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Press Release · March 2026

Largest Independent Shampoo Safety Study in U.S. History

136 products. 12 analytical categories. Zero brand sponsorships. Every result published.

Back to Newsroom

Products

136

Market Coverage

95%

Test Categories

12

Brand Sponsors

0

Dateline

Nathrop, CO

NATHROP, CO — March 2026 — The Product Report (TPR), an independent consumer product testing lab, today announced the most comprehensive independent shampoo safety study ever conducted in the United States.

The study analyzes 136 shampoo products — representing ~95% of U.S. market coverage — across 12 analytical categories using court-admissible standard methods.

Why this study

Early screening findings

In early screening of the first 50 personal care products, our partner lab identified concerning compounds in products sold by some of the largest brands in the country — including arsenous acid derivatives, chloromethane at 23.5% of the volatile profile, and dimethylamine (a nitrosamine precursor) at 67%.

These are screening results, not confirmed findings. ISO 17025 confirmatory testing and manufacturer right of reply are still ahead before results are published.

“Every time you open a bottle of shampoo, you're gambling on what its ingredients actually are.”

— Sheldon Roth, Founder

12 Analytical Categories

What's being tested

Volatile Organic Compounds

EPA SW-846 5021A/8260D

Heavy Metals + Arsenic Speciation

USP ⟨232⟩/⟨233⟩, HPLC-ICP-MS

Benzene

FDA LIB #4674, USP ⟨467⟩

1,4-Dioxane

EPA 8270E SIM

Nitrosamines

EDQM OCCL, LC-MS/MS

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

Total fluorine + LC-MS/MS

Parabens

LC-MS/MS

Phthalates

GC-MS

Formaldehyde & Releasers

DNPH derivatization, HPLC-UV

Fragrance Allergens

EN 16274 / IFRA

Silicones (D4/D5/D6)

ISO 11890-2

Isothiazolinones

HPLC-UV/MS

Study design

Daubert-admissible

  • Standard methods only — every analytical method has established regulatory acceptance.
  • Three-party chain of custody — products purchased, screened, then blind-coded by an independent third party.
  • Full product panel — every product receives the identical test suite.
  • Split-sample verification — retained sealed units for challenge testing.
  • Right of reply — manufacturers are contacted with findings before publication.

Market segments

What's included

Mass Market

23

Pantene, TRESemmé, Dove, Garnier, Head & Shoulders, Suave

Baby & Family

13

Johnson's, Aveeno Baby, Aquaphor, Cetaphil, Honest Company

Salon & Prestige

13

Olaplex, Kérastase, Oribe, Redken, Moroccanoil, Pureology

Celebrity & Influencer

14

Cécred (Beyoncé), Fenty (Rihanna), LolaVie (Aniston), Pattern (Tracee Ellis Ross)

Men's

14

Harry's, Old Spice, Dr. Squatch, American Crew, Axe

Medicated

7

Nizoral, Selsun Blue, Neutrogena T/Sal, Denorex

Thinning & Hair Loss

7

Nioxin, Rogaine, Nutrafol, Vegamour, Keeps

Clean & Natural

7

Briogeo, Dr. Bronner's, Native, Method, Acure

Ethnic & Textured

8

Shea Moisture, Mielle, Carol's Daughter, Cantu

EWG Verified

8

Innersense, Puracy, Babo Botanicals, Burt's Bees

Store Brands

6

Equate, Up&Up, Kirkland, Amazon Basics, Trader Joe's, 365

Dry Shampoos

5

Batiste, Dove, Living Proof, Amika

Timeline

Study phases

  1. Product Acquisition

    March 2026

  2. Screening Analysis

    Q2 2026

  3. ISO 17025 Confirmation

    Q2–Q3 2026

  4. Right of Reply Period

    Q3 2026

  5. Results Published

    Q3–Q4 2026

Consumer App

Study results will be published in the TPR consumer app. Users can scan a product barcode and instantly see its full lab report — instrument readings, not pass/fail grades.

Members fund studies like this one and receive early access to results as they publish.

Follow this study

The Shampoo Drop.

This study becomes The Shampoo Drop — screening progress, evidence-tier reports, and member alternatives when results publish. Get notified the day it lands.

