The 11 Best Organic Drugstore Shampoo Brands In 2024

best drugstore organic shampoo

02/05/2024

Jenna Stenderup

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On the hunt for affordable yet organic drugstore shampoo brands for a healthy haircare routine? The SKL team has got you covered with over 10 amazing natural shampoo options that won’t burn a hole in your pocket!

After getting our hands on every organic drugstore shampoo we could find, three really stood out for their high-quality ingredients, consistent performance, and commitment to sustainability:

Acure Organics the essentials super hydrating shampoo tops our list for its exceptional hydrating capabilities, perfect for anyone seeking deep nourishment and frizz reduction. The Welnesse smoothing shampoo was our favorite option for those with curly hair. Specially formulated to be gentle yet effective, it minimizes hair fall and promotes defined bouncy curls.

Finally, Sea Kind brilliance beautiful shampoo’s innovative use of marine actives like fermented sea algae and organic bhringraj oil is great for all hair types and leaves hair feeling thick, moisturized, and lustrous.

P.S. If you’re looking for hair oil for all-day shine without the frizz, don’t forget to check out the 11 Best Natural & Lightweight Hair Oils For All Day Shine Without The Frizz!

drugstore shampoo brands

If you’ve been to your local drugstore lately, you know that the options in the shampoo aisle are endless.

As beauty brands are taking advantage of the clean beauty trend, it is becoming more and more difficult to determine true organic shampoo options from those that are just labeled as such, especially now that one in three beauty products claims to be ‘clean,’ ‘green,’ or ‘natural.’

The Prevalent Problem Of Greenwashing

Greenwashing is the practice where companies market their products as environmentally friendly, natural, or organic when, in fact, they may not meet these standards or don’t have significant evidence to back up their natural or organic claims.

Many non-organic brands have mastered the art of eco-centric marketing, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. 

For example, brands may tout their products as “green,” “natural,” or “vegan,” which all sound great but don’t guarantee a product is free from harmful synthetic chemicals. 

This vague language is intentionally used to make products seem more appealing to health and eco-conscious consumers, but it often leads to more confusion than clarity.

Join us as we get to the bottom of what makes a shampoo genuinely organic so you can confidently choose the best natural shampoo for your hair, your health, and the environment. 

We’ve curated a list of our favorite organic drugstore brands that we’ve tried, tested, and loved over the years to help you make the best choice. 

What does ‘organic’ really mean for your shampoo?

Organic hair care products are subject to the most strict regulatory standards since the term “organic” is legally regulated in the United States.

These standards dictate that organic products cannot use toxic or persistent pesticides, synthetic growth hormones, petroleum-based fertilizers, cloning, artificial colors or flavors, artificial preservatives, irradiated products/ingredients, and/or GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

For a hair care product to be considered USDA organic, it must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients (excluding water and salt), and the remaining 5% must be non-organic ingredients not available in an organic form.

Key Differences Between Organic & Conventional Shampoos

The biggest difference between organic and conventional shampoos is that organic shampoos are made using only naturally derived ingredients like essential oils, plant extracts, and natural surfactants. 

They avoid the use of artificial enhancements like synthetic colors, artificial fragrances, and preservatives that are used to improve the appearance, fragrance, and shelf-life of conventional shampoos.

For instance, organic shampoos will use natural oils like coconut or argan oil to moisturize the hair, whereas a chemical-based shampoo might use dimethicone or behentrimonium chloride to smooth and condition.

Organic shampoos also use naturally derived surfactants (the ingredients in your shampoo responsible for cleansing your hair) from plants like soapwort, yucca, or quillaya instead of harsh synthetic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.

Another key difference is that conventional shampoos are typically solvent-based, meaning their primary ingredient is a chemical solvent like alcohol or petroleum distillate. 

Organic shampoos are typically water-based, meaning their primary ingredient is water, which is more hydrating and better at maintaining your hair’s natural oils and pH balance.

