If you’re reading this, you’re likely fully aware that plastic pollution is a major issue! And conventional shampoo and conditioner bottles made from virgin plastic are playing a big part in generating unnecessary waste.
Switching to plastic-free haircare alternatives not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also backs (often smaller) brands who are strongly committed to more sustainable practices.
Why Choose Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner?
Opting for low waste or plastic-free shampoo and conditioner is a better alternative to traditional haircare options that come in plastic bottles not least because:
- The OECD estimates that only 9% of plastic is actually recycled. So even if regular shampoo bottles are diligently put into curb-side recycling, chances are, they’ll end up in landfills and breaking down into microplastics.
- Plastic is almost always made from oil and gas (fossil fuels) so limiting plastic production is one way we can take climate action.
- Additionally, zero waste haircare brands tend to prioritize the use of organic and non-toxic ingredients, ethical manufacturing processes, and are focused on minimizing their broader negative impact – which, I’m sure we can all agree are good things.
For this list, we’ve looked for brands that are careful about which ingredients they choose, avoiding toxic or environmentally harmful ingredients, and brands who are relentlessly focused on lowering the impact of their packaging by opting for non-plastic alternatives. We have also tried to showcase small brands who have amazing reviews (and we’ve personally reviewed many of them too).
You may notice “rated brands” on our list below. Our Brand Rating System evaluates brands based on 22 comprehensive sustainability related criteria. This includes aspects like waste management, circularity, and chemical safety. Brands must opt-in to be rated, so look out for those rated on the list below and explore other rated brands here.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
The Best Plastic-free Shampoo & Conditioner
For those who love liquids, Plaine Products offers an innovative low waste shampoo and conditioner refill service. Their effective products also leave our hair feeling beautifully clean, soft, and smooth. Plaine Products has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Ethique’s shampoo and conditioner bars don’t just keep plastic out of your shower, but other petrochemicals, too, like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
etee’s long-lasting shampoo bar is an SJ favorite. Not only does it perform superbly as a shampoo, but we also found that it conditioned our hair beautifully, functioning as an all-in-one bar.
Index: Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner Brands
- Plaine Products Jump to brand
- EcoRoots Jump to brand
- Ethique Jump to brand
- etee Jump to brand
- Battle Green Jump to brand
- Suds & Eco Jump to brand
- Butter Me Up Organics Jump to brand
- Katie Mae Naturals Jump to brand
- NaturisticBath Jump to brand
- Everist Jump to brand
- by Humankind Jump to brand
Plaine Products
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its life
Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Palm Oil Free
Products contain no palm oil or palm oil derivatives.
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-free
Refillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 people
Take Back Program
Brand offers a take back program for their products and responsibly manages returned items.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
1% for the planet
B Corp
Leaping Bunny
PETA
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to traditional liquid haircare, Plaine Products offers refillable shampoo and conditioner in 100% recyclable aluminum bottles (travel sizes included).
If you choose not to refill your shampoo bottles, recycling the aluminum bottles requires less energy than the original production. Plus there’s no risk of the bottles breaking down into microplastics.
Plaine Products is a sister-owned company, founded by Lindsey and Alison Delaplaine. They specialize in made-in-the-USA, vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil free, chemical-free, biodegradable, and all-around eco-friendly bathroom products.
The sisters personally test all products on themselves and their families, and they run every ingredient through the Environmental Working Group database to ensure they’re non-toxic.
They’re also a Certified B Corp, and members of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and 1% For the Planet.
Plaine Products has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review of Plaine Products’ Refillable Shampoo & Conditioner
“Plaine’s shampoo gets my hair super clean, and I love how fast it lathers up. I only need a tiny bit to get my whole scalp foamed up. The conditioner is also amazing—it’s so effective that I don’t feel like I need to use it every time I shower. When I do, it leaves my hair feeling beautifully soft and smooth but without any heaviness.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
EcoRoots
EcoRoots has not been rated.
Compact in size, EcoRoots’ bars promise to clean and soften your hair without stripping away its natural oils. Handmade of mostly coconut oil and cocoa butter, these bars also contain a variety of other nourishing plant oils (sans palm oil) and Pro-Vitamin Complex for shine and strength.
