An allergic reaction occurs when our bodies overreact to foreign substances interacting with our bodies. These substances can be natural or man made. The body mistakenly perceives these substances as a threat to its well-being and activates the immune system to combat them. Rashes, inflammation, and irritation are all a part of the body’s defense mechanism.
Modern shampoos contain a wide variety of ingredients ranging from completely natural to entirely lab produced and you could be allergic to any one of them. However, some of these ingredients are more likely to cause allergic breakouts than others.
Hypoallergenic shampoos are developed without these commonly known allergens. Every hypoallergenic shampoo’s formula, though, is different. Since you could be allergic to anything, finding a hypoallergenic shampoo that doesn’t contain your specific allergen will be the key to avoiding allergic reactions.
We’ve analyzed a wide variety of hypoallergenic shampoos and their ingredients to find the ten best options for you to try. We advise you to consider which shampoo ingredients you may be allergic to before using our in-depth reviews to find the hypoallergenic shampoo that works best for you. Here is everything you’ll find in this guide.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Jason Fragrance Free Shampoo |
| 4.25/5.0 |
| Cost/Ounce: $0.23 |
| Volume: 32 ounces |
| A hypoallergenic shampoo that offers incredible value for money and only contains cocamidopropyl betaine. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Cost/Ounce: $0.65 |
| Volume: 16 x 2 ounces |
| Easily the best hypoallergenic shampoo that contains no artificial chemicals or preservative, but does have some botanicals. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Cleure Volumizing Shampoo |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| Cost/Ounce: $1.5 |
| Volume: 16 ounces |
| A premium-quality hypoallergenic shampoo that is on the verified list of several high-profile dermatology departments in the country. |
| Check Amazon |
- Which Shampoo Ingredients Are You Allergic To?
- What Other Substances Should You Avoid?
- How Can You Tell If A Hypoallergenic Shampoo Will Suit You?
- Top 10 Hypoallergenic Shampoos Comparison Table
- Top 3 Budget Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
- Top 4 Value Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
- Top 3 Premium Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
Which Shampoo Ingredients Are You Allergic To?
If you’re allergic to an ingredient of your shampoo, it will usually show up in the form of specific symptoms. You can experience anything from mild irritation and itchiness to a full-blown breakout or even the dangerous anaphylaxis.
Three shampoo ingredients that most people are allergic to include:
Botanicals
Botanicals are plant derivatives. These include all flower and seed extracts including rosemary, chamomile, argan oil, lavender, mint, tea tree, and several other substances.
Botanicals are the primary culprits when it comes to allergic reactions from shampoos. According to experts, the vast majority of allergic reactions are caused by these substances.
If you’re allergic to pollen and have problems during spring, it is likely that you’re allergic to one or more botanicals.
Sulfates
Sulfates are manmade substances that are included in shampoos and all other cleaning substances to create lather. They’re, technically, surfactants. One end of surfactant molecules binds with dirt and grime in the hair, while the other end binds with the water.
Therefore, when you rinse your hair, these molecules take away dirt, grime, and product buildup too. However, sulfates tend to be harsh chemicals. This is why they’re known to cause irritation in a lot of people. At the same time, we should add that sulfate allergies aren’t very common. If you have sensitive scalp and skin, then you want to avoid sulfates.
Gluten
Gluten allergies are well-documented. If you’re allergic to gluten, then you need to avoid shampoos with gluten. However, most shampoos don’t contain gluten, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Fragrances
Many people are hypersensitive to fragrances to a point where they cannot handle even mild smells. This irritation is usually caused by artificial fragrances and not natural smells.
Therefore, avoiding shampoos with artificial fragrances should be your first step. However, if even natural fragrances bother you, then you can find shampoos with no smell as well.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a coconut derivative. A lot of shampoos contain this substance as a cleansing agent. Allergic reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine, while not common, isn’t very rare either. Shampoos without cocamidopropyl betaine are fairly rare, but we have included a few in our list.
What Other Substances Should You Avoid?
