Licensed cosmetologist and master hair stylist, Laura Dale adds, “Many people are sensitive to common ingredients found in shampoos like sulfates and parabens. If you feel your scalp is sensitive or irritated, switching to a gentle shampoo can really help.” The market is saturated with products that promise gentle care and protection of hair. It can be a bit tricky to find one that works for you. But you don’t need to worry. We are here to help! Here’s our list of the 20 best gentle shampoos you can try!

20 Best Gentle Shampoos

1. Best Sulfate-Free: Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo

The Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo is a sulfate-free product. It effectively removes impurities and refreshes and rebalances hair. The shampoo is moisturizing and safe for all hair types. It is formulated with seaweed extract that helps rebalance the optimal hair moisture. It is also safe for color-treated hair. It contains naturally derived cleansers. Its Natrasurf technology helps remove the impurities without stripping the hair off its natural oils. The shampoo leaves hair silky and manageable. This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product. Pros

Moisturizing Sulfate-free Safe for all hair types Safe for color-treated hair Makes hair manageable

Cons

Strong fragrance

2. Best For Delicate Hair: Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo

The Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo is formulated with oat milk that gently cleanses the scalp. It also contains rice cream that is ideal for delicate hair. The shampoo is gentle for everyday use. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and gently removes impurities like dandruff. It also helps restore hair shine. The shampoo is paraben-free and easy to use. Pros

Paraben-free Moisturizing

Cons

Strong fragrance

3. Best Moisturizing: Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo

The Theorie Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo is formulated with an aloe vera base, unlike traditional products that use water. It removes all impurities from the hair and refreshes your tresses. The formula is infused with vitamin E, vitamin C, and jojoba oil that promote lustrous and healthy hair. The marula oil and argan oil in the formula repair and restore damaged tresses. The shampoo moisturizes and soothes itchy and allergy-prone scalp. The shampoo is well-suited for those with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin concerns. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Fragrance-free Dye-free Plant-based Vegan

Cons

Might not be suitable for oily scalp

4. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Aveeno Cotton Blend Shampoo

The Aveeno Cotton Blend Shampoo contains oats that soothe the scalp and nourish the hair. It is lightweight and moisturizing. The shampoo is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. It is sulfate-free and free from dyes and parabens. It is also vegan. It contains cotton fiber that adds ultra-lightweight moisture. It also cleanses hair without weighing it down. Pros

Vegan Moisturizing Paraben-free Sulfate-free Dye-free Safe for all hair types Safe for color-treated hair

Cons

May make hair greasy

5. Best Lightweight: Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo

The Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo gently cleanses the hair. It is lightweight and does not weigh your hair down. It is easy to use and rinses well. It is fragrance- and sulfate-free. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Pros

Lightweight Sulfate-free Fragrance-free Easy to use Compact design

Cons None

6. Best Natural Formula: MopTop Gentle Shampoo

The Moptop Gentle Shampoo is ideal for all hair types. It cleanses and softens the hair effectively. The shampoo is formulated with coconut, aloe, and calming sea botanicals that moisturize hair. It contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, or dyes. The coconut in the shampoo cleanses the hair shaft with its natural oils. Your hair becomes touchably soft. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Silicone-free Dye-free Moisturizing Ideal for all hair types

Cons None

7. Best Vegan: Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo

The Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo helps preserve the natural balance of hair and scalp. The shampoo is formulated with oat milk that has moisturizing, soothing, and protective properties. It is high in sugars, lipids, and vitamins. The shampoo is ideal for all hair types and sensitive scalps. It is free from SLS, silicones, and parabens. It is vegan too. It keeps your hair lightweight and shiny. Pros

Paraben-free SLS-free Silicone-free Moisturizing Ideal for all hair types Vegan

Cons None

8. Best For Kids: ABBA Gentle Shampoo

The ABBA Gentle Shampoo nourishes and soothes sensitive skin and scalp. The shampoo is infused with aloe, cherry bark, proquinoa complex with hydrolyzed quinoa, barley, and soy proteins to repair and restore damaged hair fibers. With a balanced pH between 4.5 – 5.5, the shampoo has a soothing formula that gently cleanses away all dirt and buildup and delivers noticeable softness and shine. The shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use by all members of the family, including children. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Suitable for sensitive skin Gluten-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

