Choosing Natural Shampoo

Environmental change isn't just for superheroes! It is all about those everyday ways to make a difference—like how you brush your teeth or the perfume you choose. You've probably picked up a few green habits already!

With the dirty truth about the ingredients found in personal care products coming to light, you may be tempted to go the "No 'Poo" route the next time you step into the shower. But don't fret, there are plenty of scalp- and earth-loving shampoos on the market: look for those that swap nasty petrochems for plant-based, organic, and cruelty-free ingredients.

What to look for when choosing natural shampoo

1.Avoid antibacterial agents: A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that triclosan—the main antibacterial agent used in shampoo and other personal care products—can be linked to cancer in lab animals, may disrupt hormone function in humans, and is a non-biodegradable toxic agent that pollutes ecosystems and threatens wildlife when it is discharged into the water stream.

2.Look for plant-based, biodegradable ingredients: Conventional shampoos are made from petroleum-derived chemicals that persist in the environment, creating pollution and threatening human health. It's estimated that 93 percent of shampoos contain ingredients linked to cancer and other health issues.[1] Shampoos that use plant-based ingredients and essential oils for fragrance replace these dangerous ingredients with ones that are healthy for you and the earth. In particular, try to avoid ingredients like BHA and parabens, and seek out those labeled as biodegradable.

3.Go organic: Because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spends only a tiny portion of its budget investigating the chemical composition and toxins in personal care products, shampoos can tout their use of organic ingredients and still have up to 30 percent synthetic materials, even the ones labeled "organic" or "made with organic ingredients." The only way to be sure that the product you are purchasing is, in fact, organic is to look for the USDA Organic Seal on the label. This seal guarantees that every ingredient is organically produced as defined by the National Organics Standards Board, which bans the use of harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetic engineering.

4.Look for shampoos that do not contain animal fats or employ animal testing: While you're contemplating green attributes, you may also wish to join the cruelty-free movement. Just keep in mind: a company may claim that they don't employ animal testing for their products, but without third-party verification, it's hard to know whether these statements are in fact completely true. So stick to those products certified as cruelty-free by looking for products with the Leaping Bunny Logo or the Certified Vegan Logo. You can rest assured that no bunnies (or monkeys or cats for that matter) were harmed in the making of these non-animal-tested products.


Natural shampoos

APIVITA PROPOLINE shampoos
Aubrey Organics shampoos and conditioners
Aveda shampoos
David Babaii For WildAid Amplifying Shampoo
Dr. Hauschka shampoos
JASON natural hair care products
John Masters Organics shampoos
Korres shampoos
LUSH shampoos
Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
MOP shampoos and conditioners
Phyto shampoos
Simply Organic shampoos and conditioners
Terressentials Pure Earth Hair Washes


Before you buy

Keep in mind that if you choose a specialty shampoo concocted with green ingredients in lieu of an easy-to-find variety, you'll likely be confronted with a higher price tag as chemicals generally come cheaper than botanical, organic certified ingredients. For example, at Beauty.com, an 8-ounce container of Dr. Hauschka's Nasturtium & Lemon Shampoo for normal or oily hair costs $13.00, while over at Drugstore.com, a 22.5-ounce container of Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo for normal or oily hair costs $2.49.