kin+Kind Itchy Pet Shampoo
Lower PFAS concern; rinse-off pet shampoo unlikely to contain intentional fluorochemicals.
This plant-derived pet shampoo has no water-resistant or stain-resistant treatments that typically contain PFAS. As a rinse-off liquid, it carries lower PFAS risk than durable textiles or nonstick cookware.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base (surfactants, water, glycerin)
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 botanical extracts
Shampoos marketed with botanical ingredients (oat extract, aloe, etc.) can contain natural allergens and irritants. Individual pet sensitivity varies; some animals react to plant-derived compounds even in hypoallergenic formulas.
Skin irritation from pH imbalance or surfactant harshness
All shampoos carry inherent irritation risk if pH is mismatched to pet skin (dogs typically 6.5-7.5) or surfactants are too stripping. Kin+Kind's gentle positioning suggests attention to this, but no published pH or surfactant strength data is available for verification.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
1,4-dioxane (surfactant contaminant)
No testing or contamination reports are on record for Kin+Kind products. However, 1,4-dioxane can occur as a manufacturing byproduct in some surfactants; the company does not publicly disclose supplier vetting for this contaminant.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No reported use of DMDM hydantoin or other formaldehyde-releasing agents in this product. Kin+Kind's natural positioning suggests avoidance of this class, but ingredient transparency is limited.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No testing or recalls indicate heavy metal contamination in Kin+Kind formulations. Risk is generally low in aqueous shampoos, but botanical extracts sourcing is not publicly disclosed.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kin+Kind Itchy Pet Shampoo is a water-based formulation containing surfactants (cleansing agents), glycerin (humectant), and botanical extracts marketed for sensitive or itchy skin. The product is designed to be diluted and rinsed thoroughly, which sharply limits skin contact time and absorption risk compared to leave-on products. As a rinse-off formula, residual chemicals are substantially removed during bathing, reducing systemic exposure.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kin+Kind positions itself as a natural pet care brand with claims around hypoallergenic and gentle formulations, though the company provides limited transparency on full ingredient sourcing or third-party safety certifications. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this product line. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing results, which is typical for smaller natural brands but represents a gap in proactive safety communication.
How it compares in its category
Pet shampoos span a wide range of formulation philosophies, from heavily fragranced conventional products to minimalist botanical blends. Kin+Kind positions toward the natural/botanical end, which generally correlates with lower synthetic chemical burden, though botanical ingredients carry their own allergen and irritant variability. Most pet shampoos in this category carry similar low PFAS risk due to rinse-off use patterns; Kin+Kind does not stand out as higher or lower risk than comparable natural brands.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve botanical stability. Always dilute according to label directions; concentrated formulas are more likely to cause skin irritation if applied undiluted. If your pet develops redness, excessive itching, or other skin reactions after use, discontinue and consult a veterinarian. For pets with diagnosed allergies or sensitivities, patch-test on a small area first, as botanical extracts can trigger reactions in some animals even when labeled hypoallergenic.
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.