10 Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos, Hairdresser-Reviewed (2024)
Use these hypoallergenic shampoos for sensitive skin that are FDA-tested and safe.
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world.
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Experience: 2 yearsPooja 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.
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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Sensitive skin is more often a bane than a boon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find beauty products that work without breaking you out. For instance, the market is saturated with some of the best hypoallergenic shampoos our beauty editors have ever experienced. These hair care products are rigorously tested by the FDA and board-certified dermatologists and are deemed safe to use on hypersensitive skin. These shampoos are ideal for combination, normal, dry, and oily scalps. They are formulated without parabens, alcohol, phthalates, sulfates, and fragrances.
If you are dealing with an irritated scalp and need something gentler than those regular shampoos, these 10 hypoallergenic shampoos are your best bet. They will finally make your hair feel at home and keep your scalp healthy. Take a look!
In This Article
10 Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos For Sensitive Skin
1. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Free & Clear Shampoo
This non-medicated, gentle shampoo is ideal for sensitive scalp and skin. It deep cleanses your hair well and makes it more manageable. It prevents flaking and scaling. This gluten-free shampoo helps control excess sebum secretion and keeps build-up and residue at bay. For those with an infected scalp, this mild formulation can help eliminate the irritants without drying it out. Plus, this formula is suitable for all hair types be it straight, wavy, or curly hair. To get a better understanding of Free & Clear Shampoo, go ahead and check out this YouTube video on a reviewer’s experience with this product.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for people with eczema and scalp psoriasis
Cons
- None
Pro Tip2. Best Nourishing: Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo
The Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo is the best for nourishing your strands during winter. It is loaded with a rich blend of plant-based nutrients such as vitamins E & C. Further, nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, marula oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil hydrate the scalp and eliminate buildup on it. It also makes the roots healthy and strong while adding shine to your dry hair. The shampoo is specifically formulated for sensitive, itchy skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It offers quick and long-lasting results without causing allergies, irritation, or itching.
Pros
- Natural Ingredients
- Ideal for allergic skin
- Long-lasting results
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Allergen-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Expensive
3. Best Cruelty-Free: No Nothing Sensitive Color Shampoo
Protect the color, strength, and shine of your hair strands with the No Nothing Sensitive Color Shampoo. The hair cleanser is expertly designed to ensure natural shine on color-treated hair even after repeated use. The color-safe shampoo contains rich proteins and cottonseed oil along with glycerin to add vibrancy to your hair strands and promote hair growth. This non-irritating formula is well-suited for people with sensitive scalps and damaged dyed hair. It does not cause any allergies or redness. Multiple reviewers on Amazon have praised the product for adding volume and softness to straight hair and cleaning it without causing flare-ups.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Perfume-free
- Colorant-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol
"This shampoo is gentle on my sensitive scalp and does not irritate it. It lathers well and leaves my hair clean. It also helps me prevent dandruff and itchiness. It does not have any overpowering scent, which works wonders for my fragrance sensitivity."
Pro Tip| Free & Clear Shampoo Best pH-Balanced Formula | Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo Best Nourishing | No Nothing Sensitive Color Shampoo Best Cruelty-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | Dandruff,Dry | Color Treated, Normal, Thin, Damaged, Straight |
| Weight | 8 ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 7.25 inches. | 7.44 x 3.27 x 2.8 inches | 6.6 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 10.15 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 163 | 60 | 244 |
| Price | $10.99 | $19.99 | $24 |
4. Best For Daily Use:Cetaphil Baby Wash And Shampoo With Organic Calendula
Though it was created for babies, this gentle formula works well for adults too! Cetaphil Baby Wash And Shampoo is infused organic calendula extract, which is derived from the marigold flower. It lathers into a rich and gentle foam, hydrating your scalp and hair within a matter of a few seconds. It leaves a fresh and calming feeling on your hair. This shampoo is also clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. It leaves behind a fresh, subtle scent.
Pros
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Safe for daily use
- No parabens, colorants, or mineral oils
- Doesn’t dry out your hair
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Strong fragrance
"This shampoo is great for my son's eczema-prone skin. It gently cleanses his hair while keeping his scalp skin smooth and free from irritation. It does not weigh his hair down or leave behind greasiness as well."
