Finding the best shampoo bars means balancing effective cleansing, scalp health, environmental impact, and value. We've reviewed five leading shampoo bars and solid shampoo options to help you choose the right bar shampoo for your hair type and values without compromising performance.

This guide evaluates shampoo bars based on ingredients, formulation type (surfactant-based vs. soap-based), health considerations for sensitive scalps and color treated hair, and environmental credentials including plastic free packaging and cruelty free certifications. Whether you have oily hair, dry hair, fine hair, or are looking for natural shampoo bars for damaged hair, you'll find clear recommendations backed by evidence.

 

What Are Shampoo Bars?

 

Shampoo bars, also called bar shampoo or solid shampoo bars, are concentrated solid shampoo alternatives to liquid shampoo sold in plastic bottles. Most best shampoo bars contain either synthetic surfactants (like sodium cocoyl isethionate) that function like traditional shampoo and conditioner, or are soap-based formulas made from saponified oils with nourishing oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil.

The primary advantage over bottled shampoo is environmental: In the United States alone, 550 million shampoo bottles end up in landfills every year, taking 450 years to decompose. These plastic bottles contribute significantly to plastic waste, with only 9% of all plastic ever produced having been recycled. Shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate plastic bottles entirely, offering plastic free shampoo bars wrapped in paper or compostable packaging.

One bar typically lasts 50-80 washes—equivalent to 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo—making solid shampoo bar options economical for all hair types, from oily hair to dry hair and fine hair.

 

Why Shampoo Bars Matter for Human Health

 

Avoiding Scalp Irritation with Gentler Formulas

 

One key health benefit when comparing natural shampoo bars to traditional shampoos and liquid shampoo is that many bar shampoo options minimize common irritants. Traditional shampoos can contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which dermatologists identify as potentially problematic for sensitive scalps.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sulfates for people with rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, or sensitive skin, as these surfactants can cause scalp irritation, dryness, and itchiness. Research testing 1,600 patients found 42% experienced irritant reactions to SLS.

Among shampoo bars reviewed here:

• HiBar explicitly removes fragrance and is pH-balanced, making it safer for sensitive scalps and sensitive skin

• BeNat contains essential oils and honey, which provide nourishing ingredients but may trigger reactions in some people with sensitive scalps

• Ethique includes fragrance and limonene, fine for many but not ideal for fragrance-sensitive users

Board-certified dermatologists note that sulfates strip natural oils from hair and scalp, leading to dryness, irritation, and damage—particularly affecting those with already dry hair, damaged hair, or coarser hair texture. This makes natural shampoo bars with gentler surfactants or unscented shampoo bar options valuable for maintaining scalp health and healthy hair growth.

 

Benefits for Color Treated Hair

 

Shampoo bars formulated without harsh sulfates help preserve color treated hair. Sulfates can accelerate color fading by removing dye molecules along with dirt and natural oils. Many best shampoo bars use milder surfactants like sodium cocoyl isethionate or natural shampoo formulations that clean effectively without stripping color, making them suitable for color treated hair maintenance.

 

Reducing Chemical Exposure

 

Many bottled shampoo formulas contain chemicals like triclosan and phthalates that build up in bodies and have been found in breast milk. By choosing natural shampoo bars or plastic free shampoo bars with cleaner ingredient lists, users reduce exposure to these compounds while supporting healthy hair growth and hair health.

 

Why Shampoo Bars Matter for the Environment

 

Eliminating Plastic Waste

 

The most immediate environmental benefit of shampoo and conditioner bars is eliminating plastic bottles. The beauty industry generated over 120 billion units of packaging in 2018, with a substantial portion ending up in landfills and oceans. National Geographic reports that plastic packaging on U.S. products has increased 120 times since 1960, with 70% piling up in landfills.

Solid shampoo bars wrapped in paper or compostable materials represent a plastic free alternative. Most best shampoo bars and conditioner bars come in recycled paper packaging, completely eliminating plastic waste from this daily routine.

 

Reducing Carbon Footprint

 

Beyond plastic waste reduction, bar shampoo products reduce shipping emissions. Bottled shampoo is mostly water—often 80-90%—meaning you're shipping water weight in plastic bottles across the country. Solid shampoo concentrates remove this water, dramatically reducing shipping carbon footprint.

One shampoo bar equivalent to 2-3 bottles means fewer shipments, less packaging material, and lower overall environmental impact across the product lifecycle.

