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Found: A Non-Toxic Shampoo That Makes Your Hair Silky Smooth Sans Iffy Ingredients

Braelyn Wood
Author:
August 02, 2025
Braelyn Wood
mbg Deputy Commerce Editor
By Braelyn Wood
mbg Deputy Commerce Editor
Braelyn Wood is the Deputy Commerce Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University, along with a certificate in marketing.
women washing hair next to zuma nutrition
Image by Trinette Reed/Stocksy / mbg creative
August 02, 2025
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Every time I'm browsing new shampoo options, I flip over the bottle and scan the ingredient label—and within seconds, I’m lost in a sea of unpronounceable words. The formulas read like mini science experiments, and I can't help but wonder whether my hair and scalp really benefit from every ingredient.

Here's why I care: Your scalp skin is highly absorbent. Research shows that absorption is faster on your scalp than on other body parts due to your hair follicles. They help products bypass the scalp's skin barrier (which is already weaker than the rest of your skin).

Once you learn this fun fact, it's nearly impossible to willingly put iffy ingredients on your scalp, which is why I'm a huge fan of Zuma Nutrition's Organic and Wildcrafted Shampoo and Conditioner.

Made with organic ingredients you can actually pronounce, the best-selling formulas promote a healthy scalp and smooth, shiny strands. The best part? The shampoo is so gentle, it doubles as a face wash. How's that for trustworthy ingredients?

Zuma Nutrition

Organic and Wild-Crafted Shampoo

$40
Zuma Nutrition Organic Shampoo Bottle with blue lable

Organic & Wild-Crafted Conditioner

$40
Zuma Nutrition Organic Condiitoner Bottle with pink label

What's lurking in your shampoo

Parabens

Many companies have ditched these preservatives, which prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Research suggests parabens can act as endocrine disruptors, or chemicals that may interfere with hormone function, by mimicking estrogen in the body. Studies link high paraben counts to metabolic syndromes1 and fertility issues—though they're also wreaking havoc on the environment2.

Sulfates

Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are detergents that create lather and help clean oil and dirt from hair. While research has debunked these additions as carcinogenic, these harsh additives can strip away natural oils from your scalp. This can exacerbate conditions like eczema or rosacea.

What I love about Zuma Nutrition’s hair care

If you’ve been searching for hair care that supports your strands without impacting your overall well-being, Zuma Nutrition’s plant-based shampoo and conditioner deliver. The biodegradable formulas skip synthetic chemicals in favor of organic or wildcrafted ingredients such as hypoallergenic soap nuts, spring water, plant enzymes, and antioxidants.

My favorite thing about these products—beyond the simplified ingredient list—is that they're focused on nourishing healthy hair where it truly begins: the scalp. The gentle, plant-based cleansers work together with the probiotics and nutrient-rich botanicals to help keep your scalp balanced and hydrated. By supporting the skin’s natural microbiome and calming irritation, they create the ideal environment for stronger, shinier strands to thrive. 

Zuma shampoo & conditioner bottle in shower on shelf
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative

My honest take after swapping to Zuma

I’ve been washing and conditioning with Zuma’s hair care exclusively for two weeks now, and I'm genuinely impressed with these clean formulas. While I was initially thrown by the products' texture and colors—a thin, runny consistency in different shades of brown—I quickly learned the color was no indication of performance.

After testing out the products exclusively for two weeks, I can confidently say these hair care staples are:

Gentle but effective

Oftentimes, clean shampoos fail to lather well due to the lack of SLS. This non-toxic formula still has a slight lather, which helps to coat your strands from root to tip without aggressive foam. While less lather meant I had to use slightly more product, I still felt a little bit went a long way due to the thinner consistency.

And the conditioner? Lightweight but deeply hydrating; it didn’t leave buildup or heaviness. In fact, didn’t need a clarifying wash mid‑week, which is historically unheard‑of for me.

testers hair on first and third wash day side-by-side after using zuma
Author's hair on wash day and three days later.
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative

Great for styling

Another issue with many clean shampoo formulas? They leave my strands feeling straw-like. This duo manages to clean your hair without stripping it. This meant I could skip my typical post-shower leave-in conditioner—yet my strands still felt soft and silky.

Plus, my air-dried hair looked incredible. It felt soft and silky with just the right amount of volume. No hot tools necessary.

Transparent and truthful

I love that there's no hidden ingredients or “greenwashing” with Zuma Nutrition—what’s on the label is what’s inside. You won't find any synthetic chemicals or hard-to-source fragrances here. Instead those with sensitive scalps or acne-prone skin can feel safe using this eco-friendly formula.

(Writer's Note: I don't think all chemicals are bad! But I like that I can skip the work of figuring out which ones I'm comfortable with using when I opt for Zuma Nutrition!)

Zuma Nutrition

Organic and Wild-Crafted Shampoo

$40
Zuma Nutrition Organic Shampoo Bottle with blue lable

Organic & Wild-Crafted Conditioner

$40
Zuma Nutrition Organic Condiitoner Bottle with pink label

The takeaway

Finding a hair care that doesn’t strip, irritate, or feel like a chemistry experiment is rare—but Zuma’s plant‑based shampoo and conditioner are the exception. Made with organic, wildcrafted ingredients, it delivers clean and effective care without synthetic chemicals. Best of all, it actually works! My hair feels silky smooth (not straw-like!) with just the right amount of volume.