While shampoos with intricate formulas and fruity scents might be the status quo, there's a lot to be said about using a basic (in a good way) shampoo. If you have sensitive skin or a known parfum allergy, or even if you're just looking to transition to a cleaner beauty routine, using a fragrance-free shampoo is an easy switch to make. Though they might be harder to come across in your average pharmacy or beauty supply store, you can find many of the best fragrance-free shampoos right on Amazon.
One thing to note about using a fragrance-free shampoo is that, since most of the formulas are so pared-down, they often don't contain as many nourishing ingredients as you'd find in other standard shampoos. The remedy for this is simple: Be sure to apply conditioner onto your hair after each wash. If you use a conditioner with fragrance, stick to the ends of your hair to avoid getting it anywhere near your scalp. That said, you can also find some quality fragrance-free conditioners out there, if you're trying to clean up your entire hair care routine.
Scroll on to discover four of the best fragrance-free shampoos on the market, including an option for babies and a formula that fights dandruff.
1Best Fragrance-Free Shampoo For Highly Sensitive Skin
Free & Clear is a line by the makers of Vanicream that's made for people with highly sensitive skin (and by extension, a good choice for conditions like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, etc.). This shampoo is free of most common irritants and allergens like sulfates, parabens, phosphates, preservatives, dyes — even gluten — and of course, it's doesn't contain any fragrance, either. This shampoo is also safe for color-treated hair, though reviewers do note that you'll want to follow it up with a conditioner, as it's not very moisturizing. That said, many fans with severe allergies and sensitivities say it's the only shampoo they can use, since so many other fragrance-free formulas aren't truly hypoallergenic.
"After years of suffering from dandruff, scalp sores, rashes and such, I finally learned about this product which changed my life for the good," shares one reviewer. Another says, "This is fantastic. Not only is it hypoallergenic, it is also a good shampoo. It gets my hair clean without drying it out.
- Pair it with the fragrance-free conditioner.
2Best Organic Fragrance-Free Shampoo
If you prefer to use clean, all-natural beauty products whenever possible, you'll love this shampoo from Desert Essence (which comes in a two-pack). In addition to being free of fragrance, parabens, SLS, silicones, glycols, and other common irritants, the formula is also certified-organic by NSF International. Unlike many of the other fragrance-free formulas out there, which are pretty basic in terms of formula, this shampoo is loaded with (organic!) nourishing ingredients like green tea, kelp, and jojoba oil, which work to leave your hair shiny and soft.
"Best shampoo for those with allergies! My scalp is very sensitive, I've been allergic to every shampoo out there I have tried but NOT this one. It works! Doesn't make my scalp itch like others and cleared up any flakes pronto," raves one fan.
Another reviewer writes, "I've tried a few different fragrance free shampoos, and this one leaves my hair feeling the cleanest and softest."
- Pair it with their fragrance-free conditioner.
3Best Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Body Wash In-One
For a shampoo and body wash in one, this fragrance-free formula from Aquaphor is gentle enough to be used on the delicate skin of babies. It's enriched with soothing ingredients like chamomile and provitamin B5, for a cleanse that won't leave your skin (or scalp) feeling stripped. In addition to being gentle on sensitive skin, the tear-free formula is also easy on the eyes.
One adult fan of the product writes, "I am an adult user who has dry skin, especially in the winter. This body wash can be used anywhere—hair, body, face—without worry, and the best part is that it does not dry your skin / scalp. I was able to keep a healthy skin this winter thanks to this body wash."
Another fan, a parent, says, "I have tried every fragrance-free and hypoallergenic soap on the market for my little one with eczema. This one is great. You get a large amount and a bottle with a pump which is great when dealing with a slippery two-year-old. No bottles or lids to mess with."
4Best Fragrance-Free Shampoo For Dandruff
Another great shampoo by Free & Clear, from the makers of Vanicream, this formula was created specifically to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Like the brand's shampoo for sensitive skin, this one is free of all the most common allergens and irritants (including fragrance), but this one uses 2 percent zinc pyrithione to control symptoms like flaking and itching. Note that the brand recommends leaving the the medicated anti-dandruff shampoo on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to reap its maximum benefits.
"I’ve had seborrheic derm. for twenty years. This is the best thing that works for me," shares one reviewer, while another says, "Only shampoo that has worked on my dandruff, after years of trying different treatments and shampoos."
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.
