13 Best Phthalate-Free Shampoos Of 2023 That You Must Try
Volumize and nourish your hair to get healthy locks and style them your way!
Alicia Igess JonesHairstylist
Expertise: Hairstyling
Experience: 20 years
Alicia Igess Jones is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and has 3 years of experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the... more
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Phthalate-free shampoos are taking over the market fast and for good reasons. Manufacturers will tell you that phthalates are used to preserve the fragrance and color used in the product. But they also hamper your hormonal balance, so much that pregnant women are advised to keep away from this ingredient. Interestingly, people are also choosing products that are fragrance- and color-free as well. Unfortunately, these ingredients tend to cause allergic reactions and make the skin sensitive. Hence, the use of phthalates is rendered moot. In this article, we have listed the 13 best phthalate-free shampoos that will help you take a step up in your hair care routine. Take a peek.
In This Article
What Is A Phthalate-free Shampoo?
Since phthalates can affect the fertility rate, they are best to avoid regardless of pregnancy. A phthalate-free shampoo is free from added fragrances and artificial colors, which is a plus if you prefer fragrance-free shampoos anyway. However, if you enjoy a whiff of aroma while showering, some brands are swapping phthalates with refreshing essential oils to make those baths heavenly for you.
So, if you are looking for a phthalate-free cleanser that is also good for your hair, we have some great options for you. Here’s our list of the 13 best phthalate-free shampoos of 2023!
13 Best Phthalate-free Shampoos Of 2023 For Clean And Healthy Hair
Best Vegan Formula:Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
On lazy days, the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo will have your hair ready to flaunt in minutes! Spray on and enjoy freshly shampooed hair as it adds volume and absorbs all the dirt and oil. The phthalate-free hair cleanser uses rice starch instead of the unhealthy aluminum starch to clean and rejuvenate the scalp. Suitable for keratin-treated, Brazilian-treated, and color-treated hair, the talc-free formula also contains sea buckthorn berry to hydrate and improve elasticity. A healthy and safe option, this phthalate-free dry shampoo does not use gluten, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and GMOs. You may check this video for a better understanding of this product.
Pros - Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Superfine mist
- Cooling
- Deodorizing
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- May leave a residue if sprayed too close
Best For Dull hair:Avalon Organics Natural Shampoo
Dull or lackluster hair? This phthalate-free shampoo will care! Packed with zesty lemon oil and all the skin-loving ingredients, it will clear the oil build-ups and add an enviable sheen to your mane. Greasiness is the root cause of dull hair, but not if you have this medley of natural ingredients as your cleanser. The organic shampoo also contains aloe vera, vitamin E, quinoa protein, resin extract, calendula, and chamomile for nourishing benefits. Besides, it brightens and eliminates dullness with essential oils of lime, orange peel, grapefruit, cedarwood, and babassu oil. This video review will help you learn more about the product.
