11 Best Paraben-Free Shampoos Of 2023 For Gentle Cleansing!
Nourish your hair and keep frizziness at bay with shampoos devoid of chemicals.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Expertise: Coloring
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Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
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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
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Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness
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Paraben, one of the ingredients in shampoos and hair products, is being rejected by women around the world as it has been found to interfere with hormones. Hair care brands have caught on and while it may still take some time to find yourself the best paraben-free shampoo, it is worth the effort. One way to ensure that your shampoo does not contain parabens is to check the ingredients listed at the back of bottles, which is what many women have started doing consciously. Another option is to go through our list of the top paraben-free shampoos available in the market. Either way, you would want to steer clear of this harmful preservative not only for your hair but also for your overall health and well being.
In This Article
Say No To Harsh Chemicals With 11 Best Paraben-free Shampoos of 2023
1. Best For Frizzy Hair:SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo
Image: Sheamoisture Invest in ultimate care for your curls! Whether you are dealing with frizzy hair or flat waves, this creamy-rich shampoo lathers up luxuriously to give you manageable, defined, and happy locks instantly. It is infused with nourishing ingredients like organic coconut oil and hibiscus flower extracts, that guarantees to clean your hair gently and leave them loved and moisturized. One of the best paraben-free shampoos for those with thick or curly hair, let go of those hair ties when you can flaunt your curls with this shea butter cleanser! Many reviewers also recommend this shampoo for its pleasant fragrance and non-greasy formula. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube detailing the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Adds a bounce and shine
- Restores moisture and lost oils
- Reduces breakage and improves elasticity
- Anti-frizz
- Enhances texture
- Sulfate-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, and petrolatum-free
Cons
- Slightly greasy
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,509 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
2. Best Anti-Dandruff Formula:Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Daily Shampoo
Image: Head And Shoulders Nobody likes an itchy scalp or their shoulders snowed with dandruff! And one of the best ways to save yourself from embarrassment would be with this dermatologist-recommended and paraben-free shampoo by Head & Shoulders. Ideal for curly hair, this anti-dandruff shampoo is clinically-proven and guaranteed to relieve the itch, soothe the scalp, eliminate the excess oils, and wipe out the flakes with every use. Also, it leaves a pleasant scent of eucalyptus in your tresses! Yep, with this shampoo, you can flaunt your healthy hair and the blacks in your wardrobe confidently.
Pros
- America’s No 1 trusted brand
- Refreshing scent
- Calms scalp irritation
- Tackles dryness and balances pH levels
- Provides intense nourishment to hair and scalp
- Guarantees 100% flake-free results
Cons
- Not recommended for chronic dandruff
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 5,776 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
3. Best For Color-Treated Hair:BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo
Image: Biolage Does your hair or scalp feel like a desert yearning for moisture? Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo can make a difference! Infused with aloe vera, this ultra-hydrating blend claims to boost and restore the moisture levels to leave your hair feeling moisturized, shiny, and soft. Also, since dry hair is prone to the notorious frizz, this shampoo will tame and control it with its intense conditioning too. Reviewers love this shampoo for giving their hair a fuller, manageable look. Try it to enjoy your natural and beautiful locks again!
Pros
- Prevents breakage
- Improves manageability and elasticity
- Adds a smooth and healthy-looking glow
- Softens hair
- Protects the strands from future damages
- Suitable for dry, very dry, and color-treated hair
- No animal testing
Cons
- Expensive
Pro Tip Best For Frizzy Hair | Best Anti-Dandruff Formula | Best For Color-Treated Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo | Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Daily Shampoo | BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo | |
| Hair Type | Thick and Curly hair | Color Treated, Curly, Dry, Dandruff | Dry |
| Dimensions | 2.68 x 2.68 x 6.24 inches | 1.76 x 3.03 x 8.31 inches | 2.38 x 2.38 x 9.02 inches |
| Weight | 13.97 Ounces | 14.08 Ounces | 14.07 Ounces |
| Rating* | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Reviews | 1,509 | 5,776 | 7,472 |
| Price | $9.73 | $5.94 | $11.5 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Volumizing:Osensia Thickening Biotin Shampoo
With this thickening biotin shampoo in your routine, the only thing you will lose is your old cleanser! Fighting hair loss in the roots, strengthening the follicles, and transforming your tresses from brittle to beautiful with every wash, this shampoo has all the good reasons to be your ultimate go-to. Also, the infused cucumber extracts boost moisture levels, biotin stimulates hair growth, and vitamin b5 adds a lustrous shine. Now, who is ready to banish dry, brittle, and weak hair with this shampoo without parabens and sulfates?
