The Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos

  • Hannah Warne

Although fragranced shampoos smell great, they can often lead to issues like dry, itchy scalp, headaches, or hives. In fact, perfumes tend to be one of the most common allergens. If you have some of these sensitivities, you may be looking for relief. That's where fragrance-free shampoos come in. They can help you get your hair and scalp nice and clean without irritating your skin or drying out your hair. It can be tough to find the right one for your specific issues, though, which is why we did the research for you.

What to Look For

We wanted to ensure each shampoo we recommend is as high-quality as the last. To that end, we’ve paid close attention to a few key details, including what chemicals are included, how well it cleans your hair, and how gentle it would be on your skin. We also wanted to make sure they’d be affordable. Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo, for example, does an excellent job of cleaning your hair, and it’s very friendly on any budget. It can be a bit drying, though, unlike the specialized set by Desert Essence. Take a look at this list of the best fragrance-free shampoos for an even closer look.

Vanicream Free & Clear Hair Shampoo

Talking scents

This shampoo is free of common chemicals and dyes to give you a healthier alternative.
Top Pick

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This dermatologist-tested product is free of the most common chemical irritants like dyes, fragrances, parabens, and formaldehyde, so you can feel confident in knowing that what you’re using on your body isn’t harmful. Designed for all hair types, the shampoo is pH-balanced to give you soft, smooth, and natural-looking hair. It’s even safe for color-treated hair, so everyone can opt for a safer self-care routine.

Pros:

  • This shampoo can help those of us with sensitive skin find relief from irritation, like itching or burning.
  • It does a fantastic job of cleaning away dirt, debris, and extra oils, even without the harsh chemicals.
  • We like that this shampoo doesn’t strip or damage our hair the way other options can.

Cons:

  • The shampoo doesn’t lather as much as others.

Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo

Budget friendly beauty

This shampoo offers a better way to cleanse your hair without harsh additives.
Most Affordable

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Smooth and hydrate your hair with this gentle cleanser. Designed to moisturize your hair thanks to ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin B5, this shampoo gives you shine and volume, just like traditional shampoo. Unlike a traditional shampoo, however, this fragrance-free style doesn’t have parabens, SLS, or phthalates, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re not using harsh chemicals that strip and damage your locks.

Pros:

  • We love that this shampoo comes in such a large bottle. It lasts for a long time, so you don’t need to replace it too often.
  • It’s a great choice for almost anyone with extra-sensitive skin. We find it helps to get rid of itchiness or irritation.
  • The price is very reasonable considering how well-made the product is.

Cons:

  • Your hair could end up feeling a bit dry, so we recommend that you pair it with a high-quality conditioner.

Desert Essence Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle

Clean and smooth

This fragrance-free set keeps hair healthy and gives you peace of mind.
Best Set

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This shampoo and conditioner pair helps you take complete care of your hair for the best results. Packed with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, green tea extract, kelp, and nettle, it’s an easy way to repair your hair without all the chemicals and artificial additives. Instead, achieve gloss, shine, and smoothness with this vegan product that’s cruelty-free and free of parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and colors.

Pros:

  • Because it comes in a bundle, you don’t need to worry about finding a good conditioner to pair with your shampoo. It’s already done for you.
  • Using this set gets your hair nice and clean while adding moisture and softness, unlike other options that can dry your hair and make it unmanageable.
  • These products are more affordable than many other shampoos and conditioners of similar quality.

Cons:

  • Though the products don’t have artificial or added fragrances, they do have a strong odor from the natural ingredients.

No Nothing 100% Vegan Volume Shampoo

Turn up the volume

Get the full body you want without all the chemicals.
Best Vegan

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Add volume and lift to even fine hair with this powerful shampoo. Made with a special protein compound that helps smooth hair and protect against damage, it’s the ideal way to achieve the look you want without any harsh chemicals or additives. Free of fragrance, parabens, and gluten, this shampoo is also vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic for a gentle cleanser that still keeps your hair looking like you’ve just left the salon.

Pros:

  • This shampoo can help you get the clean finish you want without overly drying your scalp or hair. It’s especially fabulous for those of us with skin allergies or sensitivites.
  • It provides lots of bounce without weighing your hair down the way many other shampoos often do.
  • We love that it’s safe for altered hair. It won’t strip your color out.

Cons:

  • The formula isn’t sulfate-free.

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

Safe and sound

This gentle shampoo is safe, even for your little ones.
Best For Children

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Developed in partnership with pediatric dermatologists, this gentle product is a shampoo and body wash all in one. The hypoallergenic formula is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates to make it safe for the baby’s skin while also keeping it hydrated. It even has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep the skin calm and avoid irritation, making it safe and suitable for children of all ages.

Pros:

  • You can add this shampoo to a foaming dispenser to make it easier to use. It gets nice and fluffy.
  • Because it doubles as a body wash, this shampoo can help you save money and time.
  • It’s especially helpful for kids with sensitive skin. In fact, we love using it for little ones with eczema.

Cons:

  • Although it’s technically fragrance-free, you can still smell the natural ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fragrance-free shampoo better?

If you have sensitive skin or are experiencing problems with your scalp, switching to a fragrance-free shampoo may help. By eliminating the chemicals and ingredients associated with the fragrance, it can help minimize unwanted side effects like dandruff or flaking scalp.

Is fragrance bad for you?

Fragrances are typically made from chemicals that can, over time, be harmful. They can cause damage to both your scalp and hair and, in extreme cases, can disrupt hormones because they can be absorbed into your body through your scalp. It’s best to use fragrance-free shampoo for the healthiest results.

What is the difference between unscented and fragrance-free?

Unscented often means that the product uses chemicals to neutralize other scents. Fragrance-free, on the other hand, means that there are no fragrance or masking ingredients used in the product.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.