Ever read the back of your shampoo bottle and wonder what those long, chemical names actually do to your hair � or the environment? Traditional shampoos are often packed with harsh sulfates, artificial fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate your scalp, damage your hair, and pollute waterways.
That’s where organic shampoo comes in. Made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, these shampoos are crafted to nourish your hair naturally � without the harmful chemicals or synthetic additives. They’re not only safer for your body but also for the planet, thanks to eco-conscious packaging and toxin-free formulations.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about organic shampoos â€� from DIY recipes and chemical red flags to top sustainable brands and how to choose the right formula for your hair type. Whether you’re transitioning to a clean beauty routine or trying to reduce your environmental footprint, this is your one-stop resource for smarter, greener haircare.
Top Organic Shampoo Brands for Healthier Hair and a Greener Planet
Avalon Organics: Pioneering Organic Haircare with Earth-First Values
Avalon Organics has been a staple in the green beauty world for decades � and for good reason. Rooted in a commitment to plant-based science and certified organic ingredients, the brand has championed environmental wellness long before it became trendy. Their shampoos are NSF/ANSI 305 certified, meaning they meet the gold standard for organic personal care products.
What sets Avalon Organics apart is their transparency. They steer clear of GMOs, synthetic fragrances, harsh sulfates, and animal testing. Each organic shampoo formula supports scalp and hair health using biodegradable, vegan-friendly botanicals � think aloe vera, essential oils, and quinoa protein.
Their packaging? Made with post-consumer recycled materials, helping close the loop on plastic waste. Avalon isn’t just making shampoo � they’re shaping a sustainable personal care model that respects both your body and the planet.
Rahua: Rainforest Wisdom Bottled in Organic Haircare
Rahua isn’t just a brand � it’s a story rooted in the Amazon. Founded by Fabian Lliguin, a Quechua-Shuar tribesman and environmentalist, Rahua collaborates directly with Indigenous communities to sustainably harvest rahua oil, the star ingredient in their organic shampoos.
What’s powerful about Rahua is its circular sustainability model. The ingredients are wildcrafted â€� meaning they’re gathered without disturbing the ecosystem. No synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, or gluten. Instead, you get high-performance, plant-based formulas that nourish hair without harming your health or the rainforest.
Even their packaging is conscious � recyclable, refillable, and carbon-offset. Rahua’s commitment goes deeper than clean beauty: a portion of profits supports forest conservation and cultural preservation through the Pachamama Alliance.
For anyone seeking a truly eco-luxury experience, Rahua’s organic shampoo line blends ethical
Drunk Elephant: Clean-Curious Meets Clinically Conscious Haircare
Drunk Elephant made its name in skincare, but its organic-adjacent haircare line � including shampoos � carries the same “suspicious six–free� philosophy. You won’t find sulfates, silicones, dyes, or synthetic fragrances here. Instead, the formulas lean on naturally derived actives like marula oil and fermented coconut � delivering gentle cleansing while respecting your scalp’s microbiome.
While Drunk Elephant isn’t fully certified organic, the brand is a heavy hitter in the clean beauty arena. Their commitment to ingredient transparency, cruelty-free testing, and pH-balanced formulations aligns with modern sustainability values. Packaging is minimal, sturdy, and recyclable � with a sleek, no-fuss aesthetic that reduces waste and visual clutter alike.
Their approach may be less “earthy� than legacy organic brands, but Drunk Elephant’s emphasis on biocompatibility and ingredient integrity bridges the gap between green beauty and performance science � giving eco-conscious shoppers another clean win in the shampoo aisle.
Christina Moss Naturals: Small-Batch Integrity with an Organic Backbone
Christina Moss Naturals may not have the flashiest branding, but don’t let that fool you � their commitment to purity and planet is the real deal. Every bottle of their organic shampoo is handcrafted in small batches using certified organic, food-grade ingredients. That means no parabens, sulfates, artificial preservatives, or synthetic fragrances � ever.
