Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Lower concern, liquid cosmetics rarely use PFAS, but brand offers no transparency.
This water-based liquid cosmetic features argan oil where PFAS use is uncommon. The brand makes no public PFAS commitment or third-party certification, though the risk profile remains lower than water-resistant products.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water-based shampoo, argan oil blend
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 (undisclosed components)
Moroccanoil formulations contain fragrance blends; full ingredient lists do not always specify individual aromatic compounds. Consumers with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis may react to unlisted allergens in the fragrance complex.
1,4-dioxane (potential impurity)
Shampoos using ethoxylated surfactants may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. Moroccanoil does not publicly disclose testing for this impurity; levels in rinse-off products are typically low but not guaranteed absent.
Microbial growth if contaminated during use
Any water-based cosmetic can develop bacterial or mold growth if exposed to moisture and warmth in the shower. Store bottle upright with cap sealed tightly; discard if odor or discoloration appears.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No evidence that Moroccanoil uses formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in this product. Modern formulations favor gentler preservative systems, but brand does not confirm preservative choice publicly.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Shampoos are typically low-risk for heavy metal accumulation; argan oil is not a known vector for lead or cadmium. No recalls or contamination reports exist for Moroccanoil products on this basis.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is a water-based cleanser formulated with argan oil as a conditioning agent. The product relies on surfactants (detergents) and humectants to clean and hydrate hair without heat processing risks. As a rinse-off cosmetic applied briefly to scalp and hair, systemic absorption is minimal compared to leave-on products.
The brand's record and disclosure
Moroccanoil is owned by Unilever and markets itself on premium argan oil positioning. The brand provides fragrance ingredients in some product disclosures but does not publish full chemical inventories or third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Clean Beauty Project). No recalls or safety violations are on record for this specific shampoo as of available public data.
How it compares in its category
Premium shampoos in this segment typically share similar water-surfactant-oil formulations. Moroccanoil's argan oil content is marketed as a differentiator but is comparable to other oil-infused brands. Unlike bar soaps or solid products, liquid shampoos avoid microplastic shedding concerns and are more stable during storage.
If you buy it
Use as directed; rinse thoroughly after application. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve oil stability. No special precautions needed beyond standard cosmetic hygiene. Discontinue if scalp irritation occurs and perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin or known fragrance 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
- Moroccanoil has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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Puracy
Public Goods Shampoo Refill
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Lower concern for a MADE SAFE certified shampoo avoiding fluorinated ingredients.
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Puracy
Natural Shampoo
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Limited concern
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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.