See the Shampoo Drop

About The Product Report

An independent consumer product testing organization based in Colorado. Revenue comes from consumer memberships — no brand sponsorships, paid reviews, or manufacturer funding.

Become a Member
Back to Newsroom

TPR does not make safety claims or provide medical advice. All results are instrument readings from accredited analytical methods.

Back to Newsroom
Press Release
March 2026Nathrop, CO

Largest independent shampoo safety study in U.S. history.

136 products. 12 analytical categories. Zero brand sponsorships. Every result published.

Products

136

Market Coverage

95%

Test Categories

12

Brand Sponsors

0

Dateline

NATHROP, CO — March 2026 — The Product Report (TPR), an independent consumer product testing lab, today announced the most comprehensive independent shampoo safety study ever conducted in the United States.

The study analyzes 136 shampoo products representing roughly 95% of U.S. market coverage across 12 analytical categories using court-admissible standard methods.

Why this study exists.

Early screening of an initial 50 products surfaced concerning compounds in products sold by some of the largest brands in the country. These are screening results, not confirmed findings — confirmation testing and right of reply come before publication.

“Every time you open a bottle of shampoo, you're gambling on what its ingredients actually are.”

12 Analytical Categories

What's being tested.

Volatile Organic Compounds

EPA SW-846 5021A/8260D

Heavy Metals + Arsenic Speciation

USP ⟨232⟩/⟨233⟩, HPLC-ICP-MS

Benzene

FDA LIB #4674, USP ⟨467⟩

1,4-Dioxane

EPA 8270E SIM

Nitrosamines

EDQM OCCL, LC-MS/MS

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

Total fluorine + LC-MS/MS

Parabens

LC-MS/MS

Phthalates

GC-MS

Formaldehyde & Releasers

DNPH derivatization, HPLC-UV

Fragrance Allergens

EN 16274 / IFRA

Silicones (D4/D5/D6)

ISO 11890-2

Isothiazolinones

HPLC-UV/MS

Study Design

Daubert-admissible by design.

  • Standard methods only — no custom or novel method development.
  • Three-party chain of custody — independent purchase, screening, and blind coding.
  • Full product panel — every product receives the identical test suite.
  • Right of reply — manufacturers are contacted before publication.

Market Segments

What's included.

Mass Market

23

Pantene, TRESemmé, Dove, Garnier, Head & Shoulders, Suave

Baby & Family

13

Johnson's, Aveeno Baby, Aquaphor, Cetaphil, Honest Company

Salon & Prestige

13

Olaplex, Kérastase, Oribe, Redken, Moroccanoil, Pureology

Celebrity & Influencer

14

Cécred (Beyoncé), Fenty (Rihanna), LolaVie (Aniston), Pattern (Tracee Ellis Ross)

Men's

14

Harry's, Old Spice, Dr. Squatch, American Crew, Axe

Medicated

7

Nizoral, Selsun Blue, Neutrogena T/Sal, Denorex

Thinning & Hair Loss

7

Nioxin, Rogaine, Nutrafol, Vegamour, Keeps

Clean & Natural

7

Briogeo, Dr. Bronner's, Native, Method, Acure

Ethnic & Textured

8

Shea Moisture, Mielle, Carol's Daughter, Cantu

EWG Verified

8

Innersense, Puracy, Babo Botanicals, Burt's Bees

Store Brands

6

Equate, Up&Up, Kirkland, Amazon Basics, Trader Joe's, 365

Dry Shampoos

5

Batiste, Dove, Living Proof, Amika

Timeline

Product Acquisition

March 2026

Screening Analysis

Q2 2026

ISO 17025 Confirmation

Q2–Q3 2026

Right of Reply Period

Q3 2026

Results Published

Q3–Q4 2026

Follow this study

The Shampoo Drop.

This study becomes The Shampoo Drop — screening progress, evidence-tier reports, and member alternatives when results publish. Get notified the day it lands.

See the Shampoo Drop

Consumer App

Study results will be published in the TPR consumer app. Users can scan a product barcode and instantly see its full lab report: instrument readings, not pass/fail grades.

The Product Report is an independent consumer product testing organization based in Colorado. Revenue comes from consumer memberships, with no brand sponsorships, paid reviews, or manufacturer funding.

Become a MemberBack to Newsroom

TPR does not make safety claims or provide medical advice. All results are instrument readings from accredited analytical methods.