Their minimalist formulations rely on aloe vera, coconut oil, rosemary, and olive fruit extract to gently cleanse and nourish the scalp without stripping natural oils. It’s especially beloved by people with sensitive skin or scalp allergies who need clean shampoo with zero nonsense.
Sustainability runs through their veins � Christina Moss Naturals uses BPA-free, recyclable packaging and ships in eco-friendly materials. They’re also a cruelty-free brand that formulates with biodegradability in mind, ensuring minimal downstream impact.
For conscious consumers craving transparency and trust, this brand delivers an organic shampoo experience that’s as ethical as it is effective.
WOW Skin Science: Bridging Ayurvedic Roots with Modern Eco-Conscious Innovation
WOW Skin Science lives up to its name � blending ancient Indian herbal traditions with today’s clean beauty standards. Their organic shampoo line is powered by ingredients like apple cider vinegar, argan oil, and bhringraj, all sourced with a deep respect for plant-based healing and scalp wellness.
Here’s the kicker: WOW is one of the few globally scaled beauty brands that still centers eco-conscious values. Their shampoos are free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and artificial color. Every formulation is vegan, cruelty-free, and built on biodegradable, pH-balanced bases that are safe for both your scalp and the environment.
The brand’s packaging journey is evolving too � with recyclable bottles, clean labeling, and a push toward water-saving, concentrated formulas that cut plastic waste in the long run.
With a strong fanbase from India to the US, WOW Skin Science proves that mass-market beauty can still hold space for sustainability � and their organic shampoos are a testament to that balance.
ACURE: Radical Simplicity for Your Scalp and the Planet
ACURE is all about results without the residue � both on your hair and the planet. Founded on the belief that clean beauty should be accessible, the brand creates high-performance, organic shampoo formulas using certified organic botanicals like argan oil, mint, lemongrass, and coconut water.
Their sustainability ethos? It’s not performative � it’s embedded. ACURE is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and petroleum. They’re also Climate Neutral Certified, which means they’re actively measuring, reducing, and offsetting their carbon footprint.
What sets ACURE apart is their transparency. Labels are clean and informative, and their shampoos are safe for all hair types � especially for folks seeking low-tox, eco-friendly haircare without breaking the bank.
Plus, ACURE’s commitment to recyclable packaging and responsible sourcing makes them one of the most well-rounded brands in the organic shampoo space � perfect for conscious consumers who want green haircare that actually works.
Ingreendients: Shampoo So Clean You Can Compost the Bottle
Ingreendients is what happens when zero-waste dreams meet high-performance haircare. Every organic shampoo they make is crafted from plant-based, certified organic ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and even natural toxins like palm oil or phenoxyethanol.
But here’s the game-changer: their packaging is certified compostable. That’s right � no plastic. No greenwashing. Just real, earth-friendly innovation designed to disappear responsibly once you’re done washing up.
Formulated with natural extracts like aloe, coconut, and lavender, Ingreendients� shampoo supports your scalp’s microbiome without disrupting the planet’s. It’s ideal for sensitive skin, ethical consumers, and anyone seeking a truly closed-loop beauty routine.
Every step � from formulation to packaging � is verified by third-party organizations for safety, biodegradability, and sustainability. This brand isn’t just clean. It’s radically transparent, unflinchingly ethical, and deeply committed to a greener tomorrow.
Ginger Lily Farms: Clean Beauty in Bulk, Without the Waste
Ginger Lily Farms is a hidden gem in the organic shampoo world � especially for eco-conscious folks who think big. Their shampoos come in gallon-sized refillable jugs, making them a favorite in salons, spas, and homes trying to cut down on single-use plastic. Bulk beauty, meet sustainable logic.
The formulas are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and infused with plant-based ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and botanical extracts. While not every product in their lineup is 100% certified organic, their Naturals collection emphasizes gentle, vegan, cruelty-free care for both hair and scalp.
What makes Ginger Lily Farms really shine is their commitment to reducing packaging waste. By promoting refills and offering reusable dispensers, they make it easy to say goodbye to throwaway culture � without sacrificing cleanliness or quality.
