Function of Beauty Custom Wavy Hair Shampoo Base
Lower PFAS concern. Standard liquid shampoo without specialty coatings or red flags.
This conventional aqueous formulation has no nonstick, water-resistant, or stain-resistant treatments typical of PFAS use. The brand makes no PFAS claim, and the product category poses minimal inherent risk. No third-party testing is publicly available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous surfactant shampoo base; no treated coating or water-repellent coating applied
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.
1,4-dioxane (surfactant contaminant)
Liquid shampoo bases often contain 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylation in surfactant manufacture. Function of Beauty does not disclose whether their surfactants are distilled or vacuum-stripped to remove this contaminant; no testing data is publicly available.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Aqueous shampoo bases require preservatives to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Function of Beauty's ingredient list is not detailed publicly; some custom beauty brands use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (like DMDM hydantoin) which are legal but linked to skin sensitization in sensitive individuals.
Source: ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens
If the custom shampoo includes fragrance (either included in the base or added during customization), undisclosed fragrance components may trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Function of Beauty allows fragrance customization but does not list allergen-prone components separately.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
Liquid shampoo bases do not use pigmented colorants or minerals that concentrate heavy metals. No reports of lead, cadmium, or arsenic contamination in this product type are on record.
Source: FDA ↗Microplastics
Liquid aqueous shampoo does not contain microbeads or polymers that shed into water. Function of Beauty's base formula is not formulated with polyethylene or microplastic additives.
Source: EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Function of Beauty's custom shampoo base is an aqueous surfactant formulation, detergents dissolved in water designed to cleanse hair. Unlike bar soaps or silicone-based products, liquid shampoo bases have no applied coatings, Teflon-family coating, or heat-treatment steps that introduce chemical risks. The primary safety concern in any shampoo is residual impurities in surfactants and preservatives rather than the base structure itself.
The brand's record and disclosure
Function of Beauty markets itself as a customizable beauty brand but does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing, manufacturing certifications, or third-party safety testing data on their website. No major safety recalls or regulatory actions against this product are on record. The brand's silence on PFAS and broader chemical safety practices is typical of mid-market direct-to-consumer beauty brands and does not indicate a red flag, only limited transparency.
How it compares in its category
Liquid shampoo bases are among the lowest-risk personal care formats because they contain no particulates, talc, or applied coatings that shed or leach. Function of Beauty's customizable approach is comparable to other DTC shampoo brands (like Prose or Curology) in safety profile. Mass-market drugstore shampoos and premium salon shampoos follow the same surfactant chemistry and carry equivalent non-PFAS risks.
If you buy it
Store the bottle away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, as UV exposure and temperatures above 40C may degrade preservatives over extended storage. Use within the product's stated shelf life (typically 12-24 months after manufacture). Discontinue use if the formula separates, smells off, or causes irritation; these are signs of preservative breakdown or contamination, not manufacturing defect. Rinse thoroughly after application to minimize scalp residue.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% 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.
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.