Pros - Vegan
- SLS-free
- pH-balanced
- Cruelty-free
- EWG-certified
- Biodegradable formula
Cons
- May not produce rich suds
Best Color-Safe Formula:SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo
A moisturizing boost, but in the form of a cleanser! The double benefits of this phthalate-free shampoo will reinforce your dry, damaged, and brittle hair. It has enriching shea butter for intense moisture treatment and honey, yogurt, baobab oil, coconut oil, and mafura seed oil too. Cleaning and strengthening your hair, this moisturizing cleanser is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, propylene glycol, petroleum, and more.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
- Ultra-hydrating
- Fair-trade ingredients
- Works best for all hair types and textures
Cons
- Hair may turn greasy quicker
Best Non-Stripping Option:Soothing Fragrance-free Shampoo
For those with sensitive skin, scalp and nose, this soothing shampoo can be a game-changer. A gentle cleanser with natural and healthy ingredients, it’ll reinforce your scalp and fortify strands without irritating your nose. Fragrance and phthalate free, the blend contains aloe vera, sage leaf extract, brown algae extract, pro-vitamin B5, and chamomile for cleaning, soothing, and hydrating benefits. And given it’s healthy, there are no harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, GMOs, petrolatum, or artificial colors. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Non-stripping
- Adds shine
- Balances sensitivity
- Increases manageability
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Slightly runny
- Not ideal if you need rich suds
Best Cruelty-Free Formula:HiBar Volumize Shampoo Bar
Let’s volumize those curls and waves, shall we?! Shampoo bars are back in trend, and this one is good for curly hair and the planet (no plastic bottle FYI!). Infused with ultra-nourishing ingredients such as African dates and pro-vitamin B5, it’ll volumize and define your curls and waves with every wash. Suitable for lifeless, fine, and thin hair, the soap bar will last as long as (or even more) than a 16oz shampoo bottle. Free from parabens, phthalates, silicone, and sulfates, it contains hair-loving ingredients instead. It has coconut oil, rice protein, and aromas of essential oils such as lime peel, ginger root, lemon peel, orange peel, and grapefruit peel for a nourishing and refreshing experience.
Pros - Vegan
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
- Frizz control
- Zesty scent
- Weightless formula
Cons
- Hair may turn greasy quicker
Quick TipBest For Preventing Split Ends:Love Beauty And Planet Sulfate-Free Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang Shampoo
Don’t give up on your damaged hair yet! This coconut oil and ylang-ylang shampoo is packed with hope and love to restore your gorgeous mane. With virgin coconut oil hydrating and boosting moisture, ylang-ylang flower oil adds a hint of freshness with its jasmine-like scent. While cleaning thoroughly and gently, the shampoo works on repairing, nourishing, and preventing split-ends. A sulfate-free and phthalate-free shampoo, it smoothes strands to reduce damage and friction. Ethically and sustainably sourced, the product is free from toxic ingredients such as parabens, dyes, and silicone.
Pros
- Vegan
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
- 93% naturally derived
- Visibly healthy-looking hair
- 100% recycled bottles
Cons
- May not produce rich suds
Best EWG-Certified:Everyone Nourish Shampoo
Indulge in this heavenly blend of coconut oil and aloe vera for your hair. Sometimes you have to beat oil with oil, and this creamy coconut shampoo with tropical and fruit essences will effortlessly eliminate dirt and excess sebum. It cleanses and nourishes intensely with quinoa protein, chamomile, calendula, camellia, and aloe vera without stripping the natural oil. And the scent— refreshingly zesty with lemon peel oil! Besides this, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, perfumes, phthalates, gluten, GMOs, and more.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-drying
- EWG-certified
- Recycled bottles
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Suitable for oily and dull hair
Cons
- Not suitable for dry hair
Pro TipBest Volumizing Formula:Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath
The enriching and gentle formula of this hair cleanser will make you look forward to hair wash days! A weightless indulgence for your scalp, hair, and mood, it has ultra-nourishing, therapeutic, and hair-strengthening ingredients. The phthalate-free cleanser cleans and moisturizes with coconut oil, rice bran oil, quinoa, shea butter, and avocado oil. And as for the refreshing scent, it has pumpkin seed oil and orange peel oil to uplift your hair and mood. Besides this, it also contains green tea, cucumber, eucalyptus, and mango fruit extracts for nourishing and anti-aging benefits. Want more? It’s free from gluten, parabens, silicones, and sulfates!
Pros - Cruelty-free
- Restores vibrancy
- Volumizing formula
- Recyclable packaging
- Ideal for dry, normal, and oily hair
- Works best for thin and medium hair
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Best pH-Balanced Shampoo:Alba Botanica So Smooth Shampoo
No frizz, no flyaways, only smooth and silky hair! Sounds too good to be true? This phthalate-free shampoo will control the unruliest frizzes with its botanical and gardenia blend. Be it humidity or dryness, this shampoo guarantees a healthy hair wash with ingredients such as papaya, pineapple, ginger root, quinoa seed, and aloe vera. Just what you need for sleek, smooth, and salon-styled hair, it also ensures 66% split-end repair and frizz control in the first use itself! Free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial colors, give this ultra-soothing shampoo a try if you haven’t already!
