Your Sensitive Scalp Will Love These Derm-Approved Fragrance-Free Shampoos

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Walk down the haircare aisle of any drugstore or beauty destination out there and you’ll find the shelves lined with all sorts of heavily scented products—shampoos being no exception. The reason: It creates a better sensorial experience for the user, which many folks relish.

On the flip side, fragrance in haircare products can be a major deterrent for certain people. In some cases, it’s simply a matter of personal preference, but it can also be tied to something more serious like an allergy to fragrance.

Meet the experts: Iris Rubin, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SEEN. Christin Brown is a celebrity hairstylist and curl expert. Robert Finney, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert.

With this in mind, we set out to find the best fragrance-free shampoos on the market—and as we expected, there’s a slew of excellent options to choose from. Ahead, you’ll find a mix of expert recommendations and editor favorites, along with more insight on fragrance-free shampoos and why one might opt to use them instead of their scented counterparts.

Skin-Caring Shampoo

This derm-developed formula features skin and hair-loving ingredients like hemisqualane (a sugar-derived alternative to silicone) and bisabolol, which is both soothing and nourishing for sensitive scalps. In addition to fragrance, it’s free of potential irritants and pore-clogging oils, and is safe for all skin types, including ultra-sensitive. It was even awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know it’s no joke.

On top of being extra gentle on skin, we love that this formula helps reduce frizz, combats shedding, and leaves strand soft and touchable.

Rave review: "This shampoo has a luxurious texture, calms my scalp, and makes my hair look and feel great."

Free & Clear Sensitive Skin Shampoo

This wallet-friendly, no-frills option from Vanicream is a recommendation from board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert Robert Finney, MD. “Their whole product line is great for people with sensitive skin and skin allergies,” he says. It’s also preservative, gluten, and sulfate-free, and contains skin-loving ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, both of which offer superior hydrating properties.

Despite not being the most luxurious of shampoos, this formula still gets the job done, leaving hair clean, smooth, and tangle-free.

Rave review: "Wonderful product. Just like all their products are. This shampoo is very clean, without additives, and cleans your hair wonderfully. And leaves it feeling soft and shiny."

Fragrance-Free & Hypoallergenic No-Poo Original

A favorite of hairstylist and curl expert Cristin Brown, this non-lathering cleanser is an ideal pick for anyone looking for extra hydration and curl definition. “The fact that this cleanser still has that great, creamy feeling without fragrance makes it a winner for anyone,” she says. “It also feels so gentle.”

Co-developed with dermatologists, it contains ingredients like grapeseed oil, glycerin, and coconut oil to nourish both dry scalps and hair.

Rave review: "I am allergic to fragrances, so finally a product that works so well and no headache."

Ultra Sensitive Shampoo

Also accepted by the National Eczema Foundation, this scalp-soothing shampoo features calming ingredients like amino acids, aloe leaf juice, and oat extract. Additionally, it contains hydrolyzed rice protein, an ingredient famously great for restoring hair that’s been damaged by heat, chemicals, and constant styling.

We also appreciate how inexpensive this shampoo is, as it makes it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Plus, the packaging is on-point.

Rave review: "I use this daily and absolutely love!!!! It has been a blessing in disguise!"

The Shampoo

Enriched with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and non-stripping plant surfactants, this dermatologist-tested formula from Nécessaire does an excellent job at cleansing the hair and scalp without leaving either craving hydration. It’s also specifically designed to treat itchy, irritated scalps, which can help combat thinning caused by factors like scratching and build-up. It’s ideal for all hair types and textures, and also comes in recyclable packaging which is always a plus.

Rave review: "I'm a ride or die for this shampoo at this point. It's been the only shampoo for me that's moisturizing, balancing for my scalp, and actually helping my dry scalp to the point it's never been healthier honestly."

Fragrance Free Daily Cleansing Shampoo

Developed by celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess, this fan-favorite formula gently removes build-up while boosting fine, limp strands to make hair look noticeably thicker. In addition to fragrance, it’s also free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and gluten—plus it’s both color and keratin safe. You only need a small amount to create a rich lather and you’re left with hair that’s soft and manageable, but not too squeaky clean.

Rave review: "Finally found a fragrance free product that does not break out my daughter’s scalp."

Sensitive Care Fragrance-Free Shampoo

At $7 for 12 fluid ounces, this is easily one of the most cost-effective fragrance-free shampoos on the market. It features an impressive blend of clinically proven ingredients including panthenol (vitamin B5), oat extract, glycerin, and vitamin E, and contains no artificial colors, silicones, sulfates, or alcohol. If you want an effective shampoo that cleanses and hydrates hair without burning a hole in your wallet, look no further.

Rave review: "I love that this shampoo is fragrance free and doesn't have any additives that can irritate the scalp. I feel like it does a nice job of cleaning the scalp and getting out all of the built up dirt and product in the hair."

Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Shampoo

Infused with vitamin and mineral-rich aloe vera, soothing oat milk, and green tea extract—the latter of which offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits—this beloved formula from Briogeo is a solid pick for anyone struggling with a flaky and irritated scalp. All three hero ingredients effectively reduce itchiness, redness, and mild dandruff, all while hydrating and conditioning the hair and making it more manageable.

