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Wash away harsh chemicals and cruelty, and say hello to vegan shampoo made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are as gentle on the hair and scalp as they are on the planet.
With a wide range of natural vegan shampoo brands available, consumers have more options than ever. But that also means more labels to read, more brands to vet, and more products to test. It’s as much of a chore as hair-washing.
But, there’s good reason to do your due diligence. Conventional shampoos can include a range of harsh and harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde — a known carcinogen. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), as many as 21 percent of shampoos contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
What’s more, EWG estimates that up to 82 percent of shampoos contain sulfates, which are typically used to create lather but can be harsh on the hair and scalp. EWG also estimates 63 percent of shampoos contain parabens, which have been linked to hormone disruption and have even been detected in breast cancer tissue. More than half of shampoos contain phthalates, which are used as plasticizers in personal care products. They have been linked to health risks, including reproductive issues and developmental problems in children.
These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. As a result, they may pose potential health risks over time as they accumulate in the body. Add to that, shampoos (and conditioners) can contain ingredients that are harmful to the planet, including many synthetics that can be byproducts of petroleum. Like skincare products, many shampoos can also contain animal-derived ingredients such as honey, beeswax, keratin, and silk amino acids, which are largely byproducts of the industrialized food industry that can negatively impact local biodiversity and pollute air and water.
There’s also the issue of animal testing, which is still rampant in the personal care category. Last year, Washington became the 12th U.S. state to ban the practice. “It’s not only immensely cruel to force animals to suffer through these tests, but also totally unnecessary, Kitty Block, president of the Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society), wrote in a blog post in September. “Thousands of ingredients that have a history of safe use can already be used for formulating products such as mascaras and shampoos,” she noted. Washington joins California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, in banning cosmetic testing.
Demand for clean and ethical beauty products has never been higher. According to data from Research and Markets, the vegan cosmetics and personal care ingredients market is valued at $10.92 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to surpass $21 billion by 2034.
Benefits of clean shampoo
Fortunately, there are now many clean shampoo options available that are free from harmful chemicals, animal ingredients, and animal testing. These formulations can include natural plant extracts, essential oils, and plant-based proteins. By choosing a clean shampoo, you can help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients and promote better hair and scalp health.
One of the biggest benefits of using a clean vegan shampoo is that it can lead to healthier hair and scalp. Traditional shampoos that contain harsh chemicals can strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even hair loss. Natural ingredients are typically gentle on the hair and scalp, helping to nourish and protect them.
Clean-ingredient vegan shampoos are also better for the environment. Traditional shampoos that contain synthetic ingredients are not biodegradable, meaning they can remain in the environment for years after they are washed down the drain. Many of these ingredients can also be toxic to marine life, causing widespread harm to fragile ecosystems.
Another benefit of using vegan shampoo is the ethical component. Many consumers are choosing to live a vegan lifestyle not only for their health and the environment but also for the ethical treatment of animals. Shampoos are made without using any animal-derived ingredients, making them a more ethical option for consumers who are concerned about animal welfare.
Clean-ingredient vegan shampoo
Contrary to popular belief, using vegan shampoos does not limit your options. There are many natural vegan shampoo brands available that offer a wide range of products to suit different hair types and concerns.
These shampoos are formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, argan oil, tea tree oil, and coconut oil, which can help address specific hair concerns such as dryness, dandruff, and hair loss. Vegan shampoos can also be found in different forms, such as solid bars, liquids, and foams, to cater to different preferences.
Aveda
Aveda is the OG of clean-ingredient hair, body, and beauty products, well-known for its signature scents and performance-driven products without the harsh chemicals found in its conventional counterparts. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, Aveda harnesses the power of naturally derived ingredients, many of which are certified organic, to create products that nourish hair while being kind to the planet. The brand’s ethos centers on environmental responsibility, from using renewable energy to manufacture its products to implementing refillable packaging solutions.
Aveda’s haircare line spans from shampoos and conditioners to styling products and treatments, catering to various hair types and concerns while maintaining its signature eco-conscious approach. Loved for its luxurious scents derived from pure flower and plant essences, Aveda continues to set the gold standard for clean beauty in haircare.
Ouai
Ouai has built its reputation on stylish, effortless hair care that actually delivers, and at the heart of its philosophy is a commitment to clean, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. The brand avoids harsh sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, focusing instead on nutrient-rich formulations powered by plant-based oils, proteins, and extracts that nourish strands without weighing them down.