Pros - Cruelty-free
- pH-balanced
- Manageable hair
- Fresh gardenia scent
- Plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Hair may turn slightly greasy
Best For Improving Elasticity:Evolvh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo
For breakage-prone, unmanageable, frizzy, and coarse hair, this volumizing shampoo will be pure indulgence. Infused with oils of sunflower seed, safflower seed, rosehip, grape seed, and grapefruit peel, it moisturizes the scalp, strengthens strands, and promotes hair growth. In addition, it prevents split-ends, breakage and ensures frizz control too. Leaving your hair soft and manageable, the formula contains seaweed, soybean, sweet clover, wild pansy, and apricot extracts. Besides this, it has ivy, willow bark, chamomile, camellia, cupuacu seed butter, and passionflower extracts for nourishing benefits. A must-try moisture-boosting shampoo, it’s also free from silicones, parabens, phthalates, SLS, salts, gluten, and synthetic fragrances.
Pros - Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- UV protection
- Improves elasticity
- Award-winning shampoo
- Works best for dry, fine, and thick hair
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Not ideal if you are sensitive to smell
Best For Achieving Silky Soft Hair:Duffyâs Brew Craft IPA Beer Shampoo
Believe us when we say this phthalate-free shampoo is crafted with authentic and drinkable beer! A brew good for your hair and for your taste (if you are a beer lover), it’s packed with amino acids, hops, malt, and roasted barley. The shampoo will cleanse thoroughly, add volume and body while protecting each strand. In addition, it reinforces cuticles, enhances shine, and reduces dandruff and scalp irritation. It also repairs, moisturizes, and promotes hair growth with botanical ingredients such as fennel seed, acai berry, sunflower seed, aloe vera, and Gogi berry. With the aromatic fusion of beer, caramel, and spicy mahogany, your tresses will always smell resistible after every wash. And bonus— it’s free from parabens and sulfates!
Pros - Vegan
- Rich suds
- Cruelty-free
- Silky-soft hair
- Color-safe ingredients
- Protection from environmental stressors
Cons
- Not ideal if you are sensitive to smell
Best Oil-Free Option:FRAGFRE Hydrating Shampoo
Here’s an option that won’t irritate your nose but reduce your scalp irritation instead! Whether you are dealing with frizzes, flyaways, or damage due to chlorinated water, this phthalate-free shampoo will repair and restore. A gentle cleanser that cleans without stripping natural oils, the formula has cucumber extracts to soothe, hydrate, and add sheen to your lackluster tresses. Suitable for all hair types and sensitive scalps, it’s also free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, alcohol, artificial colors, gluten, preservatives, and more.
Pros - Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Allergen-free
- Fragrance-free
- Improves texture
- Volumizing shampoo
Cons
- Hair may need conditioning after shampoo
Best Dye-Free Formula:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
Say goodbye to itchy scalp, dandruff, flakes, and excess sebum with this medicated cleanser. The shampoo penetrates to eliminate the root cause of dandruff and itchiness with the infused zinc pyrithione. A fantastic choice if you have greasy hair and scalp, this phthalate-free and moisturizing shampoo will cleanse unwanted oil and dirt and soothe the scalp. For nourishing, it contains coconut, safflower seed oil, garlic bulb extract, apple fruit extract, camellia leaf extract, and Brazil nut seed oil. It also moisturizes with corn mint leaf oil, fennel oil, babassu oil, and guarantees to reduce breakage by 30%! And lest we forget, it’ll uplift your showering experience with the heavenly and refreshing scent of mint, sage, vanilla, tangerine, and lavender.
