20 Best Gentle Shampoos For Everyday Use – 2023’s Top Picks
Save your hair from chemically-loaded shampoos by using safe and gentle alternatives.
Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist
Expertise: Hairstylist
Experience: 20 years
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her l... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Sometimes a shampoo loaded with ingredients may be too harsh for your delicate scalp. Instead of dealing with the problems that follow with regular shampoos, it is wise to look for the best gentle shampoos that cleanse your hair and scalp without damage.
Licensed cosmetologist and master hair stylist, Laura Dale adds, “Many people are sensitive to common ingredients found in shampoos like sulfates and parabens. If you feel your scalp is sensitive or irritated, switching to a gentle shampoo can really help.”
The market is saturated with products that promise to be gentle on hair as well as the scalp. It can be a bit tricky to find one that works for you. But you don’t need to worry. We are here to help!
Here’s our list of the 20 best gentle shampoos you can try!
20 Best Gentle Shampoos
1. Best Sulfate-Free: Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo
Image: Aveeno The Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo is a sulfate-free product. It effectively lifts impurities and refreshes and rebalances the hair. The shampoo is moisturizing and safe for all hair types. It is formulated with seaweed extract that helps rebalance the optimal hair moisture. It is also safe for color-treated hair. It contains naturally derived cleansers. Its Natrasurf micellar technology helps remove impurities without stripping the hair of its natural oils. The shampoo leaves hair silky and manageable. YouTuber Tanja adds, “I remembered seeing the Aveeno in quite a few of my friends’ houses in their shower and I said okay I’ll try that one, so I tried it and I liked it and it definitely worked for me.” This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Sulfate-free
- Safe for all hair types
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Makes hair manageable
Cons
- Strong fragrance
2. Best For Delicate Hair: Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo
Image: Garnier The Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo is formulated with oat milk that cleanses effectively and is gentle on the scalp. It also contains rice cream and essential nutrients that are ideal for delicate hair. The shampoo is gentle for everyday use. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and gently removes impurities like dandruff. It also helps restore hair’s extra bounce and shine. The shampoo is paraben-free and easy to use.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Quick Tip3. Best Moisturizing: Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Image: Yourtheorie The Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo is formulated with an aloe vera base, unlike traditional products that use water. It removes all impurities from the hair and refreshes your tresses. The formula is infused with vitamin E, vitamin C, and jojoba oil that promote lustrous and healthy hair. The marula oil and organic argan oil in the formula repair and restore damaged tresses. The shampoo moisturizes and soothes itchy and allergy-prone scalp. This paraben-free shampoo is well-suited for those with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin concerns.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Plant-based
- Vegan
Cons
- Might not be suitable for oily hair types and scalp
4. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Aveeno Cotton Blend Shampoo
Image: Aveeno The Aveeno Cotton Blend Shampoo contains nourishing ingredients like oats that refresh and soothe the scalp. It is lightweight and moisturizing. The shampoo is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. It is sulfate-free and free from dyes and parabens. It is also vegan.
It contains cotton fiber that adds ultra-lightweight moisture. It also cleanses hair without weighing it down.
Pros
- Vegan
- Moisturizing
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Safe for all hair types
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- May make hair greasy
5. Best Lightweight: Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo
Image: Jessicurl The Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo gently cleanses the hair. It is lightweight and does not weigh your hair down. It is easy to use and rinses well. It is fragrance- and sulfate-free. Click here to check out a detailed video of a reviewer’s experience of using this product.
YouTuber Kat from WTI adds, “It was recommended for research and I am not disappointed! It is a low poo shampoo so it will lather up but you will have to work it in your hands a little bit first. There truly is no fragrance so I appreciate that.”
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to use
- Compact design
Cons
None
Pro Tip6. Best Natural Formula: MopTop Gentle Shampoo
Image: Moptop The Moptop Gentle Shampoo is ideal for all hair types. It cleanses and softens the hair effectively. The shampoo is formulated with coconut, aloe, and calming sea botanicals that moisturize hair. It contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, or dyes.
The coconut in the shampoo cleanses the hair shaft with its natural oils. Your hair becomes touchably soft.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Dye-free
- Moisturizing
- Ideal for all hair types
Cons
None
Pro Tip7. Best Vegan: Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo
Image: Klorane The Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo helps preserve the natural balance of hair and scalp. The shampoo is formulated with oat milk that has moisturizing, soothing, and protective properties. It is high in sugars, lipids, and vitamins. The shampoo is ideal for all hair types, including normal to sensitive scalps. It is free from SLS, silicones, and parabens. This vegan shampoo keeps your hair lightweight and shiny.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Silicone-free
- Moisturizing
- Ideal for all hair types
- Vegan
Cons
None
Pro Tip8. Best For Kids: ABBA Gentle Shampoo
Image: Abba The ABBA Gentle Shampoo nourishes and soothes sensitive skin and scalp. The shampoo is infused with aloe, cherry bark, proquinoa complex with hydrolyzed quinoa, barley, and soy proteins to repair and restore damaged hair fibers. With a balanced pH between 4.5 – 5.5, the shampoo has a soothing formula that gently cleanses away all dirt and buildup and delivers noticeable softness and shine. This sulfate-free shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use by all members of the family, including children.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
9. Best For Frizz Control: Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo
Image: Bumble And Bumble The Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo is formulated with ingredients that impart smooth and silky hair. The shampoo is effective for frizzy hair control. It is also gentle and suitable for dry scalp and prevents further drying of the hair.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Controls frizzy hair
- Smoothening
- Suits dry hair
Cons
None
10. Best For Shine: Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
Image: Drunk Elephant Want a little bit of magic in a bottle? The Drunk Elephant’s Cocomino Glossing Shampoo is a real treat for your locks. The soothing mixture of healing oils, amino acids, and moisturizing ingredients keeps your locks clean and hydrated. This shampoo is ideal for people who desire a little extra pep in their stride. Reviewers on e-commerce platforms have constantly praised the formula’s luxurious feel and effectiveness.
