If you grew up with the perfume of Pantene or Herbal Essences, the idea of a fragrance-free shampoo may seem strange—even sad. However, scent can be uncomfortable for certain people and be the cause of allergies and skin problems.
If you’ve determined that’s you, change out sweet-smelling classics for unscented, mild alternatives—formulas that will wash your hair but won’t add to flare-ups. However, finding a fragrance-free shampoo that works is more said than done.
So, we did the research and selected the best of the best, as well as consulting with trichologist Lisa Caddy. Whatever your price range or hair type (from kinky and coiled to fine and oily), there’s a fragrance-free alternative for you.
Continue reading to discover the finest fragrance-free shampoos.
List of The Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos Revealed
1. Overall winner: Philip Kingsley Shampoo with no scent and no color
What We Like
- Deeply cleanses gently
- Non-irritating
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
“Philip Kingsley’s No Scent No Color Shampoo is great for anybody searching for a pared-down product,” Caddy adds. “It’s fragrance-free, color-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, yet it nevertheless cleans the hair and scalp well.”
It’s also a top-rated Amazon purchase.
2. Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo is the best drugstore shampoo.
What We Like
- Reasonably priced
- Effective for extremely sensitive skin
What We Don’t Like
- It does not lather well.
This shampoo mix, designed for persons with severely reactive or sensitive scalps, takes some getting used to (it doesn’t foam very much), but the ingredients are so gentle that almost anyone should be able to use it.
3. Paula’s Choice All Over Hair & Body Shampoo is ideal for thick hair.
What We Like
- Multi-purpose
- Tangles are avoided.
What We Don’t Like
- Silicones are present.
This simple yet effective Paula’s Choice selection is high in aloe vera, a natural plant extract that soothes irritation, promotes follicle health, and reduces inflammation.
While silicones receive a bad name, they can be beneficial for thick, frizzy, or unmanageable hair because they help it lay flat and avoid tangling.
4. Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash – Best for colored hair.
What We Like
- Multi-purpose
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Not recommended for thick or coarse hair.
We know it says it’s for babies, but the fragrance-free gentle wash is also sulfate-free and extremely gentle, which means it won’t strip your expensive hair color unnecessarily. It does, however, contain squalene, glycolipids, and glycerin to aid in moisture retention. You can also use it on your body!
5. Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo is best for dry or damaged hair.
What We Like
- Repairing
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
This lipid-rich shampoo with sacha inchi oil and coconut aminos is lightweight but extremely nourishing on dry, damaged, or split hair. While there is no fragrance, the rose, coconut, and sweet almond give it a soft but noticeable scent. And the soft, airy foaming texture works its way through the hair, leaving it clean, voluminous, and shiny.
Who Wins?
So your best fragrance-free shampoo depends depend on your hair type and condition, but we’re quite confident Phillip Kingley’s No Scent No Color (available at Neiman Marcus) formula is our consensus choice. It’s purifying, enjoyable to use, and leaves hair smooth but fresh. Susteau Moondust Hair Wash Fragrance-Free (see at Sephora) (for its sustainability credentials and wonderful formula) and Augustinus Bader’s The Shampoo (view at Nordstrom) are tied for second place. Despite its high price, the latter is by far one of the most luxurious and effective hair-washing experiences we’ve had.
FAQ
What to Look for in a Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Before you call us Captain Obvious, Trichologist Lisa Caddy reminds out that the term “fragrance-free” usually refers to “the absence of any synthetic scents.” You should double-check to see if your product contains natural scent or if it is just made with aromatic components (think peppermint, rosemary, or lavender). Personal preference and sensitivities will determine what you may and cannot utilize.
What are the advantages of scent-free shampoos?
According to Caddy, “highly fragrant cosmetics might cause irritation or contact dermatitis, therefore it’s advisable to avoid the component at all costs” for persons with allergies or sensitive skin.
Is it okay to use fragrance-free shampoo on all hair types?
“The fact that a shampoo is fragrance-free should not jeopardize its performance, nor does it imply that other key elements should be omitted,” Caddy says.
“A decent fragrance-free shampoo may be used on all hair types provided it has effective cleaning agents as well as adequate moisturizing components.”
The only significant difference is the sensory component—a fragrance-free rendition may not produce that perfumed, frothy shampoo foam.
How frequently should fragrance-free shampoos be used?
If you’re sensitive, wash your hair with a fragrance-free shampoo every time. The frequency of this will vary according to your lifestyle and hair type. Those with thin, greasy hair or who work out often may wish to shampoo every other day, but those with thick, dry, or coiled hair might wait till once a week (or thereabouts).
