15 Best Drugstore Shampoos For Oily Hair – 2023
These drugstore shampoos remove excess oiliness and help add bounce and shine to your tresses.

Image: StyleCraze Design Team
When you are dealing with oily hair strands, washing your hair becomes a frequent affair. Oily hair problems can be quite frustrating, but you don’t have to splurge for the right shampoo as some of the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair can help you get rid of oily scalp economically. These shampoos utilize clarifying and oil-absorbing ingredients to eliminate excess oil from the scalp. They add maximum bounce and shine to your hair by keeping them free from grease. Your hair looks fresh till you go for your next wash. Keep oil and grease at bay with the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair mentioned below. Keep scrolling!
The drugstore shampoos in this article utilize clarifying and oil-absorbing ingredients to eliminate excess oil from the scalp. They add maximum bounce and shine to your hair by keeping them free from grease. Your hair looks fresh till you go for your next wash.
Licensed cosmetologist and master hair stylist, Laura Dale, who has over 20 years of industry experience says, “It’s so important to incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine to boost hair and scalp health. These products can help rebalance oiliness in your scalp and remove the product buildup that contributes to oily hair.”
This list featuring the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair promise all that and more. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Shampoos For Oily Hair
Best Overall:Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo removes oil and 90% of the heavy and dulling residue left by styling products. The non-irritating formula gently cleanses the scalp and hair. This low residue shampoo rinses the grease and dirt and boosts volume, bounce, and shine. It leaves the hair smelling great and looking fresh. You can also use this shampoo on color-treated hair as it does not strip the color. The shampoo is good for all hair types. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review.
- Controls oil
- Mild formula
- Removes 90% of heavy and dulling residue
- Gently cleanses the scalp and hair
- Revitalizes hair
- Adds volume, bounce, and shine
- Color-safe
- Non-irritating
- Suitable for all types of hair
Cons
- Can be very drying.
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.
- Has a strong smell.
Best For Greasy Hair:Maple Holistics Daily Shampoo for Oily Hair and Oily Scalp
The Maple Holistics Daily Shampoo for Oily Hair and Oily Scalp is an antibacterial formula that reduces dandruff and removes excess oil and grease. It cleanses the residue buildup and restores healthy sebum for balanced moisture in the hair. It is enriched with natural ingredients like peach kernel, rosemary oil, lemon oil, and basil oil and pro-vitamin B5 to prevent over-drying and an itchy scalp.The rosemary oil improves circulation, thereby strengthening the hair follicles and improving cuticle health. The natural oils fortify the hair with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids that promote shiny, soft, and smooth hair. This moisturizing shampoo detoxifies oily roots. It is a cruelty-free, paraben-free, non-irritating shampoo that’s perfect for straight, wavy, or curly hair.
- Removes excess oil and grease
- Antibacterial
- Formulated with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids
- Restores balanced hydration
- Prevents over-drying
- Strengthens hair follicles
- Improves hair cuticle health
- Detoxifies hair and adds volume
- Improves circulation
- Makes hair soft, shiny, and smooth
- Suitable for all hair types – straight, wavy, or curly
- Non-irritating
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Does not work for severe dandruff.

Best For Moisturized Strands:OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
The OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is formulated with Australian tea tree oil, milk protein, and peppermint oil. It zaps excess oil, grease, and reduces itchiness of the scalp. The natural oils provide nourishment and hydration and prevent over-drying of the hair. The shampoo adds volume, bounce, and shine to the hair and rebalances sebum production. It nourishes, rejuvenates, and detangles hair and restores its softness. This shampoo works for all types of textured, color-treated, and processed hair. It makes the hair look naturally healthy throughout the day. Click this video to learn more about the product.
Also Recommended By: Goodhousekeeping has also listed OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo in their top 10.[1]19 best shampoos for oily hair 2023, tried and tested, Goodhousekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g35822358/best-shampoo-oily-hair/
- Reduces excess oil and grease
- Adds volume, bounce, and shine
- Detangles and rejuvenates dull and flat hair
- Rebalances sebum and restores hair health
- Best for all types of hair
- Color-safe
- Sulfate-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.

