Why solid shampoo and conditioner bars are better for the hair and for the environment?
- Valeria
- Sep 16, 2020
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2020
Mass-market shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals and are packaged in plastic bottles that could take up to 400 years to break down, unless recycled. But not everybody is willing to go the extra mile to rinse empty shampoo bottles before putting them in the recycling bin. 91% of all plastic waste ever produced isn’t recycled. Therefore, we can only guess how many will get recycled from 610 million plastic shampoo bottles produced annually.
The solution to the global plastic waste problem is to use less plastic packaging altogether. In the case of haircare, solid formulation is the best alternative. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are usually packaged in biodegradable paper boxes instead of plastic bottles. And they significantly reduce carbon footprint in comparison to liquid shampoos that contain 80% of water. Moreover, a single bar could last up to 100 washes, outlasting 2-3 bottles of traditional shampoo.
What are solid shampoo and conditioner bars?
Solid shampoos and conditioners are super concentrated bars of natural ingredients that become activated when mixed with water. They nourish and moisturize the hair and the scalp and are able to get the hair back to its original, shiny, voluminous state by clearing away residue left from the chemicals found in traditional hair cleansers. Most formulas are plant based and don’t contain harsh ingredients such as parabens, SLS, preservatives, silicones, phthalates, GMO, synthetics, fragrances, or artificial dyes.
Benefits of solid shampoo and conditioner bars:
- Made from organic or natural ingredients
- Don’t contain harsh chemicals
- Low carbon footprint due to compact size and light weight
- No plastic waste – usually packaged in biodegradable paper
- Each bar could last 70-100 washes, which is equivalent to 2-3 liquid shampoo bottles
- Cost effective in the long run
- Many solid shampoos are pH balanced and work also as conditioners
- Travel-friendly (small, lightweight, and leak-proof)
Switching to solid shampoos and conditioners:
There might be a short transition period when switching to solid haircare products. Chemical shampoos make the hair feel great by coating them in silicone and stripping off all the natural oils, so when starting to use natural solid shampoos it might feel strange at first.
To help you choose the best solid shampoo, I put together a list of haircare brands that specialize in solid formulations. These brands were exclusively chosen because they use only natural ingredients, sustainable production, and no plastic in any of their products.
USA
Established: 2017 Minnesota, USA
Brand Range: solid shampoos, solid conditioners
Shampoo/Conditioner 3 Types: Maintain, Moisturize, Volumize
Price: US$ 13.95 (CA$17, €13, £11) Weight: 82 g
Shipping: local US$ 3, international US$13
Claims: Cruelty Free. NO sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates
Packaging: recycled and compostable paper box, plant-based inks
Giving back: donates to local charities
Established: 2009, USA
Brand Range: skincare, bodycare, haircare,
Shampoo 2 Types: Rosemary Avocado, Lavender Coconut Milk
Price: US$ 12 (CA$16, €11, £9)
Weight: 113g
Conditioner 1 Type: Lavender Hemp
Price: US$ 16 (CA$21, €15, £12)
Weight: 70g
Shipping: USA and Canada only. USA Free shipping over $45. Canada flat $25 or less.
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free. NO: sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, SLS, palm oil
Packaging: biodegratable paper box
Giving Back: supports 20+ organizations including EarthJustice, The Ocean Cleanup, etc.
Established: 2019, USA
Brand Range: deodorant, body wash, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash
Shampoo 4 Types: Peppermint, Lemongrass, Citrus-Lavender, Unscented
Conditioner 2 Types: Grapefruit, Unscented
Price: $15 (CA$ 20, €13.80, £11.50)
Weight Shampoo: 113g
Weight Conditioner: 51g
Shipping: only USA - free shipping
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free. NO: Parabens, SLS, SLES, preservatives, silicones, phthalates, GMO, synthetics, artificial fragrances or dyes, water. Contains RSPO certified palm oil.
