Under Your Skin Density Shampoo
Low-medium risk with no red flags, though brand transparency is lacking.
This liquid shampoo needs no water-repellent or nonstick coatings that would require PFAS additives. The brand hasn't publicly shared any PFAS testing data or commitments.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base, typical cosmetic actives
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 and undisclosed fragrance components
Credo Beauty does not use synthetic fragrance, but botanical fragrance sources and essential oils can still trigger contact sensitization in 1-3% of users. The specific botanical actives in this density formula are not itemized in public labeling, limiting pre-purchase allergen screening.
1,4-dioxane contamination from surfactant manufacturing
Trace 1,4-dioxane can form during ethoxylation of surfactants used in shampoos. Regulatory limits in the US allow up to 10 ppm; most modern formulations test below 1 ppm. Credo does not disclose supplier testing for this contaminant.
Scalp irritation from surfactant concentration or pH imbalance
Any shampoo can trigger irritation in sensitive or compromised skin if pH is off-target (ideal range 4.5-6.5) or surfactant concentration is too aggressive. This product's density claims may indicate higher active levels; patch-test on forearm first if you have reactive scalp.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public evidence indicates use of imidazolidinyl urea or dmdm hydantoin in Credo's private-label products, consistent with the brand's clean positioning. Standard aqueous shampoos typically use gentler systems (phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate), but ingredient verification requires label review.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Plant-derived actives can accumulate cadmium and lead from soil; premium brands like Credo typically source from tested suppliers, but public testing records are not available for this product line.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Under Your Skin Density Shampoo is a water-based cosmetic formulation typical of modern sulfate-free shampoos, likely containing surfactants, conditioning agents, and botanical actives marketed for volumizing benefit. The aqueous base means no volatile organic compounds or high-heat degradation risk during normal use. No public information indicates non-standard dyes, preservatives, or heavy-metal pigments in this product line.
The brand's record and disclosure
Credo Beauty positions itself as a clean beauty retailer and curates products against synthetic fragrance and hormone-disrupting chemicals, but does not publish ingredient traceability reports or third-party safety certifications for its private-label products. The brand's PFAS stance is undisclosed, which is typical of the category but limits independent verification. No recalls or ingredient controversies are on record for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
Aqueous shampoos carry minimal acute chemical hazard compared to aerosol or silicone-heavy formulas. Credo's clean-beauty positioning places this product in the mid-to-premium segment where synthetic dyes and heavy-metal contamination are less common than in mass-market alternatives. However, the lack of public ingredient sourcing data means you cannot confirm absence of problematic fragrance allergens or preservative systems without contacting the brand directly.
If you buy it
Use as directed on damp hair and rinse thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water; hot water is unnecessary and can degrade hair rather than the product itself. Shampoos are not meant for extended skin contact, so rinse completely from scalp and face to avoid irritation in sensitive individuals. Store in a cool, dry place and discard if visible separation, odor change, or visible mold appear (typically 18-24 months for aqueous formulas). If scalp irritation or allergic reactions develop, discontinue and identify the specific ingredient trigger by checking the label.
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
- Credo Beauty has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Shampoo
Credo Beauty
Roz Salt Scalp Scrub
salt crystals, mineral-based scrub
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.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
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.