They’re vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free. And you’ll get a good ~50 washes out of them. If you wash your hair every few days (as recommended), two bars will last you almost a year.
Colorado-based EcoRoots offers all sorts of ethically sourced products for the home, kitchen, and bathroom. All the beauty and personal care products are packaged responsibly, mostly palm oil-free, SLS-free, and vegan.
My Review Of EcoRoots’ Shampoo & Conditioner
“Joy and I tested the fresh mint shampoo and conditioner bars. I love mint, so this scent is right on point for me. I have oily hair and need to usually wash every second day, so these end up lasting a long time, much longer than a conventional bottle of shampoo. I will say that when I’ve only used the shampoo and not the conditioner my hair can get dry and then I get over production of oils. So I’d recommend using both, and even more so if you have dry hair or use hard water.”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ Co-founder
Ethique
Ethique has not been rated.
(Shampoo) bar none, Ethique makes some of the best plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars around. They offer a wide range of shampoos for different needs including: clarifying, gentle, everyday, smoothing, purple, hydrating, curl-defining, volumising, and repairing – and the conditioner combo to match.
Ethique originates from New Zealand, but thankfully, their products are available to you wherever you are in the world.
They’re cruelty-free and vegan, and their haircare is packaged in compostable cardboard. Ethique is a Certified B Corp, and they donate 2% of every sale to environmental and social charities.
My Personal Review of Ethique’s Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
“I’ve been using Ethique’s haircare bars for years and years and have tried almost all their varieties. Generally speaking, I love how the shampoo bars foam up and they clean my hair really well. I wouldn’t say they have a strong scent (which I like). The conditioner bars are more hit and miss – I have in the past found them a bit frustrating if I need to get the job done quickly as it takes me a bit longer to get the conditioner into my hair enough to make a difference but if I have a bit more time, I find their conditioners work well.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Foudner
etee
etee has not been rated.
You can keep it simple with etee’s plant-based, color-safe, and zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars. They also now offer a highly rated deep conditioner which they sell in a glass jar.
Scented with a variety of essential oils coupled with foamy properties through non-SLS-means, their long-lasting shampoo bars provide a clean, moisturized scalp with no animal testing or byproducts.
etee brings safe-tee to the world of home and personal care products. Starting with original beeswax wraps and extending through their now wildly varied line of natural products, they’re committed to being plastic-free and helping you do the same.
Products are made using renewable energy in Toronto, and etee donates profits from certain items.
My Personal Review of etee’s Lavender Chamomile Shampoo Bar
“I’ve tested a lot of shampoo bars, and etee’s is hands down my favorite one. While some clean well enough, their high butter and oil content often makes my hair start to look greasy after a couple of days. As someone who tries to wash their hair minimally, I much prefer etee’s bar, which leaves my hair looking grease-free until at least day three. Yet, at the same time, it thoroughly conditions my hair, leaving it so soft that I never use conditioner with this bar, except for the occasional clarifying ACV rinse. It’s an all-in-one hair product, and I’ll never go back.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Battle Green
Battle Green has not been rated.
Battle Green offers shampoo and conditioner bars for the discerning UK shopper. Small but mighty, these bars are designed to last for about 80 washes (replacing 2-3 shampoo bottles!).
Each is PETA-certified vegan, cruelty-free, SLS/SLES-free, palm oil-free, and paraben-free. Plus, on each product page, they list every ingredient and the ‘sub-ingredients’ in each essential oil. Puts a new spin on “clarifying shampoo”.
From the snowy mountains of Wale, Battle Green has been slowly expanding its line of personal care products. In addition to being a plastic-free deodorant brand, they also make bamboo cotton ear swabs, reusable menstrual pads, and more.
Every product is handmade in small batches and mailed using biodegradable, plastic-free packing materials. Battle Green gives back by being active members of the Surfers Against Sewage 250 club, through which they volunteer and fund local beach clean-ups.
Suds & Eco
Suds & Eco has not been rated.
