10 Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo: You Don’t Want Them Near Your Scalp

Last Updated on 08/04/2025 by Liz @ HealthTenfold
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Would you wash your hair with something similar to dish soap if it smelled good and came in a fancy bottle? Most people wouldn’t — but that’s exactly what many of us unknowingly do when we use conventional shampoos filled with synthetic chemicals. Add some fragrance, a splash of color, a shiny label with a model’s hair blowing in the wind, and suddenly we’re convinced it’s good for our hair.

The truth is, many mainstream shampoos are filled with bad ingredients that don’t just affect the appearance of your hair — they can also irritate your scalp, damage your hair’s natural structure, and potentially impact your long-term health. While brands often highlight one or two “natural” or “active” ingredients, they stay quiet about the unhealthy ingredients in shampoo that make up the rest of the formula.

This guide goes beyond the marketing and dives into the shampoo ingredients to avoid — and why avoiding them matters. If you’re serious about keeping your hair and scalp healthy, it’s time to learn which ingredients to avoid in shampoo and what natural alternatives are actually worth your time.

Why It’s Important to Avoid Harmful Shampoo Ingredients

Your scalp isn’t just a surface to scrub — it’s living skin, rich with pores, blood vessels, and hair follicles. What you put on it doesn’t just rinse off and disappear. In fact, many chemicals in conventional shampoos can be absorbed through the scalp, entering your body and potentially affecting your health over time.

Some unhealthy ingredients in shampoo can cause immediate issues like dryness, itching, or excess oil production. But others are more concerning for their long-term effects. Certain preservatives and synthetic compounds have been linked to hormone disruption, immune reactions, and even cancer risk in ongoing studies. Even if used in small amounts, exposure adds up — especially when you’re applying these substances several times a week for years.

And when it comes to hair health, it’s not just about what makes your hair look shiny today. Many bad ingredients in shampoo actually weaken your hair structure, dehydrate the scalp, or clog follicles — leading to breakage, thinning, and slow hair growth in the long run.

If you wouldn’t eat something with sketchy chemicals, why put it on your scalp where it can be absorbed into your system?

Learning which shampoo ingredients to avoid is a smart first step in taking control of your personal care routine — and making choices that are safer, healthier, and better for your hair and body.

🚫 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo and Why

When choosing a shampoo, it’s important to understand what goes into it. While certain ingredients may seem harmless, many popular shampoo brands hide some unhealthy ingredients that can damage your hair and scalp over time. Here’s a list of the shampoo ingredients to avoid and why they should be on your radar.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

These are harsh surfactants used in shampoo to create foam and strip away oils. While they’re effective at cleansing, they also strip the scalp’s natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. This leads to an overproduction of oil, causing you to wash your hair more often, which exacerbates the cycle of dryness and oil buildup.
🧴 What to look for: SLS, SLES, ammonium laureth sulfate
⚠️ Why to avoid: Long-term use can lead to scalp dryness, irritation, and damaged hair follicles.

You can read in detail how sulfates affect your hair from this article “Are Sulfates Bad for Hair? If You See SLS on the Bottle, Toss It!”

2. Parabens

Simply put they are cheap preservatives. They are used to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in products. While they extend shelf life, they are also endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with hormone function. Research has shown a potential link between parabens and certain cancers, such as breast cancer.
🧴 What to look for: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben
⚠️ Why to avoid: Parabens may accumulate in your body over time, disrupting hormone balance and possibly contributing to long-term health risks.

You can read in detail about parabens from our article “Are Parabens Bad for Hair? Understanding the Concerns in Hair Care Products”

3. Silicones

Silicones are used to create the smooth, shiny look we often crave. They coat the hair, temporarily masking split ends and frizz. However, they prevent moisture from entering the hair shaft, leading to long-term dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Over time, the buildup can clog hair follicles and even contribute to hair thinning.
🧴 What to look for: dimethicone, cyclomethicone, phenyl trimethicone, amodimethicone
⚠️ Why to avoid: Silicones may trap moisture out of your hair, causing long-term dryness and weakening hair strands.

4. Petrolatum / Mineral Oil

Petrolatum, also known as mineral oil, is a byproduct of petroleum refining. While it may initially make your hair appear shiny and moisturized, it creates a thick, suffocating layer on the scalp that prevents natural oils from circulating. This can clog pores, disrupt scalp health, and potentially stunt hair growth. According to some sources, petrolatum is often not fully refined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals.
🧴 What to look for: mineral oil, paraffin, petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin
⚠️ Why to avoid: Petrolatum can suffocate your scalp and hair follicles, leading to poor scalp health and lack of nourishment.

5. Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)

PEGs are used to thicken products and help ingredients blend together. They also act as penetration enhancers, helping other ingredients absorb into the skin. The problem is, PEGs are often contaminated with harmful chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen.
🧴 What to look for: PEG-40, PEG-80, or anything labeled “PEG”
⚠️ Why to avoid: Contaminated PEGs can carry toxic chemicals into your skin and scalp, increasing the risk of irritation, allergies, or long-term exposure to harmful substances.

6. Synthetic Fragrance / Parfum

While fragrances are added for scent, the term “fragrance” can encompass hundreds of undisclosed chemicals — many of which are allergens or irritants. Studies have shown that synthetic fragrances can trigger migraines, asthma, and skin conditions, while some are linked to hormone disruption.
🧴 What to look for: fragrance, parfum, aroma
⚠️ Why to avoid: Synthetic fragrances can cause allergies, disrupt your endocrine system, and irritate your scalp, often without you even realizing it.

7. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that’s banned in many products. However, it still appears in some shampoos as part of preservatives that prevent microbial growth. Formaldehyde-releasers can release small amounts of formaldehyde over time, causing irritation and potentially increasing the risk of certain cancers.
🧴 What to look for: DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea
⚠️ Why to avoid: Formaldehyde is toxic to the skin, hair, and immune system, and long-term exposure could lead to serious health risks.

8. Drying Alcohols

Some alcohols are hydrating, but drying alcohols (like isopropyl alcohol and ethanol) are damaging to hair, especially if used regularly. These alcohols strip away moisture from the hair shaft, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and prone to frizz and breakage.
🧴 What to look for: isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, SD alcohol, benzyl alcohol
⚠️ Why to avoid: These alcohols weaken the hair structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and split ends — particularly harmful to dry or curly hair types.

9. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in some shampoos, even though it was banned in hand soaps due to safety concerns. It has been linked to hormone disruption and can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
🧴 What to look for: triclosan
⚠️ Why to avoid: Triclosan can interfere with thyroid function and disrupt your endocrine system, making it best avoided in personal care products.

10. Artificial Colors (FD&C Dyes)

FD&C dyes are added for color, but they have no benefit to your hair. These artificial colors are often derived from petroleum, and some have been linked to skin irritation or even cancer. While these dyes are mostly cosmetic, they’re still a potential risk that adds no real value to your hair care routine.
🧴 What to look for: FD&C Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5
⚠️ Why to avoid: These dyes can cause allergic reactions and irritation, and they often contain toxic chemicals that aren’t necessary for healthy hair care.

🧪 The Bottom Line:

The bad ingredients in shampoo might be doing more harm than you think. While many of these substances offer short-term cosmetic benefits like lathering or shine, they can cause significant long-term damage to your hair, scalp, and overall health. By avoiding these unhealthy ingredients in shampoo, you’re not just protecting your hair, but also taking care of your body.

Choosing shampoos without these harmful ingredients — and opting for natural, nourishing products — is a smarter, healthier approach to hair care.

🌿 What to Use Instead: Healthy, Natural Hair Oils

When you’re working to avoid harmful shampoo ingredients to avoid, it’s essential to think beyond just the cleansing stage of your hair care routine. While choosing the right shampoo without unhealthy ingredients in shampoo is crucial, what you use after washing can make a huge difference in the long-term health of your hair.

Instead of relying on synthetic additives and harsh chemicals often found in shampoos and conditioners, natural oils are a fantastic alternative to help nourish and repair your hair from root to tip. They provide deep hydration, promote scalp health, and can support hair growth — all without the toxic chemicals.

While oils won’t replace your shampoo (which is still necessary to cleanse your scalp and hair), they can be used as part of a comprehensive routine that complements your shampoo choice. Natural oils can help replenish moisture, smooth frizz, and support your hair’s overall health.

🌱 Best Natural Oils for Hair:

Here are some of the most nourishing, sustainable, and effective oils you can use after washing to boost the health of your hair and avoid the damage caused by bad ingredients in shampoo:

1. Coconut Oil

Why it’s great: Coconut oil is famous for its ability to deeply moisturize hair and reduce frizz. It’s also an excellent pre-wash oil, as it can help prevent hair damage by penetrating the hair shaft and reducing protein loss.
Best for: Moisturizing, anti-frizz, pre-wash treatment (not a replacement for shampoo). Find the product here.

