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The Best Non Toxic Hair Care Products

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These are the best non toxic hair care products. Everything from shampoos to conditioners to hair styling products. You will also learn how to read labels and the ingredients you should watch for when trying to find safe hair care products that are good for all hair types. 

A woman scrubbing her hair with the title "The best non-toxic hair care products" over her.

Disclaimer: some of the links in this post are affiliate links where I make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. This does not cost you anything extra and allows me to keep this website running.

Health and wellness is much more than just eating well and exercising. It also means using safe products on your body and in your home, including non toxic beauty products and hair care products. Unfortunately, many of the conventional hair care products on the market contain ingredients that are not great for our health, and can also be bad for the environment. Luckily, with more and more people starting to focus on safe and non toxic personal care products there are more and more safe hair care products available on the market.

In this post I will share the ingredients you should watch for and try to avoid, as well as a collection of safe and non toxic hair care products including shampoos, conditioners, dry shampoos, shampoo bars, conditioner bars as well as styling products.

Most of these products use all natural ingredients, some use organic ingredients, and some also use safe synthetic ingredients too. There are products here for all hair types to help repair damaged hair, and to keep your hair and scalp healthy and beautiful.

Table of Contents

Ingredients to watch for and avoid in hair care products:

When reading product labels and ingredient lists, these are some of the terms and ingredients you want to be watching for and avoiding.

Note, for further reading on these chemicals and their effects please see the reference list at the end of this post.

Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA)

The European Commission and Health Canada actually prohibit the use of DEA in cosmetics and personal care products due to concerns regarding the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, however, these chemicals are still allowed to be used in other countries.

There is also concern that these chemicals can negatively impact male fertility as studies have shown they negatively impact sperm motility and viability. Animal studies also shown concering neurological effects.

To avoid ethanolamines, look for DEA, TEA and MEA when reading ingredient lists.

Parabens

Parabens are commonly used in personal care products, including hair products, as preservatives. Parabens can be endocrine or hormone disruptors that have been linked to negative health effects including infertility and developmental toxicity.

You can identify these in ingredient lists as they end in "paraben". When reading labels watch for ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben etc.

Parabens can also be hidden in a products fragrance so also avoid any products with the words fragrance, perfume or parfum in the ingredient lists.

Phthalates

Phthalates are known hormone disruptors that have been shown to have many negative health effects including decreasing sperm counts, causing heart disease, contributing to early death, weight gain and diabetes (reference).

When reading product labels watch for the ingredients Dibutylphthalate (DBP), Dimethylphthalate (DMP), Diethylphthalate (DEP), Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), Di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), Diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP), Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Di-n-octylphthalate (DnOP).

Phthalates are also commonly included in a products fragrance formula so also be sure to avoid products with the terms fragrance, perfume or parfum in the ingredient lists.

Fragrance, parfum, or perfume

If you have read any of my previous health related posts you have heard me talk about the potential risks of fragrances before. Fragrances are considered to be trade secrets, meaning that companies don't have to disclose the ingredients they use to make their fragrances.

This is problematic because fragrances can contain harmful ingredients like phthalates or parabens, and you have no way of verifying if those ingredients are in a fragrance or not. I recommend avoiding products with the terms "fragrance", "parfume" or "perfume" in the ingredient list for this reason.

Octinoxate

Octinoxate, also called octyl methoxycinnamate or (OMC), is a UV filter and it can be absorbed through skin. There are concerns that it is an endocrine disruptor and it is also bad for the environment.

When reading ingredient lists, watch for the words: octinoxate, methoxycinnamate (OMC), parsol, parsol MCX, parsol MOX, escalol, and 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate.

Butylated Compounds (BHA and BHT)

Butylated compounds such as BHA and BHT are commonly used in hair styling products. They are known endocrine disruptors and can be toxic to other organs. They are especially concerning for pregnant women and children. To avoid them look for BHA or BHT on ingredient lists.

Diethylhexyl adipate

This chemical is restricted for use in Canada due to its health concerns, but other countries including the US do allow its use in personal care products.

Chloromethylisothiazolinone or methylisothiazolinone (CMIT/MIT)

These chemicals are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products. The problem is that they can cause allergies, and are lung toxins. When reading labels watch for:

  • Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT and Microcare MT.
  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and MCI.

