Briogeo Don't Despair Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Lower-concern product with no typical PFAS use-cases, though the brand offers no explicit assurance.
This liquid shampoo lacks waterproofing, water-resistance, or nonstick coatings that typically drive PFAS use. The brand hasn't published a PFAS policy or testing results.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base with botanical extracts
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Fragrance allergens
Product contains fragrance (undisclosed blend); botanical extracts and fragrance compounds can trigger contact dermatitis or scalp sensitivity in susceptible individuals. Briogeo does not list individual fragrance constituents, making patch-testing difficult.
Preservative safety (methylisothiazolinone or similar)
Aqueous shampoos require preservatives to prevent bacterial growth; specific preservatives are not disclosed on typical product labels. Contact dermatitis has been reported with some modern preservative systems, though incidence is low and this product carries no known complaints.
Scalp irritation from surfactant residue
Even sulfate-free shampoos can leave surfactant residue if rinsed inadequately, particularly in hard water. This is a usage issue rather than a formulation hazard, but relevant for sensitive scalps.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
1,4-dioxane (processing contaminant)
Surfactants in shampoos can harbor trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylation. No testing or disclosure from Briogeo is on record for this product; risk is inherent to the material class but unverified for this specific formulation.
Heavy metals
Botanical ingredients (argan, coconut, keratin) may concentrate trace cadmium or lead depending on soil sourcing. Briogeo does not publish heavy-metal testing data; risk is low for rinse-off use but unquantified.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Don't Despair Repair is a water-based shampoo formulated with botanical extracts (argan oil, coconut oil, keratin) and standard surfactants for cleansing. As a rinse-off product applied briefly to hair and scalp before washing away, systemic absorption is minimal compared to leave-on cosmetics. The aqueous base means no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gas from the product itself, unlike some dry shampoos or aerosol formats.
The brand's record and disclosure
Briogeo markets itself as a clean beauty brand and has published ingredient transparency on its website. The brand does not explicitly state PFAS-free status or hold third-party certifications like EWG Verified or USDA Organic, though it avoids many flagged ingredients (parabens, sulfates, silicones). No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product or the brand related to heavy metals, allergens, or preservative hazards.
How it compares in its category
This shampoo sits in the mid-premium conventional segment: cleaner formulation than mass-market drugstore brands but less regulated than certified organic alternatives. Botanical-extract shampoos in this price range typically carry similar risk profiles. The lack of sodium lauryl sulfate and the inclusion of plant-derived moisturizers are standard marketing points rather than differentiators that reduce chemical hazards.
If you buy it
Use as directed: apply to damp hair, lather, rinse thoroughly. No special storage precautions needed beyond keeping the bottle upright and sealed. Discontinue use if scalp irritation develops, though sensitization risk is low for rinse-off products. Replace when empty; unopened bottles are shelf-stable for years if kept cool and dry.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Briogeo has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Mechanical irritation from crystal size and shape
Moderate concern
Low risk, salt scrub formulation carries minimal PFAS concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
Public Goods Shampoo Refill
aqueous surfactant-based liquid shampoo
1,4-dioxane (surfactant byproduct)
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Limited concern
Bacterial or mold growth in refill container
Limited concern
Lower concern for a MADE SAFE certified shampoo avoiding fluorinated ingredients.
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Puracy
Natural Shampoo
aqueous surfactants, plant-derived cleansers
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in ethoxylated surfactants)
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Lower concern for a liquid shampoo with minimal PFAS risk in this category.
⚠Risky category by default
More shampoo grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.