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My Honest Ethique Shampoo Bar Review
Updated: Mar 27
In a small kitchen in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Aotearoa (New Zealand), the seeds of a revolution were sown. It was 2012, and Brianne West, fueled by frustration over the avalanche of plastic waste generated by the cosmetics industry, embarked on a mission. Little did she know that her concoctions would spark a global movement. From humble beginnings crafting formulas amidst the comforting hum of her home, to navigating the choppy waters of crowdfunding, Ethique emerged as a beacon of sustainability and innovation. Fast forward to today, and Ethique's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With a repertoire spanning across 22 countries, the brand remains steadfast in its commitment to crafting products that are kind to both you and the planet. From their pioneering shampoo bars to their recent foray into concentrated formulations, Ethique continues to redefine the boundaries of eco-friendly beauty. As Ethique celebrates its 10th birthday and the staggering milestone of 30 million plastic bottles saved, it's evident that their story is far from over; it's a testament to the power of one woman's vision to change the world, one bar at a time.
About Ethique
Ethique shampoo and conditioner bars are more than just products for your hair, Ethique is on a mission to redefine responsible business practices. At its heart lies a deep commitment to the planet and its inhabitants. With a focus on minimizing waste, upholding ethical standards, and nurturing nature and communities, Ethique sets the bar high for eco-conscious beauty. From being B Corp Certified and cruelty-free to using vegan ingredients and steering clear of palm oil, Ethique leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of sustainability. But it doesn't stop there. Even the packaging is a testament to their dedication, being plastic-free, home-compostable, and recyclable. With each purchase, you're not just buying a product—you're making a statement, supporting initiatives that align with values, and contributing to positive change.
Ethique Certifications
Ethique holds several official certifications that attest to its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. These certifications include:
Certified B Corporation: This certification demonstrates Ethique's dedication to meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Cruelty-Free International: Ethique products are certified cruelty-free, meaning they are not tested on animals at any stage of production.
Vegan Society: Ethique products are certified vegan, indicating that they contain no animal-derived ingredients and are suitable for vegans.
Packaging
When I bought my Ethique shampoo bar, it was packed in eco-conscious packaging designed with sustainability in mind. Each item is carefully packed in home-compostable cardboard boxes sealed with compostable tape, ensuring your products are protected while minimizing environmental impact.
According to the website when you order from their website (I didn’t order online, I went to a store) they use innovative alternative instead of traditional bubble wrap - paper 'bubble wrap' - which not only safeguards your goodies but can also be repurposed, recycled, or composted. While the shipping labels may not be compostable, Ethique encourages customers to consult their local governing bodies for proper disposal or recycling methods, ensuring every aspect of the packaging aligns with their commitment to a greener tomorrow.
Ethique Shampoo Bar Review
As more and more consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality, Ethique has emerged as a frontrunner, garnering rave reviews for their effective formulas and commitment to environmental stewardship. Join us as we dive into the world of Ethique shampoo bars and discover why they're not just good for your hair, but for the planet too.
Ethique Shampoo Bar Ingredients
Sodium coco-sulfate (1), sodium cocoyl isethionate (1), stearic acid (3), Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter (3), decyl glucoside (1), aqua (water), Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil (3), glycerin (2), lactic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride (3), Avena sativa (oat) kernel meal, Citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil (5), brassica alcohol (4), sodium isethionate(1), limonene (5), Azadirachta indica (neem) seed oil (3), Pongamia glabra (karanja) seed oil (3), behentrimonium methosulfate (4).
1: Surfactant
2: Humectant
3: Emolient
4: Emulsifier
5: Fragrance
According to the ingredients, Ethique doesn’t use palm oil or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in their shampoo bar.
First impression
The Ethique shampoo bar is a very large bar. Especially when compared to the acompanying conditioner bar. It has a slight smell of lemon which isn’t surprising when you look at the ingredients. I don’t like the smell but that is just personal preference.
User experience
Lather
Compared to other shampoo bars I have used, this bar takes a little bit longer to create a lather. This is mainly due to the size of the bar and the fact that my hands are relatively small. This will obviously get better the smaller the bar gets. The bar also had little ‘chuncks’ in there that didn’t feel very pleasant in my hands but they were not in the way to create the lather. Once I created the lather in my hands it was easy to spread it over my hear and scalp.
Cleansing
Washing my hair with the ethique shampoo bar was very plesant. It spread nicely through my long hair and I could easily wash my scalp with the lather that was created. Rinsing was just as easily and my hair and scalp felt nice and clean afterward. Overall, the shampoo bar is very easy to use and cleansed my hair throughly without difficulty.
Scalp hair health
As someone with sensitive skin, how my scalp feels the day after washing is just as important and the cleansing capacities of a shampoo bar. The next day my hair still felt nice and clean and my scalp felt calm. There was no dry feel on my scalp and it was not itchy or sensitive.
Long term/after a couple of weeks
After a couple of weeks of using this bar, the creation of the lather became easier and easier which made showering more efficient. Which was nice. The condition of my scalp also remained great. There was no flakiness or dryness that has happend before with other shampoo bars. My hair remained nice and clean for a couple of days before I had to wash it again. This is usually 3 to 4 days for me.
Is the Ethique shampoo bar good/would I recommend?
Yes, eventhough it is in on the pricer side for a shampoo bar, I love using it (once it was a little smaller) and I will have no problem complely finishing this bar.