 

Cruelty Free and Sustainable Sourcing

 

Many natural shampoo bars carry cruelty free certifications like Leaping Bunny, which requires supplier monitoring and independent audits. Some brands like Ethique hold B Corp certification, demonstrating third-party verified social and environmental performance.

However, ingredient sourcing matters: soap-based bars containing palm oil should disclose RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification to ensure responsible sourcing that doesn't contribute to deforestation.

 

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Our Picks for Best Shampoo Bars 

 

Best Budget Option: BeNat All Natural Shampoo Bar

 

 

Verdict: Lowest-cost plastic free shampoo bar with classic natural ingredients profile, best for shoppers who tolerate essential oils and want value.

Price: $9.99 per bar

Where to buy: AnthroEvolve

 

Why This Guide Considers It Best Budget

 

BeNat offers the best value among shampoo bars in this comparison at under $10. It's a surfactant-based bar using sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI), creating true shampoo performance with good lather—important for those transitioning from bottled shampoo. The brand claims 50+ washes per bar, making it economical for all hair types from oily hair to dry hair.

The formula includes nourishing ingredients like honey, essential oils, and botanicals in a plastic free shampoo bar format. For budget-conscious shoppers wanting natural shampoo bars without premium pricing, BeNat delivers solid shampoo performance.

 

Trade-Offs

 

BeNat contains honey, essential oils, and botanical extracts that can trigger reactions in people with sensitive scalps or sensitive skin. There are no third-party certifications (no cruelty free verification or sustainability audits), and the brand doesn't publish impact reports.

Manufacturing details state "USA, handmade location not specified"—less transparency than brands disclosing specific facilities. If you have an itchy scalp, irritated scalp, or very sensitive scalps, the essential oils may not suit you despite the bar being a natural shampoo option.

Best for: Budget shoppers who tolerate essential oils and want affordable plastic free packaging with decent hair length longevity (50+ washes).

 

Years in business: Unknown
Manufacturing: USA, specific location not disclosed
Certifications: None disclosed
Transparency: Minimal

 

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Best for Environment: Sunniemade Mighty Mango Moisturizing Bar

 

Verdict: Most detailed plastic-reduction story with transparent packaging practices and climate commitments, ideal for eco-conscious shoppers.

Price: $14 per bar

Where to buy: AnthroEvolve

 

Why This Guide Considers It Best for Environment

 

Sunniemade takes environmental transparency furthest in this comparison of shampoo bars. They offer carbon-neutral shipping via Shopify Planet, use recycled paper and soy-ink packaging (plastic free packaging), and participate in 1% for the Planet—a program where member giving is verified via receipts.

The mango-scented formula uses sodium coco sulfate as the surfactant, creating salon-quality lather that works well for various hair types. The brand launched in 2022, building their identity around plastic waste reduction and transparent environmental practices with detailed impact messaging.

 

Trade-Offs

 

The formula contains sodium coco sulfate (a sulfate surfactant) plus fragrance and pigments, which could irritate very sensitive scalps or those avoiding all sulfates. Sulfates can strip natural oils, potentially causing dryness in already dry hair or damaged hair.

Sustainability metrics are mostly self-reported without third-party audits like B Corp certification. Manufacturing country isn't explicitly stated beyond "US-based brand," leaving some supply chain questions.

 

Best for: Shoppers prioritizing plastic free packaging with strong climate commitments who can tolerate fragrance and sulfate-based surfactants.

 

Years in business: 4 (started 2022)
Manufacturing: USA-based brand; exact manufacturing not disclosed
Certifications: 1% for the Planet member; carbon-neutral shipping
Transparency: Partial (strong packaging transparency, less on manufacturing)

 

Buy Here

 

 

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Best Minimalist Option: Nature Skin Shop Hemp Hydrating Shampoo Bar

 

 

Verdict: Most ingredient-minimalist soap-style bar with hemp seed oil, great for "fewer ingredients" shoppers but challenging in hard water.

Price: $15.84 per bar

Where to buy: AnthroEvolve

 

Why This Guide Considers It Most Minimalist

 

Nature Skin Shop uses cold-process soap making with saponified oils plus hemp seed oil—no synthetic surfactants. For shoppers wanting truly natural shampoo with minimal processing, this represents the "cleanest" ingredient list: just oils turned into soap via traditional saponification.

The formula includes nourishing oils without parabens, sulfates, or synthetic additives. Founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, the brand appeals to minimalists who prefer natural oils and traditional soap-making methods for their solid shampoo.

