Verb Dandruff Shampoo
Lower concern; typical liquid shampoo with no known PFAS pathway, but brand offers no transparency.
This aqueous cosmetic lacks the water-resistant, stain-resistant, or nonstick properties that require PFAS. Verb doesn't publicly disclose PFAS avoidance; review ingredients for any fluorinated compounds.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo solution; standard cosmetic preservatives and surfactants
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Verb Dandruff Shampoo is made of, ingredients and materials
Verb Dandruff Shampoo is an aqueous surfactant-based formulation designed to address scalp flaking via anti-dandruff actives (likely zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid, common in this category). The product contains standard cosmetic preservatives and emulsifiers typical of mass-market liquid shampoos. Aqueous solutions present minimal risk for leaching or degradation compared to solid formulations or those with volatile components.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
1,4-dioxane (preservative contaminant)
Liquid shampoos sometimes contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylated surfactants, though modern manufacturing controls limit this. No specific test results for Verb Dandruff Shampoo are publicly available; typical commercial shampoos show minimal to undetectable levels if well-manufactured.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some preservative systems (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) release small amounts of formaldehyde. Verb's ingredient list would need to be cross-checked; many mainstream brands have phased these out in favor of gentler systems, but absence of public disclosure prevents certainty here.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens
Shampoos include fragrance compounds to mask the odor of actives and preservatives. Verb does not disclose fragrance ingredient breakdown on typical retail labeling. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or scalp inflammation should perform patch testing before full use.
Scalp irritation from active ingredients
Dandruff shampoo actives (zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid) are well-established but can cause drying, burning, or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. This is a known category risk, not specific to Verb, but worth monitoring during initial use.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
Shampoos typically contain minimal added pigments; dandruff shampoos are usually opaque white or light yellow from actives and suspended minerals, not synthetic colorants. No specific contamination reports exist for Verb products in this category.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Verb is a consumer haircare brand without major publicly documented recalls or safety controversies on record. The brand does not actively promote third-party certifications (e.g., EWG verification, cruelty-free badges) or publish detailed ingredient sourcing and safety data sheets. Product labeling includes a standard ingredient list but lacks extended transparency statements on preservative systems or heavy metal testing, which is typical, though not exceptional, for the category.
How it compares in its category
Dandruff shampoos vary widely in active-ingredient choice and preservative robustness. Verb's formulation sits in the mainstream commercial tier, neither premium (with third-party testing) nor budget basement (with higher contamination risk historically). Competitors like Head and Shoulders and Nizoral have more extensive safety documentation; indie brands sometimes offer cleaner preservative profiles but less regulatory oversight.
If you buy it
Use as directed on the label, typically 2-3 times weekly; avoid leaving concentrate on scalp for extended periods to minimize irritation risk. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve preservative efficacy. Discontinue use if rash, burning, or unusual flaking develops and consult a dermatologist. Replace bottle if seal is compromised or product shows visible discoloration or separation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Verb has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.