Berlin, 15 January 2026 — ÖKO-TEST had 22 hair mousses (including four certified natural cosmetic products) tested in a laboratory. The result: eight products were rated “Very Good”; many others were flagged for controversial ingredients or environmental concerns.
In focus: Galaxolide, PEG compounds and synthetic polymers
ÖKO-TEST names three groups of substances that raised particular concerns in the test: the synthetic musk fragrance Galaxolide, PEG/PEG derivatives and synthetic polymers.
ÖKO-TEST considers Galaxolide (a polycyclic musk compound) particularly concerning. The fragrance may accumulate in the environment and in human fatty tissue; the report also says it has been detected in breast milk. Galaxolide is suspected of disrupting the hormonal system and is being reassessed under the EU CoRAP action plan. In early 2025, a French authority proposed classifying Galaxolide as a Category 1B CMR substance (“probably carcinogenic to humans”).
Testers found PEG/PEG derivatives in 13 of the 22 products. They are used, among other things, as emulsifiers or stabilisers and, in ÖKO-TEST’s view, are concerning because some may make the skin more permeable to foreign substances. This can quickly become relevant for people with sensitive skin as well.
According to the report, synthetic polymers are used as film-formers to help the mousse hold and can enter wastewater when washed out. In INCI lists, they appear under names such as “Acrylates Copolymer”, “PVP” or “Polyquaternium”; their exact environmental effects are still unclear.
Labelling, packaging and lab testing: what else the test reveals
According to ÖKO-TEST, fragrance (“Parfum”) was found in all 22 hair mousses tested. One detail may matter to consumers: Galaxolide can currently appear in the INCI list under the collective term “Parfum”.
ÖKO-TEST says Galaxolide is due to be declared separately in future. The report names transition periods through the end of July 2026 (placing products on the market) and the end of July 2028 (sale). Some manufacturers, according to the report, already list the substance voluntarily as “Hexamethylindanopyran”. Anyone who wants to make better sense of ingredient lists in everyday life can also find another perspective in apps that scan cosmetic ingredients by barcode.
Packaging was also included in the assessment: many products come in aluminium bottles, while some use plastic. ÖKO-TEST asked about recycled material from the recycling stream and required batch-specific evidence. According to the test, many products contained no recycled material or made no declaration; in some cases, evidence was missing. In the end, only one manufacturer could substantiate more than 30 per cent recycled aluminium.
Why this matters to salon and spa clients: hair mousse is often applied close to the scalp and then washed out. Its ingredients therefore relate both to day-to-day tolerance and to the environmental impact through wastewater.
About the test: ÖKO-TEST bought the products in September 2025. Laboratories analysed, among other things, allergenic fragrances as well as polycyclic and nitro musk compounds; the packaging was also tested for PVC/PVDC/chlorinated compounds.
The ÖKO-TEST report points to a clear pattern: good ratings are possible, but fragrances, certain auxiliary ingredients and film-formers remain contentious—along with the question of how transparent labelling and packaging data will become in future.
Anyone looking for regular, concise beauty news, ingredient checks and product tests can find more updates here on the blog—clear, brief and to the point.