What toxic chemicals are hiding in most shampoos?

Sulfates

Sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are added to shampoos to amp up their foaming properties. 

These can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and damage. Sulfates can be particularly bad news if you have dry hair or a sensitive scalp.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives widely used in shampoos and other personal care products and are easily absorbed through the skin. 

They can interfere with your endocrine system, negatively affecting your reproductive health, and have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer since they mimic estrogen in the body.

Parabens are usually easy to spot because their names typically end in “-paraben” like methylparaben or ethylparaben.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEG) 

PEGs are synthetic moisturizers and emulsifiers used in many personal care products. 

PEG residues easily build up with continued use and can dry out your scalp and your hair over time, leading to dull and lifeless hair.

Ingredients that start with “PEG-” followed by a number (indicating the molecule’s size, like PEG-40 or PEG-100) are polyethylene glycols. 

Sometimes, PEGs may not be listed directly as “PEG” so look for related compounds that often contain “eth” in their names, such as ‘ceteareth’, ‘oleth’, ‘laureth’, ‘steareth’, etc. 

These are usually derivatives of PEGs.

Synthetic Fragrances 

Synthetic fragrances, often listed as “parfum,” can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. 

Since fragrances are protected as trade secrets, manufacturers aren’t required to specify the ingredients used to develop their product fragrances, and certain fragrances may contain toxic chemicals that aren’t good for your health.

This post is about the best organic drugstore shampoo brands.


Affordable Organic Shampoos You Can Find In Drugstores!


1. Tree To Tub – Best for Sensitive Scalps

organic drugstore shampoo brands

This Tree To Tub argan oil shampoo is one of the best shampoo options if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or just a generally dry, flaky, or itchy scalp. 

The combination of organic aloe vera, chamomile, argan oil, and olive leaf soothes the scalp and makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin. 

Not only does it help to soothe an irritated scalp, it will leave your hair beautifully soft and manageable.

Unlike a lot of organic shampoos we’ve tried, Tree To Tub’s shampoos create a good lather that thoroughly cleanses without drying. 

Price: $18.99 

Main Ingredients: Argan oil | Organic aloe vera | Chamomile | Olive leaf | Lavender essential oil 

Location/Shipping: United States 


What We Love About Tree To Tub Shampoo:

  • Soothes itchy scalp and reduces flakes effectively 
  • Lathers well and leaves hair feeling clean and light 
  • Calming lavender scent is relaxing without being overwhelming 
  • Suitable for sensitive skin and scalp conditions 
  • Free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, SLS, parabens, and DEA/MEA 
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in eco-friendly packaging 

2. Avalon Organics – Best Thickening Shampoo

best organic drugstore shampoo

Avalon Organics has been a trusted name in organic beauty for over 35 years. 

All of their products adhere to NSF/ANSI 305 Standards and are certified by the USDA National Organic Program.

Specifically formulated to build body if you have fine hair, Avalon’s thickening biotin B-complex shampoo is thoughtfully formulated by blending biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein, and vitamin E. 

Biotin is also particularly beneficial if you suffer from dandruff or an itchy dry scalp, as it helps to maintain the natural pH balance of your scalp. 

While this shampoo won’t necessarily accelerate hair growth, we did notice that our hair felt noticeably thicker and healthier, and it helped to manage our tangles and flyaways. 

For best results, massage the shampoo into your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes as you shower before rinsing out. 

Price: $11.95

Main Ingredients: Biotin | Saw palmetto | Quinoa protein | Vitamin E & more! 

Location/Shipping: United States 


What We Love About Avalon Organics Shampoo:

  • Builds body and strength in fine, thinning hair 
  • Nourishes and cleanses hair effectively 
  • Contributes to shiny and thicker-looking hair 
  • Vegan and made with NSF organic ingredients 
  • EWG VERIFIED™ for health and transparency 
  • Helps with scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness 

3. ​Christina Moss Naturals – Best Shampoo For Daily Use

clean shampoo brands drugstore

The Christina Moss Naturals organic shampoo is our pick for a great, everyday, go-to shampoo.

