Function of Beauty Custom Curly Hair Shampoo Base with Chia Extract
Lower PFAS concern. Typical liquid shampoo with no known high-risk treatments.
This water-based liquid formula has no disclosed water-resistant, anti-stain, or non-stick treatments that are primary PFAS vectors in cosmetics. The brand makes no PFAS claims. Liquid shampoos are intrinsically lower-risk than powders or heavily coated products.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based liquid shampoo with chia seed extract
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
Shampoos marketed for curly hair often include fragrance blends; Function of Beauty does not appear to list fragrance transparency or allergen warnings prominently on publicly available product pages. Undisclosed fragrance components can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, though incidence is low in general populations.
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing byproduct
Liquid shampoos using certain surfactants (particularly ethoxylated compounds like sodium laureth sulfate) may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. Function of Beauty does not disclose whether their formulation includes ethoxylated surfactants or whether they perform vacuum stripping to remove dioxane. Risk is low but not eliminated without disclosure.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Preservative system safety and microbial control
Function of Beauty does not publicly disclose its preservative system for this formulation. Liquid shampoos require active preservation; if underpreserved, they can support bacterial or fungal growth, particularly after opening. No recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this brand.
Heavy metals
Chia seed extract sourcing and heavy metal testing (cadmium, lead, arsenic) are not disclosed by the brand. Most reputable cosmetic suppliers test botanicals for contaminants, but transparency is not standard. No incidents linking chia-based cosmetics to heavy metal toxicity are established.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Older cosmetic preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) release low levels of formaldehyde; modern formulations increasingly avoid these. Function of Beauty's specific preservative choice is not publicly disclosed, so assessment relies on industry trend toward safer alternatives. No documented formaldehyde concerns exist for this brand.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Function of Beauty Custom Curly Hair Shampoo Base is a water-based liquid formula with chia seed extract as the marketed functional ingredient. Chia seed extract is a botanical additive known for omega-3 content and is not associated with established safety hazards in cosmetic formulations. As a liquid shampoo, it avoids the material risks of solid bars (compression agents, additives) and relies on standard surfactants and preservatives typical of mainstream personal care products.
The brand's record and disclosure
Function of Beauty markets itself as a customizable beauty brand and does not prominently publish third-party certifications (such as EWG verification, cruelty-free badges, or clean beauty seals) on publicly available channels. The brand does not appear to have faced major product safety recalls or legal actions on record. However, the company does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or mitigation statements, which is consistent with silent positioning in the cosmetics industry where such transparency remains voluntary and rare.
How it compares in its category
Liquid shampoos formulated for curly hair typically include conditioning polymers, humectants, and botanical extracts; this product's chia extract is a standard plant-based marketing differentiator rather than a unique chemistry shift. Compared to mass-market drugstore shampoos, Function of Beauty positions itself in the mid-premium segment; this formulation carries similar risk profiles (surfactant and preservative safety) as comparable salon or subscription beauty brands. The customization model does not introduce material safety advantages or disadvantages relative to fixed formulas of the same price tier.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve botanical extract potency and prevent microbial growth in the liquid base. Use as directed on the label; no special precautions apply beyond standard shampoo safety (avoid eye contact, rinse thoroughly). If you experience scalp irritation or allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. Replace every 12 months or sooner if you notice separation, discoloration, or odor changes indicating preservative breakdown.
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
- Function of Beauty has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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Credo Beauty
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Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Mechanical irritation from crystal size and shape
Moderate concern
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✓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.