13 Best Fragrance-free Shampoos to Attain Healthy Scalp And Hair

A wide range of shampoos are available in the market to help you attain the healthy, lustrous, and voluminous hair of your dreams. However, the best fragrance-free shampoos grab all attention for their luxurious blend of potent ingredients and gentle yet effective formulations. Firstly, they possess safe, clean, pure, and mild cleansing agents that leave your scalp squeaky clean and hair deeply nourished. Plus, they are great alternatives to chemically formulated and fragrance-infused shampoos that cause dandruff, allergies, and itchiness. To know more about fragrance-free shampoos, scroll down!

Our top picks

What is a Fragrance-free Shampoo?

A fragrance-free shampoo is the one that is infused with coconut-based or plant-derived cleansing agents. It doesn't cause itchiness, redness, allergies, and inflammation, rather it cleanses your scalp, nourishes your tresses, and quenches the thirst of your parched, colored, or chemically-treated tresses. Addedly, it is completely free from harsh ingredients and synthetic fragrances that never hamper your hair and scalp health. To note more, for anyone who is dealing with sensitive skin or scalp, a fragrance-free shampoo is the go-to! 

Since it is difficult to pick the best of the best shampoo, check out our fanciful list of the best fragrance-free shampoos to knock off your confusion.

13 Best Fragrance-free Shampoos

Our very first recommendation is a flawless non-medicated shampoo from Vanicream crafted especially for those possessing a sensitive scalp and skin. What we really like is its cleansing abilities that prevent flakes and oiliness. In addition, the shampoo effectively works toward removing buildup, grime and impurities, and leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable. The best part — this non-fragrance shampoo is dermatologically tested and formulated without any harsh or synthetic cleansing agents. 

Key Ingredients: Purified water, lauryl glucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, acrylates copolymer, coco-glucoside, and glycerin

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Gluten-free
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Might fade hair color

2

Editor’s Choice

Tree to Tub Moisturizing Argan Oil Shampoo

The next on our list is an anti-residue moisturizing shampoo that is enriched with neutralizing and botanical ingredients to soothe sensitive scalp and revitalize dry hair. What made us recommend this argan oil shampoo is the fact that it is formulated with a pH-balancing formula to deeply hydrate lifeless hair and tame frizz and flyaways. Secondly, this sulfate and fragrance-free shampoo is very gentle and suitable for both men and women.

Key Ingredients: Soapberry, argan oil, chamomile, and olives

Hair Type: Color-treated, dry, normal, and damaged hair

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Paraben-free
• Free from silicones
• Weightless

Cons

• Little sticky texture

3

Best pH-balanced Formula

DHS Clear Shampoo

While researching for the best shampoo without fragrance, we came across this one from DHS. It is specially crafted to manage the pH levels of your scalp and is recommended by dermatologists. What makes it stand out from the rest is its gentle cleansing abilities perfect for everyday hair and scalp cleansing. Furthermore, to avoid a dry and flaky scalp, investing in this unscented shampoo is the best decision one can ever make. Plus, it leaves your hair feeling silky-soft, and deeply nourished. 

Key Ingredients: Purified water, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, peg-8 distearate, benzyl alcohol, polyquaternium-22, sodium laureth sulfate

Hair Type: Oily, dry, normal, chemically-treated, and damaged hair

Pros

• Gender neutral
• Pocket-friendly
• Amazon’s choice
• Available in large size

Cons

• Prone to leakage

4

Best for All Hair Types

Phillip Adam Fragrance-free Shampoo

This fragrance-free shampoo from Phillip Adam is a plant-based shampoo that works toward rejuvenating your hair from root to tip. It effectively cleanses your scalp without stripping away its natural oil and proteins. What left us in awe is its seamless ability to reduce extreme frizziness and boost shine. Apart from being free from fragrance, it is also free from harsh ingredients like gluten, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and silicone. So, why wait? Snag it right away!

Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar and pea-protein

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Lathers nicely
• Safe for sensitive scalp

Cons

• Might leave residue behind

5

Best Vegan

Ginger Lily Farms Moisturizing Shampoo

Here comes yet another vegan and cruelty-free unscented shampoo that you should think of investing in to welcome smooth, healthy, and nourished hair. The brand Ginger Lily Farms has crafted it mindfully, especially for those who wish to bid adieu to sensitive scalp-related issues. It is also a renowned hair-nourishing shampoo that is cruelty-free and safe for those with odor sensitivities. Plus, it works wonderfully to restore the lost glory of your dull, damaged, and dehydrated hair. To note more, this shampoo’s toxin-free formula leaves no place for allergies or infections. 

