We have some bad news. There’s a high likelihood that your favorite water-based shampoo and conditioner are actually full of harmful substances known as “parabens” that are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and reduced fertility. Not only that, but even “sustainably made” water-based products still usually come in plastic or single-use packaging (which is anything but sustainable).
The good news? We’ve found a company that not only has none of the harmful chemicals of mass-produced water-based shampoo but has also amassed over 1,800 5-star reviews due to its pollutant-and-contaminant-free, uncompromising quality. All of their products are solid, water-free, and plastic free, making them the most sustainable self-care brand we can find.
We’re talking about Long Wknd—our new favorite plastic and cruelty-free personal care company that’s dazzled everyone from Vogue to Buzzfeed. So if you’re looking to level up your bathroom lineup, check out our breakdown of everything we love about their line of green cleaning products.
More Substance, Less Filler
A standard bottle of shampoo contains about 80% water, which means they’re prone to bacterial growth and spoilage. To combat this, almost all shampoo manufacturers use “parabens” to inhibit bacterial growth. Unfortunately, parabens have recently been linked to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, and increased cancer risk, which is alarming considering they’re virtually everywhere.
So, that means when you buy a standard bottle of shampoo, you’re not only paying for water—you’re also paying for parabens.
By changing the game with their “waterless” shampoo and conditioner bars, Long Wknd eliminated the need to add preservatives or parabens to their soap. So when you buy Long Wknd, you’re only paying for the good stuff and lathering your hair with cleansing compounds, not preservatives.
The Whole Package (Minus the Plastic)
The other benefit of going water-free is that your products no longer need to be housed in plastic. Plastic contamination has become so bad that bad scientists estimate we consume up to 11,000 pieces of microplastic every year.
By swapping out unnecessary plastic packaging for all shelf-stable products including deodorant, soap, and lip balm Long Wknd ensures their products are 100% plastic free, meaning you’re doing your part to reduce pollution.
Plus, in an effort to not just neutralize but actively reverse our plastic problem, Long Wknd has pledged to donate 1% of profits towards fighting plastic pollution. Cleaner you, cleaner planet.
The Best That Nature Has to Offer
One of the most frustrating aspects of modern hygiene care is how difficult companies make it to avoid putting synthetic compounds into and on your body. The earth is literally full of amazing cleansing substances developed over millions of years—all of which large conglomerates ignore in favor of mass-produced shortcuts.
Long Wknd does the opposite, scouring the globe to find the most effective and healthy organic materials in all their products. Their soaps use substances like Benoit— an earth clay made from volcanic ash that removes toxins—and Illite, a green clay from France that stimulates skin growth and tightens up pores.
By looking within the bounties of the earth, Long Wknd avoids harmful cheap fillers like aluminum hydroxide (found in many deodorants), or petroleum-based thickening agents (found in most water-based shampoos and body wash).
Smell Like Mother Earth Intended
We don’t know about you, but when we take a shower, we don’t like to smell like we bathed in a liquid lollipop. This can be hard when artificial aromas like green “apple” and pink “pomegranate” have become the norm.
Fortunately, Long Wknd’s all-natural scents like fresh citrus, eucalyptus, or rosemary and ylang ylang (a tropical flower from Vietnam), will make you feel like you just stepped out from a tropical spring…not a car wash.
Seeing Is Believing
While it may seem shocking, US-based companies aren’t required to disclose the contents of their hygiene products. This means you could be putting who knows what all over your face and eyes.
Long Wknd has nothing to hide, so they proudly make their ingredients easily visible and accessible on everyone of their products.
Join The Movement For A Greener Clean In