YouTuber Brianna says, “I really like the shampoo and the reason is because the texture is nice and thick. It lathes really smoothly and beautifully in the hair. It gives you that sort of beautiful creamy lather.” She also adds, “It did a really nice job of cleaning my hair whilst not making it feel like it completely stripped all the oils away.”
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
- Non-irritating
- Mild formula
- Suitable for every hair type
Cons
None
11. Attitude Shampoo
Image: Attitude The Attitude Shampoo is a fragrance-free shampoo that soothes the scalp. It cleanses hair and hydrates the scalp too. The shampoo is formulated with oatmeal and grapeseed that hydrate hair. The oatmeal also protects the hair from environmental damage. This hydrating shampoo boosts hair elasticity and reduces the risk of breakage.
‘This hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested shampoo is also vegan and is formulated without parabens, sulfates, silicones, MIT, PEGs, and formaldehyde. It prevents scalp irritation.
Pros
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- No MITs
- No PEGs
- No formaldehyde
- No chemical irritants
- Hydrating
- Soothes scalp
- Boosts hair elasticity
- Reduces hair breakage
Cons
None
12. THEORIE Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Image: Theorie Looking for a shampoo that will clean your hair and soothe your scalp? Look no further than PURE’s Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo. The ultra-gentle shampoo with natural ingredients moisturizes the hair and scalp while getting rid of debris. The refreshing aloe vera revitalizes and protects the hair from damage. This shampoo contains essential oils such as marula, argan, and jojoba oils that help nourish damaged hair.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
None
13. MopTop Salon Gentle Shampoo
Image: Moptop The MopTop Salon Gentle Shampoo helps maintain hair moisture. It contains hydrolyzed wheat and soy proteins that add strength to dry and damaged hair. This moisturizing shampoo is safe for color-treated and bleached hair as it prevents damage. It is formulated with natural ingredients and is free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, silicones, and phthalates.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
14. Shikai Everyday Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
Image: Shikai The Shikai Everyday Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is formulated with unique, plant-based ingredients. The shampoo includes aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal that are moisturizing and nourishing to the hair. It is a gentle and soap-free formula that does not leave greasy residues and is safe even for babies and children.
Pros
- Nourishing
- Plant-based ingredients
- Gentle for babies and children
- Soap-free formula
Cons
None
15. Sebamed Scalp Balancing Shampoo
Image: Sebamed For everyone who struggles with an oily scalp or dandruff, Sebamed Scalp Balancing Shampoo is a must-have. It soothes your hair and scalp and is free of sls, soap, or alkalis. The hydrating and conditioning ingredients help revive your hair and provide it with body and luster. This shampoo has a pH value of 5.5, which helps stabilize the hair’s structural strength.
Pros
- Soothes the scalp
- Anti-dandruff formulation
- Alkali-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Contains sulfates and fragrance
16. Simple Purifying Gentle Shampoo
Image: Simple The Simple Purifying Gentle Shampoo is great for everyday use. It helps you achieve healthy, shiny hair. The shampoo is formulated with active ingredients that help cleanse the hair. It is safe for sensitive skin. The shampoo is free of artificial colors.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- No artificial colors
Cons
None
17. Himalaya Gentle Daily Care Protein Shampoo
Image: Himalaya The Himalaya Gentle Daily Care Protein Shampoo is formulated with natural proteins that are beneficial to the hair. It gently cleanses the scalp and provides nourishment to the hair. It is gentle enough for everyday use. It contains amla, which is rich in antioxidants that help nourish the hair. The licorice in the shampoo helps condition hair. No animal testing is conducted to determine the product’s efficacy, which makes it a great cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Nourishing
- Conditions hair
- Suitable for all scalp types
Cons
None
18. Mop Pear Gentle Shampoo
Image: Mop The Mop Pear Gentle Shampoo is formulated with pear puree and aloe. These ingredients cleanse, soothe, and moisturize the dry and irritated scalp. The shampoo helps balance hair pH. Its neutral pH guards against eye-stinging and irritation. Some hair care enthusiasts who have tested the product and shared reviews on e-commerce platforms have noted that it is gentle enough to be used on children.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Balances hair pH
- No eye irritation
- Gentle enough for children
Cons
- Watery texture
19. Mon Platin Gentle Shampoo
Image: Mon Platin Professional The Mon Platin Gentle Shampoo is formulated to use after applying any kind of chemical to the hair. Interestingly, it does not counteract the effect of chemical treatments. The shampoo does not contain any salt or preservatives. It leaves hair feeling shiny, supple, and revitalized.