 

Trade-Offs

 

Soap-based shampoo bars (saponified oils) can be problematic. They have higher pH than hair's natural pH (hair cuticles prefer slightly acidic conditions), potentially leaving hair feeling rough or coated, especially for fine hair. In hard water, soap-based bars leave mineral buildup—a common complaint in reviews about waxy hair or coated feeling.

The formula contains palm oil without stated RSPO certification, raising deforestation concerns. Manufacturing location beyond "founded in LA" isn't explicitly stated. If you have hard water or very fine hair, this soap-style bar may not perform as well as surfactant-based bar shampoo options.

 

Best for: Ingredient minimalists with soft water who want natural oils and traditional soap-making; not ideal for hard water areas or those with fine hair texture.

 

Years in business: 9 (founded 2017)
Manufacturing: USA (LA-based), specific facility not disclosed
Certifications: None disclosed; palm oil without RSPO statement
Transparency: Minimal

 

Buy Here

 

 

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Best Overall: Ethique Everyday Shine Shampoo Bar

 

 

Verdict: Strongest evidence package with B Corp certification, New Zealand manufacturing transparency, and extensive customer reviews justifying premium price.

Price: $17 per bar

Where to buy: Ethique

 

Why This Guide Considers It Best Overall

 

Ethique delivers the most comprehensive accountability signals among best shampoo bars reviewed. As a certified B Corp since founding, they meet rigorous third-party standards for social, environmental, and governance performance. Clear Auckland, New Zealand manufacturing disclosure provides supply chain transparency rare in the shampoo and conditioner bars category.

Founded in 2012, Ethique built 14 years of market presence with extensive customer reviews praising performance across hair types—from oily hair to dry hair and color treated hair. Their surfactant-based formulas create reliable lather without the hard-water issues of soap-based bars, working effectively as solid shampoo for various hair types and hair texture preferences.

The brand offers multiple formulas targeting specific needs: moisturizing bars for dry hair and damaged hair, clarifying options for oily hair and oily scalps, and gentle formulas for fine hair and sensitive scalps.

 

Trade-Offs

 

Ethique shampoo bars aren't fragrance-free—formulas include parfum and essential oil components like limonene. For highly fragrance-sensitive users or those with very sensitive scalps seeking unscented shampoo bar options, HiBar may suit better.

Premium pricing at $17 makes Ethique more expensive than budget picks like BeNat, though the B Corp verification, manufacturing transparency, and proven performance justify costs for shoppers valuing third-party accountability.

 

Best for: Shoppers who want best-in-class proof points (B Corp, manufacturing transparency, extensive reviews) and can accommodate fragrance in their shampoo and conditioner bars.

 

Years in business: 14 (started 2012)
Manufacturing: Auckland, New Zealand (clearly disclosed)
Certifications: B Corp certified; palm oil free
Transparency: High (supply chain, impact reporting, certifications)

 

Buy Here

 

 

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Best for Sensitive Scalps: HiBar Fragrance-Free Moisturize Shampoo Bar

 

 

Verdict: Best solid shampoo bar for sensitive skin with explicit fragrance-free formulation, pH-balanced formula, and Leaping Bunny cruelty free certification.

Price: $14 per bar

Where to buy: HiBar

 

Why This Guide Considers It Best for Sensitive Scalps

 

HiBar explicitly removes fragrance and states pH-balanced formulation—crucial for sensitive scalps, irritated scalp, or those prone to itchy scalp issues. As one of few unscented shampoo bar options with Leaping Bunny cruelty free certification, it offers verified ethical sourcing through supplier monitoring and independent audits.

Manufactured in HiBar's own Minnesota facility (disclosed), the brand provides supply chain transparency about where solid shampoo production occurs. The surfactant-based formula works across hair types without the pH concerns of soap-based bars, suitable for oily scalps, dry hair, fine hair, and color treated hair maintenance.

Founded in 2018, HiBar built their positioning around salon-grade performance for sensitive skin without compromising on scalp health or hair health.

 

Trade-Offs

 

HiBar uses processed surfactants and polymers—it's not an "all natural" natural shampoo despite being gentler. For shoppers specifically seeking botanical-only or natural oils formulations, Nature Skin Shop's soap-based bar or BeNat's essential-oil-rich formula may feel more "natural."

There's no standalone sustainability report beyond brand metrics on their impact page. While they offer plastic free packaging and discuss environmental commitments, they lack third-party environmental certifications like B Corp.

 

Best for: People with sensitive scalps, sensitive skin, or fragrance sensitivities who need unscented shampoo bar options with verified cruelty free credentials.

