The 5 Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos
What exactly is a fragrance-free shampoo, and why should you think about switching to one? Basically, fragrance-free shampoos contain only all-natural ingredients, so zero dyes, perfumes, preservatives, or scents of any kind. There are a couple key benefits to using this type of shampoo: Namely, fragrance-free shampoos don't contain any scalp-irritating chemicals, so if you struggle with scalp itchiness and inflammation, making the switch can be hugely beneficial. Also, if you color-treat your hair, fragrance-free shampoos are best since the color will fade less quickly than with a chemical-laden shampoo. If you're ready to start using a fragrance-free shampoo, here are the best ones available, grouped by category.
Free & Clear Shampoo
Totally free (and clear) of common chemical irritants like dyes, parabens, and fragrance, Free & Clear’s Fragrance-Free Shampoo is a revelation for those who struggle with scalp flakiness, dryness, and itching. This shampoo’s soothing formula will calm even the most inflamed skin and work to restore your skin’s pH balance, all while leaving your hair clean, shiny, and ultra-healthy.
Pros:
- The gentle, soothing formula.
- Great for those with sensitive or inflamed skin.
- Free of all the bad stuff: parabens, preservatives, sulfates, and basically any other chemical or toxic ingredient you could think of.
- Gives hair body and shine.
Cons:
- If your hair is already pretty dry, this could dry it out even further, but those with normal to oily hair types will be satisfied.
Tree to Tub Balanced & Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Ever-so-gentle on your hair and scalp
Most fragrance-free shampoos are already super-gentle, but this Tree to Tub shampoo takes it a step further with its pure, hydrating formula made from organic healing botanicals, like argan oil, aloe vera, and chamomile. When worked into a creamy lather, this shampoo helps your hair maintain its acidic pH balance, banish dandruff and flakiness, and keep your scalp looking and feeling nourished and happy.
Pros:
- Supports extra-sensitive skin thanks to its gently moisturizing, all-natural formula with ingredients like aloe and argan oil.
- No greasy residue.
- Great for all hair types.
- Cruelty-free and vegan.
Cons:
- You need to use a fair amount of product to get a good lather.
Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Soothe your cares (and dandruff) away
If you’re struggling with particularly irritated skin, the Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo is bound to become your new BFF. That’s because this shampoo is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin B5, so it soothes and balances the scalp and gently cleanses, without stripping your hair of its natural, much-needed oils.
Pros:
- The formula is especially wonderful if you already suffer from inflamed, irritated skin or skin conditions like eczema.
- Has a neutral scent.
- Doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils.
Cons:
- Can be a little tough to work into a lather unless you use a bunch of product.
Desert Essence Shampoo
All-organic and all-natural, for the win
For the best, purest, all-organic ingredients, look to this fragrance-free shampoo from Desert Essence, which contains a slew of organic extracts and oils that provide vitamins and minerals to strengthen your hair and make it shine. Organic jojoba oil absorbs easily into the scalp, leaving hair feeling nice and soft, while organic green tea provides gloss and shine, and organic kelp and nettle extracts provide calcium, potassium, iron, and other necessary minerals.
Pros:
- Contains high-quality natural ingredients that truly nourish the hair and make it glossy and soft.
- Hair appears less frizzy after using.
- Cruelty-free and vegan.
- Doesn’t contain any harmful parabens or preservatives.
Cons:
- The packaging could be better; the lid tends to leak easily.
The Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash
Don't forget your bod, too
For a great fragrance-free shampoo that works just as well for the body, look no further than The Honest Company’s Shampoo + Body Wash, which is technically designed for babies but is awesome for adults, too. This vitamin-packed shampoo contains organic orange and vanilla extract, which, when combined with hydrating botanicals, makes for a pleasant-smelling and wonderfully moisturizing shampoo. No chemicals necessary.
Pros:
- Mild, gentle, soothing formula that’s free of chemicals but still smells good, thanks to the orange and vanilla extract.
- Provides a rich, creamy lather, so you can use it on both your scalp and body.
Cons:
- Doesn’t leave hair feeling quite as soft as the other shampoos on this list do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a fragrance-free shampoo?
If you suffer from sensitive skin, flakiness, or itching, switching to a fragrance-free shampoo can be helpful, as shampoos made without fragrance tend to have fewer bad, inflammatory, chemical-y ingredients.
What should I look for in a fragrance-free shampoo if I have color-treated hair?
If you color your hair, look for fragrance-free shampoos with organic, all-natural, super-moisturizing ingredients, like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
How often should I shampoo my hair?
If your hair isn’t especially oily, washing your hair three to four times per week should be enough; if you have super-oily hair, you may need to wash it daily.
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