While you may not be allergic to the following substances, we do advise avoiding them because they’re harmful in other ways.
Parabens
Parabens are known to affect the hormonal balance in the human body. They bond with estrogen receptors leading to an imbalance in basic bodily processes.
Phthalates
Phthalates, in recent years, have been connected to a wide range of health conditions including autism, diabetes, obesity, cancer, asthma, ADHD, and even several neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and reproductive disorders.
The majority of shampoos, these days, are phthalates-free. So, it isn’t that difficult to find phthalates-free shampoos.
Salicylates
Some people are sensitive to salicylates too. Salicylates can be found in nature, but they’re fabricated in the lab as well. If you’re sensitive to them, they can cause several problems including digestive issues, headaches, and breakouts. Salicylates-free shampoos are easily available in the market.
Phosphates
Phosphate-free shampoos are desirable for two reasons. The first is that, like sulfates, they can irritate your scalp and skin because of their strength. The other reason is that they’re bad for the environment.
When they accumulate in a particular ecosystem, they cause specific types of plant life to flourish to the point that it stunts the growth of other plants and animals. As a result, phosphate accumulation can disturb the balance of ecosystems.
How Can You Tell If A Hypoallergenic Shampoo Will Suit You?
Allergies can be very confusing because it can be very difficult to pinpoint all the substances you are hypersensitive to. Even after going through in-depth medical tests that reveal what you’re allergic to, you can come across a substance that you weren’t tested for.
Hypersensitivity to personal care products is very common because newer ingredients are always being introduced to formulations. For instance, the moment some natural herb or plant starts trending, manufacturers start coming up with new shampoos based on that very substance.
So, how can you try a new hypoallergenic shampoo without breaking out all over? The trick is to patch test the new product before using it freely. Patch testing is a technique that allows you to find out if you’re allergic to a product or substance in a controlled manner. Here’s the full patch testing process.
- Patch testing can be done on any part of your body. However, usually, the areas where the skin is sensitive are chosen. In practice, you can perform a patch test on either the inside of your wrist or the crook of your elbow.
- The area where you’ll be patch testing needs to be washed and cleaned properly. Ideally, you should perform a patch test after taking a bath and before applying any products including moisturizers and lotions.
- Once the area is clean, you can apply a small amount of your chosen hypoallergenic shampoo to the region. You don’t have to lather the shampoo up. All you need to do is rub some onto the skin in the area.
- Once you’ve applied the shampoo, you need to cover the area. Bandages are used most commonly and are the best and easiest option.
- Ensure that the patch test area remains dry. Further, you’ll have to leave the patch test untouched for a minimum of 24 hours. While testing for a longer period of around 72 hours will be more conclusive, most allergic reactions manifest within a day.
- If you’re sensitive to the shampoo or one of its ingredients, the skin under the bandage will react. The reaction can take any form including itching, irritation, redness, burning, or a rash.
- If you feel or see any of these symptoms, remove the patch test immediately and wash the area thoroughly. The fact that your skin reacted means that you cannot use the shampoo.
- If there is no negative reaction in the 24 hours, the shampoo is fairly safe for you.
Top 10 Hypoallergenic Shampoos Comparison Table
| Product Name | Volume | Cost/Ounce | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Falls Hypoallergenic Tear-Free Baby Hair and Body Wash | 15 x 6 ounces | $0.16 | Check Price |
| Mountain Falls Hypoallergenic Tear-free Baby Shampoo | 15 x 6 ounces | $0.17 | Check Price |
| Jason Fragrance Free Shampoo | 32 ounces | $0.23 | Check Price |
| Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo with Organic Calendula | 7.8 ounces | $0.54 | Check Price |
| Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo | 16 x 2 ounces | $0.65 | Check Price |
| Biotera Hypoallergenic Ultra Gentle Shampoo | 15.2 ounces | $0.78 | Check Price |
| Free & Clear Shampoo (Sensitive Skin) | 12 x 3 ounces | $0.80 | Check Price |
| DHS Clear Shampoo | 16 ounces | $1.04 | Check Price |
| Cleure Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo for Sensitive Skin | 16 ounces | $1.5 | Check Price |
| Honeydew Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Kids | 8 ounces | $1.3 | Check Price |
Top 3 Budget Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
1. Mountain Falls Hypoallergenic Tear-Free Baby Hair and Body Wash
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
Mountain Falls is a brand backed by Amazon. Its greatest allure, however, has always been its cost. Mountain Falls shampoos are always priced ridiculously low. In fact, they’re low enough for you to be able to stock up for the next few months without breaking the bank.
