Just like clean skincare, clean haircare doesn’t have a universal, regulated definition—and that’s especially important to remember when shopping for shampoo.
It really all comes down to how the individual brand chooses to approach the category—and, of course, retailers have their own clean guidelines too. For example, many clean shampoos feature ingredient lists that are safe and nearly 100% naturally derived. Others dubbed clean take a different approach by using a higher percentage of safe synthetics and cutting out ingredients that are harsh, unsafe, concerning or controversial.
Those on the hunt for the best organic shampoo out there should know that not many shampoos that are certified organic in their entirety, but many brands do offer formulas made with primarily certified organic ingredients. And while “clean” usually infers safety, it can also point to a brand’s sustainability practices.
Nevertheless, the clean shampoo category is growing, and navigating what’s available now comes down to a preference in benefits, ingredients and cost. This guide to the best natural, organic, and non-toxic shampoos will further help you in your search.
- Best for a Boost of Moisture: Innersense Hydrating Hairbath
- Best for Fine Hair: Ursa Major Go Easy Daily Shampoo
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Rahua Color Full Shampoo
- Best for Curls: Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
- Best-Smelling: True Botanicals Nourishing Hydrating Shampoo
- Best Clarifying Shampoo: Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon
- Best for Oily Hair: Josh Rosebrook Balance Shampoo
- Best for Shine: EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo
- Best Drugstore Buy: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo
- Best for Volumizing: The Seaweed Bath Co. Volumizing Lavender Argan Shampoo
Best for a Boost of Moisture
This creamy clean shampoo is designed for all hair types, but the brand claims it’s especially great for those dealing with dryness or damage. Organic shea butter offers intense moisture to the hair, and organic tamanu oil strengthens hair while providing lightweight moisture to the scalp as well.
Best for Fine Hair
As a rule, Ursa Major’s clean skincare and haircare products are free of petrochemicals, SLS, SLES, parabens, synthetic fragrance, synthetic color, glycols, silicones and PEGs. This particular natural shampoo is made with licorice to boost scalp health and provides light moisture via macadamia seed oil that won’t weigh down fine hair. The woodsy smell adds an extra enjoyable element.
Best for Color-Treated Hair
This floral-scented plant-based shampoo works to enhance color-treated hair and correct brassiness. It’s formulated with oil extracted from the ungurahua nut found in the Amazon to strengthen and deeply nourish, as well as fatty acid- and vitamin-rich morete oil to help protect hair from UVA rays.
Best for Curls
While not completely all-natural, Briogeo’s curl shampoo is very close with a 97% naturally-derived formula. Specifically made for hair types 2A to 4C, the shampoo gently cleanses curls and coils and uses shea butter and avocado oil to deliver intense moisture and protection.
Best-Smelling
For some, an aromatic shampoo experience is very important. If you’re looking to lean on a natural formula that deeply cleanses and still smells amazing, try True Botanicals Nourishing Hydrating Shampoo. It receives rave reviews from shoppers on its citrusy floral scent, plus it’s made with aloe leaf extract to soothe the scalp and meadowfoam seed oil for antioxidant-rich protection.
Best Clarifying Shampoo
Go overboard with the dry shampoo? Tackle a week’s worth of product build-up with Avalon’s EWG-verified clarifying shampoo, made with a blend of lemon essential oil, quinoa protein, vitamin E and aloe to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp, reverse dullness and increase shine.
Best for Oily Hair
Yes, the scalp does need to produce oil to maintain hair health, but an excess can make roots too oily and weighed down. This shampoo uses a blend of certified organic and natural ingredients to balance out the whole equation and boost overall hair health and volume.
Best for Shine
Made with safflower and sunflower oils, this silicone and sulfate-free shampoo delivers intense moisture to the hair without weighing it down—and promotes scalp health at the same time. The addition of seaweed extract adds even more essential moisture and boosts overall shine.
Best Drugstore Buy
This drugstore classic is free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petroleum. It works up to a rich later and uses gentle cleansing agents to remove oil, dirt, and buildup from hair. While coconut oil is the moisturizing hero in this shampoo, the formula also includes ingredients like argan oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter and coconut milk for even more added moisture, nourishment and protection.
Best for Volumizing
Your hair might just love a seaweed snack. According to the Seaweed Bath Co., seaweed has over 65 vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to hair health, and it’s one of the hero ingredients in this shampoo. Another bonus? The formula’s hydrolyzed barley protein helps hair appear fuller and more voluminous after a wash.