It’s gentle and effective without any noticeable product buildup, making it a great choice if you wash your hair every day.

Designed for daily use, it caters to all hair types, even if you have a sensitive scalp or dry hair. 

This Christina Moss shampoo is also a good option if you consistently use heat to style your hair since its nourishing ingredients will help to revive heat and chemically damaged hair.

Do keep an eye on the product expiration date, the company recommends replacing the shampoo every six months since it doesn’t contain any harsh chemical preservatives.

Price: $22.97

Main Ingredients: Organic aloe vera | Organic olive oil | Organic coconut oil | Organic shea butter

Location/Shipping: United States 


What We Love About Christina Moss Naturals Shampoo:

  • Free from parabens, and preservatives, and not tested on animals 
  • Contains only organic ingredients 
  • Ingredients that soothe dry, itchy scalp 
  • Essential oils lock in moisture 
  • Gentle for daily use without damaging hair 
  • Environmentally-friendly product and packaging 

4. ​Whamisa – Best Shampoo For Oily Hair

best organic drugstore shampoo brands

Whamisa organic seeds shampoo for oily scalp is formulated for those struggling with an oily scalp or chronically greasy hair.

This low-pH, oil-controlling shampoo combines organic extracts and fermented ingredients to not only address oiliness but also promote healthy hair growth and scalp health.

The shampoo lathers modestly, but its tingling effect on the scalp is immediately noticeable, providing a nice cooling sensation that’s like a professional salon treatment at home.

A unique blend of fermented seeds, rice, oat, mung bean, ginger, sesame, and black bean enriches the hair with antioxidants, while organic apple extract tackles excess oil. 

The menthol and peppermint oil will leave your scalp feeling clean and refreshed.

Whamisa also offers refill options, underscoring their commitment to sustainability.

Price: $38.00

Main Ingredients: Organic barley extract | Fermented seeds like rice, oat, mung bean, ginger, sesame & black bean | Organic apple extract | Menthol | Peppermint | Gluconolactone 

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


What We Love About Whamisa Shampoo:

  • Effective in controlling oil and cooling the scalp 
  • Uses organic and fermented ingredients for hair health
  • Gentle on the scalp with a pH of 4.5 
  • Provides a luxurious, salon-like experience 
  • Eco-friendly with refill options available 
  • Free from harsh surfactants, suitable for sensitive scalp 

5. Acure Organics – Most Hydrating

best organic drugstore shampoo for oily hair

Acure Organics is one of the most accessible organic and non-toxic brands on the market. 

It is especially great for those new to nontoxic beauty, offering a full line of skincare, body care, shampoos, and conditioners

Their essentials super hydrating shampoo is USDA Organic certified and infused with a blend of nourishing oils, including organic argan, coconut, and avocado oils, to leave your hair soft and manageable. 

Full of high-quality organic ingredients, this shampoo is definitely worth the price for anyone looking for a vegan, cruelty-free option with organic ingredients. 

The gel-like consistency makes it easy to distribute evenly through your hair, and after just one use, we noticed our hair looking fuller, more hydrated, and less frizzy. 

We also love the naturally fruity scent of the calendula, rosehip oil, and pomegranate extract. 

Price: $9.99

Main Ingredients: Argan oil | Coconut oil | Avocado oil | Aloe vera | Calendula | Rosehip oil | Pomegranate extract 

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


What We Love About Acure Organics Shampoo:

  • Provides intense hydration and reduces frizz 
  • Lightweight formula suitable for regular use
  • Pleasant natural fragrance
  • Vegan and cruelty-free with natural ingredients 

6. Giovanni Eco Chic – Best Clarifying Shampoo

best organic drugstore clarifying shampoo

The Giovanni eco chic triple treat shampoo combines the natural benefits of tea tree oil with an innovative blend of plant extracts that will leave your hair feeling like you just left the salon. 