Pros - Vegan
- Color-safe
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Safe for chemically-treated hair
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Cleanse your hair with love, not chemicals, this 2023! Those were the 13 best phthalate-free shampoos of 2023 to choose from. However, if you are still confused, we have some shopping tips for you in our buying guide below.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo Without Phthalates?
When choosing phthalate-free hair products, look out for the following features before buying:
- Fragrance-free:
Since phthalates are preservatives included under fragrances at times, it’s best to choose a fragrance-free shampoo, especially if you are planning or are pregnant.
- Hair type:
The shampoo should be suitable for your hair type to deliver desired results. If you have oily scalp or hair, avoid oil-based shampoos as they may quicken greasiness or leave build-ups. And for dry hair, oil-based shampoos are great for moisturizing but make sure it cleans thoroughly to remove the flakes and dirt build-ups that may lead to dandruff or irritation.
- Lathering intensity:
One of the drawbacks of chemical-free shampoos is the lathering bit. Although several brands are using healthier options instead of sulfates to produce rich suds, the intensity may differ from brand to brand. So, to avoid disappointment, check the comments and reviews for lathering intensity before buying.
- Ingredients to avoid:
Besides phthalates, check if the product is free from other harsh chemicals. For the best and safe experience, avoid shampoos with parabens, gluten, sulfates, mineral oil, silicones, alcohol, and more.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Phthalate-Free Shampoos
Of late, people have become cautious of the harmful ingredients lurking in hair and skin care products. Shampoos free of phthalates are highly effective in improving your hair health. They are infused with potent ingredients that can be doubly effective in strengthening your hair. Check out the infographic below to learn about the key ingredients in phthalate-free shampoos and their benefits.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
You should always invest in clean and non-toxic shampoos regardless of your hair type. Shampoos containing phthalates are not good for your body, and therefore, you should opt for products that are formulated without it. They might also trigger sensitive skin issues. The shampoos mentioned in this list are free from added fragrances and artificial colors. These shampoos work effectively on different hair types and textures. It is time for you to stop using the conventional shampoo brand you have been using for years and switch to a natural, safe, and non-toxic shampoo instead. While choosing the best phthalate-free shampoo, consider your hair type and thoroughly go through the ingredients list.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar is a hair care aficionado who conducts extensive research on hair care products to recommend the best ones. Since phthalate is known to induce hormonal imbalances and affect hair quality, she has compiled this list of the best phthalate-free shampoos. This list was prepared after thoroughly researching the shampoos’ components, effects on the hair, and user reviews. Kirtana has also included a buying guide and offered tips on choosing the right product for your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do phthalates do to your hair?
Phthalates are chemical substances that can contribute to hair loss. They might disrupt the hormonal function that affects your hair cycle, leading to thinning, breakage, and hair fall.
Why is phthalate-free important?
Phthalates are harmful to you, animals, and the planet. They alter your hormone levels and may lead to serious health issues, like infertility, cognitive development, and cancer. They also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Hence, it is better to use phthalate-free products.
What does it mean for a product to be phthalate-free?
Non-phthalates are essentially plasticizers that are free of phthalates. Very limited exposure to phthalates is harmless, but a high exposure has potentially negative impacts on our health. Hence, many consumers are switching to phthalate-free skin and hair care products.
How can you limit exposure to phthalates?
These are methods that limit exposure to phthalate sources:
• Handwashing regularly
• Avoiding plastic containers
• Avoiding eatables that are wrapped in plastic bags or covers
• Avoiding microwaving food items
• Limiting the intake of nutrition supplements that contain phthalates
• Reducing the use of cosmetics products containing phthalates
How do I know if a product contains phthalates?
An easy way to recognize phthalates plasticizers is by checking the number 3 inside the universal recycling symbol at the bottom of the molded products such as bottles, clothing, plastic toys, food wraps, and beverage storage containers.
