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A lot of people are concerned about the chemicals in their shampoo. The good news is, you can avoid these chemicals by looking for vegan shampoos when shopping.
The vegan shampoo is becoming more and more popular because it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or animal testing. We will go over why vegan shampoos are a great option and provide a list of the 10 best vegan brands.
Comparison table: 5 best vegan shampoo brands
 Pura D’or Shampoo Winner in the category The best shampoo to stimulate hair growth | Characteristics Brand: PURA D'OR; Hair Type: Thinning; Material Type: SLS Free, Sulfate Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free; Special Ingredients: Argan; Active Ingredients: Herbal DHT Blockers, Vitamin E Benefits Has a natural formula that does not contain sulfates, parabens, or other chemicals; No animal testing; Contains biotin, which helps to grow your hair follicles; Gentle on your hair and scalp; Leaves your hair feeling soft and silky; Comes in a variety of sizes Jump to the detailed review |
 Acure Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo Winner in the category Best for dry or damaged hair | Characteristics Brand: Acure; Hair Type: Damaged, Dry; Material Type: Formaldehyde free,mineral oil free,paraben free,sulfate free; Active Ingredients: Argan oil, argan Benefits Organic ingredients; No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, GMOs, silicones, or artificial fragrances; No animal testing; Great for dry hair needs Jump to the detailed review |
 Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo Winner in the category Best for thinning hair | Characteristics Brand: Avalon; Hair Type: All; Material Type: Paraben Free; Special Ingredients: Biotin B; Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, sodium Benefits Certified organic ingredients; Vegan & cruelty-free; Volumizes thinning hair; Adds thickness and body to limp locks; Protects against daily environmental aggressors Jump to the detailed review |
 AyurVita-Neem & Reetha Nourishing Shampoo Winner in the category Best for sensitive scalp | Characteristics Brand: Ayurvita; Hair Type: Aging; Special Ingredients: Hydrating; Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid Benefits All-natural ingredients; Vegan & cruelty-free; Safe for all hair types and color-treated hair; Gentle enough to use daily; Biodegradable; Lathers well Jump to the detailed review |
 Common Ground Natural Shampoo and Conditioner Set Winner in the category Best for moisturizing hair | Characteristics Brand: Common Ground; Hair Type: Oily, Colored, Permed, Flat, Normal; Material Type: Silicone Free, Phthalate Free, Sulphate Free; Special Ingredients: Botanical; Active Ingredients: Avocado oil extracts Benefits Contains natural ingredients; Vegan and cruelty-free; No harsh chemicals or unnatural ingredients; Keeps hair healthy and hydrated Jump to the detailed review |
What do the shampoo labels mean?
When looking for a vegan shampoo, it’s important to know what all the labels on the bottle mean. There are labels ‘does not contain ingredients of animal origin’, ‘not tested on animals’, and ‘chemical-free ingredients’ that are important to look for.
Does not contain ingredients of animal origin means that the shampoo doesn’t have any ingredients derived from animals.
Not tested on animals means that neither the shampoo nor any of its ingredients have been tested on animals.
Chemical-free ingredients are best for all products, but especially so with shampoos because they can be very harsh and cause many problems to your hair if you’re not careful.
What chemicals should you avoid in your shampoo?
The ingredients on the shampoo bottle can be confusing. It seems like every other ingredient is a long, scientific word that you can’t even pronounce! What do all these chemicals mean and what should you avoid?
There are three main types of chemicals to watch out for when reading shampoo labels: sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
- Sulfates are a type of surfactant, which is a chemical that helps the shampoo to lather up and spread evenly throughout your hair. However, sulfates can also be harsh on your scalp and hair, causing dryness and frizziness.
- Parabens are preservatives that help keep bacteria and fungi from growing in the shampoo. However, parabens can also mimic estrogen and affect your hormones when you absorb them through your skin.
- Phthalates are another type of emulsifier that helps keep all of the ingredients mixed properly. It can be toxic if they build up in your liver over time. One easy way to avoid phthalates is to look for products that are “phthalate-free”.
Also, you should avoid any ingredients that have “-eth” in them. These are usually sulfates or phosphates and they can also be harsh on your hair and scalp.
The best way to avoid all these types of chemicals is to choose a shampoo that has minimal ingredients and lists water as the first ingredient on the bottle. These usually have fewer harsh chemicals in them, but you might need to try several kinds before finding one that works well with your hair type.
What are the natural ingredients found in vegan brand shampoos?
Vegan shampoos are free from animal ingredients and they’re just as gentle on the hair. These products have a milder chemical formula that is also suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Some of them even boast natural ingredients to help cleanse, condition, de-tangle your locks (and sometimes add color).
The most common ingredients in vegan shampoos are:
- Aloe vera extract — a natural healing agent used to soothe and protect the scalp;
- Argan oil — this nourishing oil is rich in antioxidants and helps strengthen hair follicles;
- Coconut oil — a natural moisturizer that helps condition and protects hair from sun damage;
- Shea butter — a natural moisturizer that helps repair damaged hair and add shine.
