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Many people are unaware of palm oil and its effects on the environment.

Most palm oil is produced in palm plantations, which has caused the deforestation of many areas and the loss of habitat of animals, specifically threatened and endangered species.

If you want to make an environmentally friendly choice, palm oil free shampoos are your best option. Not only does it protect the environment and other endangered species and habitats, but palm oil free shampoo also offers many benefits for your hair and scalp health.

In this blog post, we will discuss how palm oil free shampoo can benefit you both environmentally and personally!

What is Palm Oil?

Palm kernel oil is derived from palm fruit found in palm trees that are mainly grown in Asia and Africa. It is often used in many different types of products, such as ice cream, cookies, pastries, candy bars, chips, crackers, frozen pizza crusts, microwave popcorn bags, and potato chips. It can even be found in toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner bars, and even cosmetics such as foundations and concealers.

Today, palm oil is now the most-consumed vegetable oil on Earth because it’s very cheap to produce. Additionally, palm fruit yields palm oil at rates up to ten times faster than soybean oil. Just like coconut oil, palm oil doesn’t require much refinement either, making it one of the cheapest oils that can be used to make food and beauty products.

Deforestation in Thailand for personal benefit.

Why is palm oil bad for the environment?

The palm oil industry has been linked to the destruction of over 30,000 square kilometers of tropical rainforest each year.

It also contributes to climate change because palm oil plantations are responsible for the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as palm trees are cut down and burned.

Additionally, most palm oils are produced in third-world countries that have poor working conditions for palm oil farmers. Farmers are often exposed to harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers that can have long-term effects on their health. Some of them are also just children who are forced to work instead of going to school.

Animals and wildlife species are also affected by palm oil production. Due to palm oil plantations taking up so much land, many animals are forced out of their habitats and often killed. Deforestation also reduces the amount of wildlife habitat available for animals living in forests.

Many animals like orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos lose their homes because of palm oil production, and they are forced into smaller areas with fewer resources.

So, what can you do to help? It’s pretty simple, really! Switching from a palm-oil-based shampoo to palm oil and cruelty-free shampoo will benefit your health, the environment, and society as a whole. Plus, buying palm oil free products contributes less money towards deforestation while also helping palm kernel oil farmers who are often mistreated.

Benefits of Palm-Oil Free Shampoos

Palm oil free shampoos are often made from natural and plant-based ingredients that will help keep your hair healthy and shiny without the use of harmful chemicals. It’s thought to be much gentler than other oils like olive oil which can cause irritation if you have a sensitive scalp.

These palm oil free shampoos are usually paraben-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free. Parabens can be found in many beauty products, but they have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, which is responsible for controlling your metabolism, growth, reproduction, and other vital functions within your body. Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, are also very harsh and can cause damage to your hair follicles while also stripping away any natural oils.

Plus, these chemical-free shampoos can also be used for all hair types, especially those with dry or frizzy hair.

Companies and brands that use palm oil free ingredients must also have palm oil or cruelty-free certification labels. There are currently two palm oil certifications that palm oils and shampoo companies must meet for their products to be considered palm oil free, including the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard and the Leaping Bunny Program.

Some palm oil free shampoo brands also offer various scents to choose from, including mint, lavender, vanilla, and geranium essential oils.

Not only are they better for the environment and society, but they also smell great and are suitable for your hair!

How To Spot Palm Oil in Products

When palm oil is used in products, it may have many different names on the ingredients list.

Palm oil can be disguised as vegetable glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate, palm kernel acid, or palm fruit acid, all very common ingredients found in shampoos and other palm oil-based beauty and hair products.

Make sure to check each product to make sure palm kernel oil isn’t in there either by looking at the ingredients list or for palm oil free labels.

Top 5 Palm Oil Free Shampoo Worth Buying

Interested in using a palm oil free shampoo but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you! We’ve listed down the top five natural shampoos that you’ll surely want to try!

#5: Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

If you don’t want to buy palm oil free shampoo in liquid form, try this bar!

This palm oil free product by Ethique is made from sustainably sourced ingredients and recyclable, plastic free packaging. It also does not contain any palm or other animal fats or derivatives, petroleum products, parabens, SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate), and silicones.

They also have shampoo bars that target certain hair issues, such as dry hair or an oily scalp, so you’ll surely find one for your needs!

#4: Odylique’s Gentle Herb Shampoo

This palm oil free shampoo by Odylique is made from 100% natural and organic ingredients such as coconut oil and aloe vera juice. It’s formulated without harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, palm oil derivatives, or animal products and is super gentle to the hair and scalp.

With this shampoo, you don’t need to apply any conditioners with this shampoo since it’s already formulated to moisturize and soften your hair.

#3: Conscious Skincare Cypress and Sage Organic Shampoo

Conscious Skincare’s Organic Shampoo is formulated with active ingredients such as pro-vitamin B5 that will nourish your hair and scalp for a healthy-looking mane.

It also has a conditioning agent that locks in moisture and adds shine to your hair! This palm oil free shampoo is sulfate, paraben, palm oil free, and vegan-friendly.

This shampoo from Conscious Skincare also has a beautiful blend of cypress, lavender, and sage essential oils that will leave your hair smelling fresh throughout the day.

#2: Friendly Shampoo Bar

Friendly Shampoo Bar is made with castor oil that will help your hair retain moisture. Castor oil is known to prevent protein loss from your hair which leaves it smooth, shiny, and healthy-looking.

It also contains tea tree oil and lavender essential oil known to have antimicrobial properties and will leave your hair smelling great throughout the day.

#1: Peet Bros. Shampoo Bar – Our Favorite!

Last but certainly not least, we’ve got to mention our favorite: Peet Bros. Shampoo Bar!

These super hydrating shampoo bars are formulated with botanical ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter that will leave your hair clean, refreshed, and moisturized if not nourished too. Plus, each bar comes in an aluminum flip-top container for easy travel!

If you’re looking for a palm oil free shampoo bar that will leave your hair feeling fresh and clean, we highly recommend getting Peet Bros. Shampoo Bar!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! These palm oil free shampoos will surely benefit your hair and the environment in several ways.

Most of them also come with nourishing ingredients that target specific hair and scalp concerns such as dryness or greasiness, so don’t forget to check them out!

We hope this blog post helps you in your palm oil free shampoo shopping spree – happy palm oil free shampoos to all!