10 Best Shampoo Bars UK 2024 | The Funky Soap Company, Lush and More

Sodium laureth sulphate (sls) is one ingredient to watch out for. Although it’s used in the production of many skincare products to create a bubbly, foaming lather, it also has a tendency to strip skin of its natural oils and can be highly irritating too, especially if you’re sensitive. In general it’s best to avoid sulphates altogether if you have dry or easily irritated skin.

Another ingredient to be aware of when choosing a solid shampoo is lye, otherwise known as sodium hydroxide. Though it is often used in small amounts in skincare products to help maintain the ph balance of a soap or shampoo, it can be an irritant and dry out skin, so it is best avoided if you don’t want to further aggravate a dry or itchy scalp.

If you’ve picked a solid soap because you care about the environment, palm oil is the number one ingredient that should ring alarm bells and needs to be skipped.

If your hair and scalp produce a lot of oil, however, they may become greasy-looking more quickly, so you’ll need a lighter block shampoo that won’t weigh hair down. In these cases, choose a shampoo bar whose ingredients list has a lower oil content and higher amounts of plant extracts instead.

Glycerin is naturally contained in oils such as coconut oil and shea butter, but is also sometimes added separately to improve the moisture content of a shampoo bar. It is ideal if you suffer from a dry or itchy scalp.

Aloe Vera is another top ingredient to look out for as it soothes itchy scalps, promotes hair growth and works to moisturise the root, which can help to fight other problems such as dandruff.

Macadamia nut oil is another good oil to look out for if you want to add strength and shine. The fatty acids contained in the macadamia nut nourish the hair follicle and smooth over damage or frizz by covering each strand with a fine protective layer.

Activated charcoal, an odourless black powder, has been used in medicine for hundreds of years to prevent the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream, and is now a hugely popular ingredient in hair and skincare. While the jury is still out on its beauty benefits, activated charcoal is widely considered to have the potential to prevent toxins from binding themselves to your hair, working just as it does internally.

Bars containing charcoal are believed to improve your hair’s bounce, as its high absorbency levels allow it to remove dirt and grime from your hair and roots to be rinsed clean away as you shower.

For thinning hair in men and women, make a beeline for solid shampoos which promise to reinforce the follicles. One ingredient to seek out is rosemary, which contains carnosic acid, known for its potential to heal damaged tissue. Products containing rosemary will not only smell delicious, but may also strengthen weak hair roots and prevent excess hair fall.

Peppermint oil is believed to promote healthy hair growth, as the stimulating properties of menthol increase blood flow to your scalp. It is also extra light on your hair, leaving little residue, so is well-suited to perking up flat, lifeless tresses.