Pros
- Protects brittle hair from breakage and is color-safe
- Adds volume and thickness
- Repairs damages and increases suppleness
- Improves manageability and elasticity
- Ensures tougher tresses and scalp
- Suitable for normal, curly, thin, dry, and oily hair
Cons
- Small size
5. Best User-Friendly Product:Sun Bum Revitalizing Dry Shampoo
Image: Sun Bum Dry shampoo lovers, where y’all at! Sun Bum has a paraben-free and revitalizing dry shampoo that you must try. Smelling every bit like summer, it guarantees to soak up sweat, oil, or odor instantly to give you clean and refreshed hair. Plus, it leaves no residue behind and can be sprayed on knots, buns, and braids too! Just what you need on no-shower days to feel freshly shampooed, it also contains plant-based tapioca starch that helps revitalize hair instantly. Try it!
Pros
- Volumizing cleanser
- Vegan and easy-to-use
- Enhances hair texture and adds silky-smooth shine
- Gluten-free, sulfate-free, and aluminum-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Overpowering scent
6. Best Moisture Balance:MyKirei by KAO Nourishing Shampoo
Image: Mykirei Go paraben-free, the Asian way! Unveiling the secret of their gorgeous and sleek hair, this shampoo is infused with natural ingredients with Japanese Tsubaki and rice water. Given how rice water is hailed as nirvana for hair growth in the Asian nations, Tsubaki, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins and proteins that promote supple and shiny hair too. Also, the blend claims to restore the natural moisture balance and provide deep nourishment to damaged tresses as well. Its floral scent and non-drying formula have garnered numerous positive reviews online. And are you earth-conscious? If yes, then you will love this natural shampoo even more because the bottle is 100% recyclable!
Pros
- Ultra-gentle cleanser
- Leaves hair soft and volumized
- No harsh chemicals
- Vegan, color-safe and cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free and artificial dye-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Environment-friendly
Cons
- Not ideal for those who are sensitive to smell
7. Best For Curl Definition:MIZANI True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo
Image: Mizani True To all the curl friends with love— Mizani True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo will keep your curls hydrated, conditioned, and so soft that you won’t stop touching them! Giving your curls an enviable definition with every use, get ready to enjoy some jealous stares with your manageable and gorgeous locks. Also, it is infused with coconut oil that intensely nourishes strands, adds shine and volume as it deep cleanses the scalp gently with its antioxidant-rich formula. Curl nation, do not miss this non-toxic, color-safe, paraben-free clean beauty!
Pros
- Ultra-moisturizing shampoo
- Infused with natural ingredients
- Leaves hair smooth, bouncy, and healthy-looking
- Sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free
- Suitable for color-treated, dry, and damaged hair
Cons
- Expensive
8. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Vanicream Free & Clear Hair Shampoo
Do you have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, or are you sensitive to smell? Try Free & Clear Hair Shampoo by Vanicream. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-recommended, this shampoo is free from harsh chemicals that can irritate your scalp’s sensitivity. However, despite its gentle formula, it claims to clean your scalp thoroughly and leave your hair manageable too. A great option for those who are dealing with an oily scalp and flaking, Free & Clear Hair Shampoo will not disappoint. Here’s an honest review of a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Balances pH levels
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Controls sebum production
- Eliminates build-up and styling residues
- Free from paraben, protein, phosphate, gluten, sulfate, dyes, and more
Cons
- Slightly drying for dry hair
9. Best Waterless Formula:Waterless Dry Shampoo Foam- BROKEN LINK
On days when you cannot fit a hair wash in your schedule, this Waterless Dry Shampoo Foam will be your saving grace. Free from harsh chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about ruining the texture, it is also super easy to use and apply. Ensuring your hair feels as good as freshly washed, it wipes out grease, oiliness, sweat, and odor instantly without using water. Try it if you haven’t already! Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Eliminates build-ups
- Ensures a light hold
- Cleanses from roots to tips
- Alcohol and paraben-free shampoo
- Suitable for curly and thick hair
Cons
- Slightly sticky and damp
10. Best Lightweight Formula:Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo
Image: Nexxus Here’s a chemical and paraben-free shampoo that can thoroughly clean and nourish at the same time! Infused with a protein-fusion blend of marine minerals and elastin protein, this shampoo not only purifies the scalp to create an ideal environment for hair growth but also improves elasticity. Imparting intense hydration to the scalp and hair to look healthier, shinier, and soft, Nexxus is a must-try for those who have damaged, dry, and over-processed hair.
Pros
- Lightweight cleanser
- Boosts moisture levels
- Improves manageability
- Eliminates oil and product build-up
- Silicone-free and dye-free
Cons
- Pricey
11. Best For Scalp Cleansing:Aussie Miracle Smooth Shampoo
Image: Aussie Miracle Frizzin’ out too much? Take control and tame your hair with Aussie Miracle Smooth Shampoo! Locking out the humidity and leaving your hair silky-smooth and soft, this shampoo without parabens is a must-try for frizz haters. Infused with nourishing ingredients like Australian sea kelp and aloe vera to provide intense hydration, its smoothing power is also what makes it a must-try for all. Don’t skip it!