Packaging: soap tray, recycled biodegradable paper box
Giving Back: $1 of every first purchase goes towards cleaning our oceans.
Donates to The Ocean Cleanup.
Established: 2013 California, USA
Brand Range: cosmetics, skincare, bodycare, haircare (30+ products)
Shampoo/Conditioner 1 Type: Buoyantly Bathe
Price: US$ 24 (CA$32, €22, £18.50)
Weight: 60g
Shipping: local $2.75, free on orders above $75. International $14
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free. NO: aluminum, synthetics, GMO, toxic chemicals, parabens
Packaging: metal tin, paper box
Giving Back: supports variety of causes, including donating a percentage of sales to Amazon Front Lines
Established: 2016 Seattle, USA Brand Range: face and body oils, bath soaks, balms, shampoos, CBD range Shampoo 2 Types: Morning Glory, Moon Flower Price: US$ 19 (CA$25, €17.50, £14.50) Weight: 90g Shipping: only local US$ 3
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free, Certified Organic. NO: Parabens, SLS, palm oil, sulfate, fragrance, GMO.
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
CANADA
Established: 2017 - Vancouver, CANADA
Brand Range: face oils, bath salts, bath tea, body soaps, shampoos, wash block
Shampoo 2 Scents: Rosemary, Charcoal
Price: CA$ 12 (US$9, €8, £7)
Weight: 100g
Shipping: only USA and Canada $15 - free on orders above $50
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: palm oil, preservatives, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, chemicals, synthetic fragrance
Packaging: recyclable and biodegradable paper box
Giving Back: donates soap bars to local charities
Established: 2016, CANADA
Brand Range: shampoos, conditioners, baby+kids shampoos + conditioners, vegan soap, reusable facial rounds, stainless steel straws, accessories
Shampoo/Conditioner Types: Four Collections "Wildcrafted", "Wanderlust", "Womb", "Wildling", offering over 12 varieties for all hair types, from baby, tots, teens to adults.
Price Shampoo: CA$ 15.50 - $25.00 (US$12+, €11+, £9+)
Price Conditioner: CA$ 15.50 - $19.50 (US$12+, €11+, £9+)
Weight: approximately 50-75 washes
Shipping: local CA$ 14.50 - free on orders above $75. International CA$10.50-13.80
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free. NO: palm oil, preservatives, parabens, SLS
Packaging: recycled and compostable paper box, metal tin
Established: 2019 BC, CANADA
Brand Range: solid shampoos, solid conditioners
Shampoo/Conditioner 7 Types: be Bright, be Clear, be Gentle, be Strong, be Tame, be Wild, be You.
Price: CA$ 18 (US$13.50, €12.50, £10.50)
Weight: Shampoo 50g, Conditioner 65g
Shipping: local CA$ 7.90, international CA$ 20. Free worldwide ship. on orders above $40
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free, pH Balanced. NO: Parabens, SLS, SCS, preservatives, silicones, phthalates, gluten, palm oil, GMO, synthetics, artificial fragrances or dyes, water.
Packaging: recyclable and biodegradable paper box. Soap trays are 3D printed from Canadian recycled plastic and single-use containers in which ingredients are supplied.
Giving Back: donated free bars to Mamas for Mamas for Karma Market
Working with a group in Johannesburg Africa, to establish a recycling program - make filament for 3D printer by recycling plastic waste.
UNITED KINGDOM
Established: 2018, UK
Brand Range: face & body creams, solid shampoo, solid conditioner
Shampoo 2 Types: Normal-dry hair, Oily hair
Price Shampoo: £ 9.50 (US$12.50, CA$16, €11)
Conditioner 1 Type: Conditioning Hair Mask
Price Conditioner: £ 12 (US$15.50, CA$20.50, €14)
Weight: 116g (27 cubes)
Shipping: local £3.50 - free on orders above £25, International £12
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free, pH balanced. NO: parabens, silicones, dyes, sulphates, palm oil.
