8 Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Shampoo & Conditioner (Safer Swaps)

Nowadays, many people are taking the time to read ingredient labels - not just on food, but also on everyday items like shampoo and conditioner. And, it makes sense! We use these products all the time, putting them right on our scalps where ingredients can be absorbed. So, it is important to pay attention to what you are washing your hair with - maybe even more than you realized before.

Many regular hair care products contain harsh or questionable chemicals added to make them feel nicer, smell better, last longer, or create more lather. But these ingredients are not always good for your long-term health. In fact, over time, they can lead to things like an irritated scalp, thinning hair, hormonal changes, or even harm to the environment.

This guide will help you learn which shampoo ingredients to avoid, why it might be a good idea to do so, and what safer, more natural options you can choose instead. If you want to live a cleaner and more intentional life, changing up your hair care routine is a great first step!

What Are Harmful Chemicals in Hair Care?

Just because something is called "harmful" does not mean it is instantly dangerous. In fact, lots of ingredients in hair care products are allowed by law, but people still worry about them because we do not always know how they affect us over time, how they build up in our bodies, or whether they can mess with our hormones. 

Some of these ingredients can also take away your hair’s natural oils, upset the healthy balance of your scalp, known as the scalp microbiome, or lead to buildup that makes your hair weaker with continued use.

It is easy to think that shampoo and conditioner do not really matter since we rinse them out. But if you think about it more thoroughly, most of us wash our hair multiple times every week, year after year. Those little exposures can really add up over time.

Here is one thing you may find helpful. If you have trouble saying an ingredient’s name, or you would not be comfortable leaving it on your skin, you may want to consider whether you should massage it into your scalp.

So, to be more precise, let’s take a closer look at the eight most common shampoo ingredients to avoid.

1. Sulfates

Sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are detergents that help your shampoo bubble up and make lots of foam. That sudsy lather is what many of us think of when we imagine our hair getting really clean.

Why you might want to skip them:

Sulfates are strong cleaners, but they can also take away the natural oils from your scalp. This can leave your hair feeling dry, cause irritation or frizz, and even make your scalp produce more oil to make up for what is lost. If your hair is colored, curly, or sensitive, sulfates can be even more of a problem.

Safer shampoo alternatives to try:

• Plant-based surfactants (e.g., coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside)

• Soap nuts (a natural cleanser traditionally used for hair, also the base of some cleaner formulations)

• Mild amino acid–based cleansers

2. Parabens

Parabens are another example of shampoo ingredients to avoid. They act as preservatives, helping your shampoo last longer by keeping out mold and bacteria.

However, parabens can mimic hormones like estrogen in your body, which is why they are known as endocrine disruptors. Since they have been found in breast tissue, many health-conscious people choose to avoid them due to hormone concerns.

If you want to avoid toxic shampoo ingredients, here are some gentler alternatives you may want to try:

• Potassium sorbate

• Sodium benzoate

• Natural preservation systems using fermented ingredients

3. Phthalates

Phthalates often hide under the word “fragrance” and help scents last longer in hair care products. Nonetheless, these are ingredients to avoid in shampoo because they come with properties you may not want anywhere near you. 

That is, phthalates are linked to hormone, reproductive, and developmental problems. Because they are rarely listed by name, they are some of the hardest ingredients to avoid in personal care products.

Safer swaps for phthalates:

• Essential oils (used responsibly and in low concentrations)

• Products labeled “phthalate-free”

• Unscented or naturally scented formulas

4. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents

These preservatives stop germs from growing and help products last longer on the shelf. However, if you read more about them, you will see that formaldehyde and its agents are some of the toxic shampoo ingredients that should be avoided.

Safer shampoo alternatives to formaldehyde:

• Benzyl alcohol (plant-derived)

• Fermented radish root filtrate

• Anhydrous (water-free) formulations

5. Silicones

Silicones wrap around each hair strand, making your hair look and feel smooth and shiny right away. That is why they are often found in shampoo products. 

While silicones can make hair feel soft at first, over time, they build up, blocking moisture and weakening hair. You often need strong shampoos to remove them, which can start a cycle of damage.

Safer swaps:

• Plant oils (argan, jojoba, marula)

• Aloe vera

• Hydrolyzed plant proteins

6. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient that used to be common in “anti-dandruff” and “antibacterial” shampoos. 

However, triclosan has been linked to hormone issues and antibiotic resistance, which is why many countries now limit or ban its use. So, it is no wonder that it is found on our list of shampoo ingredients to avoid.

Gentler options instead of triclosan:

• Tea tree oil

• Neem extract

• Rosemary and sage extracts

7. Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are used to ensure the product always smells the same and that the scent lasts a long time.

“Fragrance” can mean there are hundreds of hidden chemicals inside, some of which may trigger headaches, allergies, or mess with your hormones.

Healthier and safer shampoo alternatives to synthetic fragrances include:

• Essential oil blends

• Naturally scented botanical extracts

• Fragrance-free options

8. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)

PEGs help mix everything together and give shampoo a smooth feel. That is why they are often found in shampoo products. 

Gentler alternatives to PEGs:

• Vegetable glycerin

• Naturally derived emulsifiers

• Plant waxes

How to Read Hair Care Labels Like a Pro

You do not have to be perfect to make better choices about hair care. Simply being aware is a great place to start. Familiarizing yourself with product labels can go a long way. 

First, you should know that ingredients are listed in order of how much they are used, so those at the top make up most of the formula. You should watch out for vague terms like “fragrance” and look for products that clearly list all their ingredients. Usually, the fewer the ingredients, the better for your hair and scalp.

Also, you should be cautious of products that promise instant results, like quick repairs or dramatic changes. It is always good to ask yourself how those results are achieved and what is actually in the bottle. Transparency from brands helps you make more informed decisions and signals that they’re not hiding anything.

Ultimately, a helpful question to ask is whether you would feel comfortable using a certain ingredient every week for the next decade. Focusing on transparency, shorter ingredient lists, and clear labeling helps you maintain a cleaner, safer hair care routine without stressing about being perfect.

Beyond Shampoo: Supporting Hair Health from Within

External products matter, but nutrition, stress levels, hormones, and gut health also influence hair health. Many people exploring non-toxic living also choose to support their hair from the inside out through nutrients like biotin, zinc, collagen, and adaptogenic herbs.

If you are looking for safe and effective hair care options, consider trying Organic and Wild-Crafted Shampoo and Organic & Wild-Crafted Conditioner. These options can help you maintain clean, nourished hair without the harsh chemicals found in many conventional products.

For a more holistic approach and avoiding toxic shampoo ingredients, Zuma’s natural wellness line includes thoughtfully formulated supplements that support overall vitality - including hair, skin, and scalp health - without synthetic fillers or unnecessary additives. 

Clean Hair Care, Made Simple

Many traditional shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances - substances that can disrupt hormones, irritate your scalp, or weaken your hair over time. Fortunately, there are safer, carefully crafted alternatives available that are just as effective. 

By taking a closer look at product labels and understanding what goes into your hair care, you can make choices that support your overall health and well-being. That is, you will know which shampoo ingredients to avoid, and you will ensure you are being safe at all times. 

Remember, choosing non-toxic hair care is not just a trend - it is a way to take care of yourself and the environment, making your daily routine a simple act of self-care that your scalp and future self will appreciate.