To help you along, we have made a list of the top products in this category for you.

What Is A Clarifying Shampoo?

A clarifying shampoo deeply cleanses hair and scalp through a unique formula. It dissolves all the product buildup left by conditioner, gel, mousse, hairsprays, soothing creams, etc., that weighs down your roots. It works more efficiently than a regular shampoo and contains astringents and acids to remove gunk from the scalp and hair. If you are wondering how it works, scroll down to the next section.

What Does A Clarifying Shampoo Do?

Clarifying shampoos contain natural deep cleansing ingredients that help eliminate dirty buildup, impurities, grease, sweat, and flakes, especially on oily scalp. They contain naturally sourced ingredients that are rich in astringents and acids. They act on the buildup and oil to balance the sebum levels and result in a healthy and clean scalp. These shampoos are best used once or twice a week and also offer long-lasting protection against dandruff. Let’s now take a look at the 10 best clarifying shampoos for oily hair.

10 Best Clarifying Shampoos For Oily Hair

1. Best Overall: MAPLE HOLISTICS degrease Moisture Control Shampoo

The degrease Moisture Control Shampoo from MAPLE HOLISTICS is a 100% pure and natural scalp balancing formula made with a powerful blend of lemon oil, cypress oil, rosemary oil, basil oil,jojoba oil, botanical keratin, and peach kernel oil. Lemon oil helps to get rid of your greasy hair. Rosemary and cypress help prevent hair loss and soothe itching and flaking, thereby keeping your scalp calm and hair fuller. The peach kernel and jojoba oil nourish the hair strands by adding strength and elasticity. All these natural oils promote circulation and keep the hair follicles clean for better hair growth. This shampoo also contains oil-absorbing botanicals that cleanse oily roots and greasy scalp by washing away excess oil, dirt, and dead skin. It is packed with youth-preserving vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The gentle blend is suitable for sensitive scalp and all hair types and works for men, women, and kids. Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Silicone-free Cruelty-free No other unnecessary additives Pleasant smell Anti-dandruff

Cons

Does not lather well.

2. Best Non-Toxic: HONEYDEW Lemon Sage Oily Hair Shampoo

The Lemon Sage Oily Hair Shampoo by HONEYDEW is a 100% natural therapeutic-grade oil treatment that contains lemon essential oil, sage, tea tree, rosemary, and argan oil. It removes excess oil by balancing sebum secretion and clarifying the hair and scalp to strengthen the strands. This shampoo soothes an itchy scalp and deep cleans the pores for long, bouncy, and thick hair. The nourishing herbs fortify the hair by promoting cell growth and eliminating loose flakes. Tea tree oil helps eliminate dandruff, rosemary soothes itching in the scalp, and argan oil moisturizes the scalp and hair. It is suitable for both men and women and all hair types. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Non-toxic Pleasant smell Value for money

Cons

May dry out hair.

3. Best Organic: DESERT ESSENCE ORGANICS Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo

The Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo from DESERT ESSENCE ORGANICSis made with pure ingredients, including Australian organic tea tree oil, lemon peel extract, organic comfrey, organic aloe vera, and maca oil to invigorate and balance your scalp’s natural pH. The Australian tea tree oil and lemon peel extract gently wash away excess oil and product buildup without stripping your hair of its natural moisture. The maca root extract strengthens and protects the hair, while comfrey and aloe vera nourish and soothe the scalp. This clarifying shampoo leaves the hair soft, bouncy, and manageable. Pros

SLS-free Cruelty-free Gluten-free Vegan No artificial dyes or fragrances Pleasant smell Value for money

Cons

Excess usage may dry out hair.