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Awards: "Highly Commended" award in the ‘Sustainable Innovator 2019’ category at the Beauty Awards in association with ASOS.
Gold award winner at the Free From Skincare awards 2018
Established: 2008, UK Brand Range: soap bars, facial bars, shaving bar, detox bar, travel bar, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, bar kits. Shampoo/Conditioner 2 Types: Lavender & Tea Tree, Lavender & Geranium Shampoo Price: £ 2.75 (US$3.50, CA$5, €3)
Conditioner Price: £4.95 (US$6.50, CA$8.50, €6) Weight: 95 g Shipping: local £3.50, International £9.95 Claims: Cruelty free, Vegan. NO: Parabens, SLS, preservatives, foaming agents, sulphates, triclosan, phthalates
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Awards: The Green Parent Natural Beauty Award 2019
Established: 2018 Cumbria, UK Brand Range: face & body oils, soaps, scrubs, deodorants, balms, saving soaps, solid shampoos, solid conditioners Shampoo 11 Types: Orange, Coconut Milk, Nettle & Marshmallow, Nettle & Seaweed, Babassu & Lime, Chamomile, Rosemary, Baubles, Hair & Body Bar, Cornflowers, Calendula
Price Shampoo: £ 6 (US$8, CA$10, €7) Conditioner 4 Types: Dry hair, Normal hair, Brittle & Heat Damaged Hair, Oily hair, Price Conditioner: £ 9.50 (US$12, CA$16, €11) Weight: 130g Shipping: local £ 9.50 - free on orders above £50, international £10.50-13 Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: parabens, silicones, dyes, sulphates Packaging: recycled biodegradable paper box
EUROPE
Established: 2016, SPAIN
Brand Range: face & body soaps, solid shampoos
Shampoo 7 Types: Strengthening, Repair, Volume, Curly Hair, Oily Hair, Anti-Dandruff, Extra Soft
Price: € 9.95-12.95 (US$11-14, CA$14-18, £8-11)
Weight: 90g
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free.
NO: parabens, SLS, silicones, sulphates, preservatives, vegetable oils. 100% organic cultivation - first cold pressing
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2007, SPAIN
Brand Range: skincare, balms, body oils, soaps, shampoo, mother & baby range
Shampoo 3 Types: Vital – Dry hair, Balance – Oil hair, Neutral – mousse shampoo,
Price: €11.70 (US$13, CA$17, £10)
Weight: 120g
Shipping: EU €6
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free, pH balanced. Certificada por Organic Soil Association
NO: synthetic perfumes, dyes, silicones, anionic surfactants (lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates), foaming agents (PEG , Polyethylene, Polyethylene glycols), palm oil.
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2017, PORTUGAL
Brand Range: dishwashing soap, reusable cotton pads, solid shampoos, solid conditioners, safety razor
Shampoo 7 Types: Dry hair, Oily hair, Blond hair, Colored hair (Easy Foam or With Conditioner), Normal hair (Easy Foam or With Conditioner)
Price Shampoo: € 9.45 (Easy Foam) (US$10, CA$13.50, £8)
Price Shampoo: €10,55 Euros (With Conditioner) (USD11.50, CA$15, £9)
Weight: 80-90g
Conditioner 2 Types: Oily/Normal hair, Dry/Damaged hair
Price Conditioner: €13.95 (US$15, CA$20, £12)
Weight: 70g
Shipping: Europe € 5.30 (depends on weight)
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free, pH balanced. NO: parabens, silicones, dyes, SLS
Packaging: recyclable and compostable paper box - FSC Certified, 5 Star GreenStar System Certification.
Giving Back: donates 1% of all sales on specific dates to the association " Plantar Uma Árvore" (Plant A Tree) planted 136 trees
Established: 2010, FRANCE
Brand Range: skincare, bodycare, haircare,soaps, toothpastes, accessories, etc.
