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Our top EWG verified shampoo pick: ATTITUDE Extra Gentle Unscented — EWG VERIFIED® certified, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for all hair types and sensitive scalps. Prefer scented? ATTITUDE Clarifying (Lemon Leaves) is our #2. All 8 picks below.

Most conventional shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), synthetic fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) flags as ingredients of concern. EWG, an independent nonprofit, evaluates personal care products through its Skin Deep® database and its strictest certification: the EWG VERIFIED® mark. Products earning EWG VERIFIED® status have passed EWG’s full screening process — including complete fragrance ingredient disclosure and compliance with EWG’s list of unacceptable ingredients. If you’re searching for the best EWG VERIFIED® shampoo for your family, you’re in the right place. Below are eight top picks: seven EWG VERIFIED® shampoos spanning clarifying, moisturizing, curl-care, and gentle unscented formulas (from ATTITUDE, Avalon Organics, and Wellnesse), plus one top-rated EWG Skin Deep® LOW HAZARD pick for volume — all available on Amazon.

Quick Picks: Top EWG VERIFIED® Shampoos

ProductEWG StatusPrice RangeLink
ATTITUDE Clarifying Shampoo (Lemon Leaves)EWG VERIFIED®~$10–$14Check price →
ATTITUDE Moisture Rich Shampoo (Quinoa & Jojoba)EWG VERIFIED®~$10–$14Check price →
ATTITUDE Nourishing Shampoo (Grapeseed & Olive)EWG VERIFIED®~$10–$14Check price →
ATTITUDE Extra Gentle Shampoo (Unscented)EWG VERIFIED®~$10–$14Check price →
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon ShampooEWG VERIFIED®~$9–$13Check price →
Wellnesse Smoothing Shampoo (Wavy/Curly)EWG VERIFIED®~$13–$17Check price →
100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing ShampooLOW HAZARD on EWG Skin Deep®~$14–$18Check price →

What Does EWG VERIFIED® Mean for Shampoo?

The EWG VERIFIED® mark on a shampoo means the product has met EWG’s full screening process: complete ingredient transparency (including fragrance components), no use of ingredients on EWG’s “Unacceptable” list, and good manufacturing practice compliance. It is a stricter bar than simply appearing on EWG Skin Deep® with a low score.

For shampoos specifically, EWG flags common concerns including:

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) — harsh surfactants associated with scalp irritation
  • Synthetic fragrance (“fragrance” or “parfum”) — can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals, some of which EWG flags as allergens or endocrine disruptors
  • Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) — preservatives flagged by EWG for potential hormonal activity
  • DMDM hydantoin / quaternium-15 — formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
  • PEG compounds — potential contamination and penetration-enhancement concerns

EWG VERIFIED® shampoos avoid all of these. For more on how the rating system works, see: EWG VERIFIED® vs. Conventional: What the Score Means. Looking for an EWG verified conditioner to pair with your shampoo? See our best EWG VERIFIED® conditioner guide.

Our Top Picks

1. ATTITUDE Clarifying Shampoo, Lemon Leaves & White Tea — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

ATTITUDE’s Clarifying Shampoo is the pick for anyone dealing with product buildup or oily roots. Lemon leaves and white tea give the formula a brightening, clarifying action — and the scent comes from naturally sourced ingredients, not synthetic fragrance. Like all ATTITUDE hair care, it’s formulated with naturally derived ingredients, is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan. EWG VERIFIED® status covers the full ATTITUDE Super Leaves and hair care line. At ~$10–$14 for 16 fl oz, it’s among the most affordable EWG VERIFIED® shampoos available in a full-size format.

Best for: Oily or fine hair that needs clarifying; anyone who wants an EWG VERIFIED® shampoo with natural fragrance at an accessible price.

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2. ATTITUDE Moisture Rich Shampoo, Quinoa & Jojoba — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

ATTITUDE’s Moisture Rich Shampoo is formulated for dry or damaged hair. The quinoa and jojoba pairing brings both protein strengthening and lipid-rich hydration — a dual-action approach to restoring hair that’s been weathered by heat styling, chemical treatments, or hard water. EWG VERIFIED®, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Same 16 fl oz size and ~$10–$14 price range as the Clarifying variant, making it easy to switch between ATTITUDE shampoos based on seasonal hair needs without giving up EWG VERIFIED® status.

Best for: Dry or damaged hair; anyone who wants a moisture-focused EWG VERIFIED® shampoo with protein-rich ingredients.

