5 Reasons to Use a Plant-Based Car Shampoo

A surprising number of car shampoos are packed with synthetic detergents, phosphates, and artificial fragrances. They strip dirt and grime, but they can also leave behind chemical residues that aren’t great for your car—or the environment.

Here’s why UK drivers are making the switch to plant-based car shampoos like Pure Suds:

1. Safer for Your Skin and Health

Many conventional car shampoos contain SLS, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances—all of which are toxic to rivers and marine life and contribute to harmful algal blooms and endocrine disruption. Learn more from this sustainability guide → (link) 

How can you tell what is in your current products? CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation is the EU and UK system for classifying chemicals and mixtures to ensure they’re labelled clearly for safety. It uses standardised hazard symbols (pictograms) to show risks like flammability, toxicity, environmental harm, or irritation, so people know how to handle products safely. These red diamond symbols quickly tell users if something is dangerous to health, the environment, or flammable. 

Plant-based shampoos rely on gentle, coconut-derived cleansers that clean effectively without harsh effects.

2. Protects Our Waterways

Outdoor car washing often drains toxic residues into surface water systems, which in the UK are known to degrade local rivers. Learn how this happens → (link to UK Parliament report).

There are already contaminants on our cars from brake dust and other sources. We can help reduce this impact by using non-toxic car shampoos and cleaning products. Biodegradable, plant-based alternatives break down naturally, so you can wash your car with a cleaner conscience. 

3. Gentle on Paint and Protective Coatings

Harsh detergents can strip wax or damage ceramic coatings over time. Plant-based shampoos are designed to lift dirt without removing your protective layers, keeping your finish glossy for longer.

4. Supports Sustainable, UK-Made Brands

Every purchase helps drive the shift toward eco-conscious car care, reducing demand for mass-produced, chemical-heavy products. With Clean Standard, you know it’s made locally, with recyclable packaging. We will be introducing refill options for Pure Suds, our car shampoo and have other complimentary products in the future which will use Aluminium bottles for life and refill options. 

5. Works Just as Well (If Not Better)

Plant-based doesn’t mean weak. Modern natural surfactants clean powerfully while leaving behind a smooth, streak-free finish. It is important that these products are as effective as they are clean and we have spent a lot of time working on the formulation for Pure Suds to make sure it is effective. 

Ready to switch?

Try Pure Suds – Eco-Friendly Car Shampoo and experience a better clean, naturally.