4. Best For All Hair Types: HONEYDEW Shampoo For Oily Hair Therapeutic-Grade Oil Treatment

The HONEYDEW Shampoo For Oily Hair is a therapeutic-grade oil treatment specially formulated to restore the moisture levels in oily and greasy hair. It contains natural ingredients, like lavender, rosemary, red thyme, yarrow, and evening primrose. This 100% natural hair treatment eliminates greasy hair and provides relief from oily scalp while nourishing dry, damaged hair. Lavender essential oil has hair nourishing and aromatic properties to soothe and reduce blemishes on the scalp. Rosemary is rich in verbenone that reduces hair thinning and aids cell renewal. Evening primrose oil prevents hair loss promotes healthy hair growth, while yarrow regulates the glands in the scalp to reduce oiliness. This shampoo is also formulated with provitamin B5, jojoba oil, and botanical keratin. It excellent for all hair types, including curly and frizzy hair. This shampoo helps preserve pigmentation on all hair color shades, ranging from dark black to white or gray hair. It is safe for use for men, women, and teens of all age groups. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Sodium chloride-free No artificial fragrances No artificial colors Pleasant smell Value for money

Cons

May dry out the hair.

5. Best Color-Safe: SARAGAN Activated Charcoal Shampoo

The SARAGAN Activated Charcoal Shampoo contains a blend of natural oils and activated charcoal to deep clean your scalp and hair. It strengthens damaged hair, removes dirty buildup and toxins, and revives dull, dry, and over-processed hair. Keratin strengthens the hair, Moroccan argan oil smoothens the hair texture, jojoba promotes hair volume, camellia restores hair moisture, almond heals damaged hair, coconut oil increases hair growth, and avocado oil clears blocked hair follicles. This shampoo is suitable for men and women and works best for oily, straight, curly, and color-treated hair. Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Color-safe Value for money

Cons

Strong fragrance

6. Best Vegan: R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

The R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo contains rosemary leaf, coconut oil, witch hazel, and amino acids. Rosemary extracts purify the hair deeply and remove unwanted buildup. Coconut oil strengthens and conditions the hair, and witch hazel purifies the hair and scalp.Amino acids increase the hair’s ability to retain moisture and impart shine and gloss to dull or damaged hair. This shampoo seals moisture, thereby leaving the hair naturally lustrous and soft. The gentle cleansing formula works perfectly for fine or oily hair. It also removes color-dulling residue and buildup from hard water, chlorine, and styling products. This cruelty-free shampoo does not contain gluten, parabens, sulfates, or mineral oils. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Petrolatum-free Mineral oil-free Gluten-free Vegan Cruelty-free

Cons

May weigh the hair down.

7. Best For Sensitive Scalp: MAPLE HOLISTICS AMAZE Special Edition Amazing Natural Shampoo For Oily Hair

The AMAZE Special Edition Amazing Natural Shampoo by MAPLE HOLISTICSis a purifying herbal shampoospecially formulated to relieve oily scalp and refresh greasy and lifeless hair. It contains an energizing blend of lemon oil, peach kernel oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, kernel oil, and basil oil. Rosemary essential oil helps prevent hair loss and promote thicker hair growth. Jojoba, argan, and peach kernel oils restore moisture and add strength to the hair. Argan oil strengthens, repairs, and hydrates the hair to make it healthy. Tea tree oil fights dandruff, relieves itching and flaking, and its antifungal and antibacterial properties prevent flakes. Basil oil boosts circulation and has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that improve your hair’s health and appearance. The lemon essential oil contains vitamin C, which has powerful astringent and detoxing properties that are great for greasy roots. This clarifying shampoo is suitable for all hair types, sensitive scalp, and color-treated hair. Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Cruelty-free Color-safe Suitable for sensitive scalp

Cons

Overpowering smell Might make the hair frizzy.

8. Best Cruelty-free: MAPLE HOLISTICS Planative Charcoal Special Formula Shampoo

The Planative Charcoal Shampoo from MAPLE HOLISTICS is a specially formulated plant-based composition enhanced by nutrient-rich coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, and botanical keratin. The activated charcoal pulls out impurities from your pores, preventing buildup from clogging the hair follicles and weighing down the strands. It refreshes and revives oily hair and irritated scalp and transforms flat and dull locks into lustrous, soft, and bouncy hair. Sage oil has antiseptic properties that help calm and clarify your scalp, reducing dandruff, itching, and flaking, while the hair-strengthening nutrients ensure hair growth. Camellia seed oil is an antioxidant-rich conditioning oil that reduces dandruff and strengthens the hair strands. Avocado oil enhances shine, helps reduce dandruff, and promotes stronger and thicker hair. This shampoo replenishes all hair types and is suitable for sensitive skin and color-treated hair. Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Silicone-free Color-safe Cruelty-free Suitable for sensitive scalp

Cons

May dry out the hair.