Key Ingredients: Water, cocamide MIPA, sodium c14 - c16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium chloride, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, citric acid, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Refillable
• Budget-friendly
• Gentle
• Imparts luster

Cons

• Unsatisfactory packaging

6

Best for Sensitive Skin

SEEN Skin-caring Shampoo

Based on our team’s research, this shampoo from the brand Seen is the best shampoo for sensitive scalp and skin. Let us tell you that it is developed by dermatologists and formulated without the usage of any harsh cleansing agents or toxins. Moreover, it works wonders on keratin, colored, and chemically-treated hair. The most impressive aspect — it reduces frizz, imparts shine, and smoothens lifeless hair strands from root to tip.

Key Ingredients: Hemisqualane and bisabolol

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Can be used daily
• Lathers well
• Safe for eczema-prone skin
• Non-comedogenic

Cons

• Little pricey

7

Best for Color-treated Hair

Paula's Choice All Over Hair & Body Shampoo

We glanced through the features of this all-over hair and body shampoo introduced by Paula’s Choice and were surprised to see that it is the go-to haircare product for those possessing colored hair. It has a concentrated formula that is effective enough to cleanse scalp buildup and impurities from your hair. Secondly, it rinses easily and leaves your mane healthy and nourished. On the other hand, its science-backed formula takes due care of your sensitive scalp and keeps dryness, acne, fine lines, etc. at bay. 

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, coconut-derived cleansers, and pro-vitamin B5

Hair Type: Oily, damaged, dry, fine, and normal hair

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Lightweight
• Gel-like texture
• Gentle

Cons

• Overpriced

8

Best for Dry Hair

Cleure Volumizing Shampoo

Cleure volumizing shampoo is a dermatologically-recommended product to deal with dry and lifeless hair. The reason why this shampoo got our attention is its gentle formula that effectively sweeps away dirt, grime, impurities, and buildup from the scalp and leaves your hair looking voluminous and healthy. Furthermore, it is a lightweight shampoo made without any harsh cleansing agents and thus, an ideal choice for those who are struggling hard with psoriasis, fibromyalgia, dry scalp, contact dermatitis, eczema, and dandruff. 

Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Hair Type: Dry hair

Pros

• Locks in moisture
• Free from dyes
• pH-balanced formula
• Suits kids as well as adults

Cons

• Thick consistency

9

Best Texture

ATTITUDE Oatmeal Sensitive Natural Care Shampoo

Our findings show that Attitude’s Oatmeal sensitive natural care shampoo is loved for its alluring gel-like texture and hair volumizing powers. Moreover, this perfume-free shampoo is highly nourishing and has the capability to strip away dirt and excessive sebum from your scalp. Let us also tell you that it is recommended by dermatologists, PETA certified, and completely free from harmful irritants. Believe us, this shampoo will leave no stone unturned to lend you the smooth and lustrous hair of your dreams. 

Key Ingredients: Oatmeal and grapeseed oil

Hair Type: Thin hair

Pros

• Ideal for sensitive scalp
• Vegan
• Hypoallergenic
• Mild formulation

Cons

• Fragile packaging

10

Best Non-comedogenic

Nécessaire The Shampoo

While looking out for the best shampoos with no fragrance, we bumped into this one from Nécessaire. What left us impressed was its scalp-hydrating and hair-strengthening powers. Additionally, its list of clinically proven ingredients helps minimize irritation and paves the way to healthy, shiny, and nourished hair. Plus, its gel-like texture glides smoothly onto your hair and lathers well ensuring less hair breakage. So, to keep your happy hair days rolling, invest in this shampoo right away.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf juice, and vitamin B complex

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Easy to rinse
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic

11

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Simply Clean Shampoo

Indulge in a new invigorating haircare ritual by incorporating this fragrance-free sulfate-free shampoo from L'Oreal Paris into your regime. This shampoo is super hydrating and helps revitalize your dull and damaged hair. Moreover, it is powered by science and is fully free from sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and parabens. Secondly, if you possess colored hair, then let us tell you this unscented and gentle shampoo has to be your ideal pick.  

Key Ingredients: Rosemary and essential oils

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Affordable
• Adds luster
• Vegan
• Available in large sizes

Cons

• Little sticky

12

Pantene Pure Clean & Clarify Shampoo

This Pure Clean & Clarify Shampoo from Pantene is what you need at your hands to achieve healthy and lustrous hair. The reason why we recommend this fragrance-free shampoo is that it cleanses the scalp thoroughly and removes excessive sebum and buildup. In addition, it lathers well and leaves your hair and scalp feeling refreshed and squeaky clean like never before. Trust us, with this shampoo in your hands, you can resolve the majority of your oily scalp and hair-related woes effortlessly. 

