Is This 'Natural' Shampoo Actually Clean? We Investigate

Greenwashing Check

A drugstore favorite claims a ‘clean’ botanical formula, but does its ingredient list hold up to scrutiny?

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

1.🧴The Greenwash Check

Spotted the new ‘clean’ Herbal Essences bottle at CVS. The botanicals screamed natural, but the ingredient list whispered something else.

The real issue? That “Bio:Renew” tag is a trademark, not a certification. It means whatever they want it to mean.

2.🌿The Pitch

It’s Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Nourishing Shampoo. About $7. Claims to be a “clean” blend of coconut oil and aloe.

‘Clean’ Formula

Promises to be free of parabens, dyes, and heavy silicones.

Botanical Focus

Fronts coconut oil and aloe vera as the heroes.

Microbiome Hype

Mentions a “healthy scalp microbiome” – big claim for a drugstore buy.

woman in red long sleeve shirt holding hair blower

Photo: Adam Winger / Unsplash

3.🔍The Ingredient Dive

Coconut oil is in there, but way down the list. The real first ingredient is water, then sodium laureth sulfate – a standard, effective cleanser that’s not exactly ‘green’.

Aloe vera juice is ingredient #4. Not bad. But the ‘renew’ part? Mostly fragrance.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate: The lather-maker, can be drying
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A gentler, coconut-derived cleanser
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Soothing, legit hydrator
Fragrance: Undisclosed mix, the #4 ingredient

Photo: Gabrielle Henderson / Unsplash

4.⚠️The Reality Check

Texture is a standard pearly gel. Lathers like a foam party – which my fine hair hates. Smells like a piña colada made in a lab.

By week two, my scalp was tight. That classic SLS squeak. My hair was clean, but stripped. The coconut oil never stood a chance against the sulfates.

💡

One Thing: Use a *dime-sized* amount. Lathers like crazy, so you’ll overload it.

Photo: Tamara Bellis / Unsplash

5.📜Who It’s For (And Not)

Hair was undeniably clean. Zero residue. But hydration? Didn’t feel it. Shine was from being squeaky, not nourished.

✅

Buy if

You have thick, oily hair and just want a basic, clarifying wash.

⏭️

Skip if

You have dry, color-treated, or fine hair. The sulfates will bully it.

💰

Worth it?

For $7, it’s a fine basic shampoo. But don’t buy it for the ‘clean’ spin.

a woman getting her hair cut by a hair stylist

Photo: Lindsay Cash / Unsplash

6.✅Final Call

It’s a decent shampoo hiding behind a botanical marketing campaign. The ‘clean’ claim is the real fragrance here.

5.5/10

A basic shampoo in a greenwashed bottle.

🛍️

Where to Buy: Any drugstore or big-box store. Try the travel size first if you’re curious.