This shampoo is formulated to clarify and rejuvenate hair weighed down by hard water and product buildup. 

The invigorating scent of tea tree and mint is immediately noticeable and leaves an energizing tingle and a pleasant, minty aroma that is especially refreshing after a long day.

The shampoo’s formula is suitable for all hair types, but if you have generally oily hair or need a good clarifying shampoo, this is a great option. 

It effectively removes build-up and excess oil without stripping your hair or leaving your scalp feeling dry. It’s also safe to use on color-treated hair. 

The chic packaging not only looks great in your shower but is also eco-friendly, reflecting the brand’s commitment to high-performance products while being environmentally conscious. 

Price: $19.89

Main Ingredients: Tea tree oil | Peppermint oil | Rosemary oil | A blend of botanical extracts

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


What We Love About Giovanni Eco Chic Shampoo:

  • Refreshing and invigorating minty scent 
  • Effectively cleanses without stripping natural oils
  • Soothes scalp inflammation and improves overall scalp health
  • Vegan-friendly and free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
  • Ideal for use as a clarifying shampoo 

7. Welnesse – Best For Curly Hair

best organic drugstore shampoo for dry hair

The Welnesse line of products was created by a mother concerned about the number of toxic ingredients hiding in conventional cosmetic products, so she decided to create her own line of products that had salon-quality results without any of the harsh chemicals.

If you’re a curly girl who suffers from frizzy hair, you’ll love the Welnesse smoothing shampoo

It’s specially formulated to reduce frizz, enhance curls, and cater to those who are sensitive to fragrance.

After several weeks of use, we noticed a significant reduction in hair fall, and our natural waves became bouncier and more defined. 

Unlike many shampoos formulated for curly hair, we found this shampoo was also especially effective at keeping our scalp clean with almost no noticeable residue.

Squeeze with caution, though, since the formula tends to be on the runny side, it’s easy to dispense more than you need.

Price: $20.00

Main Ingredients: Shea Butter | Coconut oil | Quinoa | Tomato fruit extract | Lavender distillate | Rice extract 

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


What We Love About Welnesse Shampoo:

  • Excellent for fine and curly hair, reducing frizz and enhancing curls 
  • Lathers well and cleanses thoroughly without drying
  • Natural and safe ingredients, ideal for sensitive skin and scalp
  • Noticeable reduction in hair fall and scalp itchiness
  • Biodegradable sugarcane plastic containers
  • Certified B-Corp, reflecting the commitment to social and environmental responsibility

8. Zatik – Best Shampoo For Dry or Damaged Hair

organic drugstore shampoo

Don’t be fooled by the simple packaging. The Zatik organic deep moisturizing shampoo provides a luxurious experience with its lavish moisturizing ingredients. 

Enriched with virgin coconut and baobab oils, this shampoo will leave your hair feeling healthy with a shiny glow without the greasy feel.

Despite its minimal lather, we found it effectively cleaned our hair and left a light coconut scent that was pleasant and not overpowering.

Beyond using only natural and organic ingredients in their products, Zatik Naturals’ is committed to using recycled materials and soy inks for their packaging, which is a nice added bonus.

Price: $10 

Main Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil | Baobab oil | Essential fatty acids | Essential oils | Plant extracts 

Location/Shipping: Worldwide  


What We Love About Zatik Shampoo:

  • Deeply moisturizes hair and scalp without leaving a greasy residue
  • Formulated with organic, high-quality ingredients
  • Free from sulfates, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and mineral oil
  • Light coconut scent suitable for sensitive noses
  • Environmentally friendly packaging and cruelty-free practices
  • Supports community through partnerships with nonprofits

9. Carina Organics – Best Eco-Friendly Choice

best clean shampoo brands drugstore

We were new to trying the Carina Organics haircare line, despite the company having been around since 1972. 

