Top 10 Clean Shampoos
10 Top-Rated Shampoos That Will Convince You To Clean Up Your Haircare Routine
Did you know that it’s been over 80 years since Congress last voted to regulate cosmetics in the USA? A lot has changed since June of 1938, but the fact that ingredients like formaldehyde, paint thinner, and coal tar can still be present in our shampoo has not. If you’re not okay with those harsh (and frankly, a little gross) chemicals interacting with your hair and skin, welcome to the club.
Fortunately, the clean beauty movement is alive and strong. It seems like there’s a less harmful alternative to every hygiene product you can think of, from deodorant and toothpaste to self tanner and toner. And lucky for our locks, this means there are plenty of clean hair care products out there as well. So, if you’re determined to purge your shower shelf of all its toxin-riddled products, we’ve got good news for you: We found the 10 best clean shampoos you can buy.
How We Found The Best Clean Shampoos
We’re not going to name names, but some clean hair care products just aren’t it —they either leave your hair feeling straw-like or they don’t do a good job of rinsing buildup away. We knew that there had to be extraordinary clean haircare lines out there, though, so we called upon our algorithm for help finding them. Taking user reviews, best-seller lists, industry recognition, and social buzz into consideration, this tool churned out a list of the 10 best clean shampoos on the internet. Ready for shiny, bouncy locks? Scroll on to see which shampoos passed the test.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Natural Body Washes. Opening image: @playa
March 21, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Monday Smooth Shampoo
Overall Score
4.2
10
Monday Smooth Shampoo
4.12
325 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: MONDAY Haircare’s Smooth Shampoo lives up to its name. With coconut oil and shea butter as primary ingredients, this non-toxic shampoo excels at minimizing frizz and providing weightless hydration.
USER REVIEW: “My hair is very dry, damaged, and frizzy from coloring and using hot tools every day. But, after one use, not only was my hair soft, it also felt like silk and gave it a really nice shine.”
Cruelty Free
Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
Overall Score
4.25
09
Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
4.08
1982 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Chris McMillan, the celebrity stylist and mastermind behind Drunk Elephant’s haircare line, formulated this shampoo without harmful chemicals. Instead, it’s made with gentle, natural substances that provide moisture and prevent breakage, such as sacha inchi seed oil and a coconut amino acid blend.
WHO IT’S FOR: According to Drunk Elephant, the Cocomino Glossing Shampoo is approved for every hair type and texture—straight, wavy, curly, coily, fine, medium, and thick. But it’s one of the best organic shampoos for color-treated hair, so if you make regular visits to the salon, this one’s for you.
Cruelty Free
Playa Every Day Shampoo
Overall Score
4.25
08
Playa Every Day Shampoo
4.2
706 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Playa, a clean haircare brand, developed the Every Day shampoo (along with their Supernatural Conditioner) to simplify the everyday hair routines of its customers. Now an Instagram favorite, the Every Day shampoo is praised for its beachy fragrance and gentle cleansing capabilities.
USER REVIEW: “I have not found a better shampoo that I can use everyday and that doesn't strip my hair to smithereens. This makes my thick and straight hair very soft. It is very gentle on my scalp, and my hair feels healthier from using this. Lastly, I LOVE the scent! Gosh it smells beautiful, like being at the beach, flowers in my hair, and being out in the sun.”
Cruelty Free
SheaMoisture Curl And Shine Coconut Shampoo
Overall Score
4.35
07
SheaMoisture Curl And Shine Coconut Shampoo
4.57
15975 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Tangles don’t stand a chance against SheaMoisture’s Curl And Shine formula. A combination of silk protein, coconut oil, and neem oil come together to create one of the best organic shampoos for detangling and restoring shine and bounce to your locks.
WHO IT’S FOR: You might have guessed this by the name, but the Curl And Shine Coconut Shampoo works best for those with curly, thick hair.
Cruelty Free
Reverie Shampoo
Overall Score
4.4
06
Reverie Shampoo
3.83
59 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Reverie describes this shampoo as a “botanical cleanser,” and after perusing the ingredients list, we get why. It contains oat protein, sweet almond oil, and panthenol (a moisturizing compound derived from plants). The results? A spa-like experience in your own shower that leads to shiny, smooth strands.
USER REVIEW: “I have bleached hair and a sensitive scalp, so I have tried EVERYTHING, and this is the best natural shampoo hands down. It actually cleans my hair and leaves it in good condition with body and shine! Better than the best brands—natural and not!”
Cruelty Free
Crown Affair The Ritual Shampoo
Overall Score
4.4
05
Crown Affair The Ritual Shampoo
4.9
168 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Tsubaki seed oil, the star ingredient in Crown Affair’s Ritual Shampoo, is known for its nourishment, shine, and scalp-soothing properties. There’s also a cleansing substance called coconut surfactant that washes away buildup without ridding your hair of its natural oils.
WHO IT’S FOR: While this product is approved for a variety of hair types and textures, it’s formulated to give your locks volume, which means it’s one of the best organic shampoos for those with thinning hair.
Cruelty Free
Innersense Organic Beauty Hydrating Cream Hairbath
Overall Score
4.45
04
Innersense Organic Beauty Hydrating Cream Hairbath
4.55
1480 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: With sage and tamanu essential oils, this totally-natural shampoo was created to soften and smooth your strands while keeping your scalp healthy and residue-free. Plus, it’s silicone-free and made without any ingredients on Credo’s Dirty List, two requirements for all of the best natural shampoos.
WHO IT’S FOR: Those with especially dry, coarse, or damaged hair will see the best results from using this product.
Cruelty Free
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Overall Score
4.45
03
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
4.28
2169 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Safe for colored or chemically treated hair, Briogeo’s Super Moisture Shampoo can’t be beat when it comes to restoring dry, damaged locks. And in addition to being deeply hydrating, it’s also an effective cleanser with just the right amount of foaminess to remove dirt, oil, and buildup from your scalp without leaving your strands brittle.
USER REVIEW: “Love this product! Instantly my hair felt repaired, soft and shiny, with body, volume, and heft—the holy grail! I will absolutely continue to purchase this product, and I feel it is well worth the price point.”
Made In Usa
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Odele Volumizing Shampoo
Overall Score
4.5
02
Odele Volumizing Shampoo
4.38
1038 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: Fortified with amino acids, this shampoo cleans, nourishes, and moisturizes your hair without weighing you down. This is one of the best natural shampoo options for fine hair, and when it’s used with consistency, it can transform flat, lifeless locks into bouncy, shiny, fuller hair.
WHO IT’S FOR: Those with fine or medium hair that’s straight or wavy will see the best volume-boosting results from Odele’s shampoo.
Cruelty Free
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Overall Score
4.95
01
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
4.69
38511 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT IT DOES: An Allure Best of Beauty award winner, Olaplex No. 4 leaves your hair shinier with every use. It’s appropriate for all hair types, but because it excels at repairing distressed strands through intense moisturization, it’s best for anyone struggling with dry or damaged hair.
USER REVIEW: “This entire line has changed my hair completely. I have highlighted hair that I blow dry and curl, and this line has kept my hair looking so great. Before I started using this I thought my hair was just unable to grow long because of breakage but not anymore. Buy this line and you will be so happy.”
Made In Usa
Cruelty Free
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