Suds & Eco offers zero plastic shampoo and conditioner bars in scents sure to bring some extra joy to your soothing shower. If you’re sensitive to smells, their Simply Unscented option is just for you.
No matter which you choose, you’re getting a bar that’s absent animal testing, silicone, parabens, fillers, preservatives, and palm oil. Each palm-sized bar replaces 2–3 bottles of liquid shampoo and is handmade in the USA.
My Personal Review of Suds & Co’s Shampoo & Conditioner
“I’ve tried the Driftwood and Maui Melon shampoo and conditioner bars. The former has a soft and earthy scent, while the latter was stronger, more invigorating and tropical. They both lather up really well. The conditioner also worked well for my slightly oily hair, leaving it super soft. The bars have lasted ages, at least 6 months (though my hair is very short).”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ Co-founder
Butter Me Up Organics
Butter Me Up Organics has not been rated.
If you’re going the no ‘poo route, Butter Me Up Organics’ Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioning Rinse is a minimalist, low fuss and low waste deep conditioner that can help remove mineral buildup on hair (ideal for hard water). The rinse comes in a BPA-free plastic bottle but you can request that it comes in a glass bottle instead.
They also offer a daily shampoo, plastic-free dry shampoo, and a shampoo bar. The bar looks like a chocolate bar, smells like a chocolate bar, and given it’s made with food-grade ingredients, you could actually eat it like a chocolate bar (but don’t do that).
Butter Me Up Organics makes body, hair, and home care products so good they can be eaten. They even have organic baby products including zero waste baby shampoo.
The California-based company chooses non-GMO, organic, fair trade, locally-sourced (when possible), and cruelty-free ingredients. They never use synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, phthalates, palm oil, or parabens. This company buys in bulk and ships the tin or glass containers in recycled/recyclable packaging.
Katie Mae Naturals
Katie Mae Naturals has not been rated.
For those who prefer to wash hair on a less regular basis, (to preserve natural oils, save water or just live more sustainably), try Katie Mae Naturals’ dry shampoo. It’s packaged in a reusable/recyclable glass container and is made using arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, organic cocoa powder, non-GMO corn starch, and essential oils (the closest you’ll get to a DIY arrowroot dry shampoo powder).
When you do need a full scalp scrub, check out their shampoo bars in either rosemary mint or citrus sage. Neither contain animal byproducts, parabens, phthalates, chemical preservatives, synthetic dyes, or fragrances.
Katie Mae Naturals products are cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and contains no pre-made bases, fillers, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
Katie Mae and her husband Johnny handcraft every product on their 100-acre family farm, using herbs from their own garden. Suffice it to say that local sourcing is a priority, using Fair Trade suppliers when it’s not possible.
Katie Mae reuse plastic materials to ship if they or their friends received it in the mail. Drop a note and they’ll intentionally omit any plastic.
NaturisticBath
NaturisticBath has not been rated.
NaturisticBath’s concentrated shampoo and conditioner bars last as long as 2-3 bottles of traditional liquid. Instead of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens, you get plant oils, pro-vitamin B5, quinoa protein, and herbal extracts.
With pH 5-6, they’re balanced for most skin and hair types and come with delectable and fun names like Fresh Pear & Cashmere and Mermaid Vibes. Or, for something a little more musty and understated, the Australian Sandalwood & Rose scent is on-point.
They’re packaged in paper bags, but you can also add an aluminum travel tin and organza bag to properly hang-store the bars in between uses.
All NaturisticBath’s shampoos are vegan and cruelty-free. No sulfates, silicones, parabens, and phthalates mean all their products are clean for the skin.
Everist
Everist has not been rated.
Everist offers highly concentrated shampoo and conditioner that can fit in a small, recyclable aluminum tube.
Only the caps are plastic, which can be returned to the brand for recycling via their CapBack program. Once you collect 10, email them for a free shipping label, and mail it off.
The plant-based ingredients—like aloe vera, alma extract, and essential oils—won’t strip your scalp’s natural oils and will stimulate hair with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They’re color-safe, and cruelty-free.
Everist is Female-founded and nothing in their award-winning range contains parabens, sulfates, silicone, dyes, or synthetic fragrances and preservatives.
