Head & Shoulders Review, Is Head & Shoulders Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 5 graded products, Head & Shoulders averages Excellent (75/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 5 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Worth buying from Head & Shoulders Good or better, safest first
Head & Shoulders
Head Shoulders Smooth Silky Dandruff Shampoo
aqueous shampoo formulation, typical surfactants and conditioning agents
Fragrance allergen potential
Fragrances in this product are undisclosed at the component level (listed as 'fragrance'…
1,4-dioxane contamination (rinse-off residue risk)
Ethoxylated surfactants (SLES) used in many shampoos, possibly including this…
Lower concern. Liquid shampoo formulation lacks typical PFAS application pathways.
⚠Risky category by default
Head & Shoulders
Head Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo
aqueous shampoo formulation, surfactants, conditioning agents
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in surfactants)
Dioxane is a known contaminant in ethoxylated surfactants used in shampoos; it is not…
Heavy metals
Zinc pyrithione is a zinc compound approved for cosmetic use and is not inherently…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
The 'Classic Clean' variant contains fragrance, which is listed as a single ingredient on…
Lower concern for PFAS; no known exposure route in rinse-off shampoo.
⚠Risky category by default
Head & Shoulders
Anti-Dandruff Classic Clean Shampoo with Vitamin E
aqueous shampoo base with surfactants, silicones, and Vitamin E
Fragrance allergens
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean contains fragrance compounds; individuals with fragrance…
1,4-dioxane (process contaminant)
Ethoxylated surfactants commonly used in shampoos can contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a…
Scalp irritation from zinc pyrithione
Zinc pyrithione is safe at approved concentrations (typically 1-2% in dandruff shampoos)…
Lower PFAS concern for rinse-off cosmetic; brand silent on PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Head & Shoulders
Dry Scalp Care Shampoo
aqueous surfactant shampoo formulation
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in surfactants)
Anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate can contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a…
Fragrance allergens / undisclosed fragrance components
Head & Shoulders products list 'fragrance' as an ingredient without itemizing volatile or…
Pyrithione zinc systemic exposure
Pyrithione zinc is the active anti-dandruff agent and is considered safe at low…
Lower PFAS concern; typical personal care product without known risk factors.
⚠Risky category by default
Head & Shoulders
Anti-Dandruff Classic Clean Shampoo
aqueous shampoo solution with surfactants and conditioning agents
1,4-dioxane (surfactant contaminant)
Shampoos formulated with ethoxylated surfactants may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some conventional shampoos use preservatives that release trace formaldehyde (e.g., DMDM…
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
The product contains fragrance, listed as a single ingredient without component…
Scalp irritation and barrier disruption
User reports on retailer sites and dermatology forums document scalp drying, burning, or…
Low-medium risk. No known PFAS triggers but brand transparency is absent.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →