What Does “Low-Tox” Actually Mean in Haircare?

Low-tox. It’s a term that’s everywhere now — on beauty products, cleaning bottles, lifestyle blogs... but what does it really mean?

Is it just another buzzword? A greenwashed label? Or is it something more grounded — a practical way to care for yourself without going full DIY-from-the-garden?

At BodFood, we take the low-tox approach seriously  but not in a rigid, rulebook kind of way. It’s not about fear or extremes. It’s about making better choices, based on real science, sustainability, and what your hair actually needs.

Let’s break it down, simply and honestly.

Low-Tox ≠ Chemical-Free (Because That’s Not a Thing)

First up, and we’ll shout this from the shower shelves  everything is made of chemicals.

Water is a chemical. Coconut oil is a chemical. Even air is a mixture of gases (also chemicals).

So when we say “low-tox,” we don’t mean chemical-free. We mean avoiding harsh, irritating, disruptive or unnecessary ingredients  and instead choosing ones that are:

• Proven to be safe in cosmetic use
  
  
• Non-sensitising for most people
  
  
• Gentle on the scalp microbiome
  
  
• Biodegradable, where possible
  
  
• And formulated to be effective without overloading your body or the environment
  
  

What We Avoid (And Why)

Low-tox means we don’t include ingredients that are:

• Linked to hormone disruption or skin irritation
  
  
• Difficult to biodegrade (like non-water-soluble silicones)
  
  
• Unnecessarily aggressive (like sulphates in cleansers)
  
  
• Only added for “marketing fragrance” or cheap slip
  
  

That’s why BodFood products are free from:

• Sulphates (like SLS and SLES)
  
  
• Parabens
  
  
• Formaldehyde releasers
  
  
• Non-biodegradable silicones
  
  
• Synthetic colourants (unless certified safe)
  
  
• Animal testing or animal-derived ingredients
  
  

What We Do Use Instead

Our formulas are a blend of natural and science-backed ingredients  because nature is powerful, but so is well-researched cosmetic chemistry.

Some of our low-tox faves:

• Coconut-derived surfactants: gentle cleansers that still lather like a dream
  
  
• Behentrimonium chloride: a plant-derived conditioning agent that actually works
  
  
• Panthenol (B5) and glycerin: lightweight hydrators
  
  
• Certified organic oils and botanicals: for moisture, shine and antioxidant protection
  
  
• Fragrance blends that are man-made and certified safe — no skin sensitisation, no headaches
  
  

But Is It Still Salon-Quality?

Absolutely. That’s the whole point.

Low-tox doesn’t mean low-performance. It means we formulate smarter to achieve the results. We ditch the harsh ingredients, keep the effective ones, and make products that feel amazing without compromising your health or the planet’s.

Low-Tox is a Lifestyle, Not a Label

We’re not about perfection. We’re about progress.

Whether you’re new to clean beauty or you’ve been reading labels for years, low-tox haircare is about supporting your body’s natural balance and removing the unnecessary junk.