Take this hypoallergenic baby hair and body wash for example. It is available in a pack of six for a price that boils down $0.16 per ounce! No other product can claim to even come close to this one from Mountain Falls when it comes to affordability.
The best part is that you get a decent product for this outrageously low cost. It isn’t the best hypoallergenic shampoo, but it may well be the hypoallergenic shampoo that offers the most value.
The formula, according to the company, doesn’t contain things like parabens, phthalates, and quaternium. At the same time, this hair and body wash isn’t without sulfates or even cocamidopropyl betaine. It contains both these substances which can be a problem if you’re sensitive to them.
If you’re looking for hypoallergenic shampoos only because your scalp and skin are slightly sensitive, this product may work well for you. On the other hand, this may not be the product for you if you’re very sensitive to fragrances. It has a mild lavender smell that may bother your sense of smell if you react to even the lightest of smells.
Its sulfates content, though, is very good if you like lather. It creates plenty of suds without you needing to use a lot of it in a single wash. At the same time, it has a watery consistency and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up taking out a lot more than you need.
Besides, since it is created for babies, it is extremely gentle and mild. It is even pediatrician tested and tear-free, which is critical when it comes to infants and toddlers. Like all “hypoallergenic shampoos”, this one is also dermatologist tested.
You can get this product in two sizes and variants. There’s a six-pack of 15-ounce bottles and a four-pack of 28-ounce bottles. In terms of variants, you can choose between the night-time bath and the hair & body wash.
Who’s it for: If you’re only slightly sensitive to normal shampoos and want a body and hair wash combo, get this mild, hypoallergenic shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 15 x 6 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium laureth sulfate |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Parabens-free |
| Phthalates-free |
| Quaternium-free |
| Tear-free |
| Available in two sizes and variants |
| Has a pleasant gentle smell |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| Incredibly cheap |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Not suitable if you’re allergic to fragrances |
| Has a watery consistency |
2. Mountain Falls Hypoallergenic Tear-free Baby Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
This is the second Mountain Falls product in this list of hypoallergenic shampoos. The first one we reviewed doubled up as a shampoo and body wash. This one, however, is only a shampoo. At the same time, like the other shampoo, this product’s greatest quality is its price and value for money.
It is extremely affordable and is available in two big packages. The first one contains six 15-ounce bottles, while the other one has four 20-ounce bottles. There are also two variations to pick from including the original and the lavender. The original one has a very sweet smell while the lavender one, as is obvious, smells like lavender.
The formula of both is designed to be tear-free and the shampoo manages to leave hair soft and shiny. Like the other Mountain Falls product, this one has also been tested by dermatologists and pediatricians.
It is hypoallergenic too since it doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, or quaternium. It does, however, contain cocamidopropyl betaine and sulfates so you can’t really get this shampoo if your allergies are very serious. However, if you’re only slightly sensitive, then it won’t bother you so much.
Further, because this formula contains sulfates, it lathers up really nicely. At the same time, its sulfates content makes this shampoo over-dry the hair. This is especially true if you use too much of it. It is difficult not to use a lot of this shampoo too since it has a watery consistency and flows out of the bottle very fast.