 

Years in business: 8 (founded 2018)
Manufacturing: Minnesota, USA (own facility)
Certifications: Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty free)
Transparency: Partial (strong on manufacturing, lighter on environmental metrics)

 

Buy Here

 

 

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What to Look for in Shampoo Bars (And What to Avoid)

 

Look For:

• Surfactant-Based for True Shampoo Feel: Ingredients like sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium coco sulfate, or similar create proper shampoo and conditioner performance without soap's pH issues. Better for hard water and most hair types.
• Fragrance-Free for Sensitive Scalps: If you have sensitive skin, look for "fragrance-free" (not just "natural fragrance"). Scan labels for common irritants if prone to itchy scalp or irritated scalp issues.
• Credible Certifications: Leaping Bunny (cruelty free with supplier monitoring), RSPO (sustainable palm oil), 1% for the Planet (verified giving), B Corp (third-party social/environmental assessment).
• Plastic Free Packaging: Paper-wrapped, compostable, or recyclable packaging—avoid shrink-wrapped plastic despite "eco" branding on the bar shampoo itself.
• Storage Guidance: Brands should mention keeping bars dry between uses. Bar shampoo sitting in water dissolves fast, wasting product and money.
• Specific Formulas for Hair Types: Look for bars targeting your needs—moisturizing for dry hair and damaged hair, clarifying for oily hair and oily scalps, gentle for fine hair and color treated hair.

 

Red Flags:

• Vague "Clean/Non-Toxic" Claims: Without ingredient lists or third-party certification, these are meaningless marketing for solid shampoo bars.
• Soap-Based Without Hard Water Warning: If ingredients show "saponified oils" or sodium hydroxide/lye, it's traditional soap. Great for some, but leaves residue in hard water causing waxy, coated hair.
• Palm Oil Without Sustainability Claims: If labels list palm oil or derivatives without RSPO certification, deforestation risk is a concern in natural shampoo bars.
• No Storage Guidance: Bars need drainage and airflow. Brands not mentioning this suggest limited product experience with real-world bar shampoo use.

 

 

Certifications That Actually Matter

 

Leaping Bunny: Most rigorous cruelty free certification requiring supplier monitoring plus independent audits—not just brand promises. Distinguishes verified cruelty free shampoo bars from vague "not tested on animals" claims.

1% for the Planet: Member giving is verified via receipts and proof of revenue, not just aspirational statements. Shows commitment beyond marketing in best shampoo bars.

B Corp Certification: Third-party assessment of social, environmental performance, and governance. Comprehensive accountability beyond single-issue certifications for shampoo and conditioner bars.

RSPO: For bars containing palm oil, this certification helps ensure paper/pulp comes from responsibly managed sources, reducing deforestation risk.

pH-Balanced Claims: While not a formal certification, brands stating pH-balanced formulas (typically 4.5-5.5) signal attention to scalp health and hair health, crucial for avoiding damage to hair cuticles.

 

Common Greenwashing Claims to Watch Out For

 

• "Chemical-Free" Natural Shampoo Bars: Impossible—water is a chemical. Look for specific claims like "fragrance-free," "sulfate-free," or "paraben-free" rather than vague "chemical-free."
• "Eco-Friendly" Without Specifics: Could mean anything for solid shampoo bars. Require plastic free packaging proof, certifications, or disclosed environmental practices.
• "All Natural" Soap-Based Claims: Saponified oils are natural, but "natural" doesn't mean gentler for all hair types—soap pH can damage fine hair and leaves buildup in hard water.
• "Sustainable" Without Verification: Look for third-party certifications (B Corp, RSPO for palm oil, cruelty free verification) rather than self-proclaimed sustainability in best shampoo bars.

 

 

Soap-Based vs. Surfactant-Based Shampoo Bars: Which Is Better?

 

Both soap-based and surfactant-based shampoo bars offer plastic free alternatives to bottled shampoo, but they work differently:

Soap-Based Bars (saponified oils like Nature Skin Shop):

• Pros: Truly natural shampoo with minimal ingredients, simple production process, appeals to "clean beauty" shoppers

• Cons: Higher pH can leave hair feeling rough or coated; creates soap scum in hard water causing waxy buildup; may not suit fine hair or color treated hair

• Best for: Soft water areas, shoppers prioritizing natural oils and ingredient minimalism over performance

Surfactant-Based Bars (like HiBar, Ethique, BeNat, Sunniemade):

• Pros: pH-balanced closer to hair's natural pH; works in hard water; creates familiar shampoo lather; better for all hair types including fine hair, oily hair, dry hair

• Cons: Contains processed ingredients (not "all natural"); requires understanding ingredient lists

• Best for: Most users, especially those with hard water, fine hair texture, color treated hair, or transitioning from liquid shampoo

The "better" choice depends on your water quality, hair type (oily hair vs. dry hair vs. fine hair), and whether you prioritize "all natural" ingredients or performance reliability.