Key Ingredients: Pro-V nutrients and antioxidants

Hair Type: Oily hair

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Free from silicones
• Non-irritant
• Paraben-free

Cons

• Might tangle your hair

13

Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

While researching for the best no-fragrance shampoo, we came across this anti-dandruff shampoo from Neutrogena. Firstly, it is recommended by dermatologists and clinically proven to combat scalp flakiness, redness, and itchiness. Secondly, it moisturizes your dry hair strands and penetrates deeper for utmost hair nourishment and rejuvenation. All you need to do is wash your hair with this shampoo twice a week and prevent the recurrence of dandruff with utmost ease.

Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid

Hair Type: All hair types

Pros

• Alcohol-free
• Removes dead skin cells
• Cost-effective
• Non-irritating

Cons

• Might not suit very sensitive scalp

That was our comprehensive list of the best fragrance-free shampoos. Now, let us run you through our detailed buying guide.

How to Choose the Best Fragrance-free Shampoos?

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best fragrance-free shampoo -

Hair Type: Make sure you analyze your hair type before investing in any of the fragrance-free shampoos. For those possessing sensitive, irritated scalp and thin hair, investing in a shampoo that features a gentle and mild formula is deemed as a wise decision. Likewise, for those with oily scalps, relying on a clarifying shampoo can be beneficial. 

Ingredients: Always pay heed to the list of ingredients. It is wise to invest in an unscented shampoo that is enriched with natural ingredients, essential nutrients, botanical extracts, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and coconut-based cleansing agents. Avoid purchasing shampoos that contain artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, toxins, parabens, silicones, alcohol, and sulfates to avoid any allergic reaction.

Formula: The next important aspect is the formulation of the shampoo. It is advisable to splurge on a non-comedogenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic shampoo to keep scalp irritation, redness, and itchiness at bay.  

Texture: The texture and consistency of the shampoo should neither be too thick nor too runny. It is advisable to choose a shampoo that has a medium gel-like or creamy texture that lathers well. Stay away from shampoos with very thick consistency as they might leave a residue behind or demand rigorous rinsing and cleansing.  

After taking note of the aspects mentioned above, allow us to acquaint you with the benefits of using a fragrance-free shampoo.

Benefits of Using Fragrance-free Shampoo

The following are the benefits of using a top-notch fragrance-free shampoo -

That was all about the best fragrance-free shampoos that you should think of snagging right away. These shampoos will not only take you a step ahead toward achieving the hair of your dreams but also amplify the quality and texture of your hair in the long run. Plus, their potent ingredients and clean, gentle, and mild formulations cause no harm to your scalp or skin. Hence, to improve your hair and scalp health, it is wise to incorporate a silicone, gluten, paraben, phthalates, and fragrance-free shampoo into your weekly hair care regime. Our list contains the best of the best shampoos to suit your hair type. So, snatch a glimpse of all of them and make some beneficial purchasing decisions. Happy shopping!

FAQ's

Is scent-free the same as fragrance-free?

Not really. Scent-free shampoos may contain certain ingredients to mask the smell of the shampoo, whereas a fragrance-free shampoo may be completely free from artificial and natural fragrances.

Does fragrance in shampoo damage hair?

Yes, a fragranced shampoo can damage your hair and lead to hair fall.

Do fragrance-free shampoos contain harmful chemicals?

No, fragrance-free shampoos don’t contain any harmful chemicals; rather they are formulated with clean, pure, natural, and gentle cleansing agents.

Do fragrance-free shampoos work well for all hair types?

Yes, a few of the fragrance-free shampoos work well for all hair types, whereas some are specially crafted for oily, dry, damaged, and sensitive scalp.

Why choose a fragrance-free shampoo?

One should use a fragrance-free shampoo to prevent scalp irritation, redness, and allergies.

Are fragrance-free shampoos better for your hair?

Yes, fragrance-free shampoos are better for your hair as they cause less hair damage and breakage, and help in preventing dandruff.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Our certified hair care expert, Alvira, inspects every hair-related product meticulously to predict its efficacy. This time, she was intrigued by the best fragrance-free shampoos for everyone who aims to attain a healthy mane. She believes a fragrance-free shampoo keeps scalp irritation at bay and paves the way for nourished, deeply cleansed, and lustrous hair. Personally, she loved the Tree to Tub Moisturizing Argan Oil Shampoo that comes with neutralizing ingredients and a pH-balancing formula. You can also check the rest of her top picks and invest in the one that suits your needs the most.

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Author BIO

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More

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