When was the last time you looked at your shampoo bottle? Not the pretty branding. Not the promise of luscious locks. But the ingredients.
Can you even name one? Do you know why it’s there? Or are you, like most of us, influenced… by influencers?
It’s time to question what we’ve been told. Familiar doesn’t mean safe, and what’s marketed as “the best” isn’t always the best for you—or the planet.
So let’s unpack the real cost of that shampoo bottle sitting in your bathroom.
The Plastic Problem: It’s Bigger Than You Think
The beauty industry thrives on single-use plastic. Shampoo bottles, conditioners, body washes—they’re everywhere. And here’s the thing: they’re designed to last. But not in a good way.
1. Shampoo Bottles Are Built to Last… Forever
- Each year, over 552 million shampoo bottles are sold globally—and that’s just shampoo. Add conditioners and body washes, and the number exceeds 1 billion bottles annually.
- Most of these bottles are made from high-density plastic that takes 450 years to decompose.
- When discarded, they often end up in landfills or oceans, where they break into tiny fragments—microplastics.
“This image might be AI but this dose not change the facts Millions of shampoo bottles end up in landfills and oceans every year, creating a lasting environmental crisis.”
2. Microplastics: More Than Just an Environmental Threat
Think microplastics are harmless? Think again.
A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that microplastics have been found in human brains. They enter through the olfactory bulb (your nose!) and bypass the blood-brain barrier. The effects are startling:
- Inflammation in the brain.
- Disrupted cellular functions.
- Potential links to neurodegenerative diseases.
What’s Really in Your Shampoo? A Comparison
Here’s something you might not think about: what’s actually inside your shampoo. Ingredients matter, not just for your hair but for your body and the environment.
Detox Shampoo Bar (Cooper Delivered)
Ingredients:
- Sodium Coco-Sulfate (gentle surfactant from coconut oil)
- Glycerin (moisturizing humectant)
- Shea Butter (nourishing for scalp and hair)
- Bamboo Charcoal Additives (detoxifying and clarifying)
- Olive Oil and Fatty Acids (hydration and shine)
- Fragrance (light scent)
- Plus other biodegradable, plant-based ingredients.
Typical Shampoo Bottle Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (synthetic detergent)
- PEG-15 Glyceryl Isostearate (emulsifier)
- Phenoxyethanol and DMDM Hydantoin (preservatives)
- Dimethicone (synthetic silicone for shine)
- Synthetic fragrances and stabilizers.
Shampoo Bars vs. Bottled Shampoo: Which Saves More Money?
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also great for your wallet. Let’s break it down:
Cost of Quality Hairdresser Bottled Shampoo
- Average cost of one bottle: $30–$40
- Duration: A single 400ml bottle typically lasts 1–2 months (depending on hair length and frequency of use).
- Annual cost: $180–$240 per person (assuming 6 bottles per year).
Cost of Shampoo Bars
- Average cost of one bar: $15–$30
- Duration: A single bar lasts as long as 2–3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
- Annual cost: $30–$90 per person (assuming 2–3 bars per year).
“Switching isn’t just better for the planet—it’s better for your wallet too.”
The Verdict
Switching to shampoo bars can save you up to $150 annually. For a family of four, that’s nearly $600 in savings every year.
And the best part? You’re not just saving money—you’re saving the planet.
The Ripple Effect of One Small Change
Switching to a shampoo bar might seem small. But small changes add up to big impact.
1. Less Plastic, More Impact
- By replacing one shampoo bottle with a bar, you save approximately three plastic bottles annually.
- Imagine if 10,000 people made the same switch: That’s 30,000 fewer bottles polluting the planet every year.
The Real Question: Convenience or Complacency?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: We already know what’s happening. We know plastic is choking our planet. We know microplastics are invading our bodies.
So, what’s stopping us? Convenience? Habit?
Is that worth the cost?
Your Move: Choose Better
Every time you shop, you cast a vote for the world you want. A shampoo bar might seem like a small step, but it’s a step toward a cleaner, healthier future—for you, for the planet, for everyone.
So, go ahead. Make the switch. Choose better.
Because the truth is, every decision matters.
Ready to ditch the plastic and make the switch to a sustainable future? Start with Cooper Delivered’s eco-friendly Products—better for your hair, your wallet, and the planet. Shop Now.