SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Lower concern, standard shampoo with no known fluorochemical triggers.
This plant-oil shampoo lacks waterproofing, nonstick, or stain-resistance claims that would require PFAS coatings. The ingredient profile of coconut oil, botanicals, and surfactants aligns with formulations unlikely to contain intentional fluorochemicals, with no recalls.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water, coconut oil, hibiscus extract, mild surfactants (typical shampoo 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
Coconut & Hibiscus scent is achieved through fragrance blends; SheaMoisture does not disclose fragrance components or allergen thresholds. Individuals with contact dermatitis or fragrance sensitivity may experience scalp irritation, though rinse-off exposure limits risk compared to leave-on products.
Skin irritation from surfactant residue
Even mild surfactants can cause scalp dryness or irritation in sensitive individuals if not rinsed thoroughly or used in hard water. SheaMoisture markets this line as conditioning, which suggests lower sulfate content, but brand does not confirm exact surfactant type or concentration.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Preservative system contaminants (e.g., 1,4-dioxane)
No recall or testing data links SheaMoisture shampoos to 1,4-dioxane contamination. Mild surfactant formulas typically use safer preservatives than those prone to dioxane formation, but brand does not publish third-party testing to confirm levels.
Heavy metals
Hibiscus extract and coconut oil are not known sources of lead, cadmium, or arsenic at levels of concern in rinsed shampoo products. No regulatory alerts or recalls on record for this product or line.
Source: FDA ↗Microplastics
This formulation is not marketed as containing exfoliating beads or microbeads; coconut oil and plant extracts are the primary active ingredients, with no evidence of synthetic polymer particles.
Source: EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus is a water-based shampoo formulated with coconut oil (emollient), hibiscus extract (conditioning agent), and mild anionic surfactants typical of mass-market shampoos. The formula contains no silicones, sulfates, or heavy conditioning agents that typically trigger leaching concerns in rinse-off products. Because shampoo spends seconds to minutes on scalp and hair before rinsing, systemic absorption risk is minimal even for marginal contaminants.
The brand's record and disclosure
SheaMoisture publishes ingredient lists transparently and has no documented recalls or regulatory actions related to heavy metals, formaldehyde, or fragrance allergens. The brand does not highlight PFAS avoidance or testing, consistent with most shampoo makers who face no mandatory disclosure. No third-party certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny) appear on packaging, but absence of certification does not signal a safety gap for this product class.
How it compares in its category
This shampoo sits in the mainstream sulfate-free segment, competing with brands like SheaMoisture's own variants and products from Cantu, Carol's Daughter, and Creme of Nature. It avoids the most aggressive chemical treatments (permanent color, perms) and uses gentler surfactants than classic sodium lauryl sulfate formulas. Preservative systems and fragrance blends are standard for the category, with no reason to expect higher contamination than peers.
If you buy it
Use as directed: wet hair, apply, lather, rinse thoroughly with water. No special handling needed; shampoos are not heat-exposed or ingested. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth in the container, especially if you leave standing water inside. Replace when empty or if you notice separation, discoloration, or off odor, typically within 1 to 2 years of opening. Patch test on a small scalp area if you have a history of fragrance sensitivity.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- SheaMoisture 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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1,4-dioxane (surfactant byproduct)
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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
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1,4-dioxane (contaminant in ethoxylated surfactants)
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.