Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo
Lower concern for a typical rinse-off shampoo lacking full brand transparency.
This rinse-off hair shampoo requires no waterproofing, stain resistance, or nonstick coatings that would necessitate PFAS. Redken does not claim PFAS-free status or hold third-party certifications, and has not publicly shared detailed PFAS testing data.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo formulation (surfactants, conditioning agents, pH buffers)
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 ingredients
Fragrance is listed as a single ingredient without component breakdown; individuals with fragrance sensitivity or multiple chemical sensitivities may react. No independent allergen panel data is publicly available for this specific formulation.
1,4-dioxane (surfactant contaminant)
Shampoos using ethoxylated surfactants (common in rinse-off products) may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. No independent lab test of this product is on record; dioxane at trace shampoo levels rinses away and is not considered high-risk during short contact, but sensitive populations may wish to verify via brand inquiry.
Eye and scalp irritation from pH or surfactant concentration
User reviews and product feedback note occasional scalp dryness or tingling sensation in sensitive individuals; this is within expected range for color-care shampoos but not universal. Acidic pH helps reduce irritation vs. high-pH cleansers, but individual sensitivity varies.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing reports document lead, cadmium, or arsenic in Redken Acidic Color Gloss. Standard cosmetic formulations in this price tier are not screened for heavy metals as routine practice, but contamination would be unusual absent a manufacturing incident.
Source: FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
This product does not list formaldehyde or releasers (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea) on the published ingredient list. The preserved aqueous base does not require these agents for typical shelf stability.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Redken Acidic Color Gloss is a water-based shampoo designed to maintain color-treated hair using mild surfactants and conditioning polymers at a controlled low pH (around 3.5-4.5). The acidic formula is intended to close the hair cuticle and reduce color fading, not to pose chemical risk. Typical aqueous shampoo formulations rinse away completely and do not accumulate in skin or organs, making dermal or systemic exposure minimal during normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Redken (owned by L'Oreal) does not publicly disclose full ingredient sourcing, allergen testing protocols, or heavy metal screening data on this product page. The brand has not faced major safety recalls for this shampoo line. Redken lists ingredients on packaging (compliant with cosmetic labeling law) but does not provide independent third-party safety certifications or transparency beyond regulatory minimum.
How it compares in its category
Acidic color-maintenance shampoos are a standard category; this product's formulation approach (sulfate-free, pH-buffered) is mainstream and not outlier in composition. Compared to premium salon lines, Redken is mass-market but does not use known problematic ingredients like high-ppm heavy metals or discontinued allergens. Some indie or certified organic alternatives offer fuller disclosure, but this product does not stand out as higher-risk within professional shampoo lines.
If you buy it
Use as directed on damp hair, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not ingest or apply to broken skin. Store at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve formula stability. Discontinue use if scalp irritation or allergic reaction develops (itching, burning, rash). Replace when empty; no shelf-life extension applies after opening. Keep out of eyes; rinse immediately if contact occurs.
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
- Redken has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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Limited concern
Mechanical irritation from crystal size and shape
Moderate concern
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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.
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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.