4 Best Alcohol-Free Dandruff Shampoos Of 2024, According To A Hairstylist

Get rid of your itchy scalp and make your otherwise dull tresses look and feel healthy.

Reviewed by Simon Constantinou, Hairstylist Simon Constantinou Simon ConstantinouHairstylist facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on
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With more people choosing issue-specific products, it comes as no surprise that so many of us are out there looking for the best alcohol-free dandruff shampoo. While some types of alcohol are suitable for your hair, others strip your hair of its moisture and leave it filled with more dandruff than ever! Our list of the top alcohol-free dandruff shampoos will help get rid of itchy scalp and give you healthy and glowing hair!

Products
Check Price
Best For All Hair Types:Era Organics Natural hair + scalp Therapy ShampooPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Chemical-Free:Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best For Damaged Hair:Natural Riches Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set

Price on Amazon
Best Paraben-Free:Maple Holistics Hydrate Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart

4 Best Alcohol-Free Dandruff Shampoos Of 2024

1. Best For All Hair Types:Era Organics Natural hair + scalp Therapy Shampoo

The Era Organics Natural hair + scalp Therapy Shampoo has a plant-based formula that suits all hair types. It works on dry, damaged hair along with oily hair and sensitive scalp to give you healthy and lustrous hair.

The nutrient-rich formula has anti-inflammatory properties and is infused with aloe vera, manuka honey, and argan oil that moisturizes a dry and itchy scalp. The pH-balanced, soothing shampoo repairs the scalp and treats dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, etc. Moreover, it also helps in collagen and keratin production that are necessary for hair growth. Your hair is hydrated and nourished with regular usage of this hair repairing shampoo. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details, as the reviewer’s experience can provide valuable insights into the product’s performance.

Key Ingredients: Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, Manuka Honey, Orange Oil

Hair Type: Dry, damaged, normal, oily, sensitive, chemically treated, colored, dyed, brittle

Pros

  • Natural
  • pH-balanced
  • Cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Allergy-tested
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • May dry the hair out

Our Tester's Experience

"My hair looks nourished and feels soft to the touch after I wash it with this shampoo. It soothes my itchy scalp and eliminates flaky residues. The formula never makes my hair rough or causes split ends. It is pH-balanced and gentle."


protip_icon Quick tip
After each application, follow with Era Organics Hair + Scalp Therapy Conditioner for the best results.

2. Best Chemical-Free:Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo

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3.9

The Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo by Vaadi Herbals acts as a health tonic for your hair. This exfoliating shampoo contains active ingredients like steam-distilled lemon peel extracts and tea tree oil that has a proven efficacy in preventing dandruff and nourishing the hair.

The acidic nature of lemon helps treat dandruff, maintain the scalp’s pH balance, and fight infections. Formulated with herbal extracts, it helps eliminate excess oil and strengthens the hair follicles. The dandruff shampoo ingredient list also consists of tea tree oil that penetrates the scalp to control sebum production. It also gently exfoliates dirt and gunk from the scalp, moisturizes dry hair, and imparts shine and softness. Other ingredients in the formula include coconut oil derivatives, olive oil derivatives, raspberry leaf extract, soy protein, and neem leaf extracts. This chemical-free, nourishing dandruff shampoo is suitable for all hair types, especially oily, dry, curly, and normal hair textures. The sulfate-free shampoo and Conditioner has garnered positive reviews as it disinfects the scalp and prevents dandruff while nourishing it at the same time.

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Lemon peel extracts, Coconut oil derivatives, Raspberry leaf extract, Soy protein, and Neem leaf extracts

Hair Type: Oily, Dry, Curly, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 3.31 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 3.17 Ounces

Pros

  • Mild
  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • No animal testing
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • Strong fragrance
  • Not color-safe
  • May dry the hair out.

3. Best For Damaged Hair: Natural Riches Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set

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4
Natural Riches Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set Image: Natural Riches

Repair your dry, damaged hair and scalp with the set of Natural Riches Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner. The non-irritating, detoxifying set restores all the essential nutrients and removes dandruff and frizz to make your hair and scalp look hydrated and healthy. The main nourishing ingredients, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, castor oil, and coconut oil, improve hair strength, repair all the damage caused by hair products, and bring the shine back. According to reviewers online, the anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner is suitable for daily use on all hair types.

