Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo vs Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo: which is safer?

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is our pick, better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

Aveeno

Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

PFAS grade

Excellent 75/100

Overall grade

Good 63/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

aqueous liquid shampoo (typical surfactants, conditioning agents, water)

Confidence

82%

PossibleSurfactant irritation (skin/eye contact)

PossibleFragrance allergens

PossibleMicrobial contamination (post-purchase)

Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo

Pantene

Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo

PFAS grade

Excellent 75/100

Overall grade

Poor 45/100

Verdict

Buy with care

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Aqueous surfactant blend, conditioning agents, preservatives

Confidence

78%

PossiblePreservative allergenicity (contact sensitivity)

PossibleFragrance allergens and respiratory irritation

LikelyEye irritation on contact

Where these two actually differ

  • We flag Surfactant irritation (skin/eye contact), Fragrance allergens and Microbial contamination (post-purchase) on the Aveeno and not on the Pantene.
  • We flag Preservative allergenicity (contact sensitivity), Fragrance allergens and respiratory irritation, Eye irritation on contact and Silicone buildup on scalp or hair on the Pantene and not on the Aveeno.
  • The Aveeno is aqueous liquid shampoo (typical surfactants, conditioning agents, water) where the Pantene is Aqueous surfactant blend, conditioning agents, preservatives, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
  • These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.

Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

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