Prose Custom
Lower PFAS concern for haircare; brand remains silent on ingredient transparency.
This personalized haircare line contains no publicly known PFAS-carrying actives like Teflon-family coating coatings or aqueous film-forming foams. Prose doesn't disclose ingredient sourcing or PFAS testing.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
custom formulated haircare (shampoo/conditioner base)
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 undisclosed fragrance components
Prose does not publish fragrance ingredient breakdowns (typically protected as trade secret); common allergens like limonene, linalool, or synthetic musks may be present. Risk is typical for haircare but impossible to assess without full INCI transparency.
1,4-dioxane contamination in surfactants
If Prose uses ethoxylated surfactants (common in shampoos), trace 1,4-dioxane can result from manufacturing. The brand does not disclose whether surfactants are ethoxylated or vacuum-stripped, making assessment speculative but not unusual in the category.
Scalp or skin irritation from misformulation or preservative excess
Custom formulation is intended to minimize irritation, but without independent batch testing or published stability data, individual reactions remain unpredictable. Early patch testing (behind ear or small area) is prudent for first use.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or banned biocides in Prose formulations; however, the brand does not publicly confirm preservative choice, so risk cannot be fully ruled out.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Prose shampoos are not typically pigmented or contain heavy-metal colorants; risk is low. No recall or contamination event is on record.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Prose Custom shampoos are surfactant-based cleansers tailored to individual hair types, typically containing water, anionic or amphoteric detergents, conditioning agents, and preservatives. Custom formulation reduces risk of mismatched ingredients that irritate sensitive scalps. The brand does not disclose full INCI lists publicly, which limits independent hazard assessment of specific preservatives, fragrance compounds, or chelating agents used in each batch.
The brand's record and disclosure
Prose has not published detailed ingredient sourcing, preservative safety data, or third-party testing results. The brand does not hold certifications like EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, or standard organic standards. No major recalls or reported adverse events tied to Prose shampoos are on record in FDA or CPSC databases. Lack of transparency on PFAS sourcing and chemical supplier vetting is notable but not uncommon for custom haircare brands.
How it compares in its category
Prose sits in the premium custom-formulation segment, positioned above mass-market drugstore shampoos that often contain higher fragrance allergen loads and below certified-organic or clinical brands with full transparency. Personalization reduces blanket chemical exposure compared to one-size-fits-all formulas. However, lack of third-party testing or certification means it offers no more assurance than many mainstream premium brands.
If you buy it
Use as directed on dry or wet hair; no unusual heat or chemical compatibility concerns exist for shampoo. Store in cool, dry conditions to preserve formula stability. Discontinue use if scalp irritation or contact dermatitis develops within first 1-2 weeks. If ordering refills, confirm formula stability over time since custom batches may vary slightly batch-to-batch.
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
- Prose 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.