kin+kind Natural Pet Shampoo and Conditioner for Itchy Dogs and Cats
Lower concern for rinse-off pet shampoo; check ingredients directly for full confidence.
This water-based pet shampoo and conditioner lacks nonstick coatings, Teflon-family coating, or water-resistant treatments that typically drive PFAS use. The brand makes no PFAS claims and no certifications exist.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water-based liquid shampoo/conditioner formula
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.
Preservative allergens and irritants
Water-based formulas require preservatives (commonly phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, or parabens); while rinse-off risk is low, sensitive pets may react. Kin+Kind's specific preservative system is not disclosed on readily available product labels.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Products marketed as botanical or natural may contain essential oils or fragrance blends that can trigger contact dermatitis or respiratory irritation in sensitive animals. The product is labeled for itchy dogs and cats, suggesting skin sensitivity is a target concern, yet fragrance specificity is vague.
Surfactant residue and skin barrier disruption
Even gentle plant-based surfactants can strip natural skin oils if not fully rinsed; this risk is higher in animals with existing itchy or compromised skin. Thorough rinsing is critical to minimize irritation.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
No recalls or reports of heavy metal contamination in Kin+Kind products are documented. However, botanical ingredients (especially those sourced internationally) can accumulate cadmium or lead if grown in contaminated soil; this is not a Kin+Kind-specific issue but a general plant-ingredient risk class.
Source: FDA ↗Microbiological growth if contaminated during use
As a water-based liquid product, improper storage (warm, humid conditions) or contamination via wet applicators could promote mold or bacterial growth. No specific incidents reported for this brand, but standard hygiene practices apply.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kin+Kind's formula is a water-based liquid shampoo and conditioner designed for pet skin sensitivity, typically containing plant-derived surfactants, emollients, and botanical extracts rather than synthetic detergents. Because this is a rinse-off product applied topically to animal fur and skin (not ingested or retained), systemic absorption risk is minimal compared to leave-on cosmetics or food contact items. The main chemistry concern is preservative system and surfactant choice, which affect both safety and efficacy for sensitive skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kin+Kind does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or avoidance statements on their website or product labels based on available public records, creating uncertainty around intentional use of fluorinated compounds in formulation or packaging. The brand markets products as natural and cruelty-free but lacks third-party certifications (e.g., USDA organic, Leaping Bunny) that would anchor those claims. No major safety recalls or adverse event reports are documented for this product line in FDA or consumer databases.
How it compares in its category
Pet shampoos generally carry lower chemical risk than human cosmetics because products are rinsed immediately and pet skin exposure is transient. Kin+Kind positions itself in the premium natural segment, competing against brands like Earthbath and Burt's Bees for Pets, which similarly claim botanical ingredients. Most pet shampoos in this category have minimal reported hazards; the differentiator is formula transparency and third-party testing rather than inherent category risk.
If you buy it
Apply shampoo and conditioner to wet fur, lather gently, and rinse thoroughly with water to minimize residue contact with skin. Avoid getting product in eyes or ears; rinse immediately if contact occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve botanical preservatives. Watch for any signs of skin irritation, excessive scratching, or allergic reaction over the first few uses; if symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian and discontinue use.
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.
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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.