Function of Beauty · Shampoo
Function of Beauty Custom Curly Hair Shampoo Base with Chia Extract
Lower PFAS concern; typical liquid shampoo with no known high-risk treatments.
Function of Beauty's custom shampoo is a water-based liquid formula with no disclosed water-resistant, anti-stain, or non-stick treatments, the primary PFAS vectors in cosmetics. The brand makes no PFAS claims either way.
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Water-based liquid shampoo with chia seed extract
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Function of Beauty Custom Curly Hair Shampoo Base is a water-based liquid formula with chia seed extract as the marketed functional ingredient. Chia seed extract is a botanical additive known for omega-3 content and is not associated with established safety hazards in cosmetic formulations. As a liquid shampoo, it avoids the material risks of solid bars (compression agents, additives) and relies on standard surfactants and preservatives typical of mainstream personal care products.
The brand's record and disclosure
Function of Beauty markets itself as a customizable beauty brand and does not prominently publish third-party certifications (such as EWG verification, cruelty-free badges, or clean beauty seals) on publicly available channels. The brand does not appear to have faced major product safety recalls or legal actions on record. However, the company does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or mitigation statements, which is consistent with silent positioning in the cosmetics industry where such transparency remains voluntary and rare.
How it compares in its category
Liquid shampoos formulated for curly hair typically include conditioning polymers, humectants, and botanical extracts; this product's chia extract is a standard plant-based marketing differentiator rather than a unique chemistry shift. Compared to mass-market drugstore shampoos, Function of Beauty positions itself in the mid-premium segment; this formulation carries similar risk profiles (surfactant and preservative safety) as comparable salon or subscription beauty brands. The customization model does not introduce material safety advantages or disadvantages relative to fixed formulas of the same price tier.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve botanical extract potency and prevent microbial growth in the liquid base. Use as directed on the label; no special precautions apply beyond standard shampoo safety (avoid eye contact, rinse thoroughly). If you experience scalp irritation or allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. Replace every 12 months or sooner if you notice separation, discoloration, or odor changes indicating preservative breakdown.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Preservative system safety and microbial control
Function of Beauty does not publicly disclose its preservative system for this formulation. Liquid shampoos require active preservation; if underpreserved, they can support bacterial or fungal growth, particularly after opening. No recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this brand.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Shampoos marketed for curly hair often include fragrance blends; Function of Beauty does not appear to list fragrance transparency or allergen warnings prominently on publicly available product pages. Undisclosed fragrance components can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, though incidence is low in general populations.
Heavy metals in botanical extracts
Chia seed extract sourcing and heavy metal testing (cadmium, lead, arsenic) are not disclosed by the brand. Most reputable cosmetic suppliers test botanicals for contaminants, but transparency is not standard. No incidents linking chia-based cosmetics to heavy metal toxicity are established.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservative blends
Older cosmetic preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) release low levels of formaldehyde; modern formulations increasingly avoid these. Function of Beauty's specific preservative choice is not publicly disclosed, so assessment relies on industry trend toward safer alternatives. No documented formaldehyde concerns exist for this brand.
1,4-dioxane as manufacturing byproduct
Liquid shampoos using certain surfactants (particularly ethoxylated compounds like sodium laureth sulfate) may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct. Function of Beauty does not disclose whether their formulation includes ethoxylated surfactants or whether they perform vacuum stripping to remove dioxane. Risk is low but not eliminated without disclosure.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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More shampoo grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.