 

 

FAQs About Shampoo Bars

 

Why does my hair feel waxy or coated after switching to shampoo bars?

 

This is most common with soap-based bars (saponified oils) in hard water. Soap reacts with minerals creating soap scum that coats hair, leaving a waxy feeling. Solutions: (1) Switch to surfactant-based bar shampoo (sodium cocoyl isethionate or similar), (2) Do an apple cider vinegar rinse to remove buildup, (3) Use conditioner bars or liquid conditioner to help, (4) Consider if your water is hard—soap-style natural shampoo bars rarely work well in these conditions.

Some people experience "transition period" as hair adjusts from liquid shampoo to solid shampoo, but persistent waxiness beyond 2-3 weeks typically indicates soap-based bar + hard water incompatibility.

 

Do shampoo bars work in hard water?

 

Surfactant-based shampoo bars (ingredients like sodium cocoyl isethionate or sodium coco sulfate) work fine in hard water. Soap-based bars made from saponified oils struggle in hard water, creating mineral buildup and waxy hair. Check if your bar is soap-based (ingredients show saponified oils or sodium hydroxide) or surfactant-based before purchasing if you have hard water affecting your hair health.

 

How long does one shampoo bar last?

 

Highly variable based on hair length, wet hair washing frequency, and storage. Manufacturers typically claim 50-80 washes per bar, equivalent to 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo. Longer hair length uses more product per wash. Proper storage (drainage, airflow) dramatically extends life—bars sitting in water dissolve quickly, wasting money and natural oils or nourishing ingredients.

 

Does bar shampoo lather like bottled shampoo?

 

Surfactant-based shampoo bars create good lather comparable to liquid shampoo—brands like HiBar, Ethique, BeNat, and Sunniemade all lather well. Soap-based bars vary more depending on water quality and oils used. Less lather doesn't mean less cleaning power, but many people psychologically prefer seeing suds when washing wet hair.

 

Are shampoo bars safe for color treated hair?

 

Yes, especially surfactant-based bars formulated without harsh sulfates. Many best shampoo bars use gentler surfactants that clean effectively without stripping color as aggressively as sodium lauryl sulfate in bottled shampoo. Look for bars specifically mentioning suitability for color treated hair or formulated without SLS/SLES if color preservation matters for your hair health.

 

Can shampoo bars cause hair growth or hair loss?

 

Shampoo bars don't directly cause hair growth—that's determined by genetics, hormones, and scalp health. However, bars avoiding harsh irritants may improve scalp health, creating better conditions for healthy hair growth. Similarly, bars don't cause hair loss, though irritating ingredients (harsh sulfates, allergens like certain essential oils) could trigger temporary shedding if causing scalp irritation in sensitive scalps.

 

Are shampoo and conditioner bars better than liquid conditioner?

 

Conditioner bars offer same plastic free packaging benefits as shampoo bars. Whether they match liquid conditioner performance depends on formula and hair type—many work excellently for fine hair and oily hair, while very dry hair or damaged hair might need richer hydration. Many brands offer shampoo and conditioner bars as matched sets optimized to work together.

 

How should I store shampoo bars so they don't get mushy?

 

Critical for solid shampoo bar longevity: keep bars dry between uses. Use a soap dish with drainage slots or a bamboo holder allowing airflow. Don't leave in standing water or directly under shower spray. Between uses, store where air circulates. Proper storage prevents wasting nourishing oils and natural oils that make natural shampoo bars effective.

 

 

About the Author - Matt Deasy

 

Matt Deasy is an independent impact business consultant and Business Development Lead at Grounded World, helping purpose-driven brands scale impact with clarity and commercial strength.

Matt is a certified ‘B Leader’ – a trained consultant officially recognized by B Lab (the nonprofit behind the B Corp movement) to support companies on their journey toward B Corp certification, a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Sustainable Business Strategy program, and studied the UN Sustainable Development Goals program at the University of Copenhagen.

Matt has contributed to publications such as Sustainable Times and B Lab Portugal, and is an expert ambassador at Brilliant Ideas Planet, exploring the evolving role of business in addressing global challenges.

Find Matt on LinkedIn