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It's time to consider a beauty routine detox. When we purge out chemicals found in many traditional beauty products, everybody wins: the planet, animals not being used for testing, and us. But like any diet, the struggle to put it into practice—and stick with it—is real.
If you’ve never thought about switching over to a more green routine, consider that the United States has only banned 13 toxic chemicals from beauty products, compared to close to 1,400(!) prohibited ingredients in Europe. That means we are applying potentially-harmful substances onto our bodies daily without even realizing it.
Fortunately, an abundance of both up-and-coming and established brands are taking responsibility into their own hands by offering safer alternatives with responsibly-sourced ingredients. Even drugstores now offer a plethora of options, while new specialty e-tailers, such as The Detox Market, Safe and Chic, and subscription box Love Goodly are helping consumers by only stocking ethical brands.
With all of these new possibilities come the daunting task of navigating haircare aisles, translating product labels and not falling for green-washing techniques. Companies can get away with using buzzy words like “natural,” “organic,” “eco-friendly,” and “vegan” to market their products, without an agency holding them accountable. Here’s a quick cheat-sheet on what these terms should mean:
"Natural"
This is an umbrella term that describes using naturally-derived ingredients. It’s kind of like using Wikipedia for research—you might be purchasing an honest product, but everyone has the liberty to use this term so it’s hard to be sure.
"Non-GMO"
For instance, GMOs, or genetically-modified organisms, can fall under the category of “natural.” Keep an eye out for the non-GMO label to ensure genetically-engineered crops are not in your hair essentials.
"Organic"
When used correctly, this term refers to responsibly-harvested ingredients—crops that were grown without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides. To be sure, look for the USDA-certified organic label, which shows that a product has met these standards.
Vegan (or Cruelty-Free)
Products that contain plant-based ingredients, and/or did not test on animals.
Eco-friendly
Ideally, this refers to recyclable product packaging and/or ingredients that are not harmful to the environment after disposal.
In addition to a vocabulary lesson, we’ve done our research and rounded up the most responsible haircare products that actually work to offer you a comprehensive shopping guide.
Natural Clarifying Shampoos
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ACURE Curiously Clarifying Lemongrass Shampoo, 12 Fl. Oz. (Packaging May Vary)
Use this fresh-scented cleanser for a deep clean that leaves hair feeling lightweight and non-greasy long after use.
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Rosemary & Orange Clarifying Shampoo Bar
Three Sisters Apothecary soapcauldron.com
$7.00
This convenient bar is made in small, sustainable batches and loaded with beneficial oils, silk proteins and appealing aromas.
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Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
thrive thrivemarket.com
$16.99
Remove product build-up with this tingling treatment that is gentle enough for daily use.
Natural Leave-In Hair Treatments
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AG Hair Remedy Spray
Use this all-in-one elixir packed with natural ingredients for maximum hair benefits.
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Davines OI All in One Milk
Spritz on wet hair to detangle, and enjoy the added benefits of shine, protection, and frizz-control.
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Beautifood Avocado Hair Oil
beautifoodofficial.com
$48.00
Apply this plant-based, multi-use serum before bed weekly for an intensive, overnight mask.
Natural Curly Hair Treatments
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Aunt Jackie's Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
No matter what shape your signature curl, this custard cream defines, moisturizes, and adds shine—while keeping frizz at bay.
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Aveda Be Curly Enhancer
Apply to wet hair at night and wake up frizz-free, thanks to a wheat protein blend that expands with wet hair and retracts with dry to help lock in waves.
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Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
A little goes a long way with this top-rated treatment, blending the brand’s signature, certified-organic shea butter with Neem and coconut oils to protect and hydrate.
Natural Products for Thin Hair
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Andalou Lavender & Biotin Full Volume Shampoo
Allow this therapeutic lavender scent to relax your senses while energizing flat, thin strands.
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Yarok Daily Care Trio
Using each of these 100 percent vegan products will leave fine hair feeling soft, light and clean all day long while naturally boosting volume.
Natural Scalp Treatments
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Breed Love Beauty Co. Organic Hair and Scalp Treatment Oil
breedlovebeautyco.com
$20.00
Beneficial botanicals help soothe inflammation and reduce dandruff, while promoting hair growth.
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Balanced Guru Organic Balanced Scalp Treatment
This balancing blend of certified-organic essential oils can be applied directly to your roots to address oily or flaky scalps.
Natural Dry Shampoos
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Bb. Pret-a-Powder Tres Invisible Dry Shampoo
Not all locks can pull off the “no-poo” (sans shampoo) method, but this cruelty-free
spray lets us go as long as humanly possible.
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R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste
This vegan hybrid offers styled hair new, next-day life.
Natural Wave Spray
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The Gnarly WhaleCoconut Milk & Peaches Beach Waves
thegnarlywhale.com
$14.00
Channel that effortless summer look with this eco-conscious sea salt spray that is surprisingly hydrating, thanks to coconut oil and aloe vera.
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Captain Blankenship Organic Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray
Get beach waves that won’t harm the ocean with this organic, non-GMO formula that offers hair a loose hold.
Natural Products for Color-Treated Hair
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Arbonne ColorLast Hair Serum
Arbonne’s company standards even outstretch Europe’s lengthy list of banned chemicals, which is why we trust this serum to protect our hair color—and overall health.
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Alba Botanica Replenishing Conditioner
Similarly, Alba Botanica adheres to European regulations—in addition to being reef-friendly, biodegradable, and overall good for the planet. This floral conditioner smells like a vacation in a bottle and will protect fresh color from fading.
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Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Remedy dry or damaged hair with this fan-favorite intensive mask that restores hydration and vibrancy.
Natural Hairspray
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Rahua Defining Hair Spray
This non-aerosol spray is good for the environment and protects hair from UV rays, thanks to organic aloe vera and green tea.
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Intelligent Nutrients Perfect Hold Hair Spray
intelligentnutrients.com
$38.00
The founder of Aveda (now owned by Estée Lauder) created another conscious collection of haircare, which includes this certified-organic, non-aerosol hairspray with a strong hold.
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John Masters Hair Spray
Master your natural hair look with this certified-organic, flexible hold spray that won’t leave behind any flaky residue.
Natural Product for Thick Hair
Many manes swear by this oil-balancing blend of essential oils that boosts hair’s bounce and promotes a healthy scalp.
Natural Shampoo for All Hair Types
Lather up with this earth-conscious line that leaves you with delicious-smelling tresses and less waste. Each compostable package even contains a bag of seeds!
Natural Hair Brush
Even your hair tools can be truly natural: This detangling bristle brush is made from sustainable bamboo and recycled materials.
Katie Davidson Katie Davidson is a freelance writer based in California.
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