Bath & Personal Care

Shampoo

Shampoos that clean hair and scalp with clear formulas and fragrance-free choices.

A sulfate-free claim alone does not tell you whether a shampoo will suit your scalp.  We consider the cleansers, conditioning ingredients, preservatives and scent together.  Traditional soap bars are identified separately from other shampoo bars, so a packaging change does not obscure a different kind of formula.

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Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy Shampoo & Wash — 16 fl oz Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy Shampoo & Wash — 16 fl oz EWG VERIFIEDUSA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This EWG VERIFIED shampoo pairs a thorough cleanse with glycerin and aloe, without added perfume or silicone.  Eucalyptus and rosemary oils provide its noticeable scent.  It is worth considering for hair that feels weighed down by residue, but the cleansing formula and essential oils may not suit a dry or easily irritated scalp. Materials: glycerin · aloe vera · eucalyptus oil · rosemary oil $21.00★ 4.6 · 100+ ratings View on Amazon
Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo — 12 fl oz Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo — 12 fl oz Why we recommend it: Coconut-derived cleansers wash away oil without SLS or SLES, while apple cider vinegar and glycerin round out the formula.  The apple scent comes from named apple and pear extracts and lime oil, rather than an undisclosed perfume blend.  Consider it for normal or oily hair; some reviewers find it too drying for dry hair or an easily irritated scalp. Materials: coconut-derived cleansers · apple cider vinegar · glycerin · apple and pear extracts · lime oil $21.60★ 4.6 · 600+ ratings View on Amazon
J.R. Liggett's Moisturizing Shampoo Bar — 3-Pack J.R. Liggett's Moisturizing Shampoo Bar — 3-Pack USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This paper-wrapped shampoo bar offers a simple alternative to bottled shampoo: plant-oil soap cleanses, with mango butter, almond oil and aloe vera in the moisturizing formula.  Each bar is handmade in New Hampshire.  This offer includes three 3.5-ounce bars; it contains almond oil, which matters if you avoid almond ingredients. Materials: saponified plant oils · mango butter · aloe vera · almond oil · vitamin E $25.99★ 4.5 · 200+ ratings View on Amazon
Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Shampoo — 16 fl oz Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Shampoo — 16 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This SLS-free shampoo offers a familiar lather, with glycerin and aloe alongside its cleansing ingredients.  Rosemary, peppermint and tea tree oils provide the herbal scent, and every scent ingredient is named.  Made in the USA; choose an unscented option if essential oils irritate your scalp. Materials: glycerin · aloe vera · rosemary, peppermint and tea tree oils $17.99★ 4.2 · 90 ratings View on Amazon
Carina Organics Unscented Extra Gentle Shampoo, 360 ml Carina Organics Unscented Extra Gentle Shampoo, 360 ml Why we recommend it: An unscented option for dry or color-treated hair, this shampoo combines coconut-derived cleansers with glycerin, olive oil and pumpkin seed oil.  It washes away oil and buildup while adding conditioning ingredients, without an added perfume or essential-oil scent.  Made in Canada.  Check the plant-extract list if you have known allergies. Materials: coconut-derived cleansers · glycerin · pumpkin seed oil $21.99★ 4.2 · 100+ ratings View on Amazon
J.R. Liggett’s Original Formula Shampoo Bars — 3 × 3.5 oz J.R. Liggett’s Original Formula Shampoo Bars — 3 × 3.5 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Olive, coconut and castor oils are turned into the cleansing soap in this solid shampoo, with rose, lavender and spearmint oils providing the scent.  Made in New Hampshire and wrapped in paper, it offers a bottle-free way to wash your hair with a short, clearly listed formula.  Let the bar dry between washes; this listing includes three. Materials: olive-oil soap · coconut-oil soap · castor-oil soap $26.99★ 4.2 · 14,000+ ratings View on Amazon
J.R. Liggett’s Tea Tree & Hemp Oil Shampoo Bars — 3 × 3.5 oz J.R. Liggett’s Tea Tree & Hemp Oil Shampoo Bars — 3 × 3.5 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: A paper-wrapped shampoo bar with an olive, coconut and castor-oil soap base, plus hemp and almond oils.  The six-ingredient formula makes it easy to see what you’re washing with.  Tea tree oil adds its own scent, so this is not a scent-free option.  Handmade in New Hampshire; the offer includes three bars. Materials: plant-oil soap · hemp oil · almond oil $26.99★ 4.2 · 14,000+ ratings View on Amazon
Ethique Gentle Fragrance-Free Shampoo Bar, 110 g Ethique Gentle Fragrance-Free Shampoo Bar, 110 g Why we recommend it: This compact shampoo bar combines mild cleansers with cocoa butter and babassu oil to soften hair, plus glycerin to help retain moisture.  The fragrance-free formula also leaves out essential oils, making it an option for people who prefer unscented hair care.  Made in New Zealand and easy to pack for travel.  Let the bar dry between uses. Materials: cocoa butter · babassu oil · glycerin $14.00★ 4.1 · 69 ratings View on Amazon