For households or businesses looking to green their hygiene routine at scale, Ginger Lily Farms delivers that sweet spot between sustainability, affordability, and effectiveness.
Can You Make Natural Shampoo At Home?
Yes, you can make natural shampoo at home. In fact, it’s easier than you think. However, the thing about homemade natural shampoo and conditioner is that it may not work for all hair and scalp types, so make sure to find the recipe that works for your hair type.
Basic Natural Shampoo Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Castile vegetable-based liquid soap | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable oil or glycerin (avoid for oily hair) | 1 teaspoon |
| Essential oil | A couple of drops |
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the mix into a recycled shampoo bottle.
- Use one palm-full of the shampoo for one lather, then rinse with water.
Note:ÌýDon’t be worried if the shampoo doesn’t foam and suds as much as a commercial one. It’s thinner, so this is normal. It’ll still get rid of oil and dirt from your hair.
Read More:
Advanced Natural Shampoo and Conditioner
If you want to have a scented shampoo with natural ingredients, you can also make it yourself. Start with the basic natural shampoo recipe, but instead of water use scented soap, or strong herbal tea.
Good examples are chamomile, lavender, and rosemary.
To make apple cider vinegar conditioner use a box of baking soda and some apple cider vinegar:
- Find a squeeze bottle you can reuse.
- Place a few tablespoons of baking soda at the bottom, fill the rest with hot water and shake.Ìý
- Optional: If you want a scented conditioner, add a little essential oil.
- Let the mixture settle, and apply a quarter to wet hair, then rinse out.
Note:ÌýThis conditioner also doesn’t create suds, but you’ll have shiny and clean hair.
Alternatively, you can make a deep conditioner if you have very dry or damaged hair. Use these ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Yogurt
- Mashed banana or avocado
- Mayonnaise
- Beaten egg
Note:ÌýYou can use one of these or mix them all together.
Massage the ingredients into wet hair, wrap hair into an old towel and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Always make sure to take proper precautions when making natural shampoo and conditioner. Of course, it’s best to make the one that suits your hair type best.
Read More:
What Harmful Chemical Are In Your Shampoo?
It wasn’t until I developed a serious scalp problem that I realized my regular shampoo was full of toxic chemicals. Moreover, I wasn’t the only one using it, so my entire family was also exposed to harmful chemicals.
Regular shampoos are also harmful because they don’t only get rid of the dirt in your hair, but they can remove natural oils in your scalp. We need these natural oils to prevent dryness. A dry scalp results in rough and itchy hair and possible dandruff.
I know it can be overwhelming going through the scientific terms on the ingredient list, so I compiled a list of ingredients to avoid in a shampoo:
1. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ìý
Sulfates are one of the most common shampoo ingredients. They are strong detergents that take out all the oils when you rinse out the shampoo. They are very harsh, and they can damage your hair and even cause allergic reactions.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
It creates foam, which some people love. However, SLSs can have toxic effects on the body. Also, if you have color-treated hair, it will fade your color.
3. ParabensÌý
Used as preservatives to prevent bacteria in shampoos. However, research has found they can cause the growth of breast cancer cells.
4. Sodium Chloride
Is salt. It’s used to maintain shampoo and conditioner thick consistency. But, it can cause itchy scalp and hair loss.
5. Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
Another thickening agent. It’s derived from petroleum, so it’s full of byproducts, such as ethylene oxides.
6. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
Foam agents and emulsifiers that help combine water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients. Studies found links between DEA and cancer in animals.
7. Formaldehyde
One of the worst ingredients in shampoos. It’s a known carcinogen absorbed through the skin. It can be listed under different names, but the most common in shampoos is quaternium-15
8. Alcohol
Has a drying effect. However, not all alcohol is bad for the hair. If alcohol is labeled with a C or an S (Cetearyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol), it can help hair retain moisture. Bad alcohols are listed as Isopropyl alcohol or propanol, and are especially harmful if you have dry hair.
9. Synthetic Fragrances
Fragrances can be extremely dangerous, as they can cause cancer, asthma, and even go into women’s breast milk. Plus, they irritate the scalp and can cause hair loss.