9. Best For Frizz Control: Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo

The Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo is formulated with ingredients that help hair become smooth and silky. The shampoo is effective in controlling frizzy hair. It is also good for dry hair. Pros

Moisturizing Controls frizzy hair Smoothening Suits dry hair

Cons None

10. Best For Shine: Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo

Want a little bit of magic in a bottle? The Drunk Elephant’s Cocomino Glossing Shampoo is a real treat for your locks. The soothing mixture of healing oils, amino acids, and moisturizing ingredients keeps your locks clean and hydrated. This shampoo is ideal for people who desire a little extra pep in their stride. Pros

Sulfate-free Color-safe Non-irritating Mild formula Suitable for every hair type

Cons None

11. Attitude Shampoo

The Attitude Shampoo is a fragrance-free product that soothes the scalp. It cleanses hair and hydrates the scalp too. The shampoo is formulated with oatmeal and grapeseed that hydrate hair. The oatmeal also protects the hair from environmental damage. It boosts hair elasticity and reduces the risk of breakage. The product is dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. It is also vegan. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, silicones, MIT, PEGs, and formaldehyde. It contains no chemical irritants and causes no scalp irritation. Pros

Vegan Hypoallergenic Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free No MITs No PEGs No formaldehyde No chemical irritants Hydrating Soothes scalp Boosts hair elasticity Reduces hair breakage

Cons None

12. THEORIE Pure Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo

Looking for a shampoo that will clean your hair and soothe your scalp? Look no further than PURE’s Ultra Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo. The gentle formula with natural ingredients moisturizes the hair and scalp while getting rid of debris. The refreshing aloe vera revitalizes and protects the hair from damage. This shampoo contains essential oils such as marula, argan, and jojoba oils that help nourish damaged hair. Pros

Gluten-free Alcohol-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Fragrance-free Hypoallergenic

Cons None

13. MopTop Salon Gentle Shampoo

The MopTop Salon Gentle Shampoo helps balance hair moisture. It contains hydrolyzed wheat and soy proteins that add strength to dry and damaged hair. The shampoo is safe for color-treated and bleached hair. It is formulated with natural ingredients and is free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, silicones, and phthalates. Pros

Moisturizing Safe for color-treated hair Paraben-free Sulfate-free Dye-free Silicone-free Phthalate-free

Cons None

14. Shikai Everyday Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

The Shikai Everyday Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is formulated with unique, plant-based ingredients. The shampoo includes aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal that are moisturizing and nourishing to the hair. It has a gentle and soap-free formula that is safe even for babies and children. Pros

Nourishing Plant-based ingredients Suits babies and children Soap-free formula

Cons None

15. Sebamed Scalp Balancing Shampoo

For everyone who struggles with an oily scalp or dandruff, Sebamed Scalp Balancing Shampoo is a must-have. It soothes your hair and scalp and is free of soap or alkalis. The hydrating and conditioning ingredients help revive your hair and provide it with body and luster. This shampoo has a pH value of 5.5, which helps stabilize the hair’s structural strength. Pros

Soothes the scalp Anti-dandruff formulation Alkali-free Suitable for all hair types

Cons

Contains sulfates and fragrance

16. Simple Purifying Gentle Shampoo

The Simple Purifying Gentle Shampoo is great for everyday use. It helps you achieve healthy, shiny hair. The shampoo is formulated with active ingredients that help cleanse the hair. It is safe for sensitive skin. The shampoo is free of artificial colors. Pros

Moisturizing No artificial colors

Cons None

17. Himalaya Gentle Daily Care Protein Shampoo

The Himalaya Gentle Daily Care Protein Shampoo is formulated with natural proteins that are beneficial to the hair. It gently cleanses the scalp and provides nourishment to the hair. It is gentle enough for everyday use. It contains amla that nourishes the hair. The licorice in the shampoo helps condition hair. The shampoo is cruelty-free. Pros

Cruelty-free Nourishing Conditions hair

Cons None

18. Mop Pear Gentle Shampoo

The Mop Pear Gentle Shampoo is formulated with pear puree and aloe. These ingredients cleanse, soothe, and moisturize the scalp. The shampoo helps balance hair pH. Its neutral pH guards against eye-stinging and irritation. It is gentle enough to be used for children. Pros

