Ethique Product FAQ: Shampoo Bars, Ingredients & How to Use

Solid haircare might be new to you, but you're not alone, thousands have made the switch and we're here to help. Below you'll find answers to our most-asked questions about Ethique products: which bar is right for your hair, what ingredients we use (and don't use), how our bars compare to liquid shampoo, and how to get the best results. Everything you need to feel confident about choosing Ethique. For questions about orders, shipping, or returns, visit our Customer Service FAQ

General questions about Ethique

Yes! Our bars are better than liquid haircare. They are all clinically tested and show results after just 1 wash. Over 50,000 five-star reviews confirm what our studies show: our solid haircare delivers superior results.

Yes! Our shampoo bars outperform liquid products. Here's why: liquid shampoo is 70-80% water. Our bars contain up to 30x more concentrated active ingredients because we remove the water and pack bars with pure, beneficial ingredients. Clinical studies prove our bars deliver superior results compared to liquid. One bar equals three bottles, lasts longer, eliminates plastic waste, and costs less per wash. You get more of what actually works for your hair.

Not all bars are equal. Many shampoo bars are just reformulated soap, which has a high pH (9-10) that damages hair. Ethique bars are genuine salon-quality shampoo and conditioner—pH balanced (suitable for skin and hair), clinically tested, and proven to outperform liquid haircare. We use the Melt Cast Method to preserve ingredient potency and create up to 30x more concentrated formulas. Our bars are clinically proven and supported by 50,000+ five-star reviews. Science-backed performance, not just trendy packaging.

One shampoo bar lasts as long as 3 bottles of liquid shampoo, and one conditioner bar lasts as long as 5 bottles of liquid conditioner. A shampoo and conditioner duo together replaces up to eight plastic bottles of liquid haircare. Actual longevity depends on how much product you use and proper storage of the bars, but most users find bars last 2-3 months with regular use. You're getting concentrated, water-free formulas—no paying to ship 80% water like liquid products.

Yes. Our products undergo rigorous clinical testing and third-party verification. We have clinically-proven claims for every product.

Results after just one wash! All of our clinical claims are after just one use. 

We stand behind our products with a satisfaction guarantee for purchases made through our website. If you're not happy, contact our customer service team, and we'll work with you to find the right product for your hair or process a return. See specific return policy details here.

Ethique is available at select retailers globally, such as Ulta and Whole Foods. Check our store locator to find locations near you, or purchase directly from our website for the full product range. We're expanding retail partnerships, so availability varies by region. 

We currently don't offer individual samples, but we do offer Mini Hair Duos—smaller versions of our full-size bars that last up to 10 uses each. These are perfect for testing a formula before committing to full-size bars or for travel. They're a low-commitment way to find your perfect match without the waste of single-use samples.

How to use + care for Ethique bars

Easy as 1 - 2- 3: Wet hair and bar. Massage bar directly onto scalp and work into a lather with hands. Rinse completely, following with your Ethique conditioner.

Keep dry and away from direct water between uses. Store with ample airflow and drainage for best results. Check out our storage options!

Yes! Our bars create a rich, satisfying lather—just like liquid shampoo. The secret is getting both your hair and the bar wet before applying. We use Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI), a gentle plant-based surfactant that lathers beautifully without harsh sulfates.

Keep bars dry between uses—away from direct water and with good airflow. Let them drain and air-dry on a soap dish with drainage holes or our Storage Tray. Don't leave bars sitting in water or sealed in containers while wet. Proper storage extends bar life significantly. Our bars are designed to shed water naturally, but they need ventilation to dry properly between uses.

Let bars dry completely before packing.

We use the Melt Cast Method, an innovative manufacturing process that gently combines potent ingredients with minimal heat. Think of it like cold-pressed juice for your hair—preserving maximum ingredient benefits and potency. This method allows us to create highly concentrated formulas without harsh processing that degrades active ingredients. The result is bars that maintain ingredient integrity and deliver salon-quality performance. No compromises on quality or effectiveness.

Which Ethique bar for your hair type?

Ethique’s CURL-DEFINING Shampoo and Conditioner are sulfate-free and silicone-free, designed specifically for curls and coils. Curly hair needs moisture without being stripped or weighed down. We use Shea butter, Cocoa seed butter, and Glycerine to lock in hydration and define your natural curl pattern. The shampoo gently cleanses while the conditioner improves manageability by 6x after just one use. For coily hair, this duo increases shine by 104%.

Ethique’s PURPLE Shampoo and Conditioner neutralize brassiness and boost brilliance. Blonde and gray hair tends to pick up warm tones over time, so we use Beetroot powder as a natural purple pigment to maintain cool, bright tones. Babassu oil and Glycerine provide hydration without heaviness. Safe for daily use and up to 10x more concentrated than liquid toning products, these bars keep your color vibrant wash after wash.

