Verb Volume Shampoo
Lower concern cosmetic; no known PFAS driver in liquid shampoo formula, but no public disclosure or testing.
This rinse-off liquid cosmetic lacks Teflon-family coating, waterproofing treatments, or nonstick coatings where PFAS typically appear. The brand makes no PFAS claims and provides no third-party testing.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base, surfactants, polymers
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 sensitizers
Verb Volume Shampoo lists 'fragrance' as a proprietary blend without ingredient-level disclosure. Common shampoo fragrances may include limonene, linalool, or other terpenes known to cause contact dermatitis or scalp irritation in sensitive individuals. Risk is individual; test on a small area first.
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing byproduct
Surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can be contaminated with trace 1,4-dioxane during ethoxylation. Verb does not disclose whether surfactants are distilled or tested for this byproduct. Risk is typically low (<10 ppm) in finished products, but no independent testing on record for this brand.
Eye irritation from surfactant concentration
Like all shampoos, this product contains surfactants that can cause mild to moderate eye stinging or irritation if not rinsed promptly or if splashed directly into eyes. This is a use-risk, not a formulation defect. Avoid contact with eyes during application.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Standard shampoo preservative systems typically use methyl/propyl parabens or phenoxyethanol rather than formaldehyde-releasing agents (e.g., DMDM hydantoin). No public record indicates Verb uses formaldehyde donors, but ingredient list is not fully disclosed.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Liquid shampoos rarely use mineral pigments or colorants that accumulate heavy metals. Verb Volume Shampoo does not list added dyes beyond standard FD&C or CI numbers, which are regulated. Risk is minimal in this product class.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Verb Volume Shampoo is an aqueous formulation based on mild surfactants designed to cleanse without stripping natural oils. The product contains water, anionic and amphoteric surfactants, conditioning polymers, and standard cosmetic preservatives and fragrance. Liquid shampoos at neutral pH with surfactant-based cleansing systems carry significantly lower chemical risk than bar formulations or products with heavy silicone or resin loads, as they rinse completely.
The brand's record and disclosure
Verb is a relatively young, direct-to-consumer haircare brand owned by Unilever subsidiary. The brand does not publicly disclose ingredient testing data, allergen warnings beyond standard labeling, or third-party certifications (no cruelty-free, vegan, or dermatologist-tested claims on record). No recalls, safety controversies, or regulatory actions against Verb products are documented in public databases. The brand's transparency on PFAS, heavy metals, or formaldehyde testing is silent.
How it compares in its category
Verb Volume Shampoo sits in the mainstream commercial shampoo segment, functionally similar to brands like SheaMoisture, Cantu, or drugstore labels. It avoids heavy sulfates (SLES/SLS are not listed as primary surfactants) and silicone overload compared to some premium lines, making it a mid-range choice. Most mass-market shampoos of this type carry comparable ingredient profiles and safety profiles; differentiation is largely in marketing and fragrance rather than hazard reduction.
If you buy it
Use as directed on the package: wet hair, apply, massage, rinse thoroughly. No heat exposure during use (shampoo itself requires no heating). Store at room temperature away from extreme heat or direct sunlight to preserve preservative efficacy and prevent separation. Replace when empty or if odor, color, or consistency changes unexpectedly. If scalp irritation, itching, or rash develops, discontinue and consult a dermatologist; do not assume the product is at fault without patch testing.
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
- Verb has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Shampoo
Credo Beauty
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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.