A list of phthalate free brands – not forgetting paraben free and sulfate free!
Finding an all natural, chemical free shampoo that actually works seems a tall order. It’s generally the foaming agents which give the effective cleansing, and usually these are formulated from SLS compounds. Now these chemicals have been labelled as ‘chemicals of concern’, many people are trying to avoid these ingredients in their shampoo. However, that does leave us with the task of finding products that can compete with their less safe alternatives, in terms of effectiveness and also price.
We’ve done the research to come up with a list of shampoos to suit all hair types and budgets. They all use natural ingredients and you’ll find they are all phthalate free, paraben free and sulfate free. Additionally, they smell appealing (although this can be subjective!), and leave hair feeling clean, soft and manageable.
Non toxic shampoos – our pick of the brands
These are the makers of the best non toxic shampoos, that are listed time and time again in credible ‘top ten’ lists for effectiveness, plus on reputable information sites such as EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. We’ve given a rough idea of price alongside the brand name, but it does vary according to the exact product.
List of phthalate free shampoo brands
Burt’s Bees $8
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.
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.
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon $7
A fabulously scented shampoo – fragranced with natural lemon oil. Vegan and not tested on animals. A great performing clarifying shampoo, to remove product build up gently, leaving hair beautifully soft and shiny.
Acure Organics $10
This range is a favourite with beauty writers, and the Acure Organics Lemongrass and Argan Stem Cell Shampoo appears in Marie Claire’s list of ‘10 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos’.
Also a very high scorer on the EWG database in its old packaging – scoring a 1. EWG database needs to be updated to show the new formulation, but the entire range is a very low scorer for toxicity.
Aubrey organics $17
A comprehensive range of shampoos to leave your hair in lovely condition. The GPB shampoo is a ‘Best of Beauty’ Awards Winning Shampoo. If you prefer a fresh scent the Rosemary options may suit you better, with the same great performance.
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.
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.
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.