Ethique’s CLARIFYING Shampoo tackles excess oil and product buildup without stripping your scalp. Oily hair often comes from overactive sebum production or buildup that weighs hair down. We use Castor seed oil to deeply cleanse, Ginseng to invigorate the scalp, and Orange peel for natural clarifying properties. 94% of users agree it removes excess oil and buildup. Pair with any of our conditioners—we recommend applying conditioner mid-lengths to ends only.

Ethique’s SCALP HEALTH Shampoo paired with EVERYDAY SHINE Conditioner soothes and rebalances your scalp. Dry, flaky scalps need gentle cleansing and targeted nourishment. We use Oatmeal to calm irritation, Karanja oil and Neem seed oil to support scalp health. Clinically proven to immediately reduce dry scalp flaking by 1.5x. As you wash, massage your scalp thoroughly with your fingertips to help exfoliate gently and improve circulation.

Ethique’s VOLUMISING Shampoo and Conditioner add lift and body without weighing fine hair down. Fine hair needs lightweight formulas that create volume at the roots. We use Biotin to promote fuller-looking hair, Caffeine for added lift, and Epsom salt for texture. The conditioner contains Vitamin B5 for moisture without heaviness. Up to 30x more concentrated than liquid haircare, these bars deliver bounce and fullness that lasts.

Ethique’s HYDRATING Shampoo and Conditioner are like a tall glass of water for thirsty strands. Dry hair needs intense moisture that penetrates deeply. We use Hyaluronic acid (holds 1,000x its weight in water), Argan oil for nourishment and shine, and Glycerine to lock in lasting hydration. Clinically proven to increase hydration and moisturization by 8x after just one use. Your hair will feel soft, smooth, and beautifully replenished.

Ethique’s SMOOTHING Shampoo and Conditioner tame flyaways and create sleek, manageable hair. Frizzy hair has a raised cuticle that needs smoothing and moisture-sealing. We use Hemi-squalane (a lightweight plant-based alternative to silicone), Cocoa seed butter to form a protective barrier, and Coconut butter for deep moisture. Improves manageability by 8x after one use while controlling frizz without weighing hair down.

Ethique’s REPAIRING Shampoo and Conditioner strengthen and restore stressed strands. Damaged hair—from heat styling, coloring, or chemical treatments—needs protein and intensive conditioning. We use Rice protein to fortify and reduce breakage, Mango seed butter to smooth split ends, and Shea butter for deep moisture. Clinically proven to reduce breakage by 5x after just one use when used as a system. Your hair will look healthier and feel more resilient.

Ethique’s GENTLE Shampoo and Conditioner are completely fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested. Sensitive scalps need mild cleansing without irritating essential oils or fragrances. We use Babassu oil for gentle moisture, Betaine for conditioning, and Cocoa butter for nourishment—all without added scent. 98% of users say the shampoo cleanses without irritation, and 100% say the conditioner conditions without irritation. Simple, effective care.

Low porosity hair has a tight cuticle that resists moisture absorption, leading to product buildup. Ethique’s VOLUMISING Duo works well as a lightweight option, or use our CLARIFYING Shampoo regularly to prevent buildup, paired with VOLUMISING Conditioner. These formulas won't sit on your hair's surface. Focus conditioner on ends only, and consider occasional clarifying treatments to keep your cuticle clean and responsive to moisture.

High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, often from damage or naturally open cuticles. Ethique’s HYDRATING Duo seals in moisture with Hyaluronic acid and Argan oil, or try REPAIRING Duo if your porosity comes from damage—the Rice protein helps strengthen while Shea butter locks in hydration. Both increase moisturization by 8x. Your hair will retain moisture better and feel softer, smoother.

Great news—all Ethique’s shampoo and conditioner bars are safe for colour-treated hair. Choose the duo that matches your underlying hair concern: damaged colour-treated hair needs REPAIRING, dry needs HYDRATING, blonde needs PURPLE to maintain tone, and so on. Our gentle, sulfate-free formulas protect your color investment while addressing your specific hair needs. All our bars are dermatologist-tested and formulated without harsh sulfates that strip colour.

Ethique's clean formulas and natural ingredients

Our shampoos are completely free of harsh sulfates—no SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate).

No. Our formulas are free from parabens, phthalates, silicones, formaldehyde, and endocrine disruptors. These ingredients appear in many conventional haircare products but aren't necessary for effective results. We formulated around these exclusions deliberately, using alternatives that work without raising health or environmental concerns. Our products deliver salon-quality performance without questionable ingredients.

Yes. All our haircare products are dermatologist-tested for safety and gentleness. We've never tested on animals at any stage—our formulas are certified cruelty-free and vegan. Our GENTLE Duo specifically has clinical consumer testing showing 98% of users say the shampoo cleanses without irritation, and 100% say the conditioner doesn’t cause irritation. Gentle on your skin, your hair, and our planet.

Our formulas comply with EU regulations—the strictest cosmetic standards globally. EU standards ban over 1,300 ingredients still allowed in other markets, including certain parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. We don't just meet these requirements; we exceed them. When we say our products are clean, we mean they pass the most rigorous safety and ingredient restrictions in the world. Verification you can trust, not marketing language.

