Shampoo should leave your hair feeling fresh and healthy—not expose your scalp to harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, many conventional hair products contain formaldehyde or ingredients that slowly release it over time. While these chemicals are used to extend shelf life, they’ve been linked to scalp irritation, allergic reactions, and even potential long-term health risks, according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). For those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and dermatitis, the effects can be especially uncomfortable. The good news? You don’t have to compromise your health—or the planet—to keep your hair looking its best. Natural, formaldehyde-free shampoo bars offer gentle cleansing, safe ingredients, and zero plastic waste, making them a healthier choice for you and the environment.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling chemical that has long been used in various industries—from building materials to cosmetics. In hair care, it can either be added directly or released slowly from certain preservatives known as formaldehyde releasers. These ingredients are designed to keep bacteria and mold from growing in liquid formulas, which helps extend a product’s shelf life.

While this might sound like a good thing, the problem is that formaldehyde is a known irritant and has been classified by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a potential carcinogen. Even in small amounts, it can cause allergic reactions, scalp irritation, and dryness—especially for people with sensitive skin.

The safest way to avoid it? Opt for solid, natural shampoo bars, which don’t require these harsh preservatives at all. Instead, they’re made with gentle, plant-based ingredients and natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract, giving you freshness without the chemical risks.

When you lather up in the shower, the last thing you’re thinking about is a chemical preservative soaking into your scalp. But if your shampoo contains formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, that’s exactly what could be happening.

Formaldehyde has been linked to:

• causing redness, itching, or burning sensations.
  
• weakening hair follicles and leading to dryness or breakage.
  
• classified by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer as a substance that may increase cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
  

For those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, formaldehyde can make flare-ups worse, leading to an itchy, uncomfortable scalp. And unlike dirt or styling product residue, this isn’t something you can simply wash away—it’s built into the formula.

Choosing a formaldehyde-free shampoo isn’t just about avoiding a single chemical—it’s about protecting your hair, your skin, and your overall health. This is one reason why solid natural shampoo bars are such a game-changer. With plant-based cleansers, nourishing oils, and natural preservatives, they keep your hair fresh and healthy—without exposing you to unnecessary risks.

One of the trickiest things about avoiding formaldehyde in hair products is that it rarely appears as just “formaldehyde” on the label. Instead, many shampoos contain formaldehyde releasers—ingredients that slowly release formaldehyde over time to prevent bacterial growth.

When reading shampoo labels, watch out for these common culprits:

• DMDM Hydantoin
• Quaternium-15
• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Diazolidinyl Urea
• Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate\
• Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)

Pro tip: Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, so if you see any of these near the top, that’s a red flag. Even at lower concentrations, they can still cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

Another giveaway? Long shelf life in a liquid formula. Because shampoo bars are water-free, they don’t need these chemical preservatives at all. Instead, they’re naturally preserved with ingredients like vitamin E, rosemary extract, or citric acid, so you can enjoy fresh, safe hair care without scanning for hidden toxins.

Switching to a formaldehyde-free shampoo isn’t just about avoiding a harmful ingredient—it’s about giving your hair and scalp the healthy care they deserve. Here’s what you gain when you make the change:

• No harsh preservatives means less risk of itching, redness, or flaking.
  
• Without chemicals that weaken strands, your hair can grow stronger, shinier, and softer.
  
• Ideal for those with eczema, dermatitis, or allergies.
  
• Many formaldehyde-free options, like natural shampoo bars, also avoid plastic packaging and harmful chemical runoff.
  
• You know exactly what’s touching your skin and being rinsed down the drain.
  

Our natural shampoo bars are not only 100% formaldehyde-free but also made with nourishing plant-based oils, gentle cleansers, and natural preservatives. They leave your hair feeling fresh, soft, and healthy, without the chemical baggage.

One of the biggest reasons formaldehyde shows up in traditional shampoos is that they’re liquid-based. Liquid formulas create a moist environment where bacteria and mold can grow, so manufacturers often add chemical preservatives—many of which release formaldehyde over time.

Solid shampoo bars, on the other hand, don’t need these harsh additives. Because they’re water-free, they’re naturally less prone to bacterial growth. This means they can be preserved with gentle, natural ingredients like vitamin E, rosemary extract, or citric acid—keeping your hair care routine safe and clean.

Our shampoo bars are made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are kind to both your scalp and the planet. They deliver a rich, luxurious lather using gentle cleansers derived from coconut, nourishing oils like olive and argan, and soothing botanicals to support scalp health.

And the eco benefits go beyond what’s inside. With no plastic bottles and minimal compostable packaging, our shampoo bars help reduce plastic waste and the environmental footprint of your beauty routine.

At the heart of our brand is a simple philosophy: safe, natural hair care should never come at the cost of your health—or the planet’s. That’s why every bar is formaldehyde-free, sulfate-free, and made to leave your hair clean, healthy, and naturally beautiful.

Your hair is too important to treat with anything less than safe, nourishing care. By choosing a formaldehyde-free shampoo, you’re protecting not just your hair, but your scalp and overall well-being. Our natural shampoo bars give you all the cleansing power you need—without the harsh chemicals, without the plastic waste, and without compromise.

Make the gentle switch today and feel the difference from the very first wash.

Every choice you make in your hair care routine has an impact—on your health, and on the planet. Ditching formaldehyde means saying yes to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable beauty. Our plant-based shampoo bars are formaldehyde-free, cruelty-free, and packaged without plastic, so you can feel good about every wash.

Join the movement toward natural, safe hair care—shop our shampoo bars now.