75/ 100
C
OverallF49/100
kin+kind Itchy Dog Shampoo

Kin+Kind · Shampoo

kin+kind Itchy Dog Shampoo

C · Moderate

Lower PFAS concern for shampoo, no inherent requirement for PFAS, but brand transparency is absent.

Verdict: Buy with careAqueous shampoo with no major established hazards; PFAS transparency gap is minor for rinse-off product category.

Kin+Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo is a liquid surfactant-based cosmetic with no known formulation trigger for PFAS (no waterproofing, non-stick, or water-repellent coating needed). The brand does not disclose PFAS policy or testing, which is typical for small pet-care brands but leaves a transparency gap.

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Material

aqueous shampoo base (surfactants, water, plant extracts)

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.

Hurts the grade

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement about PFAS in this product.

Hurts the grade

Safe base material

Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).

Helps the grade

The full breakdown

What it's made of and why it matters

Kin+Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo is a surfactant-based aqueous formulation designed for sensitive canine skin. The product relies on plant extracts (oatmeal, aloe, other botanicals) and mild surfactants to clean without heavy detergency. Since shampoos are rinse-off products that do not stay on skin or in the body, residual chemical burden is lower than leave-on personal care items.

The brand's record and disclosure

Kin+Kind markets itself as a natural and pet-safe brand but does not publicly disclose full ingredient sourcing or third-party certifications (e.g., Natural, Leaping Bunny). The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS avoidance or transparency, a gap shared by most pet shampoo manufacturers. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product line.

How it compares in its category

Pet shampoos typically avoid harsh sulfates and parabens more consistently than human shampoos because pet owners scrutinize formulations. Kin+Kind positions itself in the premium natural segment, similar to Earthbath and similar brands. It lacks independent certifications (USDA Organic, EWG Verified) that some competitors carry, making ingredient verification harder.

If you buy it

Use as directed on damp coat and rinse thoroughly; no special precautions needed beyond standard shampoo safety (keep out of eyes). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain ingredient stability. Discontinue if your dog shows new skin irritation and patch-test on a small area first if the animal has severe sensitivities.

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.”

Possible

Fragrance allergens and essential oils in botanical blends

Plant-extract shampoos can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive dogs. Kin+Kind does not itemize specific essential oils or fragrance compounds on available product labels, making individual allergen assessment difficult.

None known

Formaldehyde releasers (preservatives)

No credible evidence that Kin+Kind uses DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives; aqueous rinse-off products typically use gentler systems (sorbates, benzoates), but full preservative identity is not disclosed.

None known

Heavy metals in pigments or mineral additives

No recalls or testing results report heavy metals in Kin+Kind shampoos. Plant-based colorants used in pet shampoos are generally low-risk, though mineral clays (if present) are not confirmed on the label.

Possible

Microbial contamination or bacterial growth during storage

Aqueous shampoos rely on preservatives to prevent mold and bacteria. If Kin+Kind uses minimal preservatives to maintain a 'natural' claim, microbial risk rises if the bottle is left open or stored in warm, humid bathrooms; typical for this category.

Likely

Surfactant irritation to eyes or skin if not rinsed thoroughly

Any shampoo poses irritation risk if trapped in a dog's eyes or left on skin. Kin+Kind is marketed as mild but contains surfactants; thorough rinsing is essential, especially for dogs with existing skin inflammation.

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.