Yep. This is slightly embarrassing.
Back in September 2025, our shampoo bar was awarded a 5-star review in The Independent and named “Best Bar for a Gentle, Low pH Wash.” And somehow, in the chaos of running a small business, we never actually sat down and wrote a proper blog about it.
So, here we are. Better late than never.
If you want to read the review in full, you can find it here:
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/hair/best-shampoo-bars-b1819177.html
Why we’re so excited about this
We know reviews are not everything. But this one meant a lot.
Because it recognised the exact thing we care about most. A shampoo bar that is:
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genuinely gentle on the scalp
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formulated thoughtfully
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effective without being harsh
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more sustainable by design
Also, it was reviewed alongside 16 other shampoo bars. Only four products received five stars, including ours. We are not saying we shouted. But we absolutely shouted.
What The Independent said
They described our bar as:
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delicate on the scalp
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plastic free
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able to cleanse effectively without drying
They also noted that it foamed up well, was easy to distribute across the scalp, and left hair looking glossy and smooth.
This is exactly the balance we aim for. Clean hair, happy scalp, no drama.
What makes our shampoo bar different
Low pH, gentle cleanse
Hair and scalp naturally sit on the slightly acidic side. A lower pH cleanser can support cuticle smoothness and help avoid that stripped, squeaky feeling.
Biofermented surfactants
Part of our cleansing system is produced via fermentation. This process results in post-biotic compounds, which are increasingly studied for their role in supporting the scalp microbiome.
No silicones
Silicones can make hair feel instantly sleek and shiny, but some can contribute to surface coating over time.
Instead, we use ingredients like grapeseed oil and hydrolysed lupine seed oil to support shine and softness without relying on silicone films.
No sulphates
Sulphates create a big lather, but on some scalps they can contribute to irritation or dryness. Our bars lather well without them.
(If you want the deeper version, we have a full sulphates blog too.)
Free from parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals
Some parabens have been banned. Others remain permitted in restricted amounts. Some research continues to examine links between certain parabens and endocrine activity, so we take a precautionary approach and avoid them.
Some phthalates have been associated in research with endocrine disruption and developmental concerns.
Petrochemical exposure is also discussed in medical literature in relation to broader environmental and health concerns.
We are not here to scare anyone. We are also not here to pretend these questions do not exist. We choose to keep our formulas simple and avoid ingredients that remain under ongoing scrutiny where good alternatives exist.
The quick review summary
An’du Back to Basics Shampoo Bar
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Best: For a gentle, low pH
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Sulphate free: Yes
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Vegan: Yes
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Cruelty-free: Yes
What they loved:
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Delicate on the scalp
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Free from plastic
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Cleans without drying
The bottom line
This review happened in September 2025, and we’re still genuinely chuffed about it.
If you already use our bars, thank you. You made this possible.
If you’re new here, hello. This is your sign to give a shampoo bar a try.
And yes, we will try to be slightly quicker about sharing good news next time.
(No promises.)