11 Best Cruelty Free Dandruff Shampoos

11 Best Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoos

1. Best Volumizing:Maple Holistics Sage Special Formula Shampoo

The Sage Special Formula Shampoo by Maple Holistics is a therapeutic anti-dandruff shampoo. It is infused with Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, sage extract, and peach kernel. These essential oils help replenish lost moisture into your hair and induce shine, while keratin helps strengthen damaged and brittle hair. These ingredients soothe your scalp and nourish it from within. The shampoo helps reduce scalp inflammation, itchiness, and any irritation caused by dandruff. It also helps reduce frizz and calms static flyways, giving you soft, silky, smooth hair.This shampoo brings back life in dull, lifeless, and chemically treated hair. Here’s an honest review of the product. Key Ingredients: Moroccan argan oil, Jojoba oil, Tea tree oil, Sage extract, and Peach kernel Pros

Natural ingredients Reduces frizz Boosts volume Improves hair texture Soothes scalp inflammation Color-safe Sulfate-free Paraben-free Preservative-free Hydrating formula Pleasant fragrance

Cons

Makes the hair dry

2. Best For Itchy Scalp:Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo

The Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo by Jason is specifically formulated for itchy, flaky scalp. It is infused with jojoba oil, olive oil, and rosemary oil to moisturize your scalp and strands. The active ingredients, salicylic acid, and sulfur, help eliminate itchiness and inflammation. They gently cleanse your scalp and control dermatitis and mild psoriasis. This cruelty-free shampoo is free from harmful chemicals and harsh ingredients that can damage or irritate your scalp. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Sulfur, Jojoba oil, Olive oil, and Rosemary oil Pros

Hydrating formula Gentle on the scalp Reduces itchiness Paraben-free Phthalate-free Sulfate-free Value for money

Cons

Medicinal fragrance

3. Best Hydrating Formula:Kamedis Dermatology Control Dandruff Therapy Shampoo

This anti-dandruff shampoo by Kamedis Dermatology is clinically proven to reduce dandruff. It is infused with botanical soapberry that has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Its gently cleanse your scalp and unclogs the hair shafts. Pyrithione zinc helps purify your scalp and soothes irritation and psoriasis. This light-lather shampoo hydrates your strands, leaving them silky and soft. This cruelty-free shampoo is chemical-free, dermatologist-tested, and can be used by both men and women. Key Ingredients: Soapberry and Pyrithione Zinc Pros

Mild on scalp Hydrating formula Dermatologist-tested Relieves itchiness Soothes the scalp Dye-free SLS-free Silicone-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Sodium-free

Cons

Contains fragrance

4. Best For Dry Scalp:Clevos Natura Foresta Eucalyptus Shampoo

The Eucalyptus Shampoo by Clevos Natura Foresta is ideal for sensitive and dry scalp. This premium shampoo is enriched with eucalyptus leaf extracts, which help refresh your inflamed and irritated scalp. Unlike regular shampoos, this hair cleanser is mildly subacidic with a pH level of 5.5 – ideal for a healthy scalp. The blend of essential oils – rosemary oil, apple oil, hinoki cypress oil – in this shampoo revives lost moisture in your hair, repairs split ends, and leaves your hair healthy. It gently exfoliates your scalp to wash off dandruff and impurities. Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus leaf extracts, Rosemary oil, Apple oil, and Hinoki cypress oil Pros

Vegan Mild on scalp Hydrating formula Reduces itchiness Reduces scalp sebum Refreshing fragrance Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Dye-free Alcohol-free Fragrance-free DEA-free

Cons

May cause hair fall

5. Best pH-Balanced:Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo

The DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo by Dove is a gentle cleanser for dry and itchy scalp. It cleans your scalp and leaves your hair free of flakiness and dandruff. Pyrithione zinc helps soothe itching, irritation, and inflammation while shea butter and coconut leave the hair intensely moisturized. This cruelty-free shampoo is pH-balanced and has a sweet coconutty aroma that revitalizes your senses. The formula is safe for color-treated hair. Key Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, Shea butter, and Coconut Pros

Hydrating formula Eliminates frizz Mild scent Gentle on scalp pH-balanced formula Color-safe Reduces dandruff Paraben-free Lathers well

Cons

Contains SLS

6. Best Anti-Redness:Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo

The Anti Dandruff Shampoo by Neutriderm has a clinically tested formula for treating and preventing dandruff. It helps soothe and control itchiness and redness on the scalp. The formula has climbazole and citric acid that cleanse dirt, debris, and bacteria from your scalp. It prevents excess sebum production on your scalp and gives an oil-free feeling. Key Ingredients: Climbazole 1%, Citric Acid, and Polyquaternium 10 Pros

Dermatologist-recommended Hydrating formula Reduces itchiness Reduces scalp sebum Smells fresh Cool feeling Paraben-free

Cons None

7. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Planative Natural Beauty Care Tea Tree Oil Special Formula Shampoo

