If you’re wondering which ingredients to avoid in shampoo and conditioner, you’re not alone. Many formulas on the shelf are packed with unnecessary fillers that can disrupt scalp balance, weaken strands, and lead to long-term damage. Understanding labels is the first step to making smarter, cleaner choices for your hair.
Why ingredients matter in hair care
Your scalp is skin — and it absorbs what you apply to it. Certain unhealthy ingredients in shampoo and conditioner can strip natural oils, cause build-up, or irritate the scalp, which may impact hair strength and growth over time. According to Healthline, harsh detergents and preservatives can contribute to dryness, breakage, and scalp sensitivity when used regularly. Choosing formulas without harmful shampoo ingredients helps support healthier, stronger hair long-term.
Top ingredients to avoid in shampoo and conditioner
Sulfates
Sulfates are detergents that create that satisfying foam, but they’re one of the most well-known ingredients to stay away from in shampoo. Research shows sulfates can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and irritation (Healthline). For a gentler cleanse, opt for products from our sulphate-free hair products collection.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives designed to extend shelf life, but they’ve been linked to hormone disruption with long-term exposure. Studies suggest parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns around frequent use (PMC). They’re considered unhealthy ingredients in conditioner and shampoo alike, especially for sensitive scalps. Explore our paraben-free hair products for safer alternatives.
Silicones
Silicones coat the hair shaft to create instant shine and smoothness, but they don’t actually nourish the hair. Over time, they can build up, making hair feel heavy, dull, and harder to hydrate. This build-up is one reason silicones are often listed among harmful conditioner ingredients.
Both the Strength + Length Conditioner and Damage Repair Conditioner are silicone free conditioners. Instead, modern technology and nourishing plant-based ingredients ensure you still get soft, slip and shine.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents
Used as preservatives, formaldehyde and its releasers are known irritants and classified carcinogens. Health authorities have linked them to skin and scalp irritation, making them clear ingredients to stay away from in conditioner and shampoo (Healthline).
Synthetic fragrances and colours
Synthetic fragrances and dyes can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. These additives are commonly associated with allergic reactions, irritation, and sensitivity, especially for the scalp. They’re widely considered unhealthy ingredients in shampoo, particularly for those prone to itchiness or redness.
Phthalates
Phthalates are often used to help fragrances last longer. However, they’re classified as endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormone function. This makes them one of the more concerning harmful shampoo ingredients found in fragranced products.
Harsh alcohols
Not all alcohols are bad — but drying alcohols like isopropyl alcohol and ethanol can strip moisture from the hair shaft. This leads to brittleness, breakage, and dryness, placing them high on the list of ingredients to avoid in conditioner for healthy hair.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent sometimes used in personal care products. Research links it to skin irritation and potential hormonal effects, which is why it’s increasingly flagged as a harmful conditioner ingredient (Healthline).
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEGs are used as thickeners, but they can be contaminated with harmful byproducts during manufacturing. These compounds can be absorbed through the skin, making PEGs another ingredient many experts recommend avoiding (Genesis Career College).
How to read a hair product label
Ingredient lists are ordered by concentration, meaning the first few ingredients make up most of the formula. If you spot sulfates, parabens, or fragrances near the top, it’s best to steer clear. Learning to identify ingredients to avoid in shampoo and conditioner empowers you to make better choices for your hair and scalp health.
If you’re already seeing signs of damage, check out our guides on the 6 signs of hair damage and how to repair or learn more about how to strengthen your hair.
Cleaner formulas aren’t about trends — they’re about giving your hair exactly what it needs, and nothing it doesn’t.
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How often should I wash my hair for hair growth
6 signs of hair damage & how to repair
