Natural Answer vs Ethique: Which Eco Shampoo Bar Is Better?

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Comparing two popular eco-friendly shampoo bar brands. Which one is right for your hair and values? Let’s find out.

Natural Answer vs Ethique: Brand Overview

Both brands champion sustainability. However, their approaches differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps you make the right choice.

Comparing Natural Answer and Ethique

Natural Answer: Key Strengths

Natural Answer stands out for several reasons:

• Completely palm oil free – No palm derivatives whatsoever
• Tree planting program – Every purchase supports reforestation
• Handmade quality – Small batch production in Europe
• EU shipping – Lower carbon footprint for European customers

Ethique: Key Strengths

Ethique also offers notable benefits:

• Wide product range – Many varieties available
• Established brand – Well-known in zero waste community
• B Corp certified – Verified ethical practices

The Palm Oil Question

This is the biggest difference between the brands. Natural Answer uses zero palm oil. In contrast, Ethique uses “sustainable” palm oil. However, many environmentalists question sustainable palm claims.

Therefore, if avoiding palm oil matters to you, Natural Answer is the clear choice.

Why Palm Oil Free Matters

Palm oil production drives rainforest destruction across Southeast Asia, threatening orangutans and countless other species. Even “sustainable” certifications like RSPO face criticism for weak enforcement and continued deforestation.

Natural Answer formulates entirely without palm oil or its derivatives (sodium palmate, palm kernel oil, stearic acid from palm). This means zero contribution to deforestation. Ethique uses certified sustainable palm, which they argue supports smallholder farmers. Both approaches have merit, but avoiding palm entirely removes any ethical gray area. Learn more about this in our palm oil free guide.

Ingredient Philosophy Differences

Natural Answer focuses on minimal, transparent ingredients. Most bars contain 8-12 ingredients you can pronounce and understand. The formulas prioritize gentleness and simplicity, making them ideal for sensitive scalps.

Ethique uses slightly more complex formulations with 12-18 ingredients per bar. This allows them to target very specific hair types and concerns. Their bars often include more active ingredients and botanical extracts, which some users prefer for targeted hair needs.

Performance: How They Compare

Both brands produce effective bars that clean hair thoroughly. Natural Answer bars tend to lather more easily in soft to medium water hardness. Users report they feel gentler and work well for daily or every-other-day washing.

Ethique bars are highly concentrated and some varieties work better in hard water. Their targeted formulas (like “The Guardian” for dandruff or “Frizz Wrangler” for frizz control) address specific concerns effectively. However, the stronger formulations may feel too cleansing for some sensitive scalps.

Price and Value Analysis

Natural Answer bars cost €8.98 per bar (€17.95 for a 2-bar pack) and last 50-80 washes. That works out to roughly €0.11-0.18 per wash. For EU customers, shipping is fast and affordable, usually arriving within 3-5 days.

Ethique bars range from £12-16 (€14-19) and also last 60-80 washes. Per-wash cost is slightly higher at €0.18-0.24. For non-New Zealand customers, shipping takes longer and costs more due to the distance.

When you factor in Natural Answer’s tree planting and lower shipping emissions for Europeans, the value proposition shifts in their favor for EU-based customers. Want to know how long your bar will last? Check our longevity guide.

Environmental Impact Beyond Ingredients

Natural Answer’s tree planting program has planted 1,168+ trees through Eden Reforestation Projects. Each purchase contributes to restoring forests in Madagascar, Haiti, and Nepal. The packaging is minimal—typically compostable paper bands or kraft boxes.

Ethique pioneered plastic-free beauty and has saved millions of plastic bottles from landfills. Their compostable packaging sets industry standards. While they don’t plant trees, their B Corp certification means they meet rigorous social and environmental standards.

For EU customers, Natural Answer’s local production significantly reduces transport emissions. Ethique products ship from New Zealand, adding substantial carbon footprint from long-distance freight.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Natural Answer if:

• You want completely palm oil free products
• Tree planting programs matter to you
• You prefer EU-made products
• You have a sensitive scalp
• You value minimal ingredient lists
• You’re based in Europe and want faster, lower-carbon shipping

Choose Ethique if:

• You need a specific product they offer
• Sustainable palm is acceptable to you
• You prefer targeted formulations for specific hair concerns
• B Corp certification is a priority
• You’re based in New Zealand or don’t mind international shipping

FAQ: Natural Answer vs Ethique

Can I use both brands?
Absolutely. Many people use Natural Answer for daily washing and keep an Ethique specialty bar for specific concerns like dandruff or frizz control.

Which works better for hard water?
Both work in hard water, but you may need an apple cider vinegar rinse with either brand. Some Ethique formulas handle hard water slightly better due to their concentrated formulations.

Which is better for travel?
Both are excellent travel companions. Natural Answer bars tend to be slightly smaller and lighter, making them ideal for carry-on luggage. Check our travel tips.

Are the ingredients really that different?
The core difference is palm oil. Natural Answer uses coconut-derived and other plant oils instead. This affects the bar’s hardness, lather, and environmental footprint. Read more about choosing by ingredients.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Shampoo Bars
• Why Choose Palm Oil Free Shampoo Bars
• 10 Benefits of Using a Shampoo Bar (Backed by Science)
• Best Palm Oil Free Shampoo Bars in Europe 2026

Explore Natural Answer shampoo bars to see their full range.

Last updated: February 2026