With so many shampoos on the market, how do you know which ones are safe and free from potentially harmful chemicals? This list of 9 shampoos without DMDM hydantoin or formaldehyde will help you make a choice that’s right for you.
Each of these products is made with natural ingredients and is less likely to cause irritation or scalp problems.
Give them a try today!
1. Acure Organics Shampoo
This shampoo is made from ingredients that are 97 percent natural, paraben-free and gluten-free. It has a fresh scent derived from lemon peel oil and organic argan oil to help you feel clean and rejuvenated after use.
This vegan-friendly and cruelty-free shampoo are infused with lemongrass oil, which helps to boost shine and replenish moisture. It is also free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, petrolatum, and formaldehyde.
2. Art Naturals Organic ArganOil Shampoo
This shampoo is made from natural ingredients and contains a special blend of essential oils that can help to remove excess oil, dirt, and product buildup from your hair.
Argan oil is known for its ability to help hair restore and maintain moisture balance, while also acting as a UV filter.
Art Naturals’ Organic ArganOil Shampoo is formulated with nourishing argan oil, capable of restoring, enhancing, and growing hair.
3. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
Tea tree is one of the most potent antiseptics available. This shampoo has a tea tree oil base and mint essence to help invigorate your scalp.
This set is enriched with cooling peppermint oil, conditioning rosemary oil, and clarifying eucalyptus oil to help strengthen, clarify and condition your hair.
This Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat is enriched with botanical oils and is designed to invigorate your scalp and remove buildup without stripping color from hair.
4. Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo
Sage is a natural antiseptic that can help stimulate hair growth when used regularly. This shampoo has sage leaf extract to cleanse the scalp without stripping it of natural oils.
Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo is a special formulation of a clarifying shampoo that gently and thoroughly cleanses your scalp, washing away flakes and impurities for more beautiful, healthy hair.
This sage essential oil and tea tree shampoo are perfect for color-treated hair, helping to reclaim vibrancy and shine. volumizing shampoo deeply nourishes and hydrates hair, thanks to natural oils which can help you get fuller-looking hair.
5. Blue Magic Moroccan ArganOil Shampoo
The Moroccan argan oil is very rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It also has a fresh smell to help you feel clean after use.
Moroccan argan oil is a deep-conditioning treatment that can help restore moisture levels, making your hair look and feel healthier.
This shampoo is safe and healthy for colored and keratin-treated hair, and it contains a UV and thermal protectant with vitamins and antioxidants to nourish and repair your hair from daily use of a blow dryer, straight iron, or curling iron.
6. Nourish Beaute Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
This shampoo is made with natural ingredients and contains tea tree and mint extracts, which can help invigorate the scalp.
The invigorating combination of natural tea tree oil and peppermint soothes the scalp, while lavender provides a light, refreshing note. You would need to use this shampoo daily to keep your locks looking and feeling their best.
7. Ultra Organics Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
The Moroccan argan oil that is used in this shampoo contains fatty acids to help improve elasticity and cleanse your scalp without overdrying it.
Formulated with 100% pure Moroccan Argan oil, this shampoo and conditioner set is perfect for reviving dry, dehydrated hair. The gentle, sulfate-free formula helps to restore elasticity and fight frizz, while the antioxidant and vitamin E content help to revitalize skin.
It’s also great for curly hair and hair thickness. Plus, with its high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, it helps revitalize skin as well.
8. Alaffia 100% Authentic African Black Soap Dandruff Shampoo
This dandruff shampoo helps relieve dry skin and remove flakes to give your hair a cleaner feeling.
Alaffia’s Authentic African Black Soap Dandruff Shampoo is a detoxifying and gentle formula that purifies and promotes healthy-looking hair and skin. This natural and gentle formula purifies and promotes healthy, supple-looking hair and skin.
It is suitable for any skin type, even the most sensitive, and is unisex for all seeking a natural and effective cleanser.
9. African Black Soap Purification Shampoo by Shea Moisture
This dandruff shampoo contains black soap that is known for its antiseptic properties. It also has mint oil to help stimulate healthy growth, while apple cider vinegar helps soothe an itchy scalp.
Specially formulated with bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil, this shampoo helps lift away dirt, excess oil, and flaky build-up while soothing itching and revitalizing hair. Plus, it’s made with fair trade shea butter to help support sustainable communities.
Tea tree oil also helps to eliminate itching while revitalizing hair, creating an ideal environment for healthy growth.
What does DMDM stand for in shampoo?
Before you put anything on your hair, it’s important to know what’s in it. That’s why we’re breaking down DMDM hydantoin, a common ingredient in shampoo.
DMDM Hydantoin stands for Dimethyl Imidazoldinedione. It can also have a number of variations. But they are all similar in function to Imodiazolidinyl/Diazolidinyl Urea).
It is a formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobial agent that has historically been used in hair products and cosmetics to increase shelf life.
Scientific experts at the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union describe DMDM hydantoin as being a safe cosmetic ingredient for use in hair products, however, it has also been the subject of studies for its potential to cause allergic reactions.
The Environmental Working Group says the ingredient is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative and a known human immune system toxicant or allergen. There is also a class-action lawsuit as DMDM hydantoin is described as a formaldehyde donor that is known to slowly leach formaldehyde when coming into contact with water.
At high levels, formaldehyde is known to cause cancer.
The FDA considers the ingredient safe in amounts up to 0.2 percent when used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
However, they suggest also that DMDM hydantoin “may be hazardous over a concentration range in products of less than 1 percent.”
As a result, many experts say it’s safer to avoid the ingredient completely.
Why You Should avoid DMDM hydantoin?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t pay much attention to the ingredients in your shampoo.
But if you’re trying to avoid certain chemicals, it’s worth knowing that chemicals in shampoos and other personal care products can be harsh on the hair and scalp.
DMDM hydantoin is a common ingredient in many shampoos, often used as a preservative.
Unfortunately, it’s also potentially irritating to the skin and scalp. The skin does a great job of protecting you against the harsh environment, but certain chemicals can disrupt it.
Final Thoughts
As with any chemical, it’s important to look at the studies available.
For DMDM hydantoin, there are concerns about allergic reactions and irritation, but not enough data to really understand how big of a problem it is.
That being said, many products don’t contain DMDM hydantoin anymore so you may not have to worry about it.
Although the FDA considers DMDM hydantoin safe in hairspray and other products up to a certain percentage, they suggest it’s best to avoid these chemicals in concentrations of less than 1 percent.
So while there isn’t enough evidence for concern, why take a chance? There are plenty of shampoos without DMDM hydantoin that delivers fantastic results
Instead of sticking with products that may contain these chemicals, why not try something new? It’s a great way to expose your hair and scalp to fresh ingredients that are nourishing and won’t irritate the skin.