If you’re looking to avoid chemicals in shampoo packaging, then vegan shampoos are the way to go. Many of these products don’t contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or other harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the hair and scalp.
There are many reasons why people choose to use vegan shampoos. Some of these include:
- Avoiding harmful chemicals in shampoo packaging (such as sulfates, parabens, and PEGs);
- Preserving or restoring the natural state of hair by avoiding harsh ingredients found in other products such as dyes, bleaches, and permanent waves;
- Trying to avoid animal cruelty by using products that don’t contain any ingredients made from animals.
The only way to know for sure if a shampoo is vegan or not would be to read the label. If there are no labels at all it’s best to consider the contents of the product before buying an item.
Best places to buy vegan shampoo
There are so many locations where you can buy vegan and cruelty-free shampoo. You can find these shampoos in most health food stores, or even online. It is important to read the labels of any product before purchasing, as not all “vegan” and “cruelty-free” products are created equal. Some products may still contain animal-derived ingredients or be tested on animals.
The following are some of the best places to buy vegan and cruelty-free shampoo:
- Online: Many online retailers carry a wide variety of vegan and cruelty-free shampoo brands. Some of our favorites include Amazon, Ulta, and iHerb.
- Health food stores: Most health food stores will carry at least some cruelty-free, vegan shampoo brands.
- Drugstores: Although it is important to read labels before purchasing any product, many of the big-name hygiene drugstore chains carry their line of vegan and cruelty-free shampoos. These include CVS, Walgreens, Target & Walmart.
Top 10 vegan shampoos
It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in shampoo, especially if we want to avoid harsh chemicals.
Luckily, there are a lot of vegan shampoos on the market these days. And even better, most of them are affordable and easy to find. Below, you’ll find our list of the top ten vegan shampoos. These are all cruelty-free and made with the best natural ingredients.
Pura D’or Shampoo
The Pura D’or shampoo is a vegan formula that uses essential oils and plant-based ingredients to encourage hair growth from the follicle. This product also includes biotin, which strengthens your scalp’s health along with its bristles. In addition, this organic alcohol-free head of hair rinse contains no sulfates, parabens, or any other harmful chemicals that can damage your hair.
Pura D’or is an organic formula that helps to protect your hair from environmental damage. It also contains a DHT herbal blend, which helps to stimulate hair follicles and encourage new growth.
Pros
- Has a natural formula that does not contain sulfates, parabens, or other chemicals;
- No animal testing;
- Contains biotin, which helps to grow your hair follicles;
- Gentle on your hair and scalp;
- Leaves your hair feeling soft and silky;
- Comes in a variety of sizes.
Cons
- The specific smell of shampoo.
Acure Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo
Acure Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo is a great choice for people with dry or damaged hair needs. It’s made from organic argan oil and aloe vera, which is perfect for moisturizing your skin without resulting in an itchy scalp.
This vegan shampoo doesn’t contain any sulfates, parabens, phthalates, GMOs, silicones, or artificial fragrances, so it’s a great option for people who are looking to avoid harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Organic ingredients;
- No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, GMOs, silicones, or artificial fragrances;
- No animal testing;
- Great for dry hair needs.
Cons
- May leave a greasy residue if not thoroughly rinsed out of your hair;
- This shampoo should be used with a moisturizing conditioner for best results.
Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo
Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo is a vegan shampoo that is made with certified organic ingredients. Some of the notable ingredients include biotin, vitamin B-12, and wheat protein. This shampoo is designed to volumize thinning hair and add thickness and body to limp locks. It also helps to protect against daily environmental aggressors.
Pros
- Certified organic ingredients;
- Vegan & cruelty-free;
- Volumizes thinning hair;
- Adds thickness and body to limp locks;
- Protects against daily environmental aggressors.
Cons
- Some reports that the shampoo is too thin and drips down off of hand when pouring into hands to apply.
AyurVita-Neem & Reetha Nourishing Shampoo
AyurVita-Neem & Reetha Nourishing Shampoo is ideal for dry, itchy scalp. It protects the hair from split ends and breakage with an herbal blend of Neem & Reetha (Soapnuts). Enriched with Vitamin A, E & D nourishes your hair adding volume and shine.
The shampoo is free of SLS, SLES, Parabens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, and other harsh chemicals. It is also cruelty-free and vegan.
This natural shampoo is perfect for those with sensitive skin and hair. The ingredients are all plant-based and biodegradable. It lathers well and is gentle enough for daily use.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients;
- Vegan & cruelty-free;
- Safe for all hair types and color-treated hair;
- Gentle enough to use daily;
- Biodegradable;
- Lathers well.
Cons
- Some people don’t like the smell of neem oil. It’s a very earthy, herbal scent.