Who’s it for: If you want a hypoallergenic shampoo and you’re only slightly sensitive, then get this product.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 15 x 6 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium laureth sulfate |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Parabens-free |
| Phthalates-free |
| Quaternium-free |
| Tear-free |
| Cruelty-free |
| Available in two sizes and variants |
| Has a sweet, gentle smell |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| Incredibly cheap |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Not suitable if you’re allergic to fragrances |
| Has a watery consistency |
| May dry hair too much |
3. Jason Fragrance Free Shampoo (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
This Fragrance Free Shampoo from Jason is our top pick in the budget section simply because it is as hypoallergenic as you can get in this price bracket. While not as cheap as Mountain Falls shampoos, this one is still amazingly affordable.
It comes in one 32-ounce bottle which makes it very pocket-friendly. You can expect to pay somewhere around $0.23 per ounce for this shampoo. However, what makes this price really attractive is how effective and useful this shampoo is.
It can clean and hydrate the hair while soothing the scalp and making the hair shiny. It does all this without the usual harmful chemicals. It doesn’t contain any sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.
The absence of these substances makes this shampoo very mild and gentle. As a result, it is suitable for color and chemically treated hair too. Further, the absence of sulfates means that this shampoo isn’t the best when it comes to lather.
The formula of this shampoo does contain aloe vera and vitamin B5. Aloe vera is a good conditioner while vitamin B5 can be quite nourishing. In addition, it also contains cocamidopropyl betaine.
Even though it isn’t a chemical, some people are sensitive to cocamidopropyl betaine. You’ll have to patch test this shampoo to see if you are too. If you’re sensitive to smells, however, you don’t have to worry. This shampoo has no smell whatsoever.
This shampoo doesn’t have a watery consistency as is seen with most hypoallergenic shampoos. Instead, it is very thick. In fact, it is so thick that even if you mix water in it to improve its consistency, you’ll end up with thick globules floating in the water.
Who’s it for: If you’re extra sensitive to smells and don’t have problems with cocamidopropyl betaine, get this Jason shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 32 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin B5, cocamidopropyl betaine, sage, glycerin |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sulfates-free |
| Parabens-free |
| Phthalates-free |
| Doesn’t have any smell |
| Contains aloe vera and vitamin B5 |
| Hydrates and adds shine to hair |
| Suitable for color or chemically treated hair |
| Has a thick consistency |
| Incredibly cheap |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Some may find it too thick to manage |
| Doesn’t produce a lot of lather |
Top 4 Value Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
4. Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo with Organic Calendula
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
You won’t find many shampoos containing organic calendula. However, calendula has some really great properties. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent that also soothes the skin and scalp.
This Baby Wash and Shampoo from Cetaphil is based on organic calendula. The smell of this shampoo is also a result of its calendula content, but the smell is fairly mild and pleasant. However, if you’re allergic to botanicals like calendula or can’t handle fragrances at all, this shampoo isn’t for you.
This shampoo also contains sulfates and cocamidopropyl betaine while being free of artificial fragrances and parabens. This means that this baby wash and shampoo can be used by all but the most sensitive of people. As proof, the company says that the product is tested by dermatologists.
If you aren’t allergic to any of those substances, then this baby wash and shampoo can be quite nourishing for your hair, scalp, and skin. While calendula is nourishing by itself, this product’s formula even contains vitamins E and B5.
This shampoo’s sulfates content allows it to produce a lot of lather. If shampoos with their “lather-less cleaning” don’t satisfy you, then this shampoo will work for you. You may not like its watery consistency, however. It is very easy to take too much of such thin consistency shampoos, causing wastage.
This product’s dispenser doesn’t help in that regard either. The dispenser almost always pulls out more product than you will actually need so you need to be careful while pressing down on it.
Luckily, this isn’t a very expensive product. It is quite affordable. It even comes in three sizes – a single 7.8-ounce bottle, a pack of three 7.8-ounce bottles, and a 15.6-ounce bottle.