Best For Color-Treated Hair:Herbal Essences Rosehips Smooth Shampoo
The Herbal Essences Rosehips Smooth Shampoo is a herbal formula suitable for oily and fine hair. It is infused with the goodness of vitamin E, rosehip, and jojoba extract that help you achieve shiny-looking hair. This dermatologically-tested shampoo is packed in a 100% recyclable bottle and has been approved by PETA. The pH-balanced formula is suitable for color-treated hair, and the floral smell leaves your hair feeling fresh all day long.
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Color-safe
- Silicone-free
- pH balanced
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Can make the hair dry
- Watery consistency
5. Best For Rebalancing Oil: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Rebalancing Clay Shampoo is formulated with three refined clays that instantly purify the roots and hydrate the ends of hair. This creamy, lightweight drugstore shampoo is formulated with salicylic acid that helps remove buildup from the use of hair products. This low residue shampoo cleanses the scalp, controls oil, and makes hair feel fresh for 48 hours. The hydrating ingredients prevent over-drying and revive lifeless, greasy hair. This silicone-free shampoo adds shine, volume, and bounce to hair.
Also Recommended By: The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo has also made it to the list by Cosmopolitan.[1]12 Best Shampoos for Oily Hair (Tested and Reviewed for 2023), Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g43460457/best-shampoo-for-oily-hair/
Pros
- Oil rebalancing clay shampoo
- Purifies the roots and ends
- Cleanses the scalp
- Salicylic acid removes residue from other styling and hair care products.
- Leaves hair feeling fresh and clean for 48 hours
- Prevents over-drying
- Revives lifeless, greasy, and oily hair strands
- Adds shine and volume to hair
- Makes hair soft and smooth
- Silicone-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- Contains sulfate.
- Contains betaine.
- Contains fragrances.
Best Budget-Friendly:Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
The Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo is formulated with scalp-soothing oatmeal colloidal extract and apple cider vinegar. It cleanses and removes excess oil. It rejuvenates, reinforces shine, and provides nourishment to hair from root to tip. It adds body and volume to hair and makes it silky smooth and bouncy. This drugstore shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes. It is safe for all hair types and suitable for colored hair.
- Formulated with scalp-soothing oatmeal colloidal extract
- Removes excess oil, grease, and dirt
- Provides nourishment from the roots to the tips
- Reinforces shine, softness, and volume
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- Contains sulfonate.
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.
7. Best Clarifying: Maple Holistics Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Oily Scalp
The Maple Holistics Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Oily Scalp is formulated with glycerine, botanical keratin, lemon oil, peach kernel oil, rosemary oil, basil oil, and cypress oil. This non-irritating drugstore shampoo cleanses the scalp gently to reduce excess oil, grease, dirt, and itchy scalp. It washes away flaky dead cells, leaving the scalp and hair feeling light, clean, and fresh. The hydrating lightweight oils in the shampoo help restore nourishment and prevent over-drying of the hair cuticle. They reduce hair breakage and hair fall, strengthen the hair from the roots, and promote hair growth. Botanical keratin helps make the hair smooth. This gentle daily care shampoo is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. It is paraben- and sulfate-free.
Pros
- Clarifying shampoo
- Degreasing shampoo
- Volumizing shampoo
- Controls oil
- Hydrates and nourishes the roots and ends
- Gently cleanses oily hair
- Leaves the hair feeling light and fresh
- Washes away flaky dead cells
- Adds bounce and shine
- Makes hair strands smooth
- Strengthens hair
- Promotes hair growth
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not suitable for fine oily hair.
Best For Blonde Hair:L'Oreal Paris EverPure Blonde Sulfate Free Shampoo
TheL’Oreal Paris EverPure Blonde Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a hair-protective shampoo for blonde hair. However, it is also good for controlling oily hair. This gentle drugstore shampoo neutralizes the brassy look of blonde hair and hydrates and nourishes over-processed hair. It washes away excess oil, dirt, and residue. It is sulfate-free and helps protect the hair color from fading. It adds a pure shine and luxurious touch to the hair and leaves the hair feeling fresh and clean.
