In the spirit of real talk, I will admit that I had never been an organic shampoo user until I tested products and conducted research for this article.
In hindsight, I feel ashamed of myself for the years I spent buying into experiential “oh-oh-ohhhh” shampoo marketing tactics the big brands use to lure us in. As it turns out, heaven-scented luxurious lathers are created by incredibly harmful, toxic chemicals.
So, is it worth it to switch to an organic shampoo? Absolutely. Why? Oh, let us count the reasons. Read on to discover why transitioning from regular to organic shampoo is important for both our bodies and for the environment.
Why Buy Organic Shampoo?
Brace yourself for shampoo statistics that are equal parts fascinating and devastating:
- A study by theDavid Suzuki Foundationdiscovered that “one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors.” Shut the front door! The phrase “industrial chemicals” should never be part of a description of personal hygiene products.
- Researchers from thatsame studyalso concluded that most non-organic shampoos “include plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft), degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts), and surfactants (which reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks),” along with sulfate, parabens, and even traces of anti-freeze. Imagine what that does to our skin, and to our environment.
- Acure Organicsstates, “Your body can absorb up to 75% of what comes into contact with your skin.” To put it simply, if our shampoo contains harmful toxins, so does our bloodstream.
The aforementioned terrifying ingredients are just as harmful to our environments as they are to our bodies. By opting for organic shampoo, you support your body by keeping it out of contact with nasty chemicals, and you also help out Mother Earth by reducing pesticides in her soil, water, and air.
Common Misconceptions
There are two main reasons people tend to shy away from organic shampoo. (Fear not, product testing resulted in a solid rebuttal for both issues.)
- It doesn’t do the job?False. AsAcure Organicsaptly states, “It’s not enough to be natural… it also has to work.” After product testing, my hair is as clean and shiny as ever… and I’ll have to poll the masses later, but it may even be a little more voluminous. The main thing I noticed (as far as experience goes) is that organic shampoo doesn’t lather as well, which naturally leads to the assumption that it must not be cleaning one’s hair. All you need to do is give an extra rinse, and you’ll be “oh-oh-ohhhh”ing your way to organic.
- It’s more expensive?False. Luckily, the haircare industry is hearing the cries of the millions who won’t stand for concrete-softener hair products. As demand for organic shampoo has increased, the price has decreased (thank you economics class). I was surprised how many brands proudly offer organic goodsandfor a reasonable price. My favorite under-$20 brand isJohn Masters(the bottle is James-Bond-fancy, and the product works).
How to Switch to Organic Shampoo
One of the first things that crossed my mind when thinking about trading in my conventional shampoos for some organic goodness was, “How?”
I’m sure I’m not the only person with five half-used shampoo bottles, and there is very little information out there about how to dispose of them without harming the environment. Allow me to introduce you to它去哪儿了?.
- How to dispose of shampoo liquid:Many municipalities offer a “Where Does it Go?” guide online. For example, when you search “What do I do with Liquid Shampoo?” onWhere Does it Go, you get this instantaneous answer: “Take this item to a Household Hazardous Waste Depot at your local Community Recycling Center for proper disposal, free of charge.”
- How to dispose of shampoo bottles:According toGreatist’sguide,How to Recycle Anything, “Most bathroom bottles (shampoo, body wash, hair gel, face wash, etc.) are marked withresin code2 or 4, which makes them pretty darn recyclable.”
Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid
I’m no scientist, but I stand by the “if you can’t pronounce it, don’t consume it” rule. Here is a main list of shampoo ingredients you shouldavoid– even the words look scary!
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Parabens
- Polyethelyne glycol
- Alcohol (if listed as one of the first four ingredients)
- Synthetic Fragrance/Parfum
- Propylene Glycol (aka anti-freeze)
- Dimethicone
- Formaldehyde
- Petrolatum
- Siloxanes (ending in -siloxane or -methicone)
- Gluten
Side note:Never trust a product just because it says “Natural,” “Eco-Friendly,” or even “Organic” on the front. Make sure the ingredients support the claim on the label. Bonus: Checking the label will let you see whether the words “not tested on animals” is on it. Yes, sadly, some shampoos still test on animals. Buy shampoos that aren’t.
Chemical Guide Sources:
Trusted Brands
Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo
Known for their high quality, plant-based body care products, this brand hails from France. The automatic assumption that it will add a littletrés chicto your life—and hair—is correct. ViaOdylique, $20.00.
Green People Daily Aloe Shampoo
Aloe is as great for your hair as it is for your skin. Who knew? Green People shampoo is well-suited for people with “normal to dry” hair… so, most of humanity. ViaGreen People, $21.00.
Stop the Water Lavender Sandalwood Shampoo
Shout outStop the Water While Using Me!brand for leading with their mission. Using their organic shampoo while simultaneously consuming less water makes you an eco champ. ViaEcco Verde, $27.33.
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Shampoo
This shampoo is a great option for people with dry scalp discomfort. It’s super hydrating and with tea tree oil as a main ingredient, it happens to smell like a jungle dream. ViaSheaMoisture, $10.99.
