy (source). Given the fact that shampoo may get into your eyes, this seems to be pretty important.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Then comes methylchloroisothiazolinone, a potent preservative used in many personal care products, including shampoos. It helps to prevent bacterial contamination but has association with allergic reactions and skin sensitivities, particularly with prolonged use. Learn more about it in my blog post What Is Methylchloroisothiazolinone & Is It Safe?.

Methylisothiazolinone

In addition to methylchloroisothiazolinone, you can often see methylisothiazolinone in a cosmetic product. Known for its antimicrobial properties, methylisothiazolinone also has a link to allergic reactions and irritant contact dermatitis. You can learn more about it in my blog post What is Methylisothiazolinone?.

Benzisothiazolinone

Up next, benzisothiazolinone – yet another preservative with antimicrobial properties that is common in shampoos. While it helps protect the product from bacteria, it may also cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals. To learn more, refer to my blog post Is Benzisothiazolinone Safe?.

Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives

Last, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives gradually release small amounts of formaldehyde over time, which acts as a disinfectant. Some examples are quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. While effective at preserving products, formaldehyde is a known irritant and potential carcinogen, raising concerns about its long-term safety, particularly for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Find more information in my blog post Protect Yourself From Formaldehyde In Products.

On the bright side, there are shampoos without harsh chemicals available on the market today. Consequently, you don’t have to buy a shampoo that contains formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, sulfates, parabens, or any other ingredients that compromise your hair health and your overall well-being. Stay with me for some safe shampoo options!

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Do Natural Shampoos Without Chemicals Exist?

The short answer is yes – but only if we’re talking about shampoo bars made with olive oil and lye, or some dry shampoos made from plant-based powders. However, if we’re referring to liquid shampoos, then the answer is no – liquid shampoos will always contain chemicals, specifically surfactants and preservatives, as core ingredients. Without these chemicals, the shampoo wouldn’t be able to clean your hair or remain safe for long-term use.

What makes understanding this principle perplexing is the fact that some brands do not list their ingredients in accordance with the globally accepted INCI naming conventions. Instead, they present their products’ ingredient lists in a way that can be confusing or misleading. A good example of this is Tate’s Miracle Shampoo, which, in my opinion, features ingredients that look more like a grocery list than a scientifically formulated product. You can learn more about Tate’s products and the red flags I see about them in my blog post What Makes Tate’s Miracle Shampoo a Miracle?.

What Are Safe Shampoo Options?

Now that we’ve established that all liquid shampoos must contain “chemicals” for cleaning and preservation, the good news is that some chemicals are safer than others. That is to say, you can choose those hair products that contain no harsh chemicals and can promote your hair health. For instance, safer shampoos tend to use mild surfactants, like glucosides, and food-grade preservatives, like sodium phytate and sodium levulinate, to minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.

Here are some examples of what in my opinion are safe shampoo options:

• Pure Haven Shampoos & Conditioners: I have used and liked all Pure Haven cruelty-free shampoos and conditioners. Currently, I am using Pure Haven Supergreens shampoo and conditioner. Both contain numerous green ingredients such as organic aloe vera leaf juice, organic matcha tea powder, organic spinach leaf powder, kale protein, spirulina extract, and others. The scent is mild. I like how they calm my sensitive scalp and make my hair healthy, shiny, and voluminous. My husband likes their Lavender Chamomile or Honey Fig shampoos and conditioners.
• Innersense Shampoos & Conditioners: Generally speaking, the ingredients are safe, and many botanicals are organic. Many of my blog followers report great results, especially for dry and curly hair. While Innersense uses essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, the scent is a little too strong for me.
• Evolvh Shampoos & Conditioners: While there are no ingredients of high concern, they do use cocamidopropyl betaine. However, Evolvh assured me that the amount of cocamidopropyl betaine in their shampoos is low. So, the products should not cause any allergic reaction in most people.
• Hairprint Shampoos & Conditioners: The ingredients are safe, but these products are not for all hair types. Many of my readers with thick and naturally coiled hair like Hairprint products because of the wet hair-looking effect they produce.

Conclusion: Are There Liquid Natural Shampoos Without Chemicals?

Any Liquid Shampoo Formulation Must Include Chemicals That Help To Preserve The Product As Well As Help It Lather And Clean Your Hair.

In conclusion, while natural shampoos without chemicals sound appealing, the truth is that creating a truly “chemical-free” liquid shampoo is nearly impossible. Shampoos require essential ingredients like surfactants and preservatives to clean and protect your hair, and while these ingredients may originally come from natural sources, they still count as chemicals.

The good news is that not all chemicals are harmful, and there are many safer options available. By choosing products that prioritize gentler ingredients, you can support both your hair health and overall well-being. Look for shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances as well as “-zolinone” and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Remember that the mere presence of, say, argan oil or tea tree oil in the formula does not offset the potentially toxic effects of these ingredients.

Currently, my favorite shampoo and conditioner are Pure Haven Supergreens. Not only do they contain nourishing ingredients that promote hair health, but also they calm my sensitive scalp and make my hair voluminous and shiny. Plus, I have noticed that the amount of my grey hair has decreased since I started using these products on a regular basis.

As always, I invite you to look through the I Read Labels For You blog for valuable information on healthy living. Also, you are welcome to download my exclusive e-book on permanent hair colors. For other non-toxic options of hair products, visit my non-toxic product shop and my Amazon store. Finally, get access to my weekly emails for unmatched content, inspiration, and discount codes!

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