Pros
- Preservative-free
- No salt
- Revitalizing
Cons
None
20. Arrojo Gentle Shampoo
Image: Arrojo The Arrojo Gentle Shampoo repairs damaged hair and nourishes it. It is formulated with natural and organic ingredients. The shampoo is lightly scented with fresh verbena. It is ideal for all hair types. It is sulfate- and sodium chloride-free. It is also safe for keratin-treated hair.
This nourishing shampoo contains honey and agave leaf extract that add moisture. Its coconut oil acts as an emollient. The rosemary leaf extract and avocado oil strengthen hair follicles, boost hair growth, and help with split ends reduction. The macadamia seed oil contains vitamin E that protects hair from environmental damage. Sesame seed oil promotes a healthy scalp.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Sulfate-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Safe for keratin-treated hair
- Nourishing
Cons
None
Apart from the gentle formulation of the shampoo, it is also vital that you consider other additional features in order to offer the best to your hair and scalp. Here are a few tips to consider before your next buy.
How To Choose The Best Gentle Shampoos For Your Hair
1. Ingredients To Avoid
Several ingredients in a traditional shampoo can cause allergic reactions, irritate, or even damage your scalp and hair. While choosing a haircare gentle shampoo, steer clear of ingredients like parabens, alcohols, formaldehyde, triclosan, dimethicone, selenium sulfide, and phthalates. If you have a very sensitive scalp, it is best to stay away from a few natural ingredients like witch hazel that may irritate the scalp.
2. Hair Type
Choose the shampoo which suits your hair type the best.
- Opt for color-safe shampoo formulas for colored hair. Avoid SLS, SLES, petrochemicals, sodium chloride, and parabens that fade the color and vibrancy of the shade..
- If you have an oily scalp, avoid shampoos loaded with essential oils and butter like olive leaves oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and argan oil that make your hair and scalp greasy.
- For thin or fine hair, opt for volumizing shampoos and avoid heavy oils and butters in your shampoos. which make it look wet with no volume. A volumizing shampoo does not weigh your hair down.
- If you have dry hair, choose a dry scalp shampoo with conditioning ingredients and essential oils, like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil, which can help revive your dry and frizzy hair.
- Formula
Choosing a shampoo with higher pH can cause damage to your hair cuticles. A shampoo with the right pH levels will moisturize and nourish your hair. Also, look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like milk proteins, silk proteins, aloe vera, coconut milk, argan oil, keratin, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil for well-nourished, shiny hair.
Infographic: A Buying Guide On How To Pick The Right Gentle Shampoo
Gentle shampoos are ideal for sensitive hair and scalp. They remove dirt, oil, and other impurities without triggering scalp conditions or hair loss. However, it is not easy to choose one without knowing about the right points to check. The infographic below will help you choose the right products that specifically cater to your hair and scalp requirements. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The Bottom Line
The shampoos on this list have a mild formula and are safe for everyone. These are daily use shampoos that will help you achieve clean, healthy, and beautiful hair. Not only are they gentle on your scalp, but they also offer additional benefits too. For instance, if you’re seeking a more invigorating cleanse, then try the Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo, a sulfate-free cleanser that utilizes seaweed extract for added hydration. For those embracing their natural curls, the Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo features moisturizing cocoa butter to enhance your natural texture and hair structure. And the Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo harnesses the soothing power of chamomile to cater to sensitive scalps. Remember to look for ingredients that suit your hair type and needs. Choose your favorite from this list today!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified hair and skincare coach who loves trying out different products on her hair. She vouches for gentle shampoos to prevent hair fall and believes that they are a must-have for anyone who has a delicate scalp. She has carefully researched the products and reviewed online customer feedback to pick the best products for her readers. These shampoos not only maintain your hair health but also ensure your scalp stays moisturized and healthy after each wash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most gentle shampoo?
The Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo is one of the best options for all hair types, while the Aveeno Cotton Blend Shampoo is suitable for colored hair.
How do I choose a gentle shampoo?
Choose a gentle shampoo keeping in mind your hair and scalp type. For example, the Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo is especially suitable for delicate hair and the Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo is a good choice for frizzy hair.
How can gentle shampoos help prevent dandruff?
Gentle shampoos are made of chemical and toxin-free ingredients that are not harsh on the scalp. They soothe and hydrate hair and scalp without overdrying them. This helps in dandruff treatment to a large extent.
Is gentle shampoo recommended for color-treated hair?
Yes, gentle shampoo is recommended for color-treated hair as it extends the vibrancy of the color and does not wash it away.
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