11 Best Expert-Approved Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoos – 2024

Are you fed up of those white and yellow flakes shedding on your shoulders frequently? It’s dandruff, and you need to get your hands on the best cruelty-free dandruff shampoo to get rid of it. Dandruff, a chronic condition, occurs owing to several reasons—age, dry scalp, dermatological conditions to name a few. Although commercial shampoos can solve this issue temporarily, there is a fair chance of them aggravating your condition too. Also, most of them are tested on animals before being considered safe for human use. This is why you can opt for cruelty-free alternatives. And keeping this in mind, we have prepared a list of the 11 most effective cruelty-free shampoos that can eliminate your dandruff, leave you with a healthy scalp, and give you the joy of using a product that is not tested on animals too. So, go ahead and check it out!

11 Best Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoos

1. Best Volumizing:Maple Holistics Sage Special Formula Shampoo

4.3

Image: Maple Holistics

BUY ON AMAZON | $23.95

The Sage Special Formula Shampoo by Maple Holistics is a therapeutic anti-dandruff shampoo. It is infused with nourishing ingredients like Moroccan argan oil, tea tree oil, sage extract, and peach kernel. These essential oils help replenish lost moisture into your hair and induce shine, while keratin helps strengthen damaged and brittle hair. These ingredients soothe your scalp and nourish it from within. It is an ideal shampoo for those who want to reduce scalp inflammation, itchiness, and any irritation caused by severe dandruff. It also helps reduce frizz and calms static flyways, giving you soft, silky, smooth hair. Additionally, this shampoo removes product build-up and brings back life in dull, lifeless, and chemically treated hair. Here’s an honest review of the product detailing the tester’s experience of using it.

Key Ingredients: Moroccan argan oil, Jojoba oil, Tea tree oil, Sage extract, and Peach kernel

Pro Tip

Follow it up with a hydrating anti-dandruff hair mask to prevent dryness.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 10,586 great reviews on Amazon.

2. Best For Itchy Scalp:Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo

4

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

The Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo by Jason is specifically formulated for itchy, flaky scalp. It is infused with jojoba oil, olive oil, and rosemary oil to moisturize your scalp and strands and is also mildly subacidic. The active ingredients, salicylic acid, and sulfur, help eliminate itchiness and inflammation. They gently cleanse your scalp and control dermatitis and mild psoriasis. This cruelty-free shampoo is free from harmful chemicals and harsh ingredients that can damage or irritate your scalp. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product based on the tester’s experience.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Sulfur, Jojoba oil, Olive oil, and Rosemary oil

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 4,039 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

3. Best Hydrating Formula:Kamedis Dermatology Control Dandruff Therapy Shampoo

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | $38.38

This anti-dandruff shampoo by Kamedis Dermatology is clinically proven to reduce dandruff. It is infused with botanical soapberry that has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It gently cleanses your scalp and unclogs the hair shafts by sloughing off dead skin cells. Pyrithione zinc helps purify your scalp and soothes irritation and psoriasis. This light-lather shampoo is clinically-proven to hydrate your strands, leaving them silky and soft. This cruelty-free shampoo is chemical-free, dermatologist-tested, and can be used by both men and women. Reviewers online recommend using this shampoo to relieve dandruff and itchiness and heal your scalp with consistent use.

Key Ingredients: Soapberry and Pyrithione Zinc

4. Best For Itchy Scalp:Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Shampoo

4.2

Image: Yes To

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.99

The Yes To Tea Tree Shampoo contains tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and sage oil, which help soothe the scalp while eliminating flakey skin. This vegan shampoo has a balanced pH level, which helps to promote hydration and healthy hair growth. The dermatologist-tested shampoo is excellent for gently cleansing the hair and scalp, removing product buildup, flakes, and impurities without stripping away its natural moisture. It is suitable for all hair types.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 10,731 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

5. Best pH-Balanced:Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo

4.4

Now 14% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $4.88

The DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo by Dove is a gentle cleansing agent suitable for dry and itchy scalp. It cleans your scalp and leaves your hair free of flakiness and dandruff. Pyrithione zinc helps soothe itching, irritation, and inflammation while shea butter and coconut leave the hair intensely moisturized. This cruelty-free shampoo is pH-balanced and has a sweet coconutty aroma that revitalizes your senses. The non-irritating formula is safe for color-treated hair. Reviews on Amazon suggest using this gentle shampoo for sensitive scalp to soothe it and get rid of the flakiness.

Key Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, Shea butter, and Coconut

Pro Tip

Pair this shampoo with Dove Dry Scalp Care leave-on-solution with the anti-inflammatory benefits of niacinamide for better relief from stubborn dandruff.

6. Best Anti-Redness:Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo

4

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.41

The Anti Dandruff Shampoo by Neutriderm has a clinically tested formula for treating and preventing dandruff. It helps soothe and control itchiness and redness on the scalp. The formula has climbazole and citric acid that cleanse dirt, debris, and bacteria from your scalp. It prevents excess sebum production on your scalp and gives an oil-free feeling. If you are tired of dealing with serious dandruff problems, why not test it out yourself?

Key Ingredients: Climbazole 1%, Citric Acid, and Polyquaternium 10

7. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Planative Natural Beauty Care Tea Tree Oil Special Formula Shampoo

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.95

The Tea Tree Oil Special Formula Shampoo by Planative Natural Beauty Care is the ideal shampoo for dry, damaged, oily, and dandruff-prone hair. It is infused with tea tree oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and pure melaleuca oil. Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties and helps unclog pores and reduces excess sebum. Lavender, jojoba, and argan oils help hydrate and nourish your hair, leaving it healthy. Rosemary revitalizes your scalp and helps prevent hair loss while inducing new hair growth. This plant-based formula is safe for color-treated hair. Reviewers online recommend using this product to get rid of product build-up and treat oily hair and scalp.

Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, Argan oil, Melaleuca oil, Jojoba oil, and Rosemary oil

8. Best Scalp Cleansing:Maple Holistics Cedarwood Shampoo Cleanse & Exfoliate

4.2

Image: Maple Holistics

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.95

This anti-dandruff shampoo by Maple Holistics is specifically formulated for dry, oily, and color-treated hair. The formula is infused with cedarwood, tea tree, and rosemary oils. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that aids in clearing dandruff flakes and reducing itchiness and irritation on the scalp. Cedarwood essential oil cleanses the scalp by removing dead skin cells, while rosemary oil hydrates the scalp and hair. The formula helps reduce frizz and calms static flyways, giving you soft and silky-smooth hair. According to multiple Amazon reviews, this shampoo imparts an amazing fragrance and helps you get rid of your flaky scalp with consistent use.

Key Ingredients: Cedarwood essential oil, Tea tree oil, and Rosemary oil

9. Best Detoxifying:Majestic Pure Himalayan Dandruff & Scalp Shampoo

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.99

The Majestic Pure Himalayan Dandruff & Scalp Shampoo is a gentle detoxifying formula suitable for hair types and textures. It is infused with Himalayan Salt, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Coconut Oil that removes dandruff and product build-up, and absorbs excess oils, leaving the scalp clean and fresh. It also contains Camellia Seed Oil that nourishes and conditions the scalp, leaving it moisturized. In addition, it is a cruelty-free shampoo that works great for dandruff-prone and dry, itchy scalp. Multiple reviewers on e-commerce sites recommend adding this shampoo to your daily hair care routine for best results.

Key Ingredients: Himalayan Salt, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil, Coconut Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Vitamin E

10. Best Mild Formula:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo Cleanse & Clarify

4.4

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.95

Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is ideal for fine, dandruff-prone, oily hair. Apart from tea tree oil, this shampoo is infused with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, lavender oil, botanical keratin, and rosemary oil. Tea tree oil helps reduce itchiness and irritation on your scalp. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that aid in clearing dandruff and flaking. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and helps condition and protect your hair. Botanical keratin adds body and texture to the tresses, making them healthy and shiny. The formula helps reduce frizz and calms static flyways, giving you soft and silky-smooth hair.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Botanical keratin, Argan oil, Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, and Rosemary oil

11. Best Fragrance-Free:Pura D’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo

4.4

Image: Pura D'or

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

The Pura D’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo is a dry scalp treatment infused with peppermint oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. These nourishing ingredients help soothe and relieve dry, itchy scalp. Lavender oil rejuvenates and promotes new hair growth while peppermint and tea tree oils clear scalp build-up. Argan oil protects your hair from environmental damage and heat. This nourishing shampoo gives you visible results in just 21 days. This is why many online reviews suggest that you give this vegan shampoo a try if nothing else works.

Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, Argan oil, Tea tree oil and Lavender oil

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 922 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

There are a plethora of options when it comes to anti-dandruff shampoos, but a cruelty-free dandruff shampoo is rare. Most of the formulas are either tested on animals or use the by-products of animals. However, when you find a cruelty-free dandruff shampoo, look for these few factors to pick the best formula to tackle your hair concerns.

Things To Consider While Buying Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoos

Hair And Scalp Type

There are enough anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market that are meant for all hair types. Usually, anti-dandruff shampoos that are meant for dry hair contain hydrating ingredients which leave your hair moisturized. Those meant for oily hair and irritated scalp will control excess sebum in your scalp and nourish your hair. So, no matter what hair type, focus on a pH-balancing formula.

Ingredients To Pick

You need to read the labels carefully to check the ingredients that work for your scalp and hair to offer effective treatment against recurring dandruff problems. Go for antibacterial and antifungal formulas and choose the right active ingredients such as salicylic acid, ketoconazole, piroctone olamine, ichthyol pale, or ZPT that help fight dandruff. Also, other ingredients like vitamin B5, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, jojoba oil, coconut oil, rosemary oil, neem, tea tree oil, or lemon oil also work best to remove dandruff treatment.

Ingredients To Avoid

Avoid shampoos that contain harmful chemicals like silicone, sulfates, alcohol, paraben, phthalates, mineral oils, gluten, phosphate, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances. All of these toxins strip off the moisture and natural oils from your hair and leave you with an irritated scalp. These harsh chemicals can damage your scalp and lead to severe hair fall in the long run. Instead, go for organic, non-toxic, and allergen-free alternatives that are gentle on the scalp and are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Formula

Opt for a clarifying or cleansing formula that focuses on cleansing your scalp and caters to eliminating the dandruff, flakes and dryness. The formula must lather well, must be hypoallergenic, and must have antioxidant properties, and remain free from added synthetic fragrances. The formula must tackle recurring concerns like build up, hair fall, split ends, breakage, tangles, frizziness, and dryness.

Cruelty-Free Validity

Unless the products and its ingredients are clearly labeled as “cruelty-free,” assume that the products contain animal-based ingredients or are tested on animals. Check for a stamp of certification on the packaging to ensure the shampoos you are choosing are cruelty-free and certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA. You can also opt for shampoos with biodegradable, environmentally friendly packaging if you support a sustainable lifestyle.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoo

A cruelty-free dandruff shampoo is an ethical alternative to regular shampoos. It is formulated with natural ingredients that treat dry and itchy scalp while boosting the hair’s growth and shine. The infographic below notes these ingredients and states their benefits. Check it out to make an informed decision.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast. She understands that dandruff can be a recurring issue and affect the scalp health. She also knows that most products are tested on animals, which ethically-conscious individuals do not prefer. So, she has compiled this list of the best cruelty-free dandruff shampoos after thorough research and an in-depth evaluation of reviews. These products contain natural ingredients, fight dandruff, and reduce scalp inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cruelty-free, anti-dandruff shampoo daily?

Yes, if the formula is mild and gentle enough for regular use. Always check the shampoo packaging for instructions about frequency of use.

How can I permanently get rid of dandruff?

Regular hair care routine and the right anti-dandruff products help prevent dandruff, but you can never stop it permanently.

Can you brush dandruff out?

Yes, to some extent, but tiny flakes remain stuck to your strands. However, it helps distribute the scalp oils and sebum throughout the head.

How can I tell if I have dandruff or dry scalp?

Large, oily flakes are caused by dandruff, while dry skin flakes are smaller and whiter.

Can you use cruelty-free, anti-dandruff shampoo and a regular conditioner together?

Yes. A regular, moisturizing conditioner after an anti-dandruff shampoo may help prevent dryness. But if you have moderate to extreme dandruff problems, using a regular conditioner may counteract the anti-dandruff properties of the shampoo and trap more oils to cause dandruff.

Does cruelty-free, dandruff shampoo cause split ends?

Yes. If your dandruff shampoo is too drying, it can cause split ends. However, most formulas are non-drying and safe for your hair and scalp.

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Simon ConstantinouHairstylist

     

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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Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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