Neutrogena Clean Replenishing Shampoo
Lower concern; typical rinse-off shampoo with no documented PFAS risk, but brand offers no transparency.
This standard aqueous shampoo lacks water-repellent, grease-resistant, or non-stick properties that typically necessitate PFAS. No public lab data or brand PFAS claims exist for this product.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base with surfactants
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 sensitization
The product contains fragrance (listed generically on label). Specific fragrance components are not disclosed; some consumers with sensitive scalp or contact dermatitis may experience irritation, though incidence is low for mass-market formulations.
1,4-dioxane contamination
1,4-dioxane is a potential contaminant in shampoos formulated with ethoxylated surfactants (a likely component of this product), but presence and concentration are not publicly disclosed. Rinse-off exposure is minimal; no regulatory limit exists for shampoos in the US.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
No public recalls or test reports document heavy metal contamination in this shampoo. Pigments used are standard cosmetic-grade; regulatory oversight by FDA applies, though testing is not routine for rinse-off products.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No documented use of formaldehyde preservatives or releasers (e.g., DMDM hydantoin) in this product line. Modern Neutrogena formulations typically use safer preservative systems, but ingredient transparency is incomplete.
Source: ATSDR ↗Microplastic content
No evidence of added microbeads or microplastics in this formulation. Post-2015, US regulations and voluntary commitments largely eliminated microbeads from rinse-off personal care products; this shampoo is unlikely to contain them.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Neutrogena Clean Replenishing Shampoo is a water-based surfactant formulation designed to cleanse and condition hair. The product contains anionic and amphoteric surfactants (standard for shampoos), humectants, and fragrance compounds; because it is rinsed off the scalp and hair within minutes, dermal absorption and systemic exposure are minimal. No unusual additives such as formaldehyde releasers or known allergens are listed on the public ingredient deck.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (owned by Johnson & Johnson) does not prominently publicize PFAS testing or removal efforts in personal care products, though the company has faced broader scrutiny over talc and sunscreen safety in other product lines. The brand has not issued recalls or safety warnings specific to this shampoo. Ingredient transparency is standard for the category but not exceptional; the company does not provide third-party certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny) on this line.
How it compares in its category
This shampoo sits in the mainstream mass-market category; formulation complexity and hazard profile are typical for non-premium drugstore shampoos. Products with clearer allergen labeling, fragrance transparency, or third-party certification exist but often at higher cost. Compared to sulfate-free or natural alternatives, this product uses conventional surfactants that some consumers prefer to avoid, but safety data does not support heightened risk from the surfactants used.
If you buy it
Use as directed: apply to damp hair, massage scalp briefly, and rinse thoroughly with water. No special precautions are needed beyond standard shampoo hygiene (avoid contact with eyes, store at room temperature, keep out of reach of children). If scalp irritation, redness, or allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Shelf life is typically 24-36 months unopened; once opened, use within 12 months and discard if odor or appearance changes.
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
- Neutrogena 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.