Passes all four red flags. Nothing to watch.
Grade
AYour red flags
AConsumer Reports strict
AEvidence only
−3 from evidence
Passes all four red flags. No fragrance, sulfates, silicones or contested preservatives.
Ingredients, in label order
Explain every ingredient
- Water — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Coconut Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Potassium Hydroxide — Neutral, pH adjuster / lye. Adjusts pH. In soap-based products it reacts with the oils to make soap and does not remain free.
- Palm Kernel Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Olive Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Hemp Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Jojoba Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Citric Acid — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Tocopherol — Good, Moisturizer / soother. Hydrates or calms the scalp.
Watch-outs
- Rinse requiredDr. Bronner's own hair guide calls an acidic rinse (its lemon Conditioning Rinse or diluted apple cider vinegar) essential. Without it, hair can feel tangly and matted.
- Adjustment periodThe brand expects 2–4 weeks of greasy-feeling hair after switching from regular shampoo. In hard water, it says the bar soaps work better.
- Ingredient sourceThe brand page names only the key oils. This list comes from INCIDecoder, and the oils are saponified (turned into soap) on the real label.
- Cost per washAssumes the brand's suggested ½ tablespoon per wash, diluted in water. The rinse costs extra.
Score breakdown
| Starting score | 100 |
| Soap | −3 |
| Score | 97 → A |
|---|
Where to buy
| Store | Size | Price | Per wash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Foods | 32 oz | $17.19 | $0.13/wash |
| Brand site | 32 oz | — | — |