Carina Organics remains a family-owned business to this day and emphasizes creating pH-balanced, vegan, cruelty-free products that are also good for the environment. 

They champion ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and using only the best natural ingredients. What’s not to love?

The sweet pea extra gentle shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and is great for dry and color-treated hair. Even with frequent washing, our color-treated hair stayed soft and vibrant. 

Using locally sourced organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts, the sweet pea shampoo will leave your hair feeling clean, soft, and touchable.

Price: $13.99 

Main Ingredients: Certified organic plant | Vegetable | Flower | Tree extracts 

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


What We Love About Carina Organics Shampoo:

  • Ideal for color-treated, permed, bleached, highlighted, and dry hair
  • Gentle cleansing without stripping hair color
  • Replenishes scalp with essential moisturizing nutrients
  • Pleasant natural citrus scent from real fruit extracts
  • Environmentally responsible and sustainable practices
  • Locally sourced, high-quality, certified organic ingredients 

10. Sea Kind – Best Shampoo To Improve Scalp Health

organic drugstore shampoo sulfate free

Sea Kind is another organic hair care brand that was new to us, but we were thoroughly impressed by its cleansing power. 

It left our hair feeling thick and moisturized, and we even got a few compliments on how lustrous our locks looked.

Their unique use of marine actives like fermented sea algae and organic ayurvedic bhringraj oil helps to reduce sebaceous lipids that can contribute to dandruff while also stimulating healthy hair growth. 

Bhringraj oil further nourishes the hair shaft, promoting luster, softness, and strength.

This shampoo is a great option for those with dry hair or an easily irritated scalp; however, this formula is beneficial for almost every hair type.

Price: $24.95 

Main Ingredients: Marine actives fermented sea algae | Ayurvedic bhringraj oil | Pseudoalteromonas ferment 

Location/Shipping: Worldwide  


What We Love About Sea Kind Shampoo:

  • Effective cleansing without drying the hair
  • Reduces dandruff and scalp oiliness
  • Stimulates healthy hair growth and scalp health
  • Light, fresh scent from natural essential oils
  • EWG Verified and cruelty-free certified by Leaping Bunny
  • Supports sea conservation and plastic ocean recovery initiatives

11. Inna Organic – Best Scent

Organic drugstore shampoo

Inna Organic’s lemon-scented tea tree shampoo is certified organic and formulated to balance and refresh oily hair while leaving it smooth and healthy.

A trio of natural surfactants creates a delicate foam that gently cleanses and removes excess oils without stripping hair or drying the scalp. 

The lemon-tea tree oil blend also helps to purify and detoxify the scalp and leaves behind a lovely citrusy aroma.

Aloe leaf extract, rich in antioxidants and smoothing enzymes, helps to moisturize dry, brittle hair while calming the scalp.

Price: $28.99

Main Ingredients: Lemon-tea tree oil | Aloe leaf extract | Decyl glucoside | Sodium coco-sulfate | Essential oils like orange peel, rosemary leaf & bergamot fruit 

Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide 


What We Love About Inna Organic Shampoo:

  • Certified organic ingredients suitable for oily hair and scalp 
  • Gentle cleansing without harsh chemicals 
  • Provides a refreshing and uplifting citrus aroma 
  • Leaves hair lustrous and smooth 
  • Eco-friendly and spa-like experience at home 

Organic Drugstore Shampoo FAQs:


Are organic shampoos suitable for all hair types?

Organic shampoos come in a variety of formulations, and while many are versatile enough to be suitable for most hair types, some are specifically designed to address certain unique hair needs.

Oily Hair: Look for organic shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil, mint, or citrus extracts. These can help regulate excess oil production and leave your scalp feeling refreshed.

Dry Hair: Organic shampoos with ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter can provide deep hydration and nourishment for dry hair, leaving it soft and manageable.