Who’s it for: If you’re only looking for a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo that is nourishing too, then this is the one you want.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 7.8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Organic calendula, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium laureth sulfate, vitamin B5, vitamin E, and aloe vera |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Parabens-free |
| Mineral oil-free |
| Tear-free |
| Available in three sizes |
| Contains organic calendula and vitamins B5 and E |
| Doesn’t dry hair |
| Has a mild and gentle smell |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| Affordably priced |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Not suitable if you’re allergic to fragrances |
| Has a watery consistency |
5. Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
This shampoo from Puracy stands head and shoulders above all hypoallergenic shampoos available in the market and that includes even some of the premium brands.
We find this to be the best hypoallergenic shampoo because it contains none of the harmful substances that you normally see in shampoos. It is free of sulfates, parabens, phosphates, salicylates, cocamidopropyl betaine, silicones, and even gluten.
Even though this shampoo doesn’t contain cocamidopropyl betaine, it does have several coconut-based cleansers. These cleansers make it possible for this shampoo to lather even though it doesn’t contain sulfates.
Unless you’re allergic to the botanicals inherent in this shampoo’s formula, there is nothing in its formula that will bother you. In terms of botanicals, you’ll find squalene from olive oil, beet sugar extract, citrus, and mint in this shampoo. Apart from this, it also contains vitamins B5 and E along with some peppermint and eucalyptus.
This shampoo’s scent is directly derived from the citrus and mint in its formula. Even though the smell is natural, it is possible that it will bother a few people who’re extra-sensitive to scents.
This shampoo is completely biodegradable and cruelty-free. Like most high-quality hypoallergenic shampoos, this one carries approvals from various doctors and medical practitioners. It is even backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
All of these qualities are available at a very competitive price too. Further, this shampoo is available in three sizes – a 16-ounce bottle, a pack of two 16-ounce bottles, and a 64-ounce bottle.
This hypoallergenic shampoo doesn’t even have many flaws. If we were to nitpick, we’d say that this shampoo is a little too thick, making it difficult to use. Further, if you use too much of it, you may end up with very greasy hair.
Who’s it for: If you’re not allergic to some basic botanicals, we highly recommend this hypoallergenic shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 16 x 2 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Citrus, mint, coconut-based cleansers, beet sugar, glycerin, ivy extract, soapbark extract, black walnut leaf, ginseng, aloe vera, bergamot oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, vitamin E, and squalene |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sulfates-free |
| Parabens-free |
| Phosphates-free |
| Cocamidopropyl betaine-free |
| Salicylates-free |
| Gluten-free |
| Cruelty-free |
| Available in three sizes |
| Contains vitamins E and B5 |
| Has a citrusy, minty smell |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| Competitively priced |
| Has a thick consistency |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not suitable if you’re allergic to fragrances |
| Can make hair very greasy |
6. Biotera Hypoallergenic Ultra Gentle Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
This shampoo from Biotera is one of the gentlest and mildest shampoos you’ll find anywhere. However, it is particularly suited for people who are not allergic to botanicals like chamomile but very sensitive to fragrances.
As is obvious, it contains chamomile, which the manufacturers say is excellent at soothing irritated scalp while nourishing hair. Because it doesn’t contain any added fragrances, the smell of this shampoo is virtually nonexistent.
It isn’t completely zero, though. It has a very light floral smell, courtesy of chamomile. However, the smell is so light that it is virtually undetectable. You’ll only smell it if your sense of smell is incredibly strong.
This shampoo’s formula also doesn’t contain any dyes, parabens, or gluten. This makes it great for even gluten sensitive individuals.
Unfortunately, this shampoo does contain sulfates and cocamidopropyl betaine. The sulfates give this shampoo a lot of cleansing power. They allow it to create awesome lather too.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a very mild and gentle, fragrance-free shampoo, then get this one from Biotera.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 15.2 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Chamomile, sodium laureth sulfate, decyl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, aloe vera, bergamot |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Parabens-free |
| Suitable for color or chemically treated hair |
| Very gentle shampoo |
| Contains chamomile |
| Has an almost undetectable smell |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Not suitable if you’re allergic to fragrances |
7. Free & Clear Shampoo (Sensitive Skin)
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
When looking for hypoallergenic shampoos, a lot of people choose this shampoo from Free & Clear. It is a very effective shampoo that is free of all the damaging ingredients you find in standard shampoos.