Shipping materials include 100% recycled and recyclable or compostable boxes with paper tape. They are a member of 1% for the Planet, Carbon Neutral, and they prioritize a localized supply chain, most of which is within a 70-mile radius.
by Humankind
by Humankind has not been rated.
by Humankind’s recycled paper-wrapped solid shampoo bars are designed to preserve your hair’s natural oils and cold-processed manufacturing helps them retain glycerin to moderate skin pH.
Enriched with vitamins and natural amino acids, each by Humankind shampoo bar is suitable for all hair types. They also offer a plastic-free liquid shampoo and conditioner that’s sulfate-free, silicone-free, and made with vegan ingredients. These come in a recyclable aluminum bottle. Just don’t forget to transfer the plastic pump to your next one!
Combining mostly plant-based, scientifically-proven ingredients with compostable, refillable, or recyclable packaging, by Humankind aim to keep their impact small (and they’re carbon neutral as of 2019).
Bonus: Zero Waste Conditioner Alternative
Many people find that by switching to shampoo bars, their hair receives enough moisture and nutrients it needs, eliminating the need for conditioner. However, if you have extra long, fine hair, you may want to supplement with some conditioner bars or a conditioning rinse. Here’s a simple household one we really like:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) cleanses your hair, removing any build-up or greasy residue left behind by your shampoo, while not completely stripping its own natural oils. This leaves your hair silky, smooth, and tangle-free.
Because ACV does not strip natural oils, your scalp will no longer need to overproduce oils to compensate, which is what usually occurs with commercial shampoos and conditioners. This means you can start going longer between washes, creating less waste, using less water, and spending less on shampoo bars.
Best of all, it’s SO EASY to make and use. Just dilute one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and pour over your hair or spray from a repurposed spray jar, then rinse out.
Some people like combining it with a few drops of tea tree oil or other herbs, which can depend on your hair type. For instance, if you have naturally oily hair, try adding sage. To steep dried herbs in AVC, add about two tablespoons of herbs to one quart of vinegar in a covered jar and set steep for two weeks. At the end of the steeping period, just strain out the herbs and dilute with the same ratio of ACV to water as above.
Apple cider vinegar’s smell doesn’t necessarily have the shower-clean scent, but once your hair dries, you won’t smell the vinegar at all. If you’re lucky enough to have a bulk store near you, you might be able to find it sans plastic by refilling your containers. Otherwise, take a look at the many online bulk stores.
Otherwise, make it yourself by fermenting your own apple cores and scraps.
FAQs
- What are the benefits of using plastic-free shampoo and conditioner?
Shampoos and conditioners that come in compostable or refillable packaging drastically cuts down single-use plastic waste. They are also often made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, which reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics. Switching to these products also supports brands prioritizing more conscious practices. - How do I transition to using zero waste shampoo bars?
Transitioning to shampoo bars involves a simple swap from liquid to solid form. Start by choosing a bar that matches your hair type. Wet both your hair and the bar, then rub it between your hands or directly onto your scalp to generate a lather. Rinse thoroughly. It might take a few washes to adapt to the texture and new routine but really we found the transition to be very smooth (if you can even call it a transition). - Are zero waste shampoo bars as effective as liquid shampoos?
Yes, shampoo bars can be just as effective as traditional liquid shampoos. They are often formulated to cater to various hair types and concerns, such as dryness or dandruff, without the harsh chemicals found in conventional products. Many users report their hair feeling cleaner and healthier with prolonged use. Though some have tried bars and just don’t like them, in which case the refillable products make more sense. - Can I travel with shampoo bars easily?
Definitely. Shampoo and conditioner bars are travel-friendly as they are solid, eliminating concerns about liquid restrictions during flights. They are compact, lightweight, and can be stored in simple paper wraps or reusable tins, making them an ideal travel essential. - How do I store my plastic-free shampoo bars properly?
To ensure longevity, store your shampoo bars in a cool, dry place. Use a soap dish with drainage or a soap saver pouch to keep them dry between uses. Avoid leaving them in standing water or where they may be exposed to constant moisture, as this can cause them to dissolve quickly. Trust us, we’ve learnt the hard way! - How long do shampoo and conditioner bars last?
