The 10 Best Cruelty-Free And Vegan Shampoos To Buy In 2024

Make conscious choices and stand up to animal cruelty with these eco-friendly products.

Reviewed by Alicia Igess, Hairstylist Alicia Igess Alicia IgessHairstylist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Pooja Karkala, BA (Psychology & Mass Communication) Pooja Karkala BA (Psychology & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 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 Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Last Updated on

Nowadays, people are becoming more and more aware and making conscious choices regarding their skin and hair care products. People are standing up against animal cruelty and switching to vegan and cruelty-free products. If you want to start a clean hair care routine, we have rounded up the best cruelty-free vegan shampoos. These shampoos are completely free from animal-derived ingredients and are not subjected to animal testing.

Since many brands are coming up with vegan shampoos, picking one that perfectly suits your hair type and texture might be overwhelming. We have got you covered as we have found out the best cruelty-free shampoos available in the market that have received numerous positive reviews. These shampoos will help battle dryness and support healthy and shiny hair. Keep scrolling to know more!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Organic Ingredients:Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Moisturizing:SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore
Price on Amazon
Best For Scalp Health:Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Volumizing:Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Dry Hair:Acure Mega Moisture Argan Oil & Pumpkin Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best Creamy Lather:Aveda Shampure Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best In Protein-Rich Ingredients:Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Scalp:Christina Moss Naturals Organic Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best Anti-Frizz Option:Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo
Price on Amazon
Best Glossy Finish:John Masters Organics Shampoo For Normal Hair
Price on Amazon

Top 10 Cruelty-Free And Vegan Shampoos Available In The Market

1. Best Organic Ingredients:Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo

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4.5
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo Image: Giovanni

This cruelty-free shampoo contains a blend of nourishing ingredients like peppermint oil, safflower oil, and tea tree oil. These ingredients increase the blood circulation in your scalp to renew and rejuvenate it. It strengthens your hair follicles and alleviates dry, flaky dandruff-prone scalp. It also contains rosemary and eucalyptus oils that condition your hair and remove impure residues. Several reviewers recommend this product for effectively cleaning the scalp without drying it out.

Hair Type: All | Item Weight: 1.94 pounds | Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.7 x 10.5 inches.

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Pros
  • Organic ingredients
  • Promotes healthy hair growth
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Quick results

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Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Applying too much shampoo can damage your hair, so always make sure to dilute it with water or use just the right amount for your hair.

2. Best For Moisturizing:SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

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4.5
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen Image: Shea Moisture

This mild shampoo nourishes your hair and removes dirt and impurities from your scalp. It is enriched with natural ingredients like Jamaican castor oil and organic raw shea butter that hydrate dry and brittle hair and protect it from breakage. This protein-rich shampoo is suitable for curly hair due to its rejuvenating properties and nourishing ingredients that promote healthy hair growth.

Hair Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 1.05 Pounds

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Pros
  • Cleanses scalp well
  • Moisturizes your hair
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Suitable for all hair types

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Cons
  • Diluted formula
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 1,445 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

3. Best For Scalp Health: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

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4.6
Jpms Image: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

This gentle, paraben-free shampoo contains tea tree oil and peppermint oil that soothe your scalp while leaving each strand refreshingly clean and healthy. It revitalizes and replenishes your hair without weighing it down. It balances the oil production on your scalp while keeping the moisture levels intact. Many reviewers love that this shampoo offers a deep cleanse and treats itchy scalp. It contains the natural essence of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender that leave your hair smelling great. This video showcasing a tester’s experience will give you more insights into the product.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 3.68 x 3.68 x 8.68 inches | Weight: 2.4 Pounds

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Pros
  • Improves scalp health
  • Makes your hair look glossy
  • Paraben-free

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Cons
  • Expensive

My Personal Experience

"This shampoo helps me deal with a variety of hair concerns like oiliness and itchiness in the scalp. It gives a tingling sensation to my scalp but that is not anything major. It leaves hair soft and manageable without any harsh effects."


protip_icon Pro Tip
Gently massage in circular motions using your fingertips to clean the scalp and promote blood circulation.

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
Best Organic Ingredients
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Best For Moisturizing
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Best For Scalp Health
Hair Type All Dry All
Weight 1.94 pounds--
Dimensions 2.8 x 3.7 x 10.5 inches. 2.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches 3.68 x 3.68 x 8.68 inches
Weight- 1.05 Pounds 2.4 Pounds
Rating
Reviews1391,4454,795
Price$28.9$13.99$38.25

4. Best For Volumizing: Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo

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4.2
Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo Image: Avalon Organics
Now 14% Off

This shampoo has won awards for its eco-friendly and all-natural ingredients such as biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein, and vitamin E. These ingredients help build body in thinning and fine hair. It stimulates the scalp to promote healthy hair growth. This volumizing shampoo cleanses, nourishes, and strengthens each hair strand. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out a reviewer’s experience of using the product in this video.