9. Best Volumizing: HONEYDEW Argan Oil Shampoo For Oily And Greasy Hair

The Argan Oil Shampoo For Oily And Greasy Hair from HONEYDEW is an all-natural shampoo made with Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil, and keratin. This unique combination cleanses and purifies the hair and balances your scalp’s pH level to reduce sebum. It also strengthens the hair strands for less breakage and promotes healthier hair. This moisture control shampoo for oily hair removes dandruff and product residues left by conditioners, gels, and mousses. Keratin forms a protective layer on the hair strands for healthy and shiny hair. Argan oil prevents frizz and promotes hair growth. This volumizing shampoo stimulates scalp cell renewal and eliminates dead skin cells. It is effective for all hair types, including straight, curly, wavy, thin, thick, and color-treated hair. Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Color-safe Cruelty-free Pleasant smell

Cons

Does not lather well.

10. Best Hypoallergenic: HONEYDEW HAIR SUPERFOOD Balancing Shampoo For Oily Hair & Scalp

The HAIR SUPERFOOD Balancing Shampoo For Oily Hair & Scalp is formulated with a unique blend of lemon, cypress, basil, rosemary, peach kernel, and jojoba oils. These clarifying essential oils help purify the scalp and hair, eliminate dandruff, and reduce hair loss. Lemon basil and cypress have antifungal properties and work as natural astringents. Rosemary oil helps increase hair volume, growth, and thickness by regulating excess sebum production in the scalp that makes the hair greasy and weighs it down. Peach kernel oil and jojoba oil enhance shine with their moisturizing properties and keep the hair clean, soft, and lustrous. This shampoo is great for all hair types and textures, such as thick, fine, curly, wavy, straight, and color-treated hair. Pros

Sulfate-free Paraben-free Cruelty-free Hypoallergenic Pleasant faint scent

Cons

Results don’t last long.

If you are wondering how frequently to use a clarifying shampoo, read the next section for the answer.

How Often To Use A Clarifying Shampoo

Ideally, a clarifying shampoo is designed to be used once or twice a week. One can apply it like any other regular shampoo. Just take a small amount of shampoo in your hands and apply to wet hair. Massage appropriately for 2-3 minutes until you get a rich lather. Rinse your hair properly. Using a conditioner after shampoo will give better results.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care coach with a passion for hair care and related products. She advocates clarifying shampoos for oily hair to detox the scalp thoroughly. She closely examined the formulation of multiple products and researched them exhaustively to shortlist the best clarifying shampoos available. She also took into consideration user reviews. The recommended products are, thus, gentle on the hair and deeply cleanse the scalp, removing build-up and excessive oils. How often should you wash your oily hair with clarifying shampoo? Wash your oily tresses with a clarifying shampoo at least once weekly. You may also use a clarifying shampoo thrice weekly if your hair feels heavy and dull. Is a scalp scrub the same as a clarifying shampoo? No, a clarifying shampoo is applied and massaged onto the scalp gently. It works when you leave it on your tresses for a few minutes and wash it off. However, a scalp scrub physically removes the buildup and deeply cleanses your scalp. Clarifying shampoos are mostly great for sensitive scalps as scrubs may be too harsh on delicate skin. Do you clarify before or after shampoo? It is recommended not to use a regular shampoo along with a clarifying shampoo as the latter does the work of shampooing and clarifying. However, pair a clarifying shampoo with a deep conditioner for added nourishment. What is the difference between a purifying and a clarifying shampoo? There is no difference between a purifying and a clarifying shampoo. Both products remove buildup from your hair and scalp while cleansing them deeply. How long does clarifying shampoo take to work? Clarifying shampoo takes up to five washes to work completely. Leave the shampoo on your hair for 45 seconds to a minute during each wash.

Best Clarifying Shampoos To Cleanse Buildup Best Shampoos For Oily And Greasy Hair