Petrolatum

Petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, is derived from petroleum. It's commonly used in personal care products for its moisturizing properties. When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns, however, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, meaning it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

When reading ingredient lists watch for Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, and Mineral Oil. Note that the ingredient White Petrolatum indicates that it has been refined and is safe for use.

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and certain preservatives release it so you want to avoid these specific preservatives that are known to do that:

  • Quaternium-15
  • DMDM hydantoin
  • Imidazolidinyl urea
  • Diazolidinyl urea
  • Polyoxymethylene urea
  • Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
  • 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronopol)
  • Glyoxal

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

The issue with sodium laureth sulfate is that it is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is classified as a probable human carcinogen. So while SLES itself isn't necessarily harmful, it's the harmful chemicals contaminating it that are the problem.

Now there are some brands out there who take the extra steps to ensure their SLS is safe and free from 1,4-dioxane so if there is a product you love that contains it I would research the brand or reach out to them to see if they are taking these precautions.

Ethoxylated ingredients

In a process called ethoxylation, ethylene oxide is added to other ingredients to make them less harsh. Ethoxylated ingredients include many chemicals that end in “eth,” like ceteareth and oleth. On their own ethoxylated ingredients are of little health concern, however, the process of ethoxylation can leave behind trace amounts of carcinogens including 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide.

Since labels do not indicate the presence of these contaminants, check labels for chemicals with PPG, PEG, and polysorbate in their name and ingredients that end in "eth" such as laureth, steareth, ceteareth.

Some companies do have policies to remove these contaminants, so if your favourite product has one of those ingredients, check with them to see if they take this extra step to ensure their product safety.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds

These ingredients are often used as penetration enhancers, thickeners, softeners, and moisture-carrying agents. PEG compounds are formed by condensing water and ethylene oxide. While PEG compounds themselves are usually safe for our health, they can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is a known carcinogen and because they are penetration enhancers, depending on what other ingredients are in the product, they can potentially make other toxic chemicals more harmful as well.

The best non-toxic hair care products:

Now that we have reviewed many of the ingredients you want to watch for and avoid in hair products, I will share a number of safe hair care brands and products, including my own personal favourites.

Best non-toxic shampoos:

These sulfate-free shampoos do not contain added phthalates or parabens. They may contain preservatives, but only the ones that I feel comfortable using. If you are looking for shampoo that's free from harmful chemicals, you should feel comfortable using any of the products on this list. Most rely on natural ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, to provide cleansing and moisture to different hair types.

In addition to being free of harsh chemicals, most of these brands are also cruelty-free and/or eco-friendly and most are made with organic ingredients as well. Of course, I could never review every single shampoo brand on the market so there are likely many other brands that are also safe and non toxic, so if you want to do your own research just be sure to read ingredient lists and do your best to avoid the ingredients I've listed above.

Now I have not tried all the brands on this list but I personally use Rahua, Beautycounter, Evolvh, John Masters and Innersence shampoo and conditioners and love all of them.

Best Non Toxic Conditioners:

I have not tried all the brands on this list but I personally use Rahua, Beautycounter, Evolvh, John Masters and Innersence shampoo and conditioners and love all of them.

Dry Shampoo:

When shopping for dry shampoos, in addition to the ingredients to avoid that I listed above, you also want to watch for these ingredients:

Best Non Toxic Dry Shampoos:

My personal favourite dry shampoo is Primally Pure. I have been using it for years and love the volume it gives my hair. Plus it's really easy to use and each bottle lasts a really long time. If you are interested in trying it, shop through this link and use the code PUREANDSIMPLE to get 10% off your first order.

Shampoo Bars and Conditioner Bars

Shampoo bars and conditioners bars are great because they completely eliminate the packaging that most shampoos and conditioners come in. Most shampoo containers are made from plastic, and not not only do plastics take years to break down in the environment, when they end up in the oceans they break down into microplastics which then get ingested by fish and other marine life.

Microplastics are now found in fish all over the world, so shampoo bars and conditioner bars are a great way to go plastic free and help make less of an environmental impact. But, you still want to be sure the ingredients in the shampoo bar and conditioner bars you are choosing are safe and non toxic as there are many on the market that still contain some not so great ingredients.

Best Non Toxic Shampoo Bars and Conditioner Bars:

Best Non Toxic Hair Gels

Best Non Toxic Hair Sprays and Other Sprays

I have not tried all the hair sprays on this list but my personal favourite non toxic hair sprays are the Evolvh Hair Spray and Innersence I Create Finish Finishing Spray.