Hair Type: Fine, Thin | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 5.51 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

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Pros
  • Strengthens hair from the roots
  • Cleanses and nourishes hair gently
  • Contains organic ingredients
  • Increases hair volume
  • Approved by trichologists and hairstyle experts

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Cons
  • Expensive
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 3,203 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

5. Best For Dry Hair:Acure Mega Moisture Argan Oil & Pumpkin Shampoo

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4.3

Acure Mega Moisture Argan Oil & Pumpkin Shampoo contains organic argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, pumpkin seed oil, and CoQ10 that provide long-lasting moisture to your locks and soothe damaged hair. It claims to give you healthy, glossy, and manageable hair. The nourishing ingredients and intense hydrating formula leave your dry hair looking soft, silky, and shiny.

Hair Type: Curly, Dry, Damaged | Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 3 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

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Pros
  • Great for dry and damaged hair
  • Safe for lightened hair
  • Adds luster to your locks

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Cons
  • Not suitable for oily hair

6. Best Creamy Lather:Aveda Shampure Shampoo

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4.6

This shampoo gently cleanses and nourishes your hair. It contains Morikue protein, which is extracted from Brazil nuts, and wheat, making it ideal for colored hair. Besides cleansing and strengthening your locks, this shampoo also leaves your hair smelling wonderful. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review to know more about the tester’ experience of using the product.

Hair Type: All Hair Types

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Pros
  • Strengthens hair follicles
  • Adds fragrance
  • A little product goes a long way
  • Lathers well

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Cons

None

Our Tester's Experience

"This shampoo does not irritate my scalp. It makes my hair feel soft and reduces greasiness. The aroma adds a calming aspect to my showers and isn't strong for my sensitive nose. The formula adds notable volume to my hair."

7. Best In Protein-Rich Ingredients:Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

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4.4

With extracts of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus, Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo claims to rejuvenate dry and dull hair. It moisturizes and conditions your hair with its protein-rich ingredients. It cleanses your scalp and hair well and intensely moisturizes each strand. This vegan shampoo with botanical extracts is suitable for almost all hair types.

Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

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Pros
  • Lathers well
  • Contains certified organic ingredients
  • Rejuvenates your hair
  • Suitable for dry scalp

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Cons
  • Diluted formula

8. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Christina Moss Naturals Organic Shampoo

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4.1
Christina Moss Naturals Hair Shampoo for Damaged Hair Image: Christina Moss Naturals

Christina Moss Naturals Organic Shampoo washes and nourishes your hair gently without stripping away its natural oils. It is made of organic and natural ingredients that suit almost all hair types. This scalp-soothing clarifying shampoo improves the condition of your hair and scalp. It is a great shampoo for people with a sensitive scalp. It is also environment-friendly.

Hair Type: Oily, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.25 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

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Pros
  • No harmful chemicals
  • Great for sensitive scalp
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Fragrance-free

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Cons

None

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 962 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

9. Best Anti-Frizz Option: Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo.

Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo increases the moisture levels in your hair by imparting protein-rich ingredients to the roots. This anti-frizz shampoo helps protect your scalp, nourishes your locks, and leaves your hair feeling healthy and refreshed. It does not contain any harmful ingredients and is suitable for all hair types. This chemical-free shampoo stimulates blood circulation and promotes healthy hair growth.

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Pros
  • Natural and biodegradable
  • Sulfate-free formula
  • Created and approved by chemists
  • Makes your hair stronger and healthier
  • Eliminates frizz and static
  • Protects your scalp
  • Hydrates your hair

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Cons
  • Expensive

10. Best Glossy Finish:John Masters Organics Shampoo For Normal Hair

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John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo Image: John Masters Organics

In search of a natural, sulfate-free, and aromatic shampoo? Then, John Masters Organics Shampoo for Normal Hair is the perfect product for you. It contains naturally derived surfactants that provide a pleasurable washing experience. Besides balancing the oil on your scalp and revitalizing your hair, this pH-balanced shampoo makes your hair look super glossy.

Hair Type: All, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 9.84 Ounces

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Pros
  • Locks in moisture
  • Balances oil production
  • Rosemary oil purifies your hair and adds luster
  • Lathers well

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Cons
  • Expensive

Our Tester's Experience

"The John Masters Organics shampoo, leaves my hair feeling clean and shiny. It has a lavender rosemary scent that lifts my mood! It is gentle on my scalp and does not leave behind any greasiness."


