Classic Clean Shampoo

Name: Classic Clean Shampoo
Brand: Head & Shoulders

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

Head & Shoulders contains synthetic fragrances, zinc pyrithione (an antimicrobial with environmental concerns), and is packaged in virgin plastic. Limited ingredient transparency.

PFR Avoid

Anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione. One of the most popular shampoos in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$8See Safer Alternatives in Personal Care

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Personal care products are applied directly to skin — the body's largest organ — and often left on for extended periods. Many contain microplastics (as exfoliants or film-forming agents), phthalates (as fragrance carriers), and PFAS (in long-wear formulations). Daily use compounds exposure significantly.

Synthetic Plastic Content

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Head & Shoulders is effective for dandruff but the chemical profile is concerning. Synthetic fragrances, zinc pyrithione, and virgin plastic packaging make this a poor choice for daily use. Natural alternatives exist for dandruff treatment.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Virgin plastic bottle

Phthalates

Source

Synthetic fragrance

Health Risk

Dermal absorption of phthalate fragrance carriers during hair washing

Who Is Most At RiskDaily shampoo users

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.