Key Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, and Castor Oil

Hair Type: Oily, Dry, Multicultural, Normal, Damaged

Pros

  • Refreshing smell
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • BPA-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Anti-dandruff
  • Anti-frizz
  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"This shampoo clears dandruff and impurities from my scalp. It soothes itchiness and tames my frizzy strands. The formula lathers nicely on my hair without the need for excessive scrubbing. I like that it defines my bouncy tresses and refreshes their look."


Era Organics Natural hair + scalp Therapy Shampoo
Best For All Hair Types
Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo
Best Chemical-Free
Natural Riches Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set
Best For Damaged Hair
Hair Type Dry, damaged, normal, oily, sensitive, chemically treated, colored, dyed, brittle Oily, Dry, Curly, Normal Oily, Dry, Multicultural, Normal, Damaged
Dimensions- 1.5 x 3.31 x 8.7 inches-
Weight- 3.17 Ounces-
Rating
Reviews220237-
Price$21.45$7.99$24.5

4. Best Paraben-Free:Maple Holistics Hydrate Shampoo

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4.1

This hydrating shampoo from Maple Holistics helps restore the lost vigor and freshness of your hair. It penetrates the scalp and reduces dandruff and flakes. The anti-itch, vitamin-enriched shampoo nourishes and hydrates the hair to improve its elasticity and strengthen it. The cleansing formula includes parsley seed oil, lavender oil, almond oil, silk peptide, Jojoba oil, and carrot oil as the primary components.

Parsley seed oil is loaded with vitamin C and can help treat dandruff, reduce hair loss, and retain the natural color of your hair. Silk peptide, made from purifying silk powder, keeps the scalp hydrated and smoothens the hair. Jojoba oil makes the hair soft and shiny, while carrot oil strengthens the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. This gentle formula washes away dirt, impurities, dandruff, and buildup to detox the scalp and revitalizes the hair.

Key Ingredients: Parsley seed oil, Silk peptides, Jojoba oil, and Carrot oil

Hair Type: Straight,Wavy,Curly,Coily | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 12.64 Ounces

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Gentle
  • Smells good
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • Dries out the hair.

protip_icon Quick tip
After applying the shampoo, give the absorption process 2 to 3 minutes for the best results, then thoroughly rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles and prevent frizz.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The Bottom Line

Alcohol-free dandruff shampoos can eliminate scalp itchiness and dryness while removing white flakes from your strands. The organic formula in these shampoos offers restorative care and controls dandruff while offering the scalp nourishment and moisturization. Opt for the Era Organics Natural Hair + Scalp Therapy Shampoo for its natural and nourishing formula, or the Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo is the best choice for maintaining a healthy scalp. The Natural Riches Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Coconut Conditioner Set helps promotes healthy scalp and hair. Unlike regular shampoos, alcohol-free dandruff shampoos keep your strands hydrated and completely remove dirt, dandruff, and impurities. They also treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. However, steer clear of alcohol-free shampoos in your hair care routine that have the tendency to dry the strands out after each use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol-free dandruff shampoo good?

Yes, alcohol-free dandruff shampoo is good because alcohol works as a harsh, drying chemical that strips off the moisturizing scalp oil and causes dandruff and a dry scalp.

Is alcohol-free dandruff shampoo good for colored hair?

Yes, as it’s gentle, chemical-free, and helps to retain hair color.

Can I use alcohol-free dandruff shampoo while pregnant?

There is no evidence stating alcohol-free shampoo safe for use during pregnancy, always take advice from the doctors. It is also recommended to use dermatologist-recommended formulas during such conditions.

Can you use alcohol-free dandruff shampoo every day?

Yes, alcohol-free dandruff shampoo has a regulated, low pH and is gentle on the hair and scalp, so you can use it every day. However, always refer to the packaging for use instructions.

Does alcohol-free dandruff shampoo cause hair loss?

No, it prevents dandruff in order to prevent hair loss. The absence of alcohol in the formulation prevents your scalp from becoming dry and irritated.

How long do you have to use alcohol-free dandruff shampoo to see results?

Use alcohol-free dandruff shampoo twice a week for 2-4 weeks to see lasting results.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast and loves writing comprehensive articles on the same. After doing hours of extensive research on anti-dandruff products and sifting hundreds of user reviews on trusted online forums, she compiled this list of the best alcohol-free dandruff shampoos for her readers. These products can help remove dandruff without stripping off your hair’s natural oils.

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Simon Constantinou
Simon Constantinou is an accomplished hairstylist with over five decades of experience. He is the proprietor of an award-winning hair and beauty salon, renowned for its comfortable ambiance and a team of innovative hairdressers and beauticians who are both welcoming and supportive.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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