Shampoo 3 Types: Scots of Pine – Normal hair, Litsea Cubeba Oil – Oily hair, Orange – Dry hair
Shampoo 3 Types without essential oils: Chocolate - Normal hair, Wild Grasses – Oily hair, Coconut & Vanilla – Dry hair
Price: €9.90 (US$11, CA$14, £8)
Weight: 55g
Shipping: free locally. EU €12-22, worldwide €25+
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free. NO: Parabens, SLS, palm oil, sulfate, synthetics, GMO, parabens, toxic chemicals.
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Certifications: COSMOS Certified, Cruelty Free & Vegan PETA certified, Slow Cosmetics award. Citified Organic
Giving back: donates 2% of online sales to reforestation. Waste collection initiatives
Established: 2016 Dijon, FRANCE
Brand Range: solid make-up remover, solid shampoos, kids solid shampoos, pet solid shampoos, bags/pouches
Shampoo 5 Types: Normal hair, Dry Hair, Oily Hair, Gentle, Baby
Price: € 9.90 (US$11, CA$14, £8)
Weight: 70g
Shipping: Europe €7
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: parabens, sulfates, silicones, sulphates, preservatives
Packaging: recyclable and biodegradable paper box
Established: 2013, FRANCE
Brand Range: soaps, toothpaste, haircare
Shampoo 3 Types: Marquesas Islands, Fruit Delight, Summer Morning
Price: €6.50 - 7.50 (US$7-8, CA$9-11, £5.-6)
Weight: 85g
Shipping: local €6.60 - free on orders above €40. Belgium, UK, Switzerland €11
Claims: Cruelty-free, Organic. NO: parabens, preservatives, SCI, synthetics, GMO, toxic chemicals, palm oil
Packaging: recyclable and fully compostable paper boxes
Certifications: COSMOS organic certified by Cosmécert (for shampoos, toothpaste and deodorants), Nature&Progrès certified (for soaps)
Established: 2016 Turin, ITALY
Brand Range: solid shower gels, face creams, 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner
Shampoo/Conditioner 4 Types: Strengthening, Repairing, Normal hair, Oily hair, Anti-dandruff
Price Shampoo/Conditioner: € 12.90 (US$14, CA$18.50, £11)
Weight: 90 g
Shipping: local €5, international €12
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: parabens, silicones, sulphates, preservatives
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2018, LITHUANIA
Brand Range: solid shampoos and conditioner, gift sets
Shampoo 5 Types: BALANCE mint and rosemary, PINK peony and ylang-ylang oil, EXOTIC spiced with citrus, vanilla, eucalyptus, GRANDMA SAID nettle and tamanu oil
Shampoo Price: € 9.99 - 14.99 (US$11-16, CA$14-21, £8-12.50)
Weight: 60g
Conditioner 2 Types: HAIR CANDY Argan Oil & Shea Butter, NO KNOTS Jojoba Oil & Mango Butter and lime essential oils
Conditioner Price: €13.99 (US$15, £12)
Weight: 55g
Shipping: local €2.30 - free on orders above €20, international € 6-12
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: Water, Parabens, SLS, preservatives, foaming agents, palm oil, sulphates, triclosan or phthalates
Packaging: 100% recycled paper FSC certificated paper boxes
Established: 2016 De Rijp, NETHERLANDS
Brand Range: face & body soaps, solid shampoos, solid conditioners, soap trays
Shampoo 13 Types: Argan & Rhassoul, Monoi de Tahiti, Nettle & Rosemary, Chamomile & Citrus, Lemon & Lime, Babassu, Wakame & Sea salt, Lavender & Rosemary, Coconut & Cinnamon, Hemp & Hops, Cucumber & Lime, Birch, Coffee
Shampoo & Body 5 Types: Sweet rose, Aloe vera, Dead Sea mud, Oatsilk & Calendula, Kids
Price Shampoo: € 7.70 (US$8, CA$11, £6.50)
Conditioner 4 Types: normal-dry hair, normal-oily hair, all hair types, Vanilla
Price Conditioner: €12.95 (US$14, CA$18.50, £11)
Weight: 110 g
Shipping: local € 3.75, Europe €9-12
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: parabens, sulphates, silicones, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, dyes
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2019 Eindhoven, NETHERLANDS
Brand Range: solid shampoos
Shampoo 6 Types: Lemon, Sea Salt, Coconut, Lavender, Mint, Garden
Price: € 6.99 (US$7.50, CA$10, £6)
Weight: 65 g
Shipping: local €4.75, international €8
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free.
