If you have a sensitive scalp and often have allergic reactions or dandruff after using regular shampoos, you should consider switching to the best hypoallergenic shampoos from the market. Hypoallergenic simply means a formula that is free of allergens and ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and scalp. Using these shampoos can help avoid conditions like itchy scalp, rashes, and excessive hair breakage. Here we bring you a complete list of hypoallergenic shampoos that can avoid scalp and hair problems. We have also included their pros and cons to help you determine the suitable one. Note: Brands mentioned below have manufactured effective and safe hypoallergenic shampoos, but not all of them will suit you. It is advisable to read the ingredient labels thoroughly and consider a patch test before applying the product. Visit a dermatologist before choosing a shampoo for yourself. Note: Each brand claims to have manufactured safe and effective hypoallergenic shampoos, but not all of them may be suitable for you. Therefore, it is always better to recheck them on your own by reading the labels thoroughly or by doing a small patch test. In case of any doubt, you may consult a dermatologist too.

13 Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos 

1. Best For All Hair Types: Free & Clear shampoo

It is formulated to maintain the pH level of the scalp. It is good to remove dirt, excess oil, and the shampoo build-up from the scalp, leaving the hair clean and soft in texture. The shampoo also controls oily scalp and helps remove dry flakes. It is free of gluten, sulfates, and betaine. You may check more about this product from this video. Pros

It is dermatologically tested. It is free from parabens, dyes, fragrances, lanolin, and other preservatives. It is suitable for sensitive skin and all hair types and can be used by the entire family. It boosts volume and adds shine to the hair.

Cons

It doesn’t lather much.

 

2. Best With Mint Oils: Winter blend

It is a refreshing shampoo that is made using five different types of mint oils. This hypoallergenic shampoo is made with 96% natural ingredients and has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help in improving blood circulation and healing scalp irritation. The cooling shampoo also retains the elasticity and shine of the hair. Take a look at this video to learn more about this product. Pros  

It is a cruelty-free shampoo and contains no parabens or sulfate. It is suitable for curly, wavy, and straight hair. Peppermint, eucalyptus mint, wild mint, spearmint, and bergamot mint oil in the shampoo help in cleansing and purifying the scalp. A hint of jojoba oil in the shampoo makes the hair soft and bouncy.

Cons

It may not be suitable for extremely oily or dry hair. Best to check with a dermatologist before using this if you have any scalp issues.

3. Best For pH Balance: DHS clear shampoo

 
This is a dermatologist-recommended shampoo for sensitive scalps. It can be used daily for cleaning the hair and scalp. The shampoo contains conditioning agents too, and it could be used for all kinds of hair. It is also known for maintaining the pH level of the skin. Pros

It gently cleanses hair and scalp. It is free from color, fragrance, and other ingredients that may irritate the scalp. It is formulated to maintain a pH balance.

Cons

Not recommended for highly sensitive skin as it may lead to an itchy scalp for some.

4. Best For All Ages: Essence skin saving super wash: hair + body shampoo

This creamy, soft, and tender, shampoo is suitable for skin, hair, and scalp. It is one of the best hypoallergenic shampoos that cleanses excess oil, build-up, and any product residue from the scalp. It is a fragrance-free shampoo and contains no common irritants, parabens, and preservatives. Pros

It is made using a mild formulation. It can be used by children (2 years and above), teens, men, and women. It hydrates the hair and scalp.

Cons

It is not a completely natural product.

5. Best Vegan Formulation: Cleure volumizing shampoo

It is one of the best shampoos for sensitive skin and is safe for all types of hair. This hypoallergenic shampoo is gentle and free from common allergens. It helps in cleaning, volumizing, and moisturizing the hair. This fragrance-free shampoo is also free from sulfates, dyes, alcohol, and parabens. Pros

It is a dermatologist-recommended shampoo. It is free from SLS, formaldehyde, artificial fragrances, salicylates, and gluten. It is made using a vegan formulation. It is suitable for color-treated hair too.

Cons

It is not all-natural and contains some chemical additives.

6. Best For Sensitive Skin: Puracy natural shampoo

This hypoallergenic shampoo is derived from plant-based ingredients and free from sulfates. This is a good shampoo for sensitive skin. It is also cruelty-free (not tested on animals), non-toxic, biodegradable, and gluten-free. It contains a hint of citrus and mint, which makes showering with it refreshing. The shampoo is formulated to give you healthier and stronger hair. Pros

It is developed by expert doctors and includes no harsh chemicals. Vitamin E and olive oil eliminate static and provide moisture to the hair. It is suitable for all types of hair.

Cons

It contains tree nuts but doesn’t come with a ‘contains nuts’ warning. People with nut allergies are not recommended to use it.

7. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Jason fragrance-free shampoo

This fragrance-free shampoo is gentle, safe, and effective for sensitive scalps. The shampoo cleanses the hair without eliminating the essential moisture. It also soothes and balances sensitive hair and scalp. It is free of sulfates, artificial colors, parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum. Pros

It is enriched with vitamin B5 and aloe vera. It adds shine to your hair and hydrates the hair too. It is suitable for color-treated hair.

Cons

It doesn’t lather much. It has minimal scent or fragrance.

8. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Biotera hypoallergenic ultra-gentle shampoo

This is a gentle and mild shampoo that is suitable for sensitive scalp. It cleanses the hair and scalp and provides nourishment to the hair. The shampoo is infused with chamomile, which soothes your scalp and makes the hair healthy. Pros

It is a vegan shampoo, which is also color-safe and paraben-free. It is dermatologist-tested. It has no dyes, parabens, gluten, and fragrance. It helps in restoring the radiance of the hair.

Cons

Although it says fragrance-free, it gives out a mild fragrance, which may not suit everyone, as fragrances may dry out the hair. It may make the hair dry for some with highly sensitive hair and scalp.

9. Best For Soft Hair: Natur Vital henna shampoo

This hypoallergenic shampoo is ideal for healthy and soft hair. It can be used for any type of hair to retain the shine and natural color. It is even good for strengthening the hair. Pros

Sunflower and henna extracts help in protecting the hair color. It helps in strengthening the hair. It is suitable for natural and dyed hair.

Cons

Some thought it changed the hair color a bit too much. Not entirely organic.

10. Best For Controlling Frizz: Dermatologic cosmetic laboratories zoma shampoo

 
It is a medicated and dermatologist-tested shampoo that prevents itching, scaling, and flaking due to dandruff. This shampoo cleanses the scalp and hair effectively, leaving the hair shinier and softer. It contains traces of essential oils that help in nourishing and cleaning the impurities. Pros

It contains lavender and tea tree oil to maintain healthy hair, and vitamin B5 helps in cooling and moisturizing the hair. Advanced protein in the shampoo helps in controlling the frizz and keeps the hair bouncy. It is good to treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Cons

Slightly expensive

11. Best For Toddlers: Johnson’s shiny and soft shampoo

  This gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo for kids is good to cleanse delicate hair and to give it long-lasting shine. It is free from sulfates, phthalates, and parabens to maintain the toddler’s healthy and growing hair. Pros

It is an ophthalmologist and pediatrician-tested product. The tear-free formula makes the shampoo as gentle as water. Silk protein and argan oil provide softness and shine to the baby’s hair.

Cons

It has a strong smell and may not be suitable for some babies. It contains some chemicals.

12. Best Cruelty-Free: Mountain Falls baby shampoo

It is a safe and effective hypoallergenic shampoo for delicate hair. It is clinically tested and makes the baby’s hair shiny and soft. The shampoo comes with an advanced tear-free formula, making it suitable for babies. It is cruelty-free (not tested on animals). Pros

It is dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested. It is free from phthalates, parabens, and quaternium-15. It is suitable for a baby’s delicate scalp and hair.

Cons

It is not 100% natural, contains chemical additives too.

13. Best For Delicate Skin: Fresh Monster kids shampoo and body wash

This toxin-free shampoo is made with natural fruit and botanical extracts that helps in treating dry and itchy scalp. It is vegan and cruelty-free and is formulated to meet the needs of children with delicate skin and hair. The fragrance of this shampoo is refreshing and light. Pros

It is free from dyes, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. It contains natural fragrance and plant-based cleansers. It comes with a re-closable pump.

Cons

The fragrance may be too strong for some.

What Is So Special About A Hypoallergenic Shampoo?

A lot of shampoos are made with ingredients that may cause allergy to some. But hypoallergenic shampoos are made without such common irritants. The common substances or agents that generally cause irritation to sensitive skin include added colors, fragrances, foaming agents, parabens, and other common allergens such as nuts, milk or eggs. Not all people may be allergic to the same ingredients. Therefore, it is better to check the label on the shampoo for ingredients that may cause skin allergies to you. If you have a sensitive scalp or hair, you need to be cautious when picking up hypoallergenic shampoos too. In such cases, it is best to consult your dermatologist or physician and get their advice before picking up a shampoo.

How To Choose The Right Hypoallergenic Shampoo? 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you are selecting the best hypoallergenic shampoo. Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “Choose a shampoo made of natural ingredients as artificial chemicals often cause damage and breakage and dry out your hair and scalp. You should also double-check the ingredients in any new product to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions towards them.”

How To Know If A Hypoallergenic Shampoo Would Suit You?

You may have picked up the best hypoallergenic shampoo by keeping in mind the above points. In spite of that, the shampoo may not suit you. To stay safe, do a patch test to know whether it really suits you or causes any allergy.

You may take a few drops of the shampoo and apply it either on your wrist or on the elbow. Do not lather the shampoo, just rub it on the skin for a few seconds. Cover the area with a patch or a bandage. Leave it for around 24 hours and wash away. Wait for around 72 hours to notice any reactions, such as rashes, itching, or reddened skin.

If you find no allergic reaction, then you may use it.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag is a fashion, haircare, and skincare enthusiast and has expertise in writing product articles on these topics. For this product list on the best hypoallergenic shampoos, she has thoroughly researched the products mentioned by reading several customer reviews from various e-commerce websites. This post also contains a well-researched buying guide to help you make an informed choice. These shampoos will help to cleanse sensitive scalps gently without irritating them.

References:

Best Korean Shampoos For Healthy Hair Best Shampoos For Frizzy Hair