5. Best Volumizing Formula:Cleure Shampoo
The Cleure Shampoo comes with a gentle formula devoid of common irritants and additives. It cleanses, moisturizes, and reduces excess dirt from your tresses. The lightweight formula retains moisture without stripping away the natural oils from your hair. It contains glycerine which caters to your hair’s dryness and maintains a healthy, hydrated scalp. Glycerine prevents breakage while glyceryl caprylate cleanses your tresses thoroughly. The balanced pH level of the shampoo reduces inflammation, flakiness, and dryness. The formula is also ideal for dandruff, fibromyalgia, contact dermatitis, dry scalp, eczema, psoriasis, and allergy-tested scalp treatment. It is free of parabens, dyes, and alcohol; moreover, the brand also does not support animal testing, hence is cruelty-free.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Lightweight
- Reduces breakage
- Minimizes inflammation
- Flake-free formula
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Suitable for allergy-prone scalp
Cons
- None
"My experience with this shampoo is positive so far. One major plus I would like to mention is that it is fragrance-free. This is a huge relief for someone like me who is sensitive to strong fragrances. The shampoo does not trigger any reactions and it leaves my hair smoother and fuller."
6. Best Organic Formula:Tree To Tub Soapberry Shampoo
This organic shampoo is infused with saponin-rich soapberries that help balance scalp pH, clear dandruff, treat psoriasis, and condition your hair all at once. The formula is infused with organic argan oil, aloe vera, chamomile, and olive. These nourishing ingredients smoothen your hair while soothing a dry and sensitive scalp. The best part about this shampoo is that it is synthetic fragrance-free and all the ingredients are organically harvested and handpicked.
Pros
- Free of harsh detergents
- Clears dandruff and flakes
- Improves overall scalp health
Cons
- Can dry out your hair initially
7. Best For Itchy Scalp:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Special Formula Shampoo
Put an end to scalp irritation with Maples Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo. It relieves itching, flaking, and dandruff. The formula is packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties that help eliminate infections from your scalp. It boosts blood circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. This sulfate-free hydrating shampoo moisturizes the scalp, cleanses the follicles, and clears dirt in just one use. It strengthens roots and improves your hair’s elasticity. Check out the review of a tester’s experience with the Naturelle Biotera Hypoallergenic Ultra Gentle Shampoo for more information.
Pros
- Nourishes the scalp
- Prevents flakes and lice
- Controls hair fall
Cons
- Strong medicinal smell
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 9,064 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
8. Best For Color-Treated Hair:RevitaLash Cosmetics Thickening Shampoo
The RevitaLash Cosmetics Thickening Shampoo is enriched with specialized ingredients that optimize scalp health. The cleansing and fortifying agents in the clinically tested shampoo protect your hair from environmental aggressors and strengthen your hair cuticles to improve the thickness of hair shafts. The phyto-infused formula thickens each strand and hydrates them. The flax protein in the formula protects your hair against breakage while the loquat leaf improves dull and thinning hair. This formula also leaves behind a fresh, light scent. The willow bark gently exfoliates your scalp while improving overall hair health. The powerful antioxidants in ginseng protect your hair and scalp, and jojoba seed oil improves your hair texture and scalp health.
Pros
- Volumizing formula
- Antioxidant properties
- Offers gentle exfoliation
- Improves scalp health
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"The gentle shampoo is a part of my daily hair care routine. It does not irritate my sensitive scalp and helps visibly improve my hair texture. It also has a subtle fragrance, which leaves my hair feeling fresh and fancy for days."
9. Best Gentle Formula:The Honest Co. Shampoo + Body Wash – Sweet Orange Vanilla
This gentle and mild 2-in-1 formula is perfect for the entire family. It contains moisturizing, organic ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba protein, and quinoa that help moisturize your hair and skin. These ingredients soothe your scalp and nourish your hair. The dermatologist-tested formula cleanses your hair without overdrying it. It leaves your hair looking soft and fresh instantly. The product is never tested on animals, hence is ethically clean as well.
Pros
- Treats scalp inflammation
- pH-balanced formula
- Pediatrically tested
Cons
- Can dry out your hair initially
"This shampoo has a fragrance that is not very strong for my sensitivities. It is gentle on my scalp and does not trigger my allergies or migraines. It does not weigh my hair down or make it appear greasy. I like how it smooths my hair texture."
10. Best Formula For Dry & Dull Hair:Attitude Super Leaves Nourishing and Strengthening Shampoo
Get your dry and damaged hair repaired and strengthened by using the Attitude Super Leaves Nourishing Shampoo. This dermatologically tested shampoo contains rich antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that offer restorative care and add strength and radiance to delicate hair strands. Other important ingredients such as olive leaf extract and grapeseed oil nourish and restore the lost moisture and nourishment while offering deep conditioning making the hair smoother. This shampoo helps eliminate flakes and dandruff, thus treating itching and irritation on the delicate skin of the scalp. It has a mild aromatic fragrance of pear and ginger that refreshes your mind. The reviews mention the product adds shine to the hair and makes it look healthy.
Pros
- Suitable for men & women
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologically tested
- Organic ingredients
- EWG verified
- Soothing fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
"This natural shampoo is free from any harsh chemicals and effectively cleanses my hair without stripping its natural oils. It has a lovely scent and calms my scalp itchiness. The shampoo also leaves my strands feeling softer and stronger. It makes them look shinier than before."