Best Non Toxic Scalp Scrubs and Treatments

Best Non Toxic Mousse, Foams, and Styling Creams or Lotions

Best Non Toxic Hair Oils, Masks and Serums

Frequently asked questions:

What is the healthiest hair brand?

There are many healthy, non-toxic hair brands on the market now. Some of my personal favourites include Rahua, Innersence, John Masters, and Evolvh. These brands avoid parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasers and other harmful ingredients that are common in many conventional hair care brands.

What is the safest hair product?

When looking for safe hair products be sure to use hair care brands that avoid phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde releasing preservatives and instead focus on natural ingredients that are safe and non-toxic.

Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips!

Other health info you will be interested in:

Our expertise:

Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about environmental health and low toxicity living and has been doing research and publishing information in this area for years. She is also a self-trained chef and has been creating and publishing recipes since 2015. Her recipes have been featured on many different websites and online publications.

References: 

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  2. Report on Carcinogens, Twelfth Edition (2011) Available Online: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/twelfth/profiles/Nitrosamines.pdf. Accessed November 5, 2013.
  3. Kraeling, M. E. K., Yourick, J. J., & Bronaugh, R. L. (2004). In vitro human skin penetration of diethanolamine. Food and chemical toxicology, 42(10), 1553-1561.
  4. Panchal, S. R., & Verma, R. J. (2013). Spermatotoxic effect of diethanolamine: An in vitro  study. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction, 2(3), 196-200.
  5. Craciunescu, C. N., Wu, R., & Zeisel, S. H. (2006). Diethanolamine alters neurogenesis and induces apoptosis in fetal mouse hippocampus. The FASEB journal, 20(10), 1635-1640.
  6. Darbre PD, et al.,  Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumors. Journal of Applied Toxicology, vol.  24, pp 5-13, 2004.
  7. Barr L., et al., Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue at serial locations across the breast from axilla to sternum. J Appl Toxicol, vol. 32, no. 3, pp 219–232, 2012.
  8. Darbre PD., et al., Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2008.
  9. Golden R., et al., A review of the endocrine activity of parabens and implications for potential risks to human health. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, vol. 35, pp 435-58, 2005.
  10. Oishi S., Effects of butylparaben on the male reproductive system in rats. Toxicology and Industrial Health, vol 17, pp 31-9, 2001.
  11. Oishi S., Effects of butylparaben on the male reproductive system in rats. Toxicology and Industrial Health, vol 17, pp 31-9, 2001.
  12. Darbre, P. D. (2006). Environmental oestrogens, cosmetics and breast cancer. Best practice & research clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 20(1), 121-143.
  13. Schlumpf, M., Schmid, P., Durrer, S., Conscience, M., Maerkel, K., Henseler, M., … & Lichtensteiger, W. (2004). Endocrine activity and developmental toxicity of cosmetic UV filters—an update. Toxicology, 205(1), 113-122.
  14. Boas, M., Feldt-Rasmussen, U., & Main, K. M. (2012). Thyroid effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 355(2), 240-248.
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  16. Report on Carcinogens, Fifteenth Edition. Butylated Hydroxyanisole. CAS No. 25013-16-5
  17. Labrador V et al., “Cytotoxicity of butylated hydroxyanisole in Vero cells,” Cell biology and toxicology, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 189-99, 2007.
  18. Jeong SH et al, “Effects of butylated hydroxyanisole on the development and functions of reproductive system in rats,” Toxicology, vol. 208, no. 1, pp. 49-62, 2005.
  19. Health Canada. 2019. List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients. Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
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  23. Vanessa E Melin, Haritha Potineni, Patricia Hunt, Jodi Griswold, Bill Siems, Stephen R. Werre & Terry C. Hrubec. 2014. Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) 50, 163-70.
  24. Steenland K, Whelan E, Deddens J, Stayner L, Ward E. Ethylene oxide and breast cancer incidence in a cohort study of 7576 women (United States). Cancer Causes Control. 2003;14:531-9.
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  26. Human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds: their role in reproductive systems, metabolic syndrome and breast cancer. A review
  27. Methylparaben stimulates tumor initiating cells in ER+ breast cancer models.
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DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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