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3. ATTITUDE Nourishing Shampoo, Grapeseed Oil & Olive Leaves — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

ATTITUDE’s Nourishing Shampoo is formulated for everyday use, with grapeseed oil (lightweight and high in antioxidants) and olive leaf extract for scalp conditioning. It’s the most versatile of the ATTITUDE shampoo range — suitable for normal-to-dry hair that needs regular maintenance without a heavy conditioning effect. EWG VERIFIED®, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan. If you’re looking for an EWG VERIFIED® daily shampoo that works across hair types, this is the most practical starting point.

Best for: Everyday use, normal-to-dry hair, first-time buyers of the ATTITUDE line who want a versatile EWG VERIFIED® option.

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4. ATTITUDE Extra Gentle Shampoo, Unscented — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

For anyone with scalp sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, or a preference for completely unscented products, ATTITUDE’s Extra Gentle Shampoo is the pick. Formulated to soothe a dry or irritated scalp, it’s built with naturally derived ingredients and zero added fragrance — not even naturally sourced botanical scents. EWG VERIFIED®, hypoallergenic, sulfate-free, and vegan. At the same ~$10–$14 price point as the rest of the line, it’s the go-to for sensitive scalp users who don’t want to compromise on EWG VERIFIED® status.

Best for: Sensitive or reactive scalps; fragrance-free households; parents who want to use the same EWG VERIFIED® shampoo as their baby-safe line.

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5. Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

Avalon Organics is one of the most-referenced clean beauty brands in EWG’s database, and their Clarifying Lemon Shampoo carries the full EWG VERIFIED® mark — meaning it has met EWG’s complete ingredient transparency standard, including full disclosure of fragrance components, and avoids every ingredient on EWG’s “Unacceptable” list. Made with certified organic botanicals including lemon essential oil and white willow bark, it is free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh sulfates. At ~$9–$13, the Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo is among the most affordably priced EWG VERIFIED® shampoos on Amazon from a widely distributed brand, making it an accessible entry point for budget-conscious shoppers who want the full VERIFIED® mark.

Allergenicity note: This formula contains naturally derived citrus terpenes (limonene, citral, linalool), which the EU requires to be declared as potential allergens and which EWG individually flags for contact allergen potential. These ingredients do not affect the product’s EWG VERIFIED® status, but those with fragrance sensitivity or contact dermatitis may prefer the unscented ATTITUDE Extra Gentle Shampoo (Row 4) instead.

Best for: Budget shoppers who want full EWG VERIFIED® status; oily or buildup-prone hair; those comfortable with natural citrus fragrance.

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6. ATTITUDE Nourishing Hair Shampoo, Grapeseed Oil & Olive Leaves — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

ATTITUDE’s Nourishing Shampoo combines grapeseed oil and olive leaf extract in a plant- and mineral-based formula designed specifically for dry and damaged hair. It carries the EWG VERIFIED® mark — full ingredient disclosure, no ingredients on EWG’s Unacceptable list, and good manufacturing practice compliance. The formula is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan, and has been dermatologically tested. At ~$13–$14 for 16 fl oz, it delivers strong value among VERIFIED shampoos in the nourishing-care category.

ATTITUDE is one of the most consistently EWG VERIFIED® personal care brands on the market, with multiple shampoos and body products holding the mark. The Nourishing Shampoo is the best ATTITUDE option for hair that needs extra moisture and repair support — the grapeseed and olive leaf combination provides botanical nourishment without a heavy coating feel that can weigh fine hair down.

Best for: Dry or damaged hair; anyone seeking a nourishing EWG VERIFIED® shampoo with a botanical formula; those who prefer grapeseed and olive leaf over citrus or floral fragrance profiles.

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7. Wellnesse Smoothing Shampoo for Wavy & Curly Hair, Coconut & Verbena Leaf — EWG VERIFIED®

EWG status: EWG VERIFIED®

This is the only EWG VERIFIED® shampoo on this list formulated specifically for wavy and curly hair textures. Wellnesse’s Smoothing Shampoo uses coconut and verbena leaf to cleanse without stripping the natural oils that coiled and wavy strands depend on to hold their pattern. For curl-sensitive hair, sulfate-free is a prerequisite but not sufficient on its own — the formula also needs to be low-lather and moisturizing enough not to rough up the cuticle layer or trigger frizz at the root. Wellnesse’s Smoothing Shampoo is built with that balance in mind, and achieves it while holding EWG VERIFIED® status: no synthetic fragrance masking, no ingredients from EWG’s Unacceptable list, and complete ingredient transparency submitted to EWG directly.

The ATTITUDE shampoos on this list cover oily, moisture-rich, nourishing, and sensitive scalp needs well — but none target curl or wave-pattern hair specifically. Wellnesse Smoothing Shampoo fills that gap at EWG VERIFIED® level, making it the go-to for wavy and curly households that don’t want to trade down from VERIFIED® status to find a formula that works with their texture.