NO: parabens, sulfates, silicones, palm oil
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2018 München, GERMANY
Brand Range: solid shampoos, shower sponges
Shampoo 3 Types: Aloe Vera - dry hair, Coconut - normal hair, Hibiskiss - damaged hair
Price: €4.95 (US$5, CA$7, £4)
Weight: 80g
Shipping: local €5, international €10
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free, pH balanced. NO: parabens, silicones, dyes, sulphates, dyes, sulphates, mineral oils, lily aldehydes, PEG, soap, liliale
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2017, IRELAND
Brand Range: face & body soaps, candles, solid shampoos and conditioners
Shampoo/Conditioner 2 Types: ohButter, Coconut
Price Shampoo/Conditioner: € 8.95 (US$10, CA$13, £7.50)
Weight Shampoo: 60 g
Weight Conditioner: 40g
Shipping: local €3.80-8 - free on orders above €40, international €8
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. pH balanced. NO: parabens, sulfates, silicones, palm oil
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2004, FINLAND
Brand Range: face & body soaps, cosmetics, skincare, bodycare, shampoos, conditioner
Shampoo 9 Types: Blonde, Henna Red, Brunette, Coconut Milk, Beer & Oat, Marigold, Tea Tree, Hemp, Rhassoul & Salt
Price: €15 (US$16, CA$21.50, £12.50)
Weight: 120g
Conditioner 1 Type: Intensive
Price: €28 (US$30, CA$40, £23.50)
Weight: 60g
Shipping: local €6.90, international €10-25
Claims: Vegan. Cruelty-free. NO: paraben, SLS, phthalate, sulfate, gluten, palm oil, preservatives, silicones, GMO, synthetics, artificial fragrances or dyes, water
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Awards: a category in Global Makeup Awards 2019 (Scandinavia section)
Established: 2009 Helsinki, FINLAND
Brand Range: face & body soaps, deodorant, skincare, cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, candles.
Shampoo 9 Types: Evening Promise, Hemp, Camelina, Black Currant, Apricot, Avocado, Olive, Oat, Sunflower
Price: €14.50 - 16.49€ (US$16-18, CA21-23, £12-14)
Weight: 90g
Conditioner 2 Types: Lemongrass, Unscented
Price: €24.50 (US$26.50, CA$35, £20.50)
Weight: 70g
Shipping: local €5.90, international €34
Claims: Cruelty-free, Vegan. Ingredients Ecocert or COSMOS approved.
NO: Parabens, SLS, preservatives, silicones, phthalates, gluten, palm oil, GMO, synthetics, artificial fragrances or dyes, water
Packaging: metal tin, recycled biodegradable paper box
WORLDWIDE
Established: 2012 Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND
Brand Range: body/hair care (10+ products)
Shampoo 10 Types: Pinkalicious - for Normal Hair, Mintasy (Damage Control) - for Normal-Dry Hair, Frizz Wrangler - for Normal-Dry Hair, Heali Kiwi - for Touchy Scalps, St Clements - for Oily Hair, Sweet & Spicy - to Add Volume, Tip To Toe - Shampoo & Shaving Bar, Tone It Down - Purple Solid Shampoo, Oaty Delicious - For Little Ones, Wombar - Limited Edition
Shampoo Price: NZ$ 22 - 24 (US$15-17, €15-18, £12-14)
Weight Shampoo: 110g
Conditioner 6 Types: Wonderbar - for Oily-Normal Hair, The Guardian - for Normal-Dry Hair, Tone It Down - Purple Solid Conditioner, Too Delicious - Super Hydrating, Kookabara - Limited Edition
Conditioner Price: NZ$ 25 (US$17, €17.95, £14)
Weight Conditioner: 60g
Shipping: NZ$ 4, EU €8.56, UK £ 8, US $20
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty-free, BCorp, ph Balanced.