This of course depends on how often you wash but overall most of the brands on this list will report that their bars last roughly the equivalent of 2 standard sized liquid shampoo bottles. In our experience they last a long longer. A little goes a long way. - How do refillable shampoo and conditioners work?
This depends on the brand but in some cases, the brand will send you a bottle that you theoretically use forever and then just buy refills for. Or they send you replacement bottles and you return the old bottles.
We hope you found this list useful! Hit us up if any other information about living plastic-free (or as close to) would be helpful.
The list missed out powder-to-foam shampoo options too which in my opinion is easier to use and travel with. And 1 bottle last SO MUCH longer than soap bars.
I use *THE POWDER SHAMPOO* from the http://www.thepowdershampoo.com
there are others out there which are great eco options.
Hi,
I just looked into Ecoroots shampoo and conditioner bars. All of the colorful bars (with the exception of mint and unscented which are white) use dyes to create those colors, not flowers
Hi Carmen, really appreciate you calling that out. I have updated the article and linked to their unscented bar instead. Much appreciated!
Which of these are also biodegradable? TIA
Hi Mardi, these should all be biodegradeable as they don’t contain any toxic ingredients but if you’re concerned please do check with the brand directly.
I love this! My favorites are Poofy Organics and Earthley. If you haven’t looked into them you I would love to hear your thoughts once you do!
Hi! Have you looked into Prose custom shampoos and conditioners? Any thoughts/ideas about them. I have frizzy dry hair and need a good shampoo and conditioner to maintain the mane. So far Briogeo was working wonders but they don’t have sustainable options.
Hi Nikki, afraid not, haven’t come across Prose yet!
A lot of the products you mentioned include coconut products – do you know which of those are harvested sustainably? Coconut plantations are …. Not great.
Also, I feel the need to point out that the Dead Sea is in serious trouble right now – it’s shrunk by a large magnitude over the past decade – and that part of the problem is cosmetics/cleansing products made with Dead Sea components. There IS an ecosystem around it, despite its name, and that ecosystem is suffering as water sources deplete.
Being ecofriendly is even harder when you’re trying to be moral and truly sustainable, too!
Hi Puck, thanks for raising this. At this stage we haven’t looked into the ethics of either coconut plantations or dead sea. Agree it’s very hard to fully vet all ingredients to meet our moral and sustainable standards but we will keep trying to raise the bar on what we include, thanks for challenging us to do better!
This is such a great post! I fell in love with Beba Botanica! They have such great sustainable products that give back to the community! I will be adding a few of these companies to my shopping list!
I am using Hibar moisturizing shampoo and conditioner bars, but didn’t see them on your list. I am wondering if you’ve looked into them yet.
Also, any recommendations for a plastic free frizz/curl treatment? I have naturally wavy/curly hair and conditioner isn’t enough to control the frizz, but I don’t want a heavy product that will weigh it down. Thanks!
Thanks Nicole! Haven’t looked into Hibar yet, thanks for the tip – what do you think of them? On the Frizz point, no I haven’t really found a solution to this yet – I have the same problem. I’ve been experimenting with different oils without success yet! Will be looking to try some different options and we’ll try do a post on the topic when I figure it out! Let me know if you find any great solutions!
Hi Nicole and Joy,
For my curly hair, I mix oil w/ food grade aloe vera gel that I keep in the refrigerator. You can find aloe vera gel in glass containers and larger volumes than typical hair gels but it’s not a zero waste solution.
Oh interesting thanks for the tip Jen! Is your hair left feeling a little oily or does the aloe somehow help with that? What oil do you use?
I just learned about EC30, which does totally plastic free and water free hair and home care products. I’m hoping someone wi test it before I buy in
Sounds very interesting, we’ll add it to our list to look into, thanks!
Hi
Do you know of any good courses where you can learn to make your own solid shampoo and conditioner.
Many thanks
Hi Louise, thanks for the comment, afraid I don’t off the top of my head but I’m sure they must exist!