It doesn’t have any preservatives, artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, phosphates, sulfates, cocamidopropyl betaine, or even gluten. As a result, it is suitable for people with different types of sensitivities.
It is even great for people who are generally sensitive to strong formulations since its formula is pH balanced. Further, the company says the product is dermatologist tested as well.
However, since this shampoo doesn’t contain any sulfates, it doesn’t create a lot of lather. Therefore, if you’re one of those people who doesn’t feel clean unless there is a lot of lather, this may not be the shampoo for you.
The shampoo also tends to dry hair a bit too much. We find this quite surprising since the usual culprit behind extra-dry hair is sulfates. We think it dries hair so thoroughly because it doesn’t have sufficient moisturizing agents.
Since this shampoo has no added fragrance, its effective smell is very negligible. In fact, like most scentless shampoos, this one only has a slight chemical smell which is virtually undetectable. This kind of smell usually doesn’t bother even the most fragrance-sensitive people.
The shampoo is effective too. It can deal with scaling or flaking and can even counter product buildup in the hair. You can get this shampoo in seven different sizes. It comes in packs containing 12-ounce bottles. The options include a pack of three, four, five, six, nine, ten, and 12 bottles.
Who’s it for: If lather isn’t a prerequisite for you in your shampoo, get this hypoallergenic shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 12 x 3 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium chloride cocamidopropylamine oxide |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sulfates-free |
| Parabens-free |
| Phosphates-free |
| Cocamidopropyl betaine-free |
| Gluten-free |
| Has no added fragrances |
| Available in seven sizes |
| pH balanced shampoo |
| Cleans hair well |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Leaves hair very dry |
| Doesn’t produce a lot of lather |
| Has a slightly chemical smell |
Top 3 Premium Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
8. DHS Clear Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
This clear shampoo from DHS is specifically designed for sensitive scalps. As a result, dermatologists all over the country tend to prescribe it to their patients. This shampoo is mainly known for its ability to re-balance the skin and scalp’s pH levels.
The formula of this shampoo revolves around sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. This means two things. The first is that if you’re even slightly sensitive to either of those ingredients, this shampoo is not for you. The other is that this is one of few hypoallergenic shampoos available in the market that lather well.
So long as you’re not extremely sensitive to sulfates and cocamidopropyl betaine, this shampoo is excellent for daily cleansing. This is particularly true if you’re overly sensitive to fragrances. This shampoo has no added fragrances. It has the natural, chemical smell of its ingredients but that has never bothered anyone.
You can get this shampoo in a 16-ounce bottle or in a pack containing two of these bottles. The formula of this shampoo is fairly minimalistic, which is why we’re surprised at how expensive this shampoo is.
As a result, many of you may hesitate to pay for this shampoo. However, if you go for the double-bottle pack, the shampoo becomes quite economical. Therefore, if you’re willing to commit to this shampoo for the next 45 days or so, you can save a lot of money.
Who’s it for: If you want a minimalistic hypoallergenic shampoo, get this DHS Clear Shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 16 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine |
| The Pros |
|---|
| pH balanced shampoo |
| Available in two sizes and variants |
| Has no added fragrances |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| Available in two sizes |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Has a slightly chemical smell |
| A little too expensively priced |
9. Cleure Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo for Sensitive Skin (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
The more dermatologists trust a hypoallergenic shampoo, the better it is likely to be. According to these standards, this shampoo from Cleure is one of the best in the market. It is on the verified list of some of the most recognizable dermatology departments in the country.
It is recognized by Safe Skin backed by Mayo Clinic, the American Contact Dermatitis Society, Duke Dermatology, and dermatology departments of multiple other universities. It even has the SAFE rating from EWG’s Skin Deep. Each of these is significant enough to be trusted, but together, they’re formidable testimonies in favor of this shampoo.
