Everyone loves a head of good-smelling hair – but oftentimes an invigorating fragrance can come at a cost. The majority of shampoos and conditioners on the market are laden with fragrances – which can sometimes mean a bunch of unidentified chemicals. Yikes! If you have a sensitive scalp, you’ve probably learned all about the dire effects of fragrance-packed products the hard way.
But it is possible to get a perfect cleanse without irritation, discomfort, and inflammation. It should come as no surprise that the best way to have healthy hair is to take care of it. This means using products that are enriched with nourishing elements in order to stimulate a healthy scalp. If you have been battling flakiness and itchiness, swapping to a fragrance-free duo may clear up symptoms of dryness and inflammation without causing further damage to your delicate scalp.
Too Many Chemicals For Your Scalp
It can seem a bit unfair sometimes because there are some really great smelling products out there, but at the end of the day, you just have to realize your tender head just can’t handle all the chemicals. Fragrance dispersants can result in common hair-care calamities such as rashes, discomfort, and flakes. The persistent usage of these products impacts the health of the scalp and will ultimately lead to thinner, more brittle, and duller strands. Aside from just scalp sensitivities and scent allergies, the best fragrance-free shampoos can aid in extending and protecting the vitality of color-treated hair, as many shampoos with fragrance can destroy a great color job.
But what are fragrance-free shampoos and where do you find them? These are specially produced with natural and organic ingredients and do not contain any artificial perfumes or chemicals. You can review the ingredients list on the shampoo container to check if a shampoo includes perfume. Usually, fragrance-free shampoos will broadcast it on the label – but it’s always a good idea to double-check the ingredients anyway.
We’ve done our homework and come up with some of the best perfume-free options.
Our Perfume-Free Picks
We love the Honest Company because they keep it real. This two-in-one formula is even baby-safe and gently purifies, soothes, and nourishes scalps at any age. Sans phthalates, parabens, dyes, and other known irritants, this dermatologist-tested shampoo builds into a foamy lather that doesn’t over-dry the scalp for a simple wash. Gentle enough for daily use, this tear-free formula is designed to clean the entire body from head to toe, leaving skin moisturized and hair soft and clean. Jessica Alba is the visionary behind this brand and one of her drivers was to create something her daughters could safely use. Some of the natural ingredients include Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Chenopodium Quinoa Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*. You can grab this on Amazon for just $8.99 – a definite steal!
Briogeo has definitely made a name for itself in recent years. This particular potion is specifically created for those with sensitivities to fragrance, essential oils, lactose, or soy. Perfect for all hair types, this formula features a hair-loving mixture of anti-inflammatory aloe vera, moisturizing oat milk, and antioxidant-rich green tea extract. For best results, pair with Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-free Hypoallergenic Conditioner (sold separately). Fans have been buying the products in bulk because they love the way their hair looks and feels after use. Some claim the only downside is that people want to touch your hair! Hey, there are worse problems to have. You really only need to lather for about 30 seconds and you can get a rinse and get on your way! This greatly loved product is $26 at Sephora.
- Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo – $26.97
Mild coconut-based cleansers and rich emollients work to protect the scalp’s natural oils while also maintaining its overall health. This shampoo also boasts other key ingredients such as wheat germ, jojoba, and chamomile extracts, which leave the hair feeling revitalized and manageable after every cleanse. Particularly great for dry hair – this formula receives rave reviews across the board. The concentrate is thick in nature so many consumers find that they can dilute it and stretch the product even longer. You can get a pack of three bottles for $26.97, which is a whopping good deal! Take it from the reviews on this one, people are loving how gentle this is on their scalp.
This gentle shampoo contains lush organic ingredients such as jojoba oil, green tea, kelp, and nettle extracts. These ingredients revive your tresses and improve their total health. This mild cleanser is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that give a sleek and soft texture to your hair. By providing calcium, potassium, iron, and other vitamins, this protein-rich shampoo fortifies each strand of hair. It also helps repair damaged hair cuticles and this is another product where a little goes a long way. The organic extracts and oils provide moisture, minerals, and vitamins that hair needs to grow stronger. You can get this “best smell of nothing” shampoo on Amazon for just $7.95. Be sure to get the conditioner for the most optimal results.
Cleansing, soothing, and balancing, this shampoo is safe for color-treated hair and fortified with aloe vera and vitamin B5 for healthier locks. It also contains chamomile and sage leaf extracts that rejuvenate and adds shine. The JĀSON team meticulously creates body-loving products with wholesome ingredients that are safe, gentle, and effective. JĀSON (which means “healer” in Greek) offers personal care solutions that are safer for us, our families, and our planet. This shampoo balances the pH level of your hair, leaving it looking soft, silky, and healthy. This is also a popular option for people who have oily, messy hair. This paraben-free option is just $12.78 and we love the convenient pump.
This versatile formula works beautifully to leave hair thoroughly clean and renewed. It also works equally as an all-over body wash. It works for every skin type, hair type, and scalp concern. It’s heavily concentrated to produce a healthy lather and rinses easily with no build-up or dryness. Its fragrance- and soap-free formula is safe for color-treated hair, sensitive scalp, and dry skin—truly a product the entire family can enjoy for healthier-looking skin and hair. People love the many benefits experienced with this formula such as clearing up dandruff and detangling long locks. It sells for just $17, which most say is worth the money.
Conclusion
Just because you have a sensitive scalp doesn’t mean you can’t still get a great cleansing shampoo. Or maybe you just don’t want your shampoo’s fragrance to mix with your own perfume. Fragrance can be wonderful when applied in the right amounts and in the proper products. But, there are quite a few clean options out there that you may just fall in love with. These are just a few of our favorites so let us know what you think!
