Cosmopolitan’s 2025 Clean Beauty Awards: The Best Hair Products

A little of this sulfate-free shampoo goes a long way. “At first I thought this concentrated formula would be hard to use, but it foams a ton and is easy to work through the hair,” says hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante. “And if you use it frequently, it actually helps strengthen your hair. The use of fermentation and probiotics for hair is really great—especially for treating the scalp,” he adds.

This shampoo effectively removes build-up from curls and coils minus any dryness or irritation thanks to aloe vera, coconut, and baobab oil. Holistic dentist and wellness expert Jaskaren Randhawa, DMD, says the formula makes her hair feel “clean, soft, well-nourished and moisturized” and that it’s “a great shampoo for maintaining a healthy scalp and enhancing natural waves.” Content creator Cyrus Veyssi says this one is a “forever favorite " and their “day-to-day shampoo.”

“Ethique Bars are great—I love the cheerful, plastic-free packaging and the fact they’re so easy to use on the go and for travel,” says beauty scientist Christina Ross. And spoiler alert: The lather is generous. “I was so surprised with this bar—it feels like you put a very generous pump of shampoo on your hands when washing your hair,” says Cavalcante who also notes that because they are so concentrated and rich in oil, they do not dry out the scalp.” Cavalcante also likes the practicality of assigning different shapes for shampoo (a moon) and conditioner (a triangle wedge) since bars without packaging can get confusing in the shower.

“I typically dislike the feeling of dry shampoo but this loose powder has me changing my tune. It’s light, not overly scented, and with the brush you can target application to wear you need it,” Ross says. “Tapioca starch is the main ingredient used to soak up oil, but I love to see that camellia japonica seed oil is also on the ingredient list, so your hair is getting some moisturizing TLC, too. I also appreciate that the brand has introduced refills for this product, helping to minimize plastic waste when you continue to repurchase,” Ross adds. Beauty journalist and content creator Kristina Rodulfo is also a fan and says that “it converted me to loving powder dry shampoo formulas.”

“I’ve noticed that this co-wash doesn’t break apart the natural flow and texture of my curls, despite it being a super-powerful product it leaves my hair feeling incredibly refreshed every time I use it,” Veyssi says. The brand maintains a longtime commitment to sustainability, using 100 percent recycled packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients, too. “What particularly stood out to me is their utilization of blockchain technology which shows their thoughtfulness in traceability and good supply chain practices,” cosmetic chemist Esther Oluwaseun explains.

“The Wonder Valley Sandalwood Yuzu Conditioner not only smells glorious but also comes in an aluminum bottle that you can refill and keep forever. The lightweight, wonderfully whipped formula is extremely hydrating, banishing tangles and adding shine,” Rodulfo says. The brand utilizes the power of olive oil sourced from their family farm in this conditioner, too. “Olive oil is such a potent plant-based ingredient for moisturization and it’s great to see that this farm has sustainability at the forefront of their product creation,” Ross says.

This peptide and jojoba oil blend delivers premium ingredients for type 3 and 4 hair at a great price. “Tailored for curly hair, this nourishing conditioner detangles and enhances curl definition, providing lasting moisture,” Oluwaseun says. “It works so beautifully and—side note—I also use this as a leave-in conditioner once in a while and it does the trick,” Veyssi says.

A dab of this plant-based pomade makes hair moldable and frizz-free whether you're styling with hot tools or air-drying. “It adds hold and texture without any flaking or residue—my biggest pet peeve! A little goes a long way, and I like that it has ingredients like plum oil to keep hair hydrated,” Rodulfo says.

Versatile as a leave-in or pre-blowout styler, this spray adds body and fullness with rice protein and mushroom root. “I have really thick hair naturally, but this product I found was great to add some texture to my hair on days when I needed something extra. I love that it's not an aerosol (easier to recycle!) and it has rice protein to help strengthen each strand, too,” Ross says.

“Nothing makes my hair shine like this spray. It's boosted with botanical ingredients (like aloe vera, avocado oil, coconut oil) and offers heat and UV protection along with detangling benefits. I also like using it after styling to smooth down flyaways and reduce frizz. Plus, it smells like a tropical dream,” Rodulfo says. “From their packaging to their divine smells, Ceremonia's products are so beautiful. This one is no exception—it is lightweight and doesn’t feel like I have buildup in my hair, and the ingredient list is as clean as it gets!” Ross says.

“This cream defines curls and helps them maintain their natural movement while providing soft hold and frizz control,” Oluwaseun says. “It helps shape and hydrate curls while keeping frizz in check, and the lightweight formula doesn’t feel heavy or sticky,” Cavalcante adds. As certified B Corp, “they look at sustainability from a more holistic perspective observing their impact not only through environmental lens but social one as well,” Oluwaseun adds.

“This personalized hair oil is tailored to your specific hair needs, delivering intense hydration and nourishment,” Oluwaseun says. Veyssi is also fan of the brand. “It’s such a powerful product that leaves my curls super refreshed and nourished without feeling tacky, greasy, or sticky," they say.

This 99 percent naturally-derived bond-builder is infused with chia seed-derived polymers and hydrating fermented Yerba Santa extract to restore your strands' strength and shine. “It only takes 10 minutes to work its magic. I apply it at the beginning of my shower, and by the end, my hair is smoother, healthier, and more hydrated. With long hair, I can struggle with split ends, but this easy treatment eliminates that worry,” Rodulfo says.

“This lightweight formula is designed to smooth and hydrate hair while making detangling effortless. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it also helps reduce breakage, adds softness, and leaves hair manageable and shiny without weighing it down, says Cavalcante says. Veyssi appreciates its versatility and calls it an “incredible product that I can use on damp or wet hair that immediately detangles my curls without pulling them loose or breaking any of my fine ends.”

This deep treatment reinforces strands with plant protein, antioxidants, and gently exfoliates with lactic acid—“perfect for deeply repairing and strengthening hair,” according to Dr. Randhawa who says “the refreshing minty scent is a bonus.” Pro stylist Cavalcante agrees. “This hair mask is a lifesaver for dry, damaged hair. It is super concentrated and deeply penetrates each strand making hair noticeably softer and more flexible. It detangles, provides intense hydration, and rinses out completely weightless,” says Cavalcante.

Dr. Randwaha loves that this serum “provides a balancing, soothing, and hydrating effect, leaving the scalp instantly refreshed and nourished.” Veyssi says, “Without a doubt, the Act+Acre Scalp Serum has helped nourish my scalp and make it look and feel healthier. I literally use it as part of my routine every evening.”

Thirsty hair? “This leave-in detangles effortlessly and makes my hair hydrated, soft, and manageable without weighing it down. My curls are bouncy, healthy, and frizz-free, with no greasy residue—just a natural shine,” Dr. Randhawa says. “Love, love, love! I’m obsessed with the fact that it’s a spray, and despite it feeling like you’re not adding a lot of product to the hair, it does leave my curls feeling softer and more luscious. Bonus points for the heavenly honey smell,” Veyssi says.