It also comes in a sustainable bottle and works for all hair types, including curly and coily.

Rave review: "Obsessed! This whole line is perfect for fine hair that needs an extra boost of shine, the bottles are easy to use and don't leak. The scent is neutral but still nice and the formula is easy to lather into hair."

Shampoo Bar

This fragrance-free shampoo bar from Nolé not only helps you cut down on plastic use, but also contains MVP ingredients like horsetail which is known to help boost shine, strength, and elasticity for better-looking hair overall. Batana oil, shea butter, and coconut oil also add luster to the hair, while hydrolyzed rice protein helps combat breakage and split ends. Ideal for all hair types and textures—including color-treated hair—you can’t go wrong with this sustainable option.

Rave review: "Ok I’m sold. Huge difference to the overall health of both my hair and scalp. Won’t look back!"

Extra Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash

Technically designed for babies, you can trust that this two-in-one formula from Kristen Bell’s brand is as safe and gentle as it gets. It soothes sensitive skin with organic aloe vera, calendula, avocado and cucumber extracts, and delivers a healthy dose of nourishment with jojoba and sunflower seed oils. It’s also extremely affordable and cuts down on the need for other products, which can definitely be a bonus.

Rave review: "Compared to many, so far this has the cleanest ingredients for my little one."

Baby Shampoo + Wash

This fragrance-free pick from Pipette is another great multi-use formula that cleanses from head-to-toe—plus there's no need to worry if you get it in your eyes because it won’t burn or blur your vision. Formulated with sugarcane-derived squalane, hydrating glycerin, and glycolipids for added emollience, it gently cleanses the skin and scalp while moisturizing strands at the same time.

It’s also dermatologist tested and has clinical results that attest to how gentle and effective the formula is for all ages and skin types.

Rave review: "I use this as a shampoo when I’m out of the regular shampoo AND I use it as a daily body wash. Gets clean without all the added chemicals in other products!"

The Shampoo

If you’re in the market to splurge, this luxurious option from Augustinus Bader is definitely worth shelling out for. It has a rich lather that leaves hair feeling clean, luscious, and tangle-free—plus it’s specifically formulated to help address issues like thinning strands and dry scalps. In addition to panthenol (or vitamin B5), it also contains maca root extract which reduces breakage and shedding, as well as the brand’s patented TFC8 complex for added help with repairing damage.

Rave review: "This really is a great shampoo. Cleans the hair thoroughly, but doesn't strip it. Leaves lots of body and shine."

Gentle Conditioning Shampoo

Made with African shea butter, panthenol, and grapeseed extract, this strand-restoring formula adds shine and volume to hair while leaving it soft and free of tangles—no conditioner needed. It’s formulated for all hair types, balances scalp pH, and aids in preventing breakage by strengthening fragile strands.

The super-mild formula is also a foolproof pick for dyed hair as it won’t strip the color nearly as fast as fragranced shampoos tend to.

Rave review: "I have very dry, damaged, color-treated hair, and I've tried many different conditioners but haven't yet found a shampoo that moisturizes well. So far this seems to do that, while still leaving my hair feeling clean and not weighting it down."

How our team chose the best fragrance-free shampoos

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated fragrance-free shampoos. Our team consulted two dermatologists and a hairstylist for opinions, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best fragrance-free shampoos for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What is a fragrance-free shampoo?

According to dermatologist and founder of SEEN, Iris Rubin, MD, a fragrance-free shampoo is exactly that: a shampoo with no synthetic or naturally-derived fragrances added to the formula, including essential oils.

What's the difference between fragrance-free shampoo and unscented shampoo?

“It’s important to note that fragrance-free and unscented are not the same,” Dr. Rubin stipulates. “Unscented products can include masking fragrances to neutralize the odors of other ingredients.”

She adds that fragrance-free shampoos will be clearly labeled as such, and that when you go to sniff them, they shouldn’t smell like anything. With that being said, fragrance in cosmetics (shampoo included) isn’t currently regulated by the FDA, so you should always read the ingredient list for good measure. Additionally, you can reference the Environmental Working Group’s searchable database or an app like Think Dirty to be 100 percent sure the shampoo you’re considering doesn’t contain any sensitizing ingredients natural or not.

“These shampoos are now easier to find since brands know consumers want them and it will simply say it on the front of the bottle,” says Brown.

Are fragrance-free shampoos better for your hair?

As Brown explains, there’s multiple of reasons why someone might opt to use a fragrance-free shampoo versus a scented one. “For some, it’s because they love the smell of their own perfume and don’t want it to compete with their hair, while for others, it’s a matter of sensitivity to smell or even sensitivity to the skin,” she says. “Additionally, some may just want to use a product that isn’t loaded with artificial scents for the sake of keeping the unnecessary out of their beauty products.”

According to Rubin, there’s a growing number of people with allergies or sensitivity to fragrance.

“This can appear as contact dermatitis, with an itchy, red rash—and yes, natural fragrance can cause skin allergies as well,” she says. “Some fragrance can also cause migraines to flare so this is another reason why some people may avoid them.”

Additionally, Rubin says some may choose to steer clear of scented shampoos due to their work environment—such as in medical settings—where fragrance is generally forbidden. Specific reasons aside, using a scent-free shampoo can be extremely beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies to fragrance.

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