10. Synthetic Colors
Shampoos are usually dyed with synthetic colors to look better. These colors are from petroleum sources, which have harmful health effects. If a shampoo has an FD&C or D&C combined with a number, you’ll know its synthetic color.
11. Dimethicone
A kind of silicone that acts as a protecting cover on hair’s surface. It stops moisture and nutrients from reaching the scalp and collects dirt, which can clog the pores.
12. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Be careful with this one. Some shampoos that claim they are organic can have this ingredient, but it can cause rosacea and eczema.
13. Triclosan
It is banned from being used in soaps, but it’s still allowed in shampoos, deodorants, and toothpaste. It can cause hormone disruptions and even affect fetal development.
14. Retinyl Palmitate
It converts into retinol when it comes into contact with skin and can cause peeling, redness, and itching.Ìý
Unfortunately, our reality is that it’s almost impossible to avoid all of these ingredients in an organic shampoo and conditioner. However, the natural shampoo market is rapidly expanding, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a shampoo.
How to Choose the Right Organic Shampoo: A Quick Buying Guide
Switching to organic shampoo sounds great â€� but where do you even start? With so many brands flaunting “natural” labels and green packaging, it’s easy to get greenwashed. Here’s a no-fluff guide to help you choose better for your hair and the planet.
Why Organic Shampoo Is Worth It
Organic shampoos are formulated without harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, or sulfates � all of which can irritate the scalp and pollute waterways. Instead, you get gentle cleansers made from natural ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and botanical extracts.
They’re also better for the environment. Many brands use biodegradable formulas and recyclable packaging, so you can wash up without washing more plastic into the ocean.
Who Should Use Organic Shampoo?
Truth? Everyone � but especially folks with:
- Sensitive scalps: No synthetic dyes or strong fragrances means fewer flare-ups.
- Curly or color-treated hair: Organic shampoos are typically non-stripping and pH-balanced.
- Children and babies: Gentler formulas reduce exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Even if you don’t have specific hair concerns, going organic reduces your exposure to unnecessary toxins.
That’s a win.
What to Look for When Buying
Choosing the right bottle? Don’t be swayed by buzzwords alone.
Instead:
- Read the label: Look for recognizable ingredients. The shorter the list, the better.
- Check for true certifications (see next section).
- Avoid “fragrance,� “SLS,� “DEA,� and “phenoxyethanol.� These are common in traditional shampoos but flagged for health concerns.
Bonus: Go for brands that publish full ingredient breakdowns � transparency is a green flag.
Certifications That Actually Matter
Not all “natural� shampoos are organic. Look for third-party certifications like:
- USDA Organic � At least 95% certified organic ingredients.
- NSF/ANSI 305 � For products with organic ingredients that can’t meet full USDA status.
- EWG Verified � Signals low toxicity and safe formulation standards.
These seals help cut through marketing noise so you can trust what you’re buying.
The Bigger Picture: Environmental Impact
Traditional shampoos don’t just affect your hair � they impact water systems and plastic waste. Harsh detergents like SLS don’t fully break down in nature, and synthetic preservatives can harm aquatic life.
Organic shampoos often come in refillable or recyclable bottles and skip the worst offenders in formulation. Choosing them means you’re not just protecting your scalp � you’re protecting ecosystems too.
Make the Switch to Organic Shampoo � Your Scalp and the Planet Will Thank You
Choosing organic shampoo isn’t just about avoiding sulfates or synthetic ingredients � it’s about embracing a lifestyle that’s gentler on your body and the planet. From toxic-free formulations to biodegradable packaging, every bottle of natural shampoo is a small act of resistance against wasteful, chemical-heavy beauty standards.
Whether you go the DIY route or try one of the sustainable brands we reviewed, you’re doing more than cleaning your hair � you’re cleaning up your impact. And when you factor in the long-term health benefits, softer hair, and reduced exposure to environmental toxins, the switch becomes a no-brainer.
So, next time you run low on shampoo, make a better choice. Choose clean. Choose conscious. Choose organic.
