When shopping for shampoo, avoid products that contain sulfates, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, look for products that are EWG certified (which ensures the product is free from chemicals of concern), Fair Trade certified (which benefits the people making the product), and the PETA or Leaping Bunny certified (which both ensure no animal testing was performed using the product). Choose a plastic-free shampoo bar to cut down on plastic waste in your shower routine.

Ingredients

Sulfates

Sulfates are a kind of surfactant, which is used to clean and create the foam we know and love. Sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS, is an emulsifying cleaning agent sometimes found in shampoo. It’s used to break down and wash away the dirt and grime that water can’t get rid of on its own. It also happens to be a highly toxic threat to aquatic life, from algae, to frogs, to fish. Although there is some debate on sulfates, the World Health Organization (WHO) unequivocally states that SLS “...is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.”

Phosphates

Phosphates, like trisodium phosphate, create that luscious lathering effect in our shampoo. Phosphates can also cause eutrophication, which is the mineral over-enrichment of bodies of water. This can be a natural process that develops in aquatic ecosystems, but it can also indicate nutrient imbalances due to pollution. While it might sound beautiful, algal bloom – a result of eutrophication – can be harmful to aquatic life and can contaminate drinking sources. Phosphate eutrophication can cause deoxygenation of water, which can threaten marine life and submerged plants, like reeds. This can cause an indirect effect on the habitat and food source of bird species.

Synthetic Fragrances

The most elusive ingredient of all might be fragrances. That’s because fragrances are protected from disclosure. While “fragrance” might appear to be one ingredient on the label, that word could potentially comprise hundreds of chemical compounds just for one scent! It’s not the scent that worries us, but phthalates, which enable fragrances to become soluble. They are known endocrine disruptors in both humans and aquatic life and can even lower the production of testosterone. Studies have found that prenatal exposure to phthalates can decrease mental and motor development in children. 

Packaging

Plastic-free shampoo bars are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. These bad boys are concentrated into waterless blocks and are usually packaged in cardboard boxes. Their waterless formula means that they weigh a whole lot less than those bottles of shampoo that contain 90% water (which means less fuel required for shipping!), and their cardboard packaging creates less waste compared to bulky plastic bottles. 

Certifications

Here are some certifications to look for when shopping this category.

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