kin+Kind Flea & Tick Shampoo Lemongrass
Lower PFAS concern for liquid pet shampoo with no water-repellent or nonstick claims.
This flea and tick shampoo is a rinse-off liquid with no water-resistant, stain-resistant, or coating technologies that typically introduce PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims or offers verification.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base with botanical actives (lemongrass)
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Aqueous shampoo bases typically use preservative systems such as imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin, or methyl/propyl parabens to prevent microbial growth. While these are generally recognized as safe at regulated levels, formaldehyde-releaser preservatives can trigger contact dermatitis or sensitization in susceptible animals. No specific allergen labeling for this product's preservative system
Source: ATSDR ↗Essential oil and fragrance allergenicity
Lemongrass essential oil and lemongrass-derived fragrance compounds are common allergens in sensitive skin. Dogs and cats lack certain liver enzymes for efficient metabolism of some volatile plant constituents, potentially increasing irritation or sensitization risk. The product does not disclose whether the fragrance is pure essential oil, synthetic lemongrass isolates, or mixed; sensitivity vari
Pesticide residue
Lemongrass has documented repellent properties against certain flea and tick species, but efficacy is lower and shorter-duration than synthetic pesticides. Incomplete rinse or application on wet fur may leave residue; if ingested during grooming, botanical actives at high concentration pose low but non-zero risk of gastrointestinal irritation.
Source: EPA ↗Ingestion toxicity if swallowed in quantity
Accidental ingestion of shampoo during application is a routine concern in pet care. Lemongrass shampoo is generally of low acute toxicity, but surfactants and essential oil at high dose can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, drooling, or vomiting. Kin+Kind does not prominently display toxicity guidance; contact poison control or a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Microbiological contamination if unmaintained
No recalls or contamination events on record for this product. Standard liquid shampoo hygiene (sealed cap, cool storage, prompt use after opening) prevents bacterial or mold growth. Risk is minimized by the preservative system and aqueous base, though opened bottles left in warm, humid bathrooms face generic contamination risk common to all liquid personal-care products.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kin+Kind Flea & Tick Shampoo is a water-based formulation featuring lemongrass as the primary botanical active ingredient. The product contains surfactants (cleansing agents), preservatives, and fragrance compounds derived from or mimicking lemongrass essential oil. Unlike synthetic pesticide-based alternatives, botanical shampoos rely on plant-derived compounds for insect-repelling activity, which generally carry lower acute toxicity but require more frequent reapplication and may cause contact irritation in sensitive animals.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kin+Kind markets itself as a natural pet care brand but maintains silent positioning on PFAS use or avoidance. The brand does not prominently disclose third-party certifications (such as EPA Safer Choice, USDA Organic, or cruelty-free seals) on widely available product information. No major recalls or safety controversies for this specific product are on public record. Ingredient transparency is limited to standard product labeling without detailed breakdowns of preservative systems or fragrance constituents.
How it compares in its category
Pet flea shampoos range from synthetic pyrethroid-based formulations (higher efficacy, stricter EPA oversight) to plant-extract and essential-oil formulations (lower chemical load, variable efficacy). Kin+Kind sits in the botanical segment, competing with brands like Earthbath and Burt's Bees for Pets. Botanical options typically cost more, require more frequent use, and appeal to owners seeking gentler chemistry; they are less regulated than EPA-approved pesticide shampoos, which means fewer safety guarantees but also lower systemic toxin exposure.
If you buy it
Apply only as directed on the label, typically 1-2 times weekly for flea prevention or management. Avoid contact with the animal's eyes and ears; rinse thoroughly after the recommended contact time. Monitor your pet for signs of skin irritation, excessive scratching, or allergic reaction, particularly if the animal has sensitive skin or known sensitivities to plant oils. Store in a cool, dark place and replace if the product separates significantly, develops an off odor, or exceeds its shelf life, typically 12-24 months for liquid formulations.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Kin+Kind has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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Puracy
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Puracy
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Limited concern
Lower concern for a liquid shampoo with minimal PFAS risk in this category.
⚠Risky category by default
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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.