Shampoo Ingredients - Are they safe if you can't pronounce them?

Sometimes customers are concerned by the ingredient list on their shampoo label, assuming that unfamiliar names must indicate harmful chemicals. While that can be true with some products, it’s not the case with Pure Anada shampoo. We use a selection of gentle surfactants derived through green chemistry—rather than synthetic, toxic ingredients that may contain contaminants or are known to cause skin and eye irritation.

What this means is that the ingredients we source may have “chemical”-sounding names. However, they are cleaner and greener—and necessary in order to create a proper shampoo product.

Why can’t you just clean your hair with regular soap?

To clean your hair effectively, you need a surfactant. These are the ingredients that break down oil, dirt, and debris by lowering the surface tension between liquids. We can’t use traditional “soap” (like saponified oils) in our formulas because it can cause buildup, leaving hair heavy and dull. Have you ever tried it? It doesn’t work well on hair. Saponified oils can be in liquid form (such as castile soap) or solid (like our handmade soap bars). Since this isn’t a functional option for a shampoo product, we choose mild, biodegradable surfactants that rinse clean and leave your hair soft and refreshed.

Our newest shampoo formulation from Farmapothecary (a Pure Anada sister brand), features locally sourced honey which functions as a natural humectant for your hair. 

     

Glossary of Key Ingredients in Pure Anada Shampoo

For those of you who like to geek out on ingredients, below is a list of raw materials we use in Pure Anada shampoo (both liquid and bars), as well as the new Farmapothecary Shampoo, which features local honey and Canadian seabuckthorn.

The surfactants we use in all of our shampoos are safer and healthier for your skin and body. They are all approved for use in Ecocert/COSMOS-certified products—the highest standard of purity for cosmetic products. So you can rest assured that you’re making the best choice for you and your family!

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – A foaming agent and cleanser derived from coconut oil. Adds lather and cleansing power without harshness. A great alternative to sulfates.

Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate & Lauryl Glucoside – A natural, sugar-based surfactant made from coconut oil and starch. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and very mild—perfect for sensitive skin and scalps.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – A gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil. Creates a rich, creamy lather and cleanses effectively without stripping natural oils—ideal for a soft, smooth finish. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate – A naturally derived surfactant from coconut and palm oils. A safe, gentle alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which can irritate the skin and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen). Fun fact: Despite the similar name, this molecule is much larger and less likely to cause irritation. *Found in Pure Anada Shampoo Bars only. 

Sodium Coco-Sulfate  – A surfactant derived from coconut oil. Offers effective cleansing and rich lather, but is milder than traditional sulfates like SLS or SLES. *Found in Pure Anada Shampoo Bars only. 

Glyceryl Stearate – A natural emulsifier from vegetable oils. Helps bind water and oils in the formula, creating a smooth texture and softening the hair.

Glycerin  – A natural humectant (moisture-attracting agent) derived from vegetable oils. Draws moisture into the hair and scalp, keeping them hydrated and preventing dryness. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, making it ideal for all hair types.

Honey (Farmapothecary Shampoo) – A natural humectant produced by bees from the nectar of flowers—locally sourced. Helps attract and retain moisture in the hair and scalp while offering soothing, conditioning, and antioxidant benefits.

Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum & Pullulan – A natural blend of plant-based thickeners, film formers, and emulsifiers. Creates a smooth, stable texture in our shampoos and helps deliver active ingredients evenly across the hair and scalp. Adds a light conditioning effect without weighing hair down.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – A form of vitamin B5 that moisturizes and strengthens hair. Helps reduce split ends, protects against heat damage, and improves hair texture over time.

Lactobacillus Ferment – A natural preservative alternative made from probiotics. Protects the product from bacteria and spoilage—just like the fermentation in kimchi or sauerkraut, but for your shampoo!

      

Pure Anada Shampoo Bars - a concentrated blend of eco-certified surfactants.