Booda Suds of Love Unscented Shampoo and Body Soap Bar Booda Suds of Love Unscented Shampoo and Body Soap Bar USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: If you prefer a traditional soap bar for hair, this one combines olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter without added perfume or essential oils.  It can also serve as body soap, keeping a travel wash kit simple.  Booda makes and cures the bars in Bellingham, Washington.  This is soap-based shampoo, not a pH-balanced liquid-shampoo substitute. Materials: olive-oil soap · coconut-oil soap · glycerin $6.95 View product
Chagrin Valley Babassu Marsh Mallow Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz Chagrin Valley Babassu Marsh Mallow Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Babassu-based soap, aloe and marsh mallow root give this bar its cleansing lather and softer-feeling wash.  It is a compact Ohio-made option for people who prefer solid shampoo.  Ginger, lemon and lime essential oils provide the scent; walnut oil is also included.  Choose an unscented alternative if your scalp reacts to aromatic oils. Materials: plant-oil soap · marshmallow root · aloe vera $11.95 View product
Chagrin Valley Butter Bar Conditioning Shampoo, 5.6 oz Chagrin Valley Butter Bar Conditioning Shampoo, 5.6 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Cocoa, shea and mango butters distinguish this rich shampoo bar from a basic cleansing bar, making it an option for dry hair that does not need a lightweight wash.  Made in Ohio without added fragrance, it combines cleansing and a buttery feel.  Despite the packaging name, it is still shampoo—not a substitute for every rinse-out conditioner. Materials: plant-oil soap · cocoa, shea and mango butters · coconut milk $11.95 View product
Chagrin Valley Coconut Milk Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz Chagrin Valley Coconut Milk Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Coconut milk and a blend of plant oils give this solid shampoo its creamy lather without added perfume.  The complete recipe names sweet almond and avocado oils alongside the cleansing oils, rather than hiding them behind a generic botanical blend.  Made in Ohio; as with other soap-based shampoos, hard water can affect how cleanly it rinses. Materials: plant-oil soap · coconut milk · avocado and sweet almond oils $11.95 View product
Chagrin Valley Honey Beer & Egg Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz Chagrin Valley Honey Beer & Egg Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This rich-lathering bar combines plant-oil soap with beer, honey, eggs and cocoa butter for a conditioning wash.  The Ohio-made formula has no added essential-oil scent, making it a different option from the herbal bars.  It is not vegan and should not be treated as gluten-free.  Like other soap shampoos, it can be harder to rinse in hard water. Materials: plant-oil soap · honey · eggs $11.95 View product
Chagrin Valley Rosemary Mint Charcoal Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz Chagrin Valley Rosemary Mint Charcoal Shampoo Bar, 5.6 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: Activated bamboo charcoal gives this Ohio-made soap shampoo its dark color, with coconut milk and cocoa butter in the recipe.  It is aimed at people who want a more thorough wash for oilier hair.  Rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus oils add scent and may bother sensitive scalps; charcoal does not make this a detoxifying treatment. Materials: plant-oil soap · activated charcoal · coconut milk $11.95 View product
Fat and the Moon Day to Day Shampoo — 8 fl oz Fat and the Moon Day to Day Shampoo — 8 fl oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: This California-made liquid shampoo pairs cleansing surfactants with glycerin and pro-vitamin B5 to help hair feel softer after washing.  Kelp extract rounds out the formula, while elemi, petitgrain, orange and yuzu oils provide the scent.  The aluminum bottle has a plastic pump.  A scented option, not a fragrance-free shampoo. Materials: cleansing surfactants · glycerin · pro-vitamin B5 · kelp extract · botanical oils $36.00 View product
Fat and the Moon Shampoo Bar — 2 oz Fat and the Moon Shampoo Bar — 2 oz USA PRODUCTION Why we recommend it: A solid alternative to bottled shampoo, this bar combines coconut-derived cleansers with jojoba and argan oils, rhassoul clay and pro-vitamin B5.  It comes in a paper carton and is made in California.  Rosemary and clary sage give it an herbal scent; choose an unscented option if essential oils bother your scalp. Materials: coconut-derived cleansers · jojoba oil · argan oil · rhassoul clay · pro-vitamin B5 $20.00 View product

What we avoid

These are category-level exclusions when materials or treatments are disclosed.  Each product card explains why we recommend it and lists the disclosed materials.

Parabens Phthalates Synthetic fragrance Sulfates (SLS/SLES) Formaldehyde releasers