Collection: Shampoo Ingredients

Put simply, solid shampoo works just as liquid shampoo in most cases because it contains the same types of ingredients. Both contain surfactants - a substance that helps to remove dirt and oil from the hair - one in solid form, and one in liquid. In the case of the former, all you’ll have to do is lather up and apply to the hair, just like liquid shampoo. In both cases, the process of lathering helps create foam and distribute the shampoo throughout the hair. Additionally, solid shampoos often contain conditioning ingredients, like oils and butters, that help to nourish and moisturise the hair, just like liquid shampoos.

Solid shampoos are a brilliant option for those looking to reduce their impact on the environment, as they require no plastic bottles for storage. Simply lather, clean, and go! 

Parabens are a common form of cosmetic preservatives seen in store-bought shampoos all over the world. Their main role in haircare formulations is to extend shelf lives - protecting against the growth of microbes and bacteria often seen in humid environments like bathrooms and showers. 

As great as their abilities sound, parabens have been known to penetrate the protective barriers of the hair shaft, potentially disrupting the delicate ecosystem of scalps and strands everywhere. 

The good news is that there are plenty of more natural preservative options, such as Geogard Ultra, out there. Why not browse our shampoo-specific collection above?

Creating your own shampoo using a base is a breeze! Our makers love getting creative - but how exactly do they take their products from ready-made to bespoke? 

After selecting your desired shampoo base, whether solid or liquid, our team recommend heating and mixing in your desired fragrances and essential oils, remembering a little goes a long way! 

Mix it all together, and voila! You've concocted your very own custom shampoo, perfect for sudsing up and smoothing out your locks. Of course, this guidance is just general - be sure to follow a full recipe with ratios and processes for the best possible results! 

Making your own shampoo can be a brilliant-cost saving alternative to buying in-store. Why? Well, crafting your own haircare products is much more simple than most people might think!

You’ll be able to buy your base ingredients - either separately or pre-mixed, with relative ease. Most basic options are relatively inexpensive, plus, you’ll be able to buy in bulk - cutting your cost per bottle, and even per wash! As with most products, making in big batches can be hugely cost-effective. 

In addition to this, you won’t have to pay for the packaging, branding, or marketing costs factored into mass-produced shampoo - but the benefits don’t end there. You’ll also have full creative control over your own products, meaning everything from the ingredients and properties to the final scent is down to you!

When it comes to haircare - particularly when creating your own formulations, it’s very important to be mindful of your chosen ingredients and their effects - as some can prove more detrimental than they are useful! One thing to keep in mind when writing up your next recipe is build-up - a common cause of flat, lifeless, and unhealthy-looking hair. 

The most common buildup ingredient offender is silicone, often found in conventional shampoos. Whilst great for smoothing, detangling, and volumising, this additive can leave a stubborn, heavy residue prone to weighing down locks for months or years at a time. Another culprit is sulphates - known for stripping hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to buildup. 

As unfortunate as this information is, don’t despair! There are plenty of ingredients out there able to be washed off just as easily as they were applied. 

SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is big business in the commercial shampoo world. It’s commonly seen in ingredients lists acting as everything from a foaming agent to a surfactant - but, despite its wondrous bubbling abilities, can be incredibly harsh on hair and skin. 

In short, SLS’s main downsides come in the form of its drying nature. Whilst it’s great at lathering up and stripping away dirt, it’s also a little too good at removing the hair’s natural oils, causing damage to the protective cuticle layer. This can lead to dry, frizzy, and brittle hair more prone to breakage. To add to this, some people suffer SLS sensitivity, meaning it can cause issues not only for their hair, but also their scalp and skin - leading to anything from redness to skin irritation.  

Many of our makers have chosen to go SLS-free! Why not opt to create your own shampoo with natural ingredients perfect for keeping hair and skin in tip-top condition?

Whilst shampoo making might seem like a relatively simple process, there’s one element that can be a little tricky to perfect - lather. In order to mimic the lush, frothy suds of store-bought shampoos, you’ll need to get your ingredient ratios just right. Foaming agents are a good place to start - but be sure to keep things as natural and mild as possible. Whilst SLS may provide great results, it’s known to be very harsh on the hair. Try swapping it out for SLSA for a gentler bubbly boost! 

Whipping up a homemade shampoo? Adding a scent is the perfect finishing touch. Essential oils are a popular choice thanks to the wide range of aromas they offer! Remember to double-check the amount of oil your recipe requires – a few drops go a long way! Always do a patch test first to ensure there's no allergic reaction.

Why not try refreshing scents like peppermint, tea tree, or lemongrass for an early morning pick-me-up, or calming lavender for those all-important relaxing evening showers?

SLSA is a gentle, natural surfactant that provides a rich, stable lather in bath bombs, shampoos and other cosmetics. In the soap and cosmetics making community, it’s gained a positive reputation thanks to its mildness - making it a good alternative to SLS for many ‘sensitive skin’ recipes. These properties are carried over from its coconut and palm oil base - both of which contribute to its ability to produce a thick, creamy lather. 

Appearance-wise, this surfactant is a white powder relatively fine in grain size - think somewhere between bicarbonate of soda and citric acid.