It can be hard to find a hypoallergenic shampoo that doesn’t cause problems for those with sensitive skin. That’s why we have curated a listing of how to buy the best hypoallergenic shampoos which can give you stronger hair and make your scalp happy and healthy.
What To Consider When Buying Hypoallergenic Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
- Skin-friendly formula: Look for a gentle formula that does not aggravate the scalp and eliminates the irritants without drying out the scalp.
- Chemical Free: Give careful attention to the ingredients listed on the bottle and you will easily be able to identify any chemical that may be included in your bottle. Best to avoid ingredients like sulfate, SLS, paraben, and certain preservatives.
- Fragrance-free: Scented shampoo might aggravate the sensitivity. Don’t be fooled by the label saying “fragrance-free” since they might be false claims. The shampoo might consist of plant extracts or essential oil scents which can be irritating to sensitive skin. So check the scent by sniff test.
- Organic: Don’t be fooled by shampoos that contain a plethora of ingredients, but don’t do anything for your hair. Look for an organic formula that consists of aloe vera, oat milk, green tea extract, and apple cider vinegar which treats inflammation and dryness of the scalp.
- Hydrating: Look for dermatologist-tested shampoos with moisturizers that are specifically designed to help dry and damaged hair. These hydrating formulas are also suitable for curly and wavy hair. These can also help to reduce flaking of the scalp while promoting healthier hair growth.
- Check The Expiry Date: Do check the expiry date of the shampoo. It should be one-two years from opening.
- Price: Price is another crucial factor. Do not opt for an expensive shampoo by blindly trusting the brand. Many quality hypoallergenic shampoos are available in the market or online, which give good results without being heavy on the pocket.
, renowned hairdresser, says, “Hypoallergenic shampoos are amazing for the ones with sensitive scalp and the ones allergic to chemicals. Some shampoo brands can even help relieve itchiness, dandruff, or dry scalp. If you are using hypoallergenic shampoos, just keep an eye out for an expert hairdresser or doctor in case the products are not that effective. However, some of these products can really give customers a spa-level experience, so enjoy it.”
Infographic: Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid
If your wash day has recently left you with an itchy scalp rather than a clean and soothed one, you may need to try a new shampoo. Some shampoos contain ingredients that might trigger allergic reactions and cause redness, irritation, and breakouts. Switching to a hypoallergenic shampoo can offer relief from such hair troubles. The below infographic will take you through the key ingredients to seek and avoid when purchasing a hypoallergenic shampoo for sensitive scalp. Take a peek!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
In a world where skin sensitivities are becoming more common, finding the right hypoallergenic shampoo is essential. These hypoallergenic shampoos mentioned in this article offer a variety of gentle and soothing options for individuals prone to allergies or skin irritations. These carefully formulated products prioritize natural and nourishing ingredients, avoid harsh chemicals, and cater to different hair types and needs. By incorporating one of these hypoallergenic shampoos into your regimen, you can enjoy clean, nourished hair without worrying about adverse reactions. Choose the Free & Clear Shampoo, which stands out with its dermatologist-tested formula, providing a refreshing cleanse without common irritants. And the Cetaphil Baby Wash And Shampoo With Organic Calendula not only soothes but also features the goodness of organic calendula for gentle nourishment. And not to mention, the Tree To Tub Soapberry Shampoo utilizes the natural cleansing power of soapberries, offering a pH-balanced solution that promotes scalp health. Remember, a well-cared-for scalp and hair contribute to overall well-being, making informed choices in haircare an investment in your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use adult hypoallergenic shampoos for babies?
No. Adult hypoallergenic shampoo, though skin-friendly are not gentle enough for the baby’s scalp. So, invest in only a good baby shampoo that is free from any irritants for washing your baby’s scalp.
How do we know if a shampoo is hypoallergenic or not?
Check the label of your shampoo to know if it is hypoallergenic or not. If the label does not include ingredients like fragrances, color, and preservatives like parabens, the shampoo is likely hypoallergenic.
Does regular use of hypoallergenic shampoo improve scalp condition?
Hypoallergenic shampoos are extremely gentle and relieve itchiness and flakiness of your scalp. But, using it daily can dry out the strands. So, if you require to wash your hair every day, look for hypoallergenic shampoos that have nourishing ingredients that can retain the moisture of the scalp. These shampoos can improve your scalp condition when used daily.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Pooja Karkala, is a hair care enthusiast with a passion for unearthing the most excellent and effective products for her readers. For this article, she conducted an extensive research to narrow down a list of the best hypoallergenic shampoos available on the market. She read product specifications and online reviews to ensure that the shampoos improve your hair without causing any irritation to the scalp. All of the products mentioned here are dermatologist- and FDA-approved.
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