The Tea Tree Oil Special Formula Shampoo by Planative Natural Beauty Care is ideal for dry, damaged, oily, and dandruff-prone hair. It is infused with tea tree oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and pure melaleuca oil. Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties and helps unclog pores and reduces excess sebum. Lavender, jojoba, and argan oils help hydrate and nourish your hair, leaving it healthy. Rosemary revitalizes your scalp and helps prevent hair loss while inducing new hair growth. This formula is safe for color-treated hair. Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, Argan oil, Melaleuca oil, Jojoba oil, and Rosemary oil Pros

Mild on scalp Hydrating formula Non-greasy texture Refreshing scent Hydrating formula Paraben free Sulfate-free Value for money

Cons None

8. Best Scalp Cleansing:Maple Holistics Cedarwood Shampoo Cleanse & Exfoliate

This anti-dandruff shampoo by Maple Holistics is specifically formulated for dry, oily, and color-treated hair. The formula is infused with cedarwood, tea tree, and rosemary oils. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that aids in clearing dandruff flakes and reducing itchiness and irritation on the scalp. Cedarwood essential oil cleanses the scalp, while rosemary oil hydrates the scalp and hair. The formula helps reduce frizz and calms static flyways, giving you soft and silky-smooth hair. Key Ingredients: Cedarwood essential oil, Tea tree oil, and Rosemary oil Pros

Natural ingredients Reduces frizz Boosts volume Cleanses well Improves hair texture Soothes scalp Hydrating formula Color-safe Sulfate-free Paraben-free Preservative-free

Cons

Hair may feel greasy after wash

9. Best Detoxifying:Majestic Pure Himalayan Dandruff & Scalp Shampoo

The Majestic Pure Himalayan Dandruff & Scalp Shampoo is a gentle detoxifying formula suitable for hair types and textures. It is infused with Himalayan Salt, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Coconut Oil that removes dandruff and product build-up and absorbs excess oils, leaving the scalp clean and fresh. It also contains Camellia Seed Oil that nourishes and conditions the scalp, leaving it moisturized. In addition, it is a cruelty-free shampoo that works great for dandruff-prone and dry, itchy scalp. Key Ingredients: Himalayan Salt, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil, Coconut Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Vitamin E Pros

Washes away dandruff Suitable for all hair types Cruelty-free Smooth and gentle Suitable for dandruff-prone, itchy scalp Unisex Sulfate-free Paraben-free Refreshing scent

Cons

Might take time to show results

10. Best Mild Formula:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo Cleanse & Clarify

Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is ideal for fine, dandruff-prone, oily hair. Apart from tea tree oil, this shampoo is infused with jojoba oil, argan oil, lavender oil, botanical keratin, and rosemary oil. Tea tree oil helps reduce itchiness and irritation on your scalp. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that aid in clearing dandruff and flaking. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and helps condition and protect your hair. Botanical keratin adds body and texture to the tresses, making them healthy and shiny. The formula helps reduce frizz and calms static flyways, giving you soft and silky-smooth hair. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Botanical keratin, Argan oil, Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, and Rosemary oil Pros

Mild formua Hydrating formula Dermatologist-tested Relieves itchiness Soothing properties Value for money Dye-free SLS-free Silicone-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Sodium-free

Cons

Does not lather well

11. Best Fragrance-Free:Pura D’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo

The Pura D’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo is a dry scalp treatment infused with peppermint oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. These ingredients help soothe and relieve dry, itchy scalp. Lavender oil rejuvenates and promotes new hair growth while peppermint and tea tree oils clear scalp build-up. Argan oil protects your hair from environmental damage and heat. This nourishing shampoo gives you visible results in just 21 days. Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, Argan oil, Tea tree oil and Lavender oil Pros

Vegan Mild formula Hydrating formula Fresh fragrance Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Dye-free Alcohol-free Fragrance-free DEA-free

Cons

Runny consistency

There are a plethora of options when it comes to anti-dandruff shampoos, but a cruelty-free dandruff shampoo is rare. Most of the formulas are either tested on animals or use the by-products of animals. However, when you find a cruelty-free dandruff shampoo, look for these few factors to pick the best formula to tackle your hair concerns.

Things To Consider While Buying Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoos

Hair And Scalp Type There are enough anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market that are meant for all hair types. Usually, anti-dandruff shampoos that are meant for dry hair contain hydrating ingredients which leave your hair moisturized. Those meant for oily hair and scalp will control excess sebum in your scalp and nourish your hair. So, no matter what hair type, focus on a pH-balancing formula. Ingredients To Pick You need to read the labels carefully to check the ingredients that work for your scalp and hair to tackle recurring dandruff problems. Choose the right active ingredients such as salicylic acid, ketoconazole, piroctone olamine, ichthyol pale, or ZPT that help fight dandruff. Also, other ingredients like vitamin B5, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, jojoba oil, coconut oil, rosemary oil, neem, tea tree oil, or lemon oil also work best to remove dandruff treatment. Ingredients To Avoid Avoid shampoos that contain harmful chemicals like silicone, sulfates, alcohol, paraben, phthalates, mineral oils, gluten, phosphate, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances. All of these toxins strip off the moisture and natural oils from your hair. They damage your scalp and lead to severe hