Kitsch Shampoo Bar Review: Is It Really Sustainable and Effective?

If you're trying to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom, switching to a shampoo bar is a great place to start. The Kitsch Shampoo Bar promises to be a sustainable, sulfate-free alternative to bottled shampoo — perfect for eco-conscious consumers. But does it actually work? In this honest review, I’ll share my personal experience using the Kitsch shampoo bar: how it performed on my hair, what’s really in the ingredients list, and whether I’d recommend it over other zero-waste hair care options.

What is the Kitsch Shampoo Bar

The Kitsch Shampoo Bar is a plastic-free alternative to conventional shampoo, designed for eco-conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice quality. Kitsch positions itself as a brand where small choices lead to big changes — offering hair care products that are not only effective but also mindful of the planet. Their shampoo and conditioner bars are crafted with cruelty-free ingredients and packaged in biodegradable materials, making them a stylish step toward a zero-waste beauty routine.

While the brand holds a Leaping Bunny certification to ensure its cruelty-free claims, Kitsch lacks other third-party sustainability certifications, such as USDA Organic or ECOCERT. This may leave some eco-conscious shoppers wanting additional validation. Still, Kitsch presents itself as a forward-thinking brand that blends sustainability with modern hair care performance — and their shampoo bar is a prime example of that mission.

Is the Packaging Really Plastic-Free?

Yes — the Kitsch Shampoo Bar comes in 100% plastic-free packaging. The bar is wrapped in a recyclable paper box, aligning well with zero-waste goals. Unlike many hair care brands that claim to be “sustainable” while still using plastic pumps or film wrappers, Kitsch keeps things simple and eco-friendly.

The minimalistic design also makes it ideal for travel — lightweight, mess-free, and TSA-friendly. However, it's worth noting that while the outer packaging is biodegradable, there’s no compostable inner lining or extra protective layer, so you’ll want to store it in a dry spot between uses to make it last.

If you're trying to reduce your plastic footprint in the bathroom, the Kitsch Shampoo Bar is a solid step in the right direction.

About the Kitsch Shampoo Bar

Discovering the perfect eco-friendly hair care solution can be a game-changer, and the Kitsch shampoo bar might just be it. Join me as I delve into my experience with this innovative product, exploring its performance, packaging, and the sustainable benefits it brings to your beauty routine.

What Ingredients Are in the Kitsch Shampoo Bar?

The Kitsch Shampoo Bar contains a blend of gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and natural conditioning agents — all carefully selected to clean your hair without harsh chemicals. Notably, this shampoo bar is free from SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and palm oil, making it a safer choice for both sensitive scalps and eco-conscious users.

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate & Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate – Mild, coconut-derived surfactants that cleanse without stripping natural oils.

• Vegetable Glycerin & Hydrolyzed Rice Protein – Humectants that draw moisture into the hair, helping to keep it hydrated and smooth.

• Hydrogenated Castor Oil & Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride – Emollients and conditioners that soften and detangle strands.

• Natural Fragrance & Iron Oxide – Adds scent and color, though “natural fragrance” is not further specified.

While the ingredient list is short and relatively clean, transparency around the “natural fragrance” could be improved — especially for users with fragrance sensitivities. Still, overall, the formulation leans toward gentle and plant-based.

Silicon

Older versions of Kitsch conditioner once included silicone ingredients such as Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone in their shampoo and conditioner bars. Cyclomethicones, in particular, have been shown to be toxic to aquatic organisms and are known to bioaccumulate in aquatic life, as evidenced by laboratory studies. Moreover, when silicones enter our bodies, they can negatively impact our hormonal systems. In response to these concerning findings from recent research, Kitsch has adapted their formulations, and their products now proudly contain no silicone. This change reflects Kitsch's commitment to both consumer health and environmental sustainability.

Kitsch Shampoo Bar Review

First impression

With it’s 91grams, the Kitsch shampoo bar is a rather large bar which means you get a lot of shampoo bar for your money. Eventhough the ingredients state that a fragrance is used in the bar, to me, is hardly smells like anything. Which I think is great because I don’t like a smell of my skin and hair care produts. 

Lather when using the Kitsch Shampoo Bar

At first, it took a bit of effort to work up a lather in my hands with the bar. The lather wasn't especially foamy, but what it lacked in bubbles, it made up for in manageability. Once I started applying it to my hair, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily it spread, coating every strand of my long hair evenly. Even washing my scalp, which can sometimes be a challenge, was no problem at all with this shampoo bar. It seamlessly reached every nook and cranny, ensuring a thorough and satisfying clean without any hassle.

Watch: Me Using the Kitsch Shampoo Bar

Cleansing

After washing my hair, I was pleasantly surprised by how nice and clean it felt. Unlike some products that leave my hair feeling stripped of all its natural oils, this shampoo bar struck the perfect balance. My hair was refreshed and revitalized without any dryness. This left me confident that I could comfortably go about three days before needing another wash, which is consistent with my experience using other quality shampoo bars.

Scalp health

I’ve struggled for a while with both liquid shampoos and shampoo bars that consistently left my scalp feeling dry and unbearably itchy. The constant discomfort made me hesitant to try new products, but then I tried the Kitsch shampoo bar. To my delight, this shampoo bar was a game-changer. It cleansed my hair thoroughly without any of the itchiness that typically follows a wash. My scalp felt comfortable and hydrated for days afterward, a rare and welcome relief. However, the experience wasn’t entirely perfect. Despite its soothing properties, the Kitsch shampoo bar didn’t seem to help with my frizzy hair, which was disappointing. I hoped for smoother, more manageable locks, but at least I found a product that keeps my scalp happy and healthy.

Long term/after a couple of weeks

After a couple of weeks of using the Kitsch shampoo bar, I observed a remarkable difference in the health of my scalp. Typically, I struggle with occasional itchiness that can be quite irritating, but since incorporating this product into my routine, those episodes have significantly diminished. My scalp has remained noticeably calmer and more balanced. The soothing effect of the shampoo bar has made my hair care experience much more pleasant, and I no longer find myself constantly scratching or feeling uncomfortable. This simple change has truly transformed the condition of my scalp, providing a sense of relief and comfort that I didn't realize I was missing.

Is the Kitsch shampoo bar good/would I recommend?

Although the Kitsch shampoo bar stands out as one of the most expensive options I've ever encountered, it is undeniably worth every penny. In my experience, the exceptional quality of this product justifies its higher price point, as it delivers remarkable results that have left a lasting impression on me. From its luxurious lather to the way it leaves my hair feeling incredibly clean and revitalized, the Kitsch shampoo bar surpasses all others I have tried. If it comfortably fits within your budget, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Kitsch shampoo bar a try.

Where to Buy the Kitsch Shampoo Bar

You can purchase the Kitsch Shampoo Bar directly from their official website or through trusted retailers like Amazon.

Shop Kitsch

Final Thoughts on Going Plastic-Free with Kitsch

The Kitsch Shampoo Bar is a great example of how small changes in your daily routine can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. While it may not be perfect — especially for those looking for full ingredient transparency or multiple certifications — it performs well, comes in plastic-free packaging, and supports cruelty-free beauty.

If you're starting your journey toward a low-waste bathroom or simply want a shampoo bar that looks good and works well, Kitsch is a solid, accessible option. It’s a gentle step in the right direction — for both your hair and the planet.

Want to explore more non-toxic and eco-friendly beauty swaps?Check out my full guide on non-toxic shampoo and conditioner, or sign up for my newsletter to get updates on sustainable living tips and product reviews sent straight to your inbox.

Kitsch Conditioner Bar Review