Best for: Wavy, curly, or textured hair; anyone who finds standard sulfate-free formulas still cause frizz; households that need a curl-conscious EWG VERIFIED® option.

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8. 100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo — EWG Skin Deep Low Hazard

EWG status: LOW HAZARD on EWG Skin Deep® (not EWG VERIFIED®)

100% Pure is a brand built on food-grade, fruit-pigmented, and botanically derived formulations, and their Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo carries a LOW HAZARD rating on EWG Skin Deep®. It has not been submitted through EWG’s active brand certification program (EWG VERIFIED®), but it holds a favorable position in EWG’s publicly available Skin Deep® database. The formula is sulfate-free, paraben-free, PEG-free, and free of artificial fragrance. Sea kelp delivers scalp-nourishing minerals and trace elements; peppermint provides the tingly, scalp-stimulating sensation that volumizing formulas rely on for the perception of added lift at the root. The 8 fl oz format is an accessible first-purchase size to test the formula before committing to a larger bottle.

This is the volumizing-specific pick on the list — a goal none of the EWG VERIFIED® shampoos above specifically address. If you want a volume-focused formula and are comfortable with the EWG Skin Deep® LOW HAZARD tier rather than the EWG VERIFIED® mark, 100% Pure Kelp & Mint is the right pick. We label it clearly so you know exactly which tier you’re buying in.

Allergenicity note: This formula uses concentrated botanical extracts and essential oils. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity or contact allergies should patch-test before regular use.

Best for: Fine hair that needs body and volume; anyone who wants an EWG Skin Deep® LOW HAZARD volumizing option; first-time 100% Pure buyers.

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How We Chose These Shampoos

Every shampoo on this list is either EWG VERIFIED® (Rows 1–7) or listed on EWG Skin Deep® with a LOW HAZARD rating (Row 8 only). We prioritized products that are:

  • EWG VERIFIED® where available — the highest rating in EWG’s personal care product program, requiring full fragrance ingredient disclosure and compliance with EWG’s Unacceptable ingredient list
  • Sulfate-free — gentler on the scalp and color-treated hair
  • Paraben-free — avoiding preservatives flagged by EWG for potential hormonal activity
  • Fragrance-free or naturally scented — synthetic fragrance is a top-flagged category in EWG’s database
  • Diverse in format — covering clarifying, moisturizing, curl-care, sensitive/unscented, and volumizing hair needs so there’s a right pick for each hair type
  • Amazon availability so you can compare prices, sizes, and subscribe-and-save options

We are not affiliated with EWG and do not independently evaluate product ingredients. All EWG ratings cited are EWG’s publicly available assessments. For EWG VERIFIED® status specifically, EWG conducts the active brand review — we report their mark; we do not certify products ourselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is EWG VERIFIED® shampoo better than an EWG Skin Deep® score of 1?
These are two different things. A score of 1 on EWG Skin Deep® means EWG’s database shows low hazard concern for the listed ingredients. The EWG VERIFIED® mark is a more active process: the brand submits full ingredient details (including fragrance components) to EWG for review. It requires more transparency than a good public score alone. A product can score 1 on Skin Deep without being EWG VERIFIED®.

Q: Can EWG VERIFIED® shampoos be used daily?
Yes. EWG VERIFIED® doesn’t say anything about frequency of use — it’s an ingredient assessment. Whether to wash daily, every other day, or less frequently depends on your hair type, scalp, and lifestyle. A gentle, sulfate-free formula like ATTITUDE’s Extra Gentle is specifically designed for frequent use.

Q: Are EWG VERIFIED® shampoos suitable for color-treated hair?
Sulfate-free formulas are generally better for color-treated hair than sulfate-containing ones, since sulfates can strip color faster. All the EWG VERIFIED® shampoos on this list are sulfate-free. That said, “color-safe” isn’t a designation EWG uses — check individual product labels for that claim.

Q: Why is Row 8 (100% Pure) included if it’s not EWG VERIFIED®?
The EWG Skin Deep® LOW HAZARD rating is a meaningful signal in its own right: it reflects EWG’s publicly available database assessment of a product’s ingredient profile. We included 100% Pure Kelp & Mint specifically because it fills a volumizing use-case that no EWG VERIFIED® shampoo on the list covers. We label it clearly as “LOW HAZARD on EWG Skin Deep®” — never as EWG VERIFIED® — so you know exactly which tier you’re buying in and can make an informed decision.

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Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with EWG.

EWG ratings reflect the Environmental Working Group’s independent assessments and are not safety guarantees. NonToxicFinder is not affiliated with or endorsed by EWG.