Pros
- Improves movement
- Enhances hair texture
- Delivers citrus, aquatic, and floral scents
- Cleans hair and scalp thoroughly
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Expensive
Paraben out, beautiful hair in! There you go, those were the 11 best paraben-free shampoos of 2023 you must try. If you need more guidance with choosing the right paraben-free shampoo or know its benefits, you must check out our buying guide below.
Buying Guide:
How To Choose The Right Paraben-Free Shampoo
Hair type: Whether you have dry, damaged, oily, or colored hair, pick a shampoo that suits your hair’s health for the best experience.
Gentle formula: Though most of the paraben-free shampoos are gentle and lightweight, it’s ideal to inspect and choose a gentle cleanser especially if you are dealing with weak, dry, or damaged hair.
Chemical-free: If you are going to go paraben-free, then you might as well exclude other harsh chemicals as well to give your hair a toxin-free wash every time. Inspect if your shampoo has sulfates, silicone, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals before buying. You can go a step ahead and ensure the formula is dermatologist tested and safe for daily use.
Intense cleansing: Intense cleansing is crucial. Choose a paraben-free shampoo that guarantees intense cleansing to avoid greasiness, build-up, or shampoo residue.
Deep nourishment: Lastly, pick a shampoo packed with nourishing ingredients to pamper your hair and to bring back that stunning glow, the natural and gentle way.
Benefits of Using A Paraben-Free Shampoo
Paraben is used in cosmetics and shampoos as a preservative as these formulas are prone to bacteria buildup and mold. However, paraben can cause more internal harm rather than topical, which is why avoiding it is the best option. Here are some benefits of using a paraben-free shampoo:
- Ensures gentle cleansing
- Prevents scalp irritations
- Fewer chances of allergic reactions
- With no parabens, you don’t have to worry about chemicals penetrating through your scalp and into your system
Infographic: Things You Need To Know While Using Paraben-Free Shampoos
Parabens are harmful not only to the human body but also to the environment. A paraben-free shampoo can be a small step towards maintaining your hair and scalp health. Check out the infographic below for additional details and tips that may help you while you begin your new hair care routine.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Shampoos and other hair products that contain parabens have adverse effects, and that is why the best and safe solution is to use paraben-free shampoos. Paraben-free shampoos do not leave your hair dry but offer restorative care to improve overall hair health. Nowadays, many healthy hair care brands are coming up with shampoos labeled as ‘paraben-free’ and the options are endless. Go for the SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo for its luxurious formula that works great on thick or curly hair; try the BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo for its ultra-hydrating feature for frizzy hair, and apply Nexxus Clean & Pure Clarifying Shampoo for extra softness and elasticity if you have dry and damaged hair. The products reviewed above are free from all the other harmful agents that might damage your hair. Using these shampoos will leave your hair bouncy, smooth, and healthy-looking. However, remember to perform a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The scribe behind this article, Medha Deb, is a hair care enthusiast with a fervor for exploring the internet and finding new products that improve your hair health, feel, and appearance. In this article, she brings you a list of paraben-free shampoos. The author went online to research and investigate many shampoos and their reviews to curate this list. She recommends these products because of their hair care benefits, absence of additional harsh ingredients like sulfates, and additional aspects like color-safe merits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paraben-free shampoo good for hair?
Yes, paraben is a preservative, a chemical used to protect solutions from bacteria and mold build-up, however, it is not something that should be used on hair, skin, or scalp. Hence, paraben-free shampoos are ideally recommended.
Is paraben-free shampoo good for color-treated hair and chemically-treated hair?
Yes, there are several paraben-free shampoos to protect and repair color-treated hair. BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo and MIZANI True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo are some of the options for those looking for a paraben-free shampoo for color-treated hair.
Does Paraben-Free Shampoo Lather?
Yes, most of the paraben-free shampoos such as SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo lather up luxuriously, thus making the whole hair wash experience all the more pampering and premium.
Should we use paraben- and sulfate-free shampoos?
Yes, paraben-free and sulfate-free shampoos clean your tresses without removing moisture from them. The rich ingredients in these shampoos do not cause dryness or dehydration on your scalp.
How do you know if a shampoo has parabens in it?
Make sure to check the ingredients list of a shampoo to learn whether the product has parabens in it. If the shampoo has parabens, it may be marked with ingredients like propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, or alkyl parahydroxy benzoates.
What does paraben do to hair?
Parabens make your hair appear dry, dull, and lifeless. They are especially not suitable for color-treated hair as parabens fade the dyes and can even cause hair loss.
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