Curly Hair: Curly hair often benefits from organic shampoos that offer moisture and frizz control. Look for products enriched with natural oils like jojoba or avocado oil.

Fine Hair: Those with fine hair may prefer lightweight organic shampoos that won’t weigh down their hair. Shampoos with aloe vera or chamomile can provide gentle cleansing without stripping.

What are some benefits of going organic for your hair & health?

Switching to an organic shampoo can be majorly beneficial for both your hair and your health. 

When you go organic, you aren’t just cleansing your hair, you’re giving it nature’s best, free from any harmful chemicals that can potentially compromise your health.

Organic Ingredients Are Better For Scalp and Hair Health

Natural, plant-based ingredients are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that strengthen and protect your hair against environmental damage while imparting moisture and shine. 

These natural ingredients provide much-needed nourishment to your scalp and hair that synthetic chemicals simply can’t replicate. 

Organic shampoos are also more gentle when it comes to cleansing your scalp and hair, helping to maintain your scalp’s natural oils, which leads to a stronger, more elastic hair shaft that is less prone to breakage.

Opt For Organic Shampoo To Minimize Health Risks

Did you know that what you put on your scalp can enter through your skin and into your bloodstream?

The skin on your scalp, much like the skin on other parts of your body, has the ability to absorb chemicals from the products you apply to it. 

This process is known as skin permeability. Skin permeability is why medicinal patches are an effective way to deliver certain medications directly to your bloodstream.

As temperatures rise (like when you’re taking a hot shower), your skin’s pores open up, increasing the ability of smaller chemicals to penetrate your skin’s protective barriers more easily. 

Additionally, the greater the concentration and the longer a chemical remains in contact with your skin, the more likely you are to absorb it.

With regular shampoos, this could mean absorbing harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), parabens, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

While the immediate effects of using these harsh chemicals may not be immediately apparent, there can be long-term consequences. 

These chemicals have been linked to worrying health issues, including skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, and even cancer.

This is why ensuring our shampoos are free of harmful chemicals is so important since many of us wash our hair multiple times a week, and shampoo residues can hang around on our hair and scalp for weeks, if not months, contributing to our body’s chemical load.

Can organic shampoos help with specific scalp issues like dandruff or an itchy scalp?

Yes, organic shampoos can help with common scalp issues like dandruff or itchiness. Look for the following ingredients:

Tea Tree Oil: Organic shampoos containing tea tree oil have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, making them effective against dandruff and scalp itchiness.

Aloe Vera: Shampoos with aloe vera can soothe an irritated scalp, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from itchiness.

Salicylic Acid: Some organic shampoos may include salicylic acid derived from willow bark or other natural sources. Salicylic acid can help exfoliate the scalp, reducing flakiness associated with dandruff.

Do organic shampoos have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional shampoos?

Organic shampoos typically have a shelf life similar to conventional shampoos. But, the shelf life depends on several factors, including the specific ingredients and the type of preservatives in the product. 

If an organic shampoo does not contain synthetic preservatives, it may have a shorter shelf life, so be mindful of the manufacturer’s recommendations.

To ensure your organic shampoo remains effective:

  • Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Seal the bottle or container tightly after each use to prevent contamination.
  • Check the product’s expiration date and use it within the recommended timeframe.

Can organic shampoos contribute to reducing environmental impact?

Yes, many companies that offer organic products prioritize eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. 

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Organic shampoo brands often use recyclable, biodegradable, or sustainable packaging to minimize waste.

Ethical Sourcing: They may source organic and natural ingredients responsibly, supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Minimal Chemicals: Organic shampoos typically avoid harsh chemicals, reducing the release of harmful substances into the environment.

Cruelty-Free: Many organic shampoo brands are cruelty-free, meaning they do not test their products on animals.

What are some practical tips for reading product labels?

You want to ensure that what you’re using on your hair is genuinely organic and beneficial, but navigating product ingredient labels can be a bit like solving a mystery. 