- Removes excess oil and grease
- Protects blonde hair
- Neutralizes brassy tone
- Adds shine
- Makes the hair feel fresh and clean
- Boosts volume and hair health
- Creamy, smooth texture
- Strengthens hair
- Hydrates and nourishes hair
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for colored hair
Cons
- Can be drying.

9. Best Sulfate-Free: Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo
The Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo is infused with balancing seaweed. It cleans the scalp and reduces oil and grease. This drugstore shampoo is enriched with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It renews your hair and helps strike a natural healthy balance. The shampoo’s Natrasurf technology works to wash away impurities without stripping moisture and nourishment. It makes the hair look shiny, adds volume, and leaves it feeling light, bouncy, and full of life. It is color-safe and suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- Infused with balancing seaweed
- Makes the scalp oil-free and grease-free
- Hydrates and moisturizes the scalp and hair
- Washes away impurities
- Makes the hair shiny and smooth
- Adds volume and bounce
- Color-safe
- Suitable for all hair types
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May make curly hair frizzy.
Best For Oil Control:Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
The Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is a clarifying shampoo that helps reduce buildup and oil from the scalp and hair. This clarifying shampoo also adds shine, body, and bounce to hair. It is formulated with enriching white ginger flower, wheat germ oil, jojoba extract, and rosemary leaf extract. It cleanses the hair without stripping its moisture. It is the best shampoo for oily roots as it is gentle, and a small amount goes a long way. It is a color-safe formula and leaves the hair feeling soft, lively, and fresh.
- Clarifying shampoo
- Reduces buildup
- Cleans the scalp
- Reduces oil
- Revitalizes hair
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- A small amount goes a long way
- Does not strip the hair of moisture
- Hydrates and nourishes hair
- Adds volume, bounce, and shine
- Color-safe
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.

Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo
The Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo is formulated with Australian organic tea tree and organic lemon peel. It clarifies and balances oily hair strands by restoring the natural pH balance. Organic comfrey and organic aloe vera help nourish and soothe the scalp. The shampoo also contains radish root ferment filtrate, provitamin B5, Yucca cactus extract, maca root, willow bark extract, sea kelp extract, and nettle leaf extract. These natural ingredients nourish and hydrate the hair and add shine, volume, and body to it. This clarifying shampoo is vegan and free of gluten, SLS, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Balances pH of the scalp
- Cleanses and reduces oily hair
- Does not cause over-drying of hair
- Adds shine and volume
- Makes hair smooth and manageable
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Free of artificial dyes and fragrances
- SLS-free
Cons
- Contains bisphenol A (BPA).
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.
AVEDA Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
The AVEDA Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo is a high-performance plant-based shampoo for oily hair. It is researched and developed under a rigorous set of environmental sustainability values. The shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and hair. It rebalances the scalp pH and revitalizes hair. It makes the hair cuticle smooth and the hair follicles strong. It adds shine, bounce, and volume to the hair and keeps it grease-free and fresh for days.
- Clarifying shampoo
- Deep cleanse shampoo
- Detoxifying shampoo
- Balances scalp pH
- Removes oil and grease
- Revitalizes hair
- Strengthens hair
- Makes the hair smooth and shiny
- Adds bounce and volume
- Leaves the hair feeling fresh and clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp.
Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Greasy Hair
The Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Greasy Hair is an oil cleansing shampoo that also reduces dandruff. It reduces excess sebum, cleans the scalp, and makes the hair radiant with health. The gel-like shampoo formula does not strip moisture from the hair. It makes the scalp squeaky clean, adds body and volume to the hair, and keeps it shiny and tangle-free. Washing the hair with this detoxifying shampoo will keep the hair grease-free for days.
