Eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners provide double benefits for human health and the environment. They contain natural ingredients that are gentle on skin and hair and are completely biodegradable, which reduces water pollution. Additionally, their packaging is often made from recycled or reusable materials, which helps reduce plastic waste. The guideline lists hazardous components to avoid in hair maintenance products and provides tips for selecting eco-conscious companies.
The Impact of Chemicals on Hair
Trendy hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, are essential for nurturing lustrous hair and profoundly influence its overall health. Shampoo serves the primary function of purifying hair and scalp using surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate, which efficiently eliminate dirt and excess oils. Yet, these components, while adept at cleansing, can eliminate natural oils, potentially causing dryness and scalp irritation.
Frequent use of shampoos with harsh ingredients can damage the hair cuticle, making it more brittle and prone to split ends. Conditioners, on the other hand, are designed to restore moisture lost during shampooing. They contain special ingredients that help retain moisture inside the hair, making it soft and elastic. However, conditioners leave behind an invisible layer that builds up over time and makes hair feel heavy and dull.
Negative effects on hair occur due to harmful components in hair care products:
- Sulfates are the most commonly used ingredients in formulations and they are good at removing dirt and sebum that cause dryness and irritation.
- Silicones give hair smoothness and shine but with prolonged use they accumulate on the hair, weighing it down and preventing the absorption of humidity and nutrients.
- Parabens are employed as preservatives, causing hypersensitivity and skin irritation.
- Synthetic fragrances and dyes can not only cause allergic reactions but also irritate the scalp.
Constant use of detergents with this composition can cause many problems with hair and scalp.
The Environmental Impact
The effects of chemicals in shampoo and conditioner on the environment is a pressing and important issue of our time. Some of these substances may destroy aquatic organisms and ecosystems. In addition, many of them have low biodegradability, which hinders their natural decomposition in nature and leads to water and soil pollution. The production process also contributes to the environmental burden through energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Product packaging, its production and subsequent disposal are also significant sources of secondary environmental pollution.
In recent years, experts have been actively creating formulations that are more environmentally friendly for shampoos and conditioners. However, it is important to continue research and raise public awareness about the potential environmental consequences of using such products to effectively combat this problem.
Our Criteria for Selecting Sustainable Brands
Selecting sustainable hair care product brands can depend on several criteria to help consumers make informed decisions.
What should you pay attention to when buying hair care products:
- Ingredients must be natural and environmentally friendly, without harmful chemical additives, parabens, sulfates, etc.
- Using packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable is crucial to reduce the use of plastic during production.
- Sustainable production does not use animal testing and provides fair working conditions for its employees.
- Hair care products must have Cruelty-Free, Vegan, and Organic certificates, which confirm that items meet certain sustainability and quality standards.
- Product effectiveness: care products must effectively perform their functions, despite their natural composition.
These criteria help consumers choose not only effective hair care products but also promote sustainable consumer behavior and reduce their negative environmental impact.
Top Sustainable and Chemical-Free Brands
Actively choosing natural, organic products helps improve the health of our planet. Using sustainable shampoos is easy to implement into your daily routine—it’s a small change that has a big impact on the environment. Here’s our pick of brands that are committed to eco-friendly and sustainable hair care.
Ultra Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Duo - 100% Vegan - With Argan Oil & Pumpkin - Ultra Moisturizing
A multifunctional 2 in 1 hair care product. Shampoo with argan oil and pumpkin seed oil moisturizes and softens the scalp, while conditioner with argan oil, pumpkin seed oil and cocoa butter leaves hair soft, shiny and easy to style. Free of parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils.
Product benefits: Moisturizing, softening, shine, hydration, restoration.
Material type: Does not contain parabens, does not contain sulfates.
Product Form: Cream
Hair Type: Dry
EVOLVh - Natural UltraShine Moisture Shampoo | Vegan, Non-Toxic, Clean Hair Care
Safe for colored hair, EVOLVh shampoo for all hair types, smoothes, and adds shine and elasticity to hair. This is the most effective vegan shampoo on the market that is sulfate-free and gluten-free. A specially formulated blend of nourishing antioxidants, amino acids and fatty acids ensures healthy hair from the inside out.
Product benefits: Infuses nutrients, restores hair and increases color retention
Material type: Gluten-free, vegan, no synthetic fragrances
Product Form: Gel
Hair Type: All types
Purezero Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner set - Intense Hydration & Increase Shine - Fight Dandruff & Frizz - Zero Sulfates, Parabens, Dyes
The Purezero Coconut Milk collection moisturizes dry hair and nourishes it with vitamin E, amino acids and proteins without chemicals. The formula locks in moisture and prevents dryness with a blend of coconut oil and coconut milk. The products are vegan and not tested on animals.
Product benefits: Smoothing hair, moisturizing, softness.
Material type: Free from sulfates, parabens and dyes, 100% vegan
Product Form: Cream
Hair Type: Dry, damaged colored hair
Peppermint Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Hair Growth, For Thinning Hair and Hair Loss Treatments for Women & Men
Mosaic Peppermint Oil Shampoo and Conditioner contains 100% pure peppermint oil, tea tree oil, Moroccan argan oil, coconut oil, vitamin E and biotin. These components stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss and make hair silky and smooth. Suitable for men and women.
Product benefits: Softens, smoothes, restores, protects color, moisturizes, gentle
Material type: Paraben Free, Cruelty-Free
Product Form: Gel
Hair Type: All types
PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar Thin2Thick Set Shampoo Conditioner for Regrowth, Hair Loss, Clarifying, Detox
Pura d’Or shampoo and conditioner moisturize hair and scalp, stimulate hair growth, restore damaged hair and give it a bright shine. Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of the scalp, cleanses, retains moisture, reduces dryness, improves hair manageability and reduces frizz.
Product benefits: Anti-fragility and hair loss, Hypoallergenic, Anti-dandruff
Material type: SLS Free, Phthalate Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free
Product Form: Liquid
Hair Type: Thinning
Virtue Recovery Sulfate Free Shampoo with Keratin and Baobab Seed Oil for Damaged Hair
Virtue Recovery Shampoo repairs damaged hair with every use. It gently removes impurities, fills cracks and leaves hair healthy, soft and elastic. Suitable for all hair types, especially damaged or in need of care. Effectively restores hair after heat styling or chemical treatment.
Product benefits: Repairs cuticle cracks caused by heat, chemicals and color treatments.
Material type: Gluten Free, Cruelty Free, Vegan
Product Form: Liquid, Creamy
Hair Type: Damaged
Choosing a sustainable hair care brand depends not only on its compliance with Cruelty-Free principles but also on your personal choices that contribute to the health of your hair and the well-being of the environment.