Our products are crafted with a focus on using natural ingredients whenever possible, but we're not 100% all-natural. We use botanicals, plant-based oils and butters, herbal extracts, and gentle plant-derived surfactants—think Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Rosemary, Lavender, Neem, Castor oil, Biotin, Quinoa protein, Caffeine, and Betaine. When we do use lab crafted ingredients, they're safe, effective, and chosen deliberately (like preservatives for product stability). Every ingredient serves a purpose—cleansing, conditioning, nourishing, or protecting your hair. We prioritize natural, but we won't compromise on performance or safety.

Yes. Our deodorants contain no aluminum and no baking soda. Aluminum compounds block sweat glands, which some prefer to avoid. Baking soda can irritate sensitive underarm skin due to its high pH. We use Bamboo powder to absorb moisture, Zinc Oxide to control odor-causing bacteria, and Magnesium Hydroxide to neutralize odors. Effective freshness that's gentle on skin, especially if you're prone to irritation or razor burn.

Our shampoo bars have a pH between 4.5-6.0, and conditioner bars range from 5.0-6.0. This is optimally balanced for hair and scalp—close to your hair's natural pH. Unlike soap-based bars (pH 9+), our balanced pH doesn't cause the hair cuticle to open and stick out, which leads to damage and frizz. This is one reason our bars are gentle enough for daily use and safe for color-treated hair.

Our GENTLE Duo (fragrance-free) is the best choice for children and babies with sensitive skin. It's dermatologist-tested, contains no essential oils or fragrances, and uses the mildest plant-based cleansers. For older kids with specific hair concerns, our other formulas are safe too—just choose based on their hair type. Always supervise young children during bath time. If your child has very sensitive skin or eczema, consult your pediatrician first.

Yes. Our products are formulated with ingredients generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We use plant-based, gentle ingredients and comply with strict EU safety standards. Our GENTLE fragrance-free duo is popular with expecting mothers who want to avoid essential oils. However, everyone's pregnancy is different—if you have specific concerns or sensitivities, consult your healthcare provider. We're transparent about all ingredients on our website.

Our bars are formulated for human hair and scalp pH (4.5-6.0), which is different from pet skin and coat pH. We don't recommend using them on pets—animals have different needs and sensitivities. For your furry friends, stick with products specifically designed for their species. Our bars won't harm pets if accidentally ingested in small amounts, but they're not meant for animal grooming.

If you're camping near water sources, follow Leave No Trace principles: use products at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, use sparingly, and allow water to filter through soil before reaching water sources. For true wilderness areas, consider going product-free or using truly wilderness-safe options.

Ethique's commitment: certifications & impact

Yes. Ethique is committed to making effective products that adhere to our strict ethical standards. We check all ingredients are vegan and require our suppliers to provide signed declarations and full ingredient details to ensure every ingredient we use is vegan. Our entire range—shampoo bars, conditioner bars, deodorants, lip balms, and face cleansers—contains no animal products. We've never tested on animals at any stage of production. 

Yes. We're certified cruelty-free and have never tested our products on animals at any stage—formulation, ingredient sourcing, or manufacturing. We work with Leaping Bunny adhering to their strict and rigorous process and auditing. 

Yes. We're a certified B Corp and one of the highest-scoring B Corp companies globally. B Corp certification means we meet rigorous social and environmental standards across our entire business—from ingredient sourcing to manufacturing to how we treat our team. We're legally required to balance profit with purpose, and we publish annual impact reports showing our carbon footprint, supply chain transparency, and charitable giving. Accountability built into our business model.

Yes—our products and packaging contain no plastic. Every bar is formulated without microplastics (unlike many liquid products that contain microbeads or synthetic polymers). Our packaging is home compostable and breaks down completely in your compost bin or garden soil within 12 months. One shampoo and conditioner duo prevents eight plastic bottles from entering landfills and oceans. Our product footprint is 93% smaller than traditional liquid haircare.

Yes. Our packaging is home compostable and recyclable—this means it will break down completely in your compost bin or garden soil within 12 months. You can plant it in your flower bed and watch your beauty routine become nourishment for new growth. Also recyclable if composting isn't available. We use plastic-free, PFA-free inks, no plastic tape or bubble wrap.

We donate 2% of every sale to global charities focused on environmental and social causes. It's built into our business model, not a seasonal campaign. You can read our annual impact reports on our website to see exactly where funds go, our carbon footprint reduction progress, and supply chain transparency. Our B Corp certification requires us to report on these commitments publicly. Accountability matters.

Yes. Our solid format dramatically reduces shipping emissions—bars weigh less and pack tighter than bottles filled with 80% water, meaning more products per shipment and fewer trucks on the road. We use recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable shipping materials.Our concentrated format means you're not paying to ship water across the country. Lower carbon footprint from manufacturing to your doorstep.