Common Ground Natural Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Common Ground is a brand that offers a complete shampoo and conditioner set that contains avocado oil extract and a natural blend of herbs and essential oil. These ingredients help to clean the hair while also maintaining its moisture balance.
This set is a great choice for someone who wants to avoid harsh chemicals and unnatural ingredients in their shampoo. It is also vegan so it will not cause any animal harm as well as be cruelty-free.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients;
- Vegan and cruelty-free;
- No harsh chemicals or unnatural ingredients;
- Keeps hair healthy and hydrated.
Cons
- Might be less effective for people with very oily hair.
Plantoria Green Apple Stem Cell Shampoo
Plantoria Green Apple Stem Cell Shampoo is a green-certified shampoo that comes in an easy-to-use bottle. The shampoo has the fresh smell of green apple and is made with plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, seaweed proteins, and organic essential oils. It can be used on both color-treated hair as well as normal hair types without leaving any residue or build-up behind which can happen with other shampoos.
The shampoo is also vegan and gluten-free which makes it a good choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.
Pros
- Made with plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, and organic essential oils;
- Vegan and cruelty-free;
- Good choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients;
- Vegan and gluten-free;
- Leaves no residue or build-up;
- The fresh smell of green apple.
Cons
- May be difficult to find in stores.
Beauty Without Cruelty: Rosemary, Mint, Tea Tree Shampoo
This shampoo is perfect for those who are looking to avoid the harmful chemicals in many shampoos. It’s free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Petrochemicals, and Artificial Ingredients.
It has a very light minty scent which most people find refreshing after long days out in the summer heat or pollution-filled city air. The tea tree oil is also great for scalp health and helps to keep the hair free of dandruff and other scalp issues.
Pros
- Cruelty-free;
- Chemical-free;
- Light, refreshing minty scent;
- Great for scalp health.
Cons
- Tea tree oil can be irritating to some people’s scalp.
Pacifica Beauty Power Strong and Long Moisturizing Shampoo
Pacifica is a vegan and cruelty-free company. This shampoo has no parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or petroleum products. It was developed to moisturize and strengthen your hair over time. With its coconut scent, it’s perfect for those with dry hair who need some extra TLC (and smell fantastic).
Pros
- Vegan & cruelty-free;
- Sulfate, Paraben, and Phthalates free;
- Suitable for dry hair.
Cons
- Contains Coconut Oil which can be comedogenic for some people.
Love Beauty And Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Dry Hair and Damaged Hair
Love Beauty And Planet is a vegan, cruelty-free brand that makes some of the best shampoo and conditioner products on the market. Their Hope and Repair line is designed specifically for dry hair and damaged hair, and it’s made with natural ingredients like ylang-ylang and organic coconut oil.
If you’re looking for a vegan shampoo that will help repair your damaged hair, Love Beauty And Planet is a great option.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients;
- Cruelty-free;
- Can help repair dry and damaged hair;
- Bottles made from recycled materials;
- Free of parabens and silicone.
Cons
- Some people find the scent to be too strong.
Ingredients Sulfate-Free Vegan Shampoo
If you are looking for a vegan shampoo that does not contain sulfates, then check out Ingredients Sulfate-Free Vegan Shampoo. This product is made with plant-based ingredients like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil which help to keep the scalp healthy and hair shiny. It is great for all hair types.
Pros
- Contains plant-based ingredients;
- Cruelty-free;
- Keeps the scalp healthy;
- Makes hair shiny.
Cons
- May not lather as much as other shampoos.
Summary
Vegan shampoos are a great alternative to the harmful chemicals in commercial shampoos. They have fewer additives and are better for your skin, hair, and overall health.
Some important ingredients you should avoid when choosing vegan shampoo include parabens, which can disrupt hormones naturally found in humans; phthalates that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals; and sulfates that can cause skin irritation.
There are many great vegan shampoo brands on the market, and these are just a few of our favorites. If you’re looking for a shampoo that is gentle on your skin and hair, free of harmful chemicals, and still performs well, try one of these top ten vegan shampoos.
FAQ
🌱 Why vegan shampoos?
Many people choose to use vegan shampoo because they want to avoid using products that contain animal-derived ingredients. Other people opt to use vegan shampoos because they want to avoid animal testing, which has been a longstanding practice for many beauty and personal care product manufacturers.
🔍 Do vegan shampoos work as well as regular shampoo?
There is no evidence to suggest that vegan shampoos are any less effective than regular shampoo. Many people find that vegan shampoos work better for their hair type.
💵 Are vegan shampoos more expensive?
Vegan shampoos can be more expensive than regular shampoo, but this is not always the case. There are many affordable vegan shampoo brands available on the market.
📌 What criteria should you look for on a shampoo bottle?
If you are looking for a vegan shampoo, there are several things that you should look out for on the packaging. The first thing to consider is whether or not it contains SLS/ALS as these ingredients often come from animal sources. In addition, many people choose to avoid parabens and other synthetic materials.