2. Jojoba Oil

Why it’s great: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum produced by our scalp, making it ideal for balancing oil production. It’s lightweight and won’t clog pores, so it adds shine and hydration without greasy buildup.
Best for: Balancing scalp oil, adding shine, and promoting healthy hair growth. Find the product here.

3. Castor Oil

Why it’s great: Castor oil is packed with ricinoleic acid, which stimulates circulation and can encourage hair growth. It’s also rich in fatty acids that help to lock in moisture, promoting healthy and thick hair.
Best for: Encouraging hair growth, thickening hair. Find the product here.

4. Sweet Almond Oil

Why it’s great: Sweet almond oil is full of vitamins and antioxidants that repair damaged hair, adding softness and smoothness. It also helps seal in moisture, making hair feel silky and nourished.
Best for: Softness, repairing damage, and adding shine. Find the product here.

5. Olive Oil

Why it’s great: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, making it an excellent moisturizer. It’s great for coarse, dry hair types and works well as a deep-conditioning treatment to restore strength and hydration.
Best for: Moisturizing, great for coarse hair.

6. Avocado Oil

Why it’s great: Avocado oil is known for its deep-hydrating properties, making it ideal for heat-damaged hair. It’s also rich in vitamins E and K, which help nourish the scalp and hair follicles.
Best for: Deep hydration, heat-damaged hair repair. Find the product here.

7. Neem Oil

Why it’s great: Neem oil is perfect for tackling scalp issues like dandruff and irritation. It has powerful antibacterial properties and helps soothe the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.
Best for: Fighting scalp irritation, dandruff, and promoting scalp health.

🌟 Why Choose Natural Oils?

Switching to these natural oils doesn’t just help you avoid harmful shampoo ingredients to avoid; they actively work to repair, moisturize, and nourish your hair and scalp. These oils deliver real results with simple, effective ingredients that are free from the chemicals and additives you want to avoid.

🧴 A Natural Oil Blend That Has It All

For those looking for a convenient, ready-to-use solution, Amoils Hair Oil blends some of the best natural oils into one powerful formula. After cleansing with a gentle, natural shampoo, applying this blend can provide your hair with the nourishment it needs for healthier, shinier, and more vibrant hair.

🧴 Key Ingredients and Benefits of Amoils Hair Oil:

• Hazel Seed Oil – A lightweight oil that deeply nourishes the hair without weighing it down, making it great for all hair types.
• Sesame Oil – Packed with nutrients, sesame oil strengthens hair roots, promoting stronger hair growth.
• Argan Oil – Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it adds shine and smoothness to the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
• Chia Seed Oil – Known for its ability to lock in moisture, chia seed oil helps hydrate dry hair and prevent damage from environmental factors.
• Cypress & Rosemary Oils – These oils stimulate the scalp, promoting better circulation and healthy hair growth.
• Geranium & Ylang Ylang Oils – These oils balance the scalp, reduce irritation, and add a beautiful, natural scent to your hair.

Amoils Hair Oil contains no synthetic additives and is free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and silicones. It’s a natural, effective solution for anyone looking to achieve healthier, shinier hair, with real ingredients that work in harmony with your hair’s natural needs.

This hair oil is perfect for anyone who wants a convenient, ready-made product that blends the best of nature’s oils for a healthy scalp and gorgeous hair — complementing the gentle, toxin-free shampoo you’re already using.

Conclusion: Make Informed Choices for Healthier Hair

When it comes to hair care, the ingredients you choose matter — not only for the immediate appearance of your hair but for its long-term health. By avoiding bad ingredients in shampoo, such as sulfates, parabens, silicones, and other unhealthy ingredients in shampoo, you’re taking a crucial step toward reducing potential damage and keeping your scalp and hair in top condition.

Choosing a shampoo without harmful ingredients is key, but it’s only part of the equation for maintaining healthy hair. To truly nourish and protect your hair, it’s important to incorporate natural oils into your routine. Oils like coconut, jojoba, and castor oil provide essential moisture and nutrients, supporting hair growth, strength, and vitality — all without relying on harsh chemicals.

For an easy, ready-made solution, Amoils Hair Oil combines the best of nature’s oils to give you a nourishing, effective alternative that supports both your scalp and hair health. With no harmful additives, you can rest easy knowing that you’re caring for your hair in the most natural way possible.

By making informed choices about both your shampoo and hair oil, you can achieve beautiful, healthy hair without compromising your health or the environment. Choose natural, choose wisely, and watch your hair thrive.

Find the product here.