This hypoallergenic shampoo is free of all the commonly recognized allergens that cause contact dermatitis. It doesn’t contain artificial fragrances, sulfates, cocamidopropyl betaine, parabens, salicylates, and even gluten. Regardless of what kind of substance you’re sensitive to, it is likely that using this shampoo will solve the problem for you.
At the same time, you need to remember that since this shampoo doesn’t contain sulfates, it won’t lather much for you. In fact, its overall consistency is quite thin and watery.
This shampoo isn’t just about keeping allergens away from your hair and skin. It also adds value. It is a gentle shampoo that can add volume to your hair. Further, its manufacturers even say that it can moisturize and condition hair.
Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely true because numerous users have come out and complained that this shampoo dries their hair severely. If this happens to you, we suggest trying hypoallergenic conditioners.
This is also one of the most expensive hypoallergenic shampoos in the market right now. In fact, its cost puts it beyond the reach of the usual buyers. If you want this shampoo, you’ll have to be willing to pay around $1.5 per pound.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a premium-quality hypoallergenic shampoo and can spend, get this Cleure shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 16 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, and Glycerin |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sulfates-free |
| Parabens-free |
| Salicylates-free |
| Gluten-free |
| Doesn’t have any smell |
| On the verified list of multiple dermatology departments |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Dries out the hair too much |
| Has a watery consistency |
| Doesn’t produce a lot of lather |
| Very expensive shampoo |
10. Honeydew Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Kids
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
This shampoo from Honeydew isn’t just a hypoallergenic shampoo but also an anti-dandruff shampoo. Further, this shampoo is specifically designed for kids which means that it is quite gentle and mild.
In fact, it is intended to be tear-free as well. Some of its users agree that it is tear-free while others contest this claim. You’ll just have to see how your eyes respond to this shampoo.
Being hypoallergenic, this shampoo’s formula is free of all possible chemical allergens including parabens, dyes, sulfates, and even fragrances. Surprisingly, despite the absence of sulfates, this shampoo produces quite a bit of lather.
Unfortunately, this shampoo still contains cocamidopropyl betaine. Therefore, if you’re sensitive to cocamidopropyl betaine, you may want to avoid this shampoo. You’ll also want to avoid this shampoo if you’re allergic to botanicals.
It contains therapeutic-grade jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. While all these botanical ingredients are used mildly in this formula, their concentrations are enough to cause trouble if you’re allergic to them.
However, it is also these botanical ingredients that give this shampoo the power to resolve problems like dandruff, flakes, and dry scalp. Additionally, tea tree oil also works well towards preventing infections of any kind.
The smell of this shampoo is a cocktail of lavender and tea tree oil’s natural scents. It is quite pleasant albeit mild and will only bother you if you’re particularly sensitive to such natural fragrances.
Apart from the inclusion of cocamidopropyl betaine and having the botanical smell, the biggest flaw of this shampoo is its cost. It is very much on the pricey side. On the flipside, there is a 100 percent money-back guarantee that gives you a safety net if you want to try this shampoo anyway.
Who’s it for: If your allergies aren’t severe and you’re looking for a hypoallergenic shampoo that can counter dandruff too, get this one.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Lavender, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, sage, peach kernel, rosemary oil, spikenard oil, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sulfates-free |
| Parabens-free |
| Contains tea tree oil, lavender, and jojoba oil |
| Has a lavender and tea tree smell |
| Works well against dandruff |
| Has anti-lice properties |
| Produces a lot of lather |
| Backed by a 100% money-back guarantee |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Contains cocamidopropyl betaine |
| Not suitable if you’re allergic to fragrances |
| May not work for everyone |
| Very expensive shampoo |
Contents
- Which Shampoo Ingredients Are You Allergic To?
- What Other Substances Should You Avoid?
- How Can You Tell If A Hypoallergenic Shampoo Will Suit You?
- Top 10 Hypoallergenic Shampoos Comparison Table
- Top 3 Budget Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
- Top 4 Value Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
- Top 3 Premium Hypoallergenic Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