So here are some helpful tips for reading shampoo ingredient lists to ensure your shampoo is truly organic:

Seek Certified Organic Labels: Your first clue to an authentic organic shampoo is certifications like USDA Organic or COSMOS Organic. These labels mean the product meets stringent criteria for organic ingredients.

Identify Gentle Surfactants: Instead of harsh cleansing agents, look for milder surfactants like sodium lauroyl sarcosinate or coco-glucoside. These are less aggressive detergents and easier on your scalp.

Seek Natural Oils and Extracts: Ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and plant extracts are hallmarks of organic and natural shampoos. But be sure you see these plant-based ingredients listed on the back label. 

Check For Moisturizing Agents: Ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, or hyaluronic acid are good signs. They indicate a shampoo that moisturizes and cares for your hair gently.

Choose Essential Oils For Fragrance: For scented products, natural essential oils are a better choice over synthetic fragrances. They provide a pleasant scent without the risks associated with artificial scents.

Beware of “Free-from” Claims: Like “sulfate-free shampoo” as these don’t guarantee the product is free from other harmful ingredients.

What is the importance of third-party certifications?

Seeking out third-party certifications like USDA Organic or COSMOS is one of the best ways to seek out truly organic products. 

External review by third-party organizations offers an added layer of assurance, guaranteeing the products you buy adhere to stringent organic standards and provide valuable transparency into their ingredients.

Certification Confusion

While third-party certifications can be extremely helpful when it comes to identifying quality, organic products, there are so many new certifications popping up all the time.

Different certifications imply different definitions of organic and sustainability, making it hard to know which certifications hold the most credibility or what they signify, just adding to the layers of confusion.

Based on our extensive research, here is a solid list of third-party certifications you can rely on to identify safe, cruelty-free, and organic hair care products.

USDA Organic: This US Department of Agriculture certification confirms at least 95% of the ingredients in a product are organically grown and processed according to strict standards.

COSMOS Standard: This Europen certification signifies at least 95% natural ingredients with a minimum of 20% organically grown ingredients.

ECOCERT: ECOCERT now falls under the broader COSMO Standard, guaranteeing a product contains a minimum of 95% organic ingredients.

NSF/ANSI 305: A US standard specifically for personal care products that contain at least 70% organic content.

Leaping Bunny: Guarantees a product has not been tested on animals.

Vegan Action Certified: Confirms a product is free of animal ingredients and any procedures or methods that may use or involve animals or animal-derived substances.

Cruelty-Free International: Verifies products and ingredients haven’t been tested on animals.


This post was all about the best organic drugstore shampoo brands.

When searching for an organic shampoo, it’s important to carefully scrutinize ingredient lists and packaging claims while perusing the aisles of the drugstore. 

Seeking out credible third-party certifications like USDA Organic, ECOCERT, and COSMOS are helpful when trying to identify truly organic options. 

The organic shampoos we featured in this article have been vetted for using genuine, organic formulas and their commitment to ethically sourcing their ingredients, cruelty-free testing, and eco-friendly practices. 

From packaging made from recycled materials to supporting nonprofit partnerships, these brands aim to create quality products that also promote health and sustainability.

While the clean beauty trend continues to grow, purchasing safe, environmentally responsible organic shampoo is a small way we can help protect our health and that of the planet. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped simplify your search so you can confidently choose a genuine organic shampoo next time you shop at the drugstore.  


Author Bio: Jenna Stederup is a former marketing consultant for pharmaceutical corporations with a background in biology. She was diagnosed with an auto-immune condition in her early 20s, which led her on a journey to understand the root causes of her condition. The more she researched, the more she discovered the numerous health-harming chemicals we expose ourselves to every day. She realized that these chemicals have a direct impact on our long-term health. Now, she empowers readers to make healthier and more sustainable choices by encouraging them to be more conscious of the products they bring into their homes.


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