- Reduces oil and grease
- Cleans the scalp
- Keeps the hair healthy and shiny
- Adds volume, body, and makes it smooth
- Makes the hair tangle-free
- Keeps the hair grease-free for days
Cons
- May not work on sensitive scalps.
TRESemmé Purify and Replenish Shampoo
If you are looking for a deep cleansing shampoo, try the TRESemmé Purify and Replenish Shampoo. It helps treat oily scalp and hair, removes buildup, and retains hair moisture. It makes the hair feel clean, clarified, and nourished. This detoxifying shampoo is formulated with vitamin C, vitamin B7 or biotin, and extracts of lemon and grapefruit. It gently purifies the hair and leaves it feeling fresh-out-of-salon. Hydrolyzed keratin makes the hair cuticle smooth.
- Deep cleansing shampoo
- Reduces oil and grease
- Detoxifies and gently purifies the hair
- Makes hair smooth and soft
- Adds volume, bounce, and shine
- Makes the hair feel light, clean, and fresh
- Smells good
Cons
- Contains sulfate.
- Contains betaine.
Best Deep Cleansing Formula:Honeydew Lemon Sage Shampoo for Oily Hair
The Honeydew Lemon Sage Shampoo for Oily Hair deep cleanses your scalp with its clarifying formula that targets buildups and grease. This daily-use shampoo contains pure lemon and sage that cleanse your hair and leaves it smelling fresh. It also contains tea tree, jojoba, and rosemary oils that promote scalp health and volumize your hair. This herbal shampoo rejuvenates your hair and makes it healthy, nourished, and conditioned.
- Safe for color treated hair
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
These are the 15 best drugstore shampoos for oily hair. Before you pick one, here’s what you should look for in a good oil-control shampoo.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Oily Hair?
- Natural Ingredients – For an oily scalp, it is better to stick to a formula that has natural ingredients. Lemon oil, lemon extract, peppermint, and salts are great for oily scalp and hair.
- pH Balance – Look for a shampoo that balances the scalp pH and reduces the production of excessive sebum.
- Fewer Chemicals – The longer the list of chemicals, the more drying and moisture-stripping the shampoo. This, in turn, will stimulate more oil production. Therefore, choose a shampoo that has fewer man-made chemicals.
- Non-Irritating – If you have a sensitive scalp, look for a shampoo that contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and fewer irritating chemicals.
- Color Protecting – If your hair is colored, look for a shampoo that controls oil and also protects the color from fading. Here are a few shampoos for color-treated hair.
Infographic: Oily Hair Wash Care: Ingredients To Look For And Tips
Oily hair can be annoying when you can’t go two days in a row without it looking greasy and limp. But then, you cannot wash it too often either. Excessive hair washing can lead to more oiliness (yes, you read that right!). So, you need the right hair care products with the right ingredients (and a good diet) to manage oily hair and scalp. Check out the infographic below for some oily hair care tips. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Oily strands can be hard to deal with. But the best drugstore shampoos for oily hair can make the task easier for you. These affordable, clarifying formulas can absorb the excess grease from your tresses and restore shine and bounce in them. The products listed in our article are mostly color-safe and do not irritate the scalp. Some of these formulas help to detangle your hair and make them feel rejuvenated and thoroughly hydrated. However, steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfate.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach with a keen interest in hair care. She loves to research various hair care products to bring the top list for the readers, making their choice easy. After extensive research and reading many consumer reviews online, she has curated the list of best drugstore shampoos for oily hair. These shampoos are made with oil-absorbing ingredients and keep the grease at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shampoo is the best for oily hair?
The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo is one of the best available options for oily hair.
Should I shampoo when my hair is oily?
Yes, you should shampoo when your hair is oily as excess oil makes the hair look and feel greasy, limp, and lifeless.
How much shampoo should I use on oily hair?
It depends on a lot of factors like hair thickness and type, but roughly two full teaspoons of shampoo should be enough to wash the hair.
How often should you wash oily hair?
If you have oily hair, you should consider washing it every alternate day.
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