NO: Parabens, SLS, sulfate, synthetics, GMO, toxic chemicals, Certified Palm Oil Free by the Orangutang Alliance.
Packaging: certified 100% home-compostable packaging
Giving back: donates 20% of our profit (or 2% of sales) to charity every year. Supports several charities on an ongoing basis alongside 'adopting' several animals to help pay for their care. Partnerships with HUHA, World Animal Protection, International Animal Rescue, The Orangutan Protect, Australian Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
Established: 2014 Melbourne, AUSTRALIA Brand Range: face & body soaps, shaving soap, sport soap, outdoor soap, shmpoo Shampoo 8 Types: Bamboo Charcoal, Citrus & Beer, Coconut Milk, Dead Sea Mud, Henna Rooibos, Moroccan Argan, Coffee, Rosemary & Mint Price Shampoo: AU$ 14.95 (US$10, €9, £7.50) Weight: 110 g Shipping: local AU$8, international $ 16-22 Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: parabens, SLS, silicones, sulphates, preservatives, animal fats, synthetic oils, artificial fragrances or colours, detergents, petrochemicals Packaging: recycled/biodegradable paper
Established: 2018 Shanghai, CHINA
Brand Range: toothbrushes, face wipes, bags/pouches, solid shampoos, travel kits, razors, kitchen products, plantable cards
Shampoo 3 Types: Deep Ocean, Lavandula, Wild Ginger
Price: US$ 9 (€8, £7)
Weight: 60g
Shipping: only Asia US$ 3.99 - free on orders above $40
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: Parabens, SLS, preservatives, silicones, phthalates, gluten, palm oil, GMO, synthetics, artificial fragrances or dyes, water
Packaging: aluminum tin, recyclable cardboard boxes
Giving back: donates 8.8% from purchases to Shanghai Roots & Shoots foundation to plant pine trees in Inner Mongolia.
Established: 2016 , ARGENTINA Brand Range: face & body soaps, solid shampoos, solid conditioner Shampoo 4 Types: Palta & Romero, Jojoba & Limon, Arcilla Roja & Ricino, Avena & Karite
Price Shampoo: $380 (US$6, €5.50, £5)
Weight Shampoo: 110g Conditioner 1 Type: Cocoa & Rarite Conditioner: $390 (US$6, €5.50, £5) Weight Conditioner: 95g Shipping: only local $450 Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: parabens, silicones, dyes, sulphates, water Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2019, SOUTH AFRICA
Brand Range: solid shampoos, solid conditioners
Shampoo 4 Scents: Grapefruit & Rose, Cacao Butter & Coconut, Orange & Petitgrain, Peppermint & Tea Tree.
Conditioner 2 Scents: Lavender & Patchouli, Lime & Cedarwood
Price Shampoo/Conditioner: R 130 (€8, US$ 9, £6.50)
Weight: 100 g
Shipping: Worldwide R 70, €4, US$4.50, £3.50
Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free, pH-balanced. NO: Parabens, SLS /SLES, petroleum, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, water
Packaging: biodegradable paper box
Established: 2019, SOUTH AFRICA Brand Range: hair & body soap bars, solid shampoos Shampoo 4 Types: Argan, Jojoba, Moringa, Melon Price: R 75 (US$5, €4.50, £4) Weight: 80g Shipping: only local R 75 - free for orders over R 350 Claims: Vegan, Cruelty Free. NO: SLS, parabens, silicones, dyes, sulphates, water Packaging:
*Please note that supporting local brands reduces carbon footprint and CO2 emissions of shipping. Choose to shop locally and support natural haircare brands based in your country or continent.
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