Dr.Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
One user review described this product as, “Perfect.” Organic and perfect sounds like a great combination. ViaAmazon, $18.22.
Mother Dirt Fragrance Free Shampoo
这款洗发香波是由地球母亲的天然、奇妙的特质创造出来的。众所周知,这款产品还能增加洗头的间隔时间,所以如果你有一个忙碌的星期,这是一个胜利。ViaMother Dirt, $15.
Jason Smoothing Sea Kelp Shampoo
杰森的产品以其神奇的香味而闻名。这是一款很好的洗发水,可以驯服任何不想要的或自己想要的卷发。ViaiHerb, $8.39.
Naturigin Color Care Shampoo
Colored hair need not be starved of natural ingredients! Naturigin makes it possible to care for both your vibrant strands and the environment. ViaVitamin Shoppe, $17.49.
Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo
I love this product, and I also love its price. This well-balanced shampoo makes for an easy transition to the organic realm of haircare. ViaMaple Holistics, $12.97.
Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo
奥布里有机食品公司(Aubrey Organics)一提到金银花玫瑰yum就让我上瘾了!这款富含水分的洗发水非常适合那些生活在干燥气候下的人。ViaAmazon, $10.45.
Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo
Biotin B-Complex does amazing things for adding a little volume to finer hair. Go forth and get your va-va-voom on. ViaAmazon, $5.50.
Calia Hydrating Shampoo
卡利亚保湿洗发水是由薰衣草和玫瑰精油组成的可爱的组合。对于那些不想在传统洗发水的味道上妥协的人来说,这是必须的。ViaCalia, $10.69.
Cultivar Clean & Healthy Dry Shampoo
干洗是一种流行趋势,理由是合理的:它更快,而且有效。ViaCultivar, $32.00.
John Masters Lavender Rosemary Shampoo
This is the brand I was referencing when I mentioned James-Bond-fancy. It gets my vote for most-amazing-all-around organic shampoo. ViaJohn Masters Organics, $16.00.
Luxsit Peppermint Rosemary Enlight Shampoo
If you are a reader visiting us from abroad, consider yourself very lucky to have Luxsit as an option. Every review seems to be a rave one. ViaLuxsit, €21.00.
Natu Hydrating Shampoo
Natu is a leader in the who’s who of organic shampoos. Their products are moisture-rich and beautifully packaged. ViaNatu, $15.00.
Pura D’Or Enriching Shampoo
Pura D’or是一个花哨的品牌,生产针对特定需求的产品。这款洗发水可以增强质地,富含“影响光泽”的精油。ViaPura D’Or, $24.99.
Scientific Essentials Simply Scientific Shampoo
科学洗发水是多年研究自然护发的结果。这个瓶子只允许使用最高质量、最环保的原料。ViaScientific Essentials, $25.00.
Art Naturals Argan Oil Shampoo
Art Naturals, you had me at “Professional Series.” This ultra-rich shampoo is great for damaged hair rehabilitation. ViaArt Naturals, $18.00.
Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo
Yarok有有史以来最好的宣传语——“食物为你的头”——他们的产品不负盛名。这款洗发水可能是天然的,可以食用(尽管我不建议食用它)。ViaYarok, $14.00.
DIY Organic Shampoo Recipes
Homemade Lavender Rosemary Shampoo
Premeditative Leftovers has thrown down with an easy, inexpensive organic shampoo recipe that works and lasts. And of course, lavender-rosemary-scentedanythingis dreamy. ViaPremeditated Leftovers.
DIY Lemon Coconut Shampoo
With the natural cleansing properties of lemon, my hair has never felt so clean! I especially appreciated the easy-to-follow, can’t-screw-it-up recipe. ViaEssentially Eclectic.
Coconut Shampoo
If you’re new to the world of DIY products, this recipe is a great one to kick off with. So simple, and so beautifully scented. ViaThe Indian Spot.
Moisturizing DIY PH Balanced Shampoo
This is a moisture-rich, luxurious recipe for PH balanced shampoo. Your hair will feel uplifted and healthy as ever—scout’s honor. ViaScratch Mommy.
Simple Homemade Honey Shampoo
This is the perfect shampoo recipe for those who, like me, don’t love the idea of buying a bunch of new ingredients for a DIY venture. With only 3 ingredients, this recipe is about as simple as it gets. ViaNatural and Healthy Living.
Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo
迷迭香薄荷!签了我!如果你喜欢传统的薄荷香波清爽刺激的感觉,这款适合你。ViaDr. Axe.
DIY Herbal Shampoo
Why not use the herbs from your garden to enhance your bath time? Your hair will thank you. ViaThe Nerdy Farm Wife.
Coconut Oil Shampoo Bar
漂亮的妈妈们可能会喜欢DIY的有机洗发水吧,它很容易制作,对小孩子来说也足够温和。ViaMommypotamus.
Homemade Shampoo with Essential Oils
This wonderfully scented recipe is great for balancing oily hair… and prepare to reap the many benefits of essential oils. ViaShalommama.
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