Moisturizing Balances hair pH No eye irritation Gentle enough for children

Cons

Watery texture

19. Mon Platin Gentle Shampoo

The Mon Platin Gentle Shampoo is formulated to use after applying any kind of chemical to the hair. Interestingly, it does not counteract the effect of chemical treatments. The shampoo does not contain any salt or preservatives. It leaves hair feeling shiny, supple, and revitalized. Pros

Preservative-free No salt Revitalizing

Cons None

20. Arrojo Gentle Shampoo

The Arrojo Gentle Shampoo repairs and nourishes hair. It is formulated with natural and organic ingredients. The shampoo is lightly scented with fresh verbena. It is ideal for all hair types. It is sulfate- and sodium chloride-free. It is also safe for keratin-treated hair. The shampoo contains honey and agave leaf extract that add moisture. Its coconut oil acts as an emollient. The rosemary leaf extract and avocado oil strengthen hair follicles and boost hair growth. The macadamia seed oil contains vitamin E that protects hair from environmental damage. Sesame seed oil promotes a healthy scalp. Pros

Natural ingredients Sulfate-free Sodium chloride-free Safe for keratin-treated hair Nourishing

Cons None Apart from the gentle formulation of the shampoo, it is also vital that you consider other additional features in order to offer the best to your hair and scalp. Here are a few tips to consider before your next buy.

How To Choose The Best Gentle Shampoos For Your Hair

1. Ingredients To Avoid

Several ingredients in a traditional shampoo can cause allergic reactions, irritate, or even damage your scalp and hair. While choosing a gentle shampoo, steer clear of such ingredients like parabens, alcohols, formaldehyde, triclosan, dimethicone, selenium sulfide, and phthalates. If you have a very sensitive scalp, it is best to stay away from a few natural ingredients like witch hazel that may irritate the scalp.

2. Hair Type

Choose the shampoo which suits your hair type the best.

Opt for color-safe shampoo formulas for colored hair. Avoid SLS, SLES, petrochemicals, sodium chloride, and parabens that fade the color and vibrancy of the shade..

If you have an oily scalp, avoid shampoos loaded with essential oils and butters like olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and argan oil that make your hair and scalp greasy.

For thin or fine hair, opt for volumizing shampoos and avoid heavy oils and butters in your shampoos. They weigh your hair down and make it look wet, with no volume.

If you have dry hair, choose a shampoo with conditioning ingredients and essential oils, like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil, which can help revive your dry and frizzy hair.

Formula

Choosing a shampoo with higher pH can cause damage to your hair cuticles. A shampoo with the right pH levels will moisturize and nourish your hair. Also, look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like milk proteins, silk proteins, aloe vera, coconut milk, argan oil, keratin, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil for well-nourished, shiny hair. The shampoos on the list have a mild formula and are safe for all. They are suitable for daily use and will help you achieve clean, healthy, and beautiful hair. Choose your favorite from this list today!

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified hair and skincare coach who loves trying out different products on her hair. She vouches for gentle shampoos to prevent hair fall and believes that they are a must-have for anyone who has a delicate scalp. She has carefully researched the products and reviewed online customer feedback to pick the best products for her readers. These shampoos not only maintain your hair health but also ensure your scalp stays moisturized and healthy after each wash. Which is the most gentle shampoo? The Aveeno Pure Renewal Gentle Shampoo is one of the best options for all hair types, while the Aveeno Cotton Blend Shampoo is suitable for colored hair. How do I choose a gentle shampoo? Choose a gentle shampoo keeping in mind your hair and scalp type. For example, the Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo is especially suitable for delicate hair and the Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo is a good choice for frizzy hair. How can gentle shampoos help prevent dandruff? Gentle shampoos are made of chemical and toxin-free ingredients that are not harsh on the scalp. They soothe the scalp without overdrying it. This helps prevent dandruff to a large extent. Is gentle shampoo recommended for color-treated hair? Yes, gentle shampoo is recommended for color-treated hair as it extends the vibrancy of the color and does not wash it away.

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