Hairstory New Wash Original Cleansing & Conditioning Cream
Lower PFAS concern for a rinse-off hair cream lacking waterproofing or nonstick function.
This rinse-off cleansing cream has no product function requiring PFAS like nonstick, water-repellent, or grease-resistant treatment. The brand makes no PFAS disclosures.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Water-based cleansing cream (emulsion); primary ingredients documented as oils, water, conditioning agents
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Water-based cosmetics require preservatives to prevent microbial growth; common preservatives like imidazolidinyl urea and dmdm hydantoin release trace formaldehyde over time. Hairstory has not disclosed preservative choice or formaldehyde release testing for this product.
Source: ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Fragrance is listed generically on most cosmetic labels and may contain 50+ undisclosed chemicals, including known allergens like limonene and linalool. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or scalp conditions should perform a patch test or request full fragrance disclosure from the brand.
Emulsion instability and microbial contamination risk
Water-based emulsions can degrade or separate if stored improperly or if preservative efficacy declines. Consumers should inspect for visible separation, cloudiness, or off-odors and discard if present.
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing byproduct
Ethoxylated conditioning agents and some emulsifiers may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as an unintended byproduct; regulatory limits exist but independent testing of this specific product has not been published.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
No recalls or test results linking heavy metal contamination to this product are on public record. Standard FDA cosmetic safety oversight applies, though independent third-party testing is not confirmed.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Hairstory New Wash is a water-based emulsion (oil suspended in water) rather than a traditional shampoo or leave-in treatment. This formulation relies on oils and conditioning agents to cleanse and soften hair while being rinsed away, which typically limits skin and scalp exposure time. The emulsion structure itself poses no inherent safety risk; stability and ingredient safety depend on preservatives and the specific oils and conditioning agents used.
The brand's record and disclosure
Hairstory does not prominently publish independent third-party certifications, safety data sheets, or detailed ingredient sourcing statements on their website. The brand maintains a general ingredient list but has not disclosed specific efforts around formaldehyde releasers, heavy metal testing, or fragrance allergen identification. No significant recalls, safety controversies, or regulatory actions against this product are on public record.
How it compares in its category
As a conditioner or cleansing cream hybrid, New Wash occupies a niche between traditional shampoo and conditioner. Most mainstream hair conditioners are water-based emulsions with similar preservative and thickening agent profiles; Hairstory's version is neither unusually hazardous nor exceptionally transparent compared to competitors. Premium indie brands in this space generally offer comparable or less detailed safety disclosure than major manufacturers.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve emulsion stability and prevent microbial growth. Use as directed (typically a small amount, rinse thoroughly) to minimize scalp contact time with preservatives or fragrance components. Discontinue if irritation develops and consult a dermatologist if reactions persist. Replace the product annually or if you notice separation, off-odor, or change in texture indicating emulsion 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
- Hairstory has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More conditioner 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.