Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
Lower concern, liquid cosmetic with no known PFAS-prone ingredients, but no transparency.
This liquid cosmetic lacks water-repellent coatings, nonstick surfaces, or grease-resistant treatments typical of PFAS use. The brand makes no public PFAS claims and no third-party lab data exists.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base with argan oil
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 (unspecified fragrance blend)
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo lists 'fragrance' as an ingredient but does not disclose which specific fragrance compounds are present. Common fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, citral) can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; without full disclosure, individual risk cannot be assessed.
Preservative-related irritation or sensitization
Standard shampoo preservatives (e.g., parabens, phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone) are present but not itemized on typical product packaging. These are safe at approved use levels but can cause sensitivity in a minority of users; no specific preservative allergen warnings appear in brand documentation.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Contamination risk in argan oil supply
Argan oil sourcing and processing are not detailed by Moroccanoil. While argan oil itself is not a known vector for heavy metals or microbial contamination at cosmetic use levels, third-party testing of individual batches is not publicly disclosed.
1,4-dioxane (manufacturing byproduct)
Ethoxylated surfactants used in shampoos can harbor trace 1,4-dioxane as a processing impurity. Moroccanoil has not published analytical testing for this contaminant. Independent testing of premium shampoos in this category typically shows levels below regulatory concern, but lack of transparency means this cannot be ruled out.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some preservatives used in rinse-off cosmetics (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea) release low levels of formaldehyde. Moroccanoil does not specify which preservative system is used, so presence cannot be confirmed or excluded from available information.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo is a water-based formulation built around argan oil as its signature active ingredient, paired with standard surfactants and conditioning agents. The aqueous base means volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and off-gassing are not concerns unlike leave-on styling products or aerosols. Argan oil itself has no established toxicity profile and is widely used in cosmetics; the risk profile here depends on preservatives, fragrances, and any trace contaminants in the supply chain rather than the core formula.
The brand's record and disclosure
Moroccanoil does not publicly release full ingredient safety documentation or third-party testing summaries on their website or marketing materials. The brand has not faced major recalls or regulatory actions on record for this product line in the US or EU markets. However, absence of transparency on formulation choices, preservative selection, and fragrance disclosure represents a moderate information gap for consumers seeking detailed safety assurance. The company markets itself as a premium, professional line but does not pursue certifications like EWG Verified or similar third-party vetting.
How it compares in its category
Shampoos as a category carry low inherent hazard because they rinse off quickly and contact skin only briefly. Moroccanoil positions itself as a luxury option versus mass-market alternatives; the argan oil addition is a marketing differentiator rather than a safety concern. Many competitor shampoos (Pantene, Dove, SheaMoisture) disclose ingredient concerns similarly or slightly better, though premium brands like this one often rely on brand reputation over documentation. For a rinse-off product, the exposure window and dose make most individual ingredient concerns secondary relative to leave-on or ingested products.
If you buy it
Use as a standard shampoo: apply, lather, rinse thoroughly within 1-2 minutes. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse immediately if it occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the argan oil's stability and prevent preservative degradation. If scalp irritation, rash, or allergic reaction develops, discontinue and patch-test on a small area before re-use. Replace every 12-18 months or when you notice separation, odor changes, or clumping that suggests preservative failure.
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
- Moroccanoil has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Shampoo
Credo Beauty
Roz Salt Scalp Scrub
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.