A list of phthalate free brands – not forgetting paraben free and sulfate free!
Finding a phthalate-free shampoo that cleans well and leaves hair feeling soft isn’t always easy. Some natural shampoos don’t perform particularly well, while others contain ingredients many people are trying to avoid.
I’ve researched and reviewed a range of phthalate-free shampoos to find options that are effective, reasonably priced and suitable for different hair types. All of the shampoos below are phthalate-free, and several are also suitable for sensitive scalps.
Some links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely like and would use myself.
Our Recommended Phthalate-Free Shampoos
These are my favourite phthalate-free shampoos for different hair types and needs. All are free from phthalates, and several are also suitable for sensitive scalps. Prices vary by retailer.
Best Phthalate-Free Shampoos We’ve Reviewed
Avalon Organics Lemon
Best for product build-up
Strengths
• Great clarifying shampoo
• Fresh lemon scent
Watch out for
• Not fragrance-free
Vanicream
Best for sensitive scalps
Strengths
• Fragrance-free
• Very gentle formula
Watch out for
• Doesn’t feel especially luxurious
Attitude Super Leaves
Best for itchy scalps
Strengths
• Gentle clarifying action
• Fresh, clean scent
Watch out for
• Thick texture
Acure Clarifying
Best all-rounder
Strengths
• Cleans effectively
• Good value
Watch out for
• Strong almond scent
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon $7
A lovely lemon-scented clarifying shampoo that cleans thoroughly without being harsh. Vegan, cruelty-free and reasonably priced, it’s a great option for removing product build-up while leaving hair soft, shiny and manageable.
Vanicream Shampoo $12
Vanicream Shampoo is a no-nonsense fragrance-free shampoo that’s ideal for sensitive scalps. It may not look glamorous, and it certainly isn’t packed with botanical extracts, but it does exactly what it’s designed to do. It cleans hair thoroughly, helps remove product build-up, and is gentle enough for people who react to many other shampoos. If you’re looking for a simple, effective shampoo without fragrance, dyes or unnecessary extras, Vanicream is hard to beat.
Attitude Super Leaves Shampoo $13
Attitude Super Leaves Clarifying Shampoo is a gentle clarifying shampoo that’s particularly well suited to sensitive or itchy scalps. It removes product build-up without feeling harsh, leaving hair clean and fresh. A good option if you want effective cleansing without the dryness often associated with clarifying shampoos.
Acure Organics $10
Acure Clarifying Shampoo is a good all-round choice if you want a phthalate-free shampoo that cleans effectively without feeling harsh. It has a fresh scent, removes product build-up well, and is suitable for most hair types. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and reasonably priced, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to switch to gentler hair care products.
Other Phthalate-Free Shampoos Worth Considering
Burt’s Bees $10
For babies and more! From beeswax candles to lipbalms, Burt’s Bees started with beeswax but has branched into other natural products. The shampoos have the most wonderful ingredients such as pomegranate and mango. They are formulated with natural fragrance and with no sulfates, phthalates, parabens or petrolatum. As well as products for whole family, they also have a baby range.
Babo Botanicals $18
Another range that is loved by bloggers and beauty insiders, also recommended on ‘Goop’. A wide range of shampoos for the whole family. Reliably created with no parabens, phthalates or sulfates.
Jason Fragrance Free 32 Oz $10
The very gentlest formulation with no fragrance, for the least irritating experience. Soothing for irritated scalps, this is a great performing shampoo, with stellar reviews on the main stockists’ sites. With natural ingredients, such as aloe vera and vitamin B5, this shampoo has a low toxicity score on the EWG database.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Sweet Orange Baby Wash – 34 fl. oz. $30
Not just for babies! A winner on the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, Earth Mama Angel Baby Shampoo scores an impressive 1 for risk.
Reverie $46
Carefully handcrafted in California using the finest sustainable organic ingredients from around the world, this range is beautifully designed. The shampoo was formally called Nude. A luxurious product to pamper your hair, this is perfect for all hair types.
FAQs
How can you tell if a shampoo is phthalate free?
Many shampoos do not clearly advertise whether they contain phthalates. One reason for this is that phthalates may be used as part of fragrance mixtures, and manufacturers are often not required to disclose every component of a fragrance blend individually. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult for consumers to determine exactly what a product contains from the ingredient list alone.
When choosing a shampoo, look for products that are specifically labelled as phthalate free and consider checking the manufacturer’s ingredient information. Some consumers also choose fragrance-free products, as fragrance mixtures can be a potential source of phthalate exposure.
Are phthalate free shampoos also sulfate and paraben free?
Not always. Phthalates, sulfates and parabens are different groups of chemicals that serve different purposes in cosmetic products. A shampoo may be free from phthalates but still contain sulfates or parabens. Consumers who are looking for more natural haircare products often choose shampoos that avoid all three, but it is important to check individual ingredient lists rather than relying on marketing claims alone.
What ingredients should you look for?
Some consumers choose to avoid ingredients such as:
DEP (diethyl phthalate)
DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate)
Synthetic fragrance or parfum where ingredient disclosure is limited
Many brands now clearly advertise when products are free from phthalates, parabens and sulfates, making it easier to compare options.
Why are more people choosing phthalate free shampoos?
Interest in phthalate free personal care products has increased as research has explored the potential health and environmental effects of some phthalates. Several phthalates have become subject to restrictions in certain product categories, and many manufacturers have reformulated products in response to changing regulations and consumer demand.
Brands to avoid
OGX
– formally the brand ‘Organix’ which sounds like it shouldn’t have too many worrying ingredients. However, the range goes as far as a 7/10 on the risk scale on the EWG database, so it’s not as gentle as it sounds.
Herbal essences
– just because the name sounds natural, doesn’t mean the product is– the styling products score 7-8 on the EWG database.
Neutrogena
– one of the top selling brands in the world, but also scores 7-8 on the EWG database for shampoos.
Kerastase
– a major luxury brand, also has scores of up to 7/10 on the EWG database.
References
Marie Claire Best Sulfate Free Shampoos
EWG – The Environmental Working Group with a list of the safest of the safe products.
Groovy Green Living Picks Non Toxic Shampoos
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – information on products, plus chemicals of concern to watch out for in different types of products.
Gimme the Good Stuff – a pick of the safest products, plus detailed product guides.