From its shampoos and conditioners to styling products, Ouai emphasizes transparency and efficacy, making sure each formula not only supports healthy hair but also aligns with a modern approach to wellness and beauty.
Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell is a popular legacy haircare brand that offers a range of vegan hair care products. Its shampoos are made with natural ingredients including tea tree oil, lavender, and lemon, to help soothe and balance the scalp. As one of the first beauty brands to publicly stand against animal testing, it has been a trailblazer in ethical haircare since its inception. The brand offers a wide range of solutions, from shampoos and conditioners to styling products and treatments, designed to address every hair type and concern.
Paul Mitchell is also committed to sustainability, with efforts that include using recyclable packaging and supporting reforestation projects. Known for its salon-quality performance, the brand’s products strike the perfect balance between efficacy and accessibility, making Paul Mitchell a trusted staple for hairstylists and consumers alike.
Briogeo
Briogeo is a newer brand to the category but it has already carved a niche in the haircare industry with its clean, conscious, and performance-driven approach. Rooted in the philosophy of “hair care that’s kind to you and the planet,” the brand is known for its six-free formulas—free of harsh sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes, and DEA. Briogeo offers a diverse range of products that cater to various hair textures and concerns, with bestsellers like its Don’t Despair, Repair! line gaining cult status.
Each product is crafted with naturally derived ingredients, blending science and nature to deliver salon-worthy results without compromising on purity. With its commitment to inclusivity and eco-consciousness, Briogeo continues to redefine clean haircare for a modern audience.
Yarok
Few haircare brands achieve the trifecta of being highly effective, ethically crafted, and entirely vegan, but Yarok does so with ease. Each product in Yarok’s lineup features meticulously curated blends of organic and all-natural botanicals, consciously sourced and responsibly harvested to meet the brand’s high standards. Unlike most, Yarok’s formulas rely heavily on certified organic ingredients, setting them apart in a crowded market. What truly elevates Yarok is its unwavering commitment to purity.
“While we don’t test on animals, we’ve had many willing New York City salon clients volunteer to test our all natural formulations before they went to market,” the company says. “This is how we got our start. Before long, there was such a demand for more products to transform a variety of hair and scalp issues and to overcome certain styling challenges. We spent several years developing and refining the complete line of Yarok hair care available today.”
SheaMoisture
Shea Moisture is a beloved haircare brand that champions natural, sustainably sourced ingredients and celebrates the beauty of all hair types. Inspired by its African heritage, the brand formulates its products with shea butter at the core, alongside other nourishing botanicals and oils, like its rosemary hair care product line.
Shea Moisture offers solutions that prioritize hydration, strength, and scalp health. Beyond haircare, the brand stands out for its social impact initiatives, including empowering women-led cooperatives and supporting fair trade practices. With its commitment to community, clean ingredients, and inclusive beauty, Shea Moisture continues to be a go-to for those seeking effective and ethical haircare.
Rahua
Brazil-based Rahua‘s sustainable hair care products are made with ingredients sourced directly from the Amazon rainforest. Its shampoos are made with ingredients such as quinoa, and coconut-derived surfactants, to provide gentle cleansing and hydration for the hair. At the heart of its products is Rahua oil, an ancient ingredient prized by Amazonian tribes for its ability to deeply nourish and repair hair.
The brand focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing, working closely with Indigenous communities to harvest its star ingredients while preserving the rainforest ecosystem. Rahua’s collection is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals, making it a favorite among eco-conscious consumers. With its dedication to purity, sustainability, and transformative results, Rahua has redefined what it means to be a clean, luxury haircare brand.
Alba Botanica
For the budget-conscious shopper, Alba Botanica is a trusted name in clean, affordable haircare, offering products that combine natural ingredients with effective results. Known for its commitment to plant-based, cruelty-free formulas, the brand is dedicated to creating products that are as kind to the environment as they are to hair. With an emphasis on biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging, Alba Botanica supports a greener planet while catering to various haircare needs, from hydration to volume.
John Masters Organics
John Masters Organics is a pioneer in luxury organic haircare, renowned for its commitment to clean beauty and high-performance results. The brand’s formulations are crafted with premium, naturally derived ingredients, such as organic botanicals and essential oils, chosen for their efficacy and environmental friendliness.
Free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, John Masters Organics delivers salon-quality care without compromising on purity or sustainability. Its range of products caters to diverse hair types and needs, from nourishing shampoos to restorative treatments, all while prioritizing eco-conscious packaging and ethical practices.
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