“Are Your Shampoo Bars All-Natural?” Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
- Kristina
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
One of the most common questions I get is: “Are your shampoo bars all-natural?”
It’s a great question — and one that doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer.
That’s because the word natural isn’t a regulated term. There’s no universal definition of what it really means, which makes it tricky for both makers and customers.
For some people, natural means ingredients that come directly from plants without any processing. For others, it means products that are free from harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. And then there are brands that label almost anything as “natural,” even when the ingredients have gone through extensive processing.
So the truth is: the answer depends on what you mean when you ask if something is natural.
My Not-So-Short Response
When customers ask me this question, I know they’re often hoping for a simple yes or no. But to be fully transparent, I need to give what I call my “not-so-short response.”
My shampoo bars are made with naturally derived ingredients. This means:
They start from natural raw materials, like coconut oil.
They are processed to become gentle, effective cleansers and conditioners.
Processed does not mean “harsh” or “bad.” There’s often a fear that anything with a scientific-sounding name must be synthetic or harmful — but that isn’t the case.
The main surfactants I use — Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) — are both ECOCERT and COSMOS approved, which means they are permitted in certified natural formulations.
They’re:
Gentle
Biodegradable
Carefully chosen because they deliver excellent performance while still meeting natural standards
For me, it’s about being clear and helping customers understand what’s really in their products, so they can make their own informed choice.
What About 100% Natural Soap Bars?
Some people believe that if a product isn’t 100% raw and untouched, it isn’t truly natural. If that’s your view, then yes — a traditional soap bar would be considered fully natural.
But here’s the problem:
Washing hair with soap-based bars can cause an immediate dull appearance and buildup.
Hair may look less smooth and shiny.
Over time, the high pH can actually damage the cuticle (the cuticle is the outer protective layer of the hair shaft).
So while soap bars may sound appealing in theory, they’re not the healthiest choice for long-term scalp and hair care.
That’s why I personally choose and recommend naturally derived shampoo bars over soap-based alternatives. They strike a healthy balance — being as natural as possible while still providing the gentle cleansing and conditioning performance that hair truly needs.
Why Transparency Matters
On my website, I list each ingredient in detail so you know exactly what’s inside. I believe in giving you the information so you can make your own informed choice — because what feels “natural enough” can be different for everyone.
It’s also worth noting that many brands call their bars “natural” while using the very same ingredients. Since the word is so loosely defined, I prefer to avoid the buzzword and instead explain clearly what my products are made from and why.
My Personal Choice
I’ve been passionate about natural living for years, and I’m very intentional about what I put on my skin and hair.
Even with that passion, I choose naturally derived shampoo bars over soap bars every time — because I know they’re safer for my scalp and ultimately better for my hair health in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The word natural can be confusing — and that’s okay. The most important thing is understanding what’s in your products and how they work.
My goal is to provide clarity, honesty, and transparency, so you can feel confident about the choices you’re making for yourself and your family.
Ready to Make Your Own Shampoo Bars?
If you’d love to go deeper and actually learn how to make high-performance, naturally derived shampoo and conditioner bars yourself, my Masterclass is the perfect place to start.
In the course, I guide you step by step, breaking down the process in a simple, approachable way — so you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create salon-quality bars at home.
Click here to explore the Masterclass and start your journey.
