kin+kind Itchy Dog Shampoo
Lower concern for a shampoo without PFAS requirement, though transparency is absent.
This liquid surfactant-based cosmetic requires no waterproofing, nonstick, or water-repellent coating that would necessitate PFAS. Kin+Kind does not disclose PFAS policy or testing, and no public lab verification exists.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base (surfactants, water, plant extracts)
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 essential oils in botanical blends
Plant-extract shampoos can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive dogs. Kin+Kind does not itemize specific essential oils or fragrance compounds on available product labels, making individual allergen assessment difficult.
Microbial contamination or bacterial growth during storage
Aqueous shampoos rely on preservatives to prevent mold and bacteria. If Kin+Kind uses minimal preservatives to maintain a 'natural' claim, microbial risk rises if the bottle is left open or stored in warm, humid bathrooms; typical for this category.
Surfactant irritation to eyes or skin if not rinsed thoroughly
Any shampoo poses irritation risk if trapped in a dog's eyes or left on skin. Kin+Kind is marketed as mild but contains surfactants; thorough rinsing is essential, especially for dogs with existing skin inflammation.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No credible evidence that Kin+Kind uses DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; aqueous rinse-off products typically use gentler systems (sorbates, benzoates), but full preservative identity is not disclosed.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No recalls or testing results report heavy metals in Kin+Kind shampoos. Plant-based colorants used in pet shampoos are generally low-risk, though mineral clays (if present) are not confirmed on the label.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kin+Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo is a surfactant-based aqueous formulation designed for sensitive canine skin. The product relies on plant extracts (oatmeal, aloe, other botanicals) and mild surfactants to clean without heavy detergency. Since shampoos are rinse-off products that do not stay on skin or in the body, residual chemical burden is lower than leave-on personal care items.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kin+Kind markets itself as a natural and pet-safe brand but does not publicly disclose full ingredient sourcing or third-party certifications (e.g., Natural, Leaping Bunny). The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS avoidance or transparency, a gap shared by most pet shampoo manufacturers. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product line.
How it compares in its category
Pet shampoos typically avoid harsh sulfates and parabens more consistently than human shampoos because pet owners scrutinize formulations. Kin+Kind positions itself in the premium natural segment, similar to Earthbath and similar brands. It lacks independent certifications (USDA Organic, EWG Verified) that some competitors carry, making ingredient verification harder.
If you buy it
Use as directed on damp coat and rinse thoroughly; no special precautions needed beyond standard shampoo safety (keep out of eyes). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain ingredient stability. Discontinue if your dog shows new skin irritation and patch-test on a small area first if the animal has severe sensitivities.
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
- Kin+Kind has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Shampoo
Credo Beauty
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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.