There are a lot of reasons to switch to cruelty-free and vegan shampoos. For one, they are better for the environment and do not harm our furry friends. When it comes to finding the best cruelty-free and vegan shampoos, there are a few things you should look for. Here are a few tips to help you find the best options.

Things To Look For In Cruelty-Free And Vegan Shampoos

Ingredients

Look for gentle cleansing shampoos that contain moisturizing and hydrating ingredients like natural plant-based oils including coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and castor oil which are great for nourishing, protecting, and hydrating your hair and scalp. Plant-based surfactants are essential for removing dirt, oils, and other impurities from your hair. Look for plant-based surfactants like decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, and cocamidopropyl betaine.

Natural extracts like chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and aloe vera can help soothe and nourish your scalp and hair. Herbal extracts like nettle, horsetail, and rosemary can help promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. Vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, biotin, and zinc help in nourishing, repairing, and strengthening your hair. Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and tea tree can help balance your scalp’s natural oils, stimulate hair growth, and protect your tresses against environmental damage.

Chemical-Free

Many conventional shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Look for shampoos that are free of harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.

Sulfates are surfactants that act as a cleanser in shampoo. They are known for causing scalp irritation, dryness, and stripping away natural oils. Parabens are preservatives that can disrupt the natural balance of hormones in the body. In addition, they can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Phthalates are plasticizers used to make fragrances last longer. They can be absorbed through the skin and disrupt hormones. Avoid artificial fragrances as they are synthetic compounds used to make shampoo smell good. Opt for a patch test before applying these shampoos as they can cause skin irritation and allergies. The side effects of these irritants can include itching, burning, redness, dryness, flaking, and irritation.

Certification

Once you have confirmed that the ingredients are all vegan-friendly, take a look at the packaging to see if it bears either the Leaping Bunny or Vegan Society logo. These logos indicate that the product has been certified as being free from animal testing throughout its development and production process.

Background Checks

Of course, even if a product ticks all of these boxes, it is always worth doing some additional research on the company behind it. While some companies are fully committed to producing only cruelty-free and vegan products, others may still be engaged in animal testing elsewhere in their business. By taking the time to read up on a company’s ethical policies before making a purchase, you can be sure that what you are ordering is absolutely vegan and cruelty-free.

Price

Compare prices from different stores and online retailers. Don’t forget to look for any coupons or discounts that may be available. You may also want to consider buying in bulk if you plan on purchasing multiple items.

Infographic: 7 Benefits Of Using Cruelty-Free And Vegan Shampoos

Choosing cruelty-free and vegan shampoos can benefit your hair and help our ecosystem immensely. These mindful choices not only show kindness to animals but also offer a host of benefits for your hair and the environment. Check out the infographic below to know more about them.

7 Benefits Of Using Cruelty-Free And Vegan Shampoos (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Cruelty-free products are gaining popularity not just among animal lovers anymore. Since these products are often vegan as well, even the health-conscious crowd and the green planet supporters are choosing cruelty-free products over their counterparts. Unlike normal skin and hair products, these cruelty-free products are safe to use and skin-friendly. The Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo is most ideal for a dry and flaky scalp, while the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo is perfect for those who frequently use heat styling appliances on their mane. However, if you are looking for a formula to eliminate greasy hair and revive oily hair, try the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. These vegan shampoos contain protein-rich ingredients and are completely free of animal oils. They offer restorative care and help revitalize your hair, improve the texture, and add shine to your tresses. These products are suitable for all hair types, stimulate blood circulation, and promote healthy hair growth.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Pooja Karkala, is a hair care enthusiast who has curated this list featuring several cruelty-free and vegan shampoos. She has browsed through customer reviews online to create this list for her readers who are willing to make conscious choices regarding their skin and hair care products. These shampoos are made with organic ingredients and are also suitable for every hair type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vegan shampoo good for your hair?

Yes, vegan hair products are enriched with natural oils and minerals that help nourish the scalp, promote hair growth, and reverse hair damage.

Does vegan shampoo mean cruelty-free?

No, not all vegan shampoos are cruelty-free. Vegan products do not contain animal byproducts but they may be tested on animals, which makes them not cruelty-free.

Is cruelty-free and vegan shampoo organic?

Not necessarily. Both cruelty-free and vegan shampoos may have synthetic ingredients or natural ingredients that have been farmed with pesticides.

Are all cruelty-free shampoos vegan?

Not all cruelty-free shampoos are vegan, as they may still contain animal products in their formulas.

Is cruelty-free, vegan shampoo good for fine blonde hair?

Yes, for example, the Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo is good for fine blonde hair. It promotes healthy, thick hair growth without affecting the natural tone of blonde hair.


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Alicia Igess
Alicia IgessHairstylist
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.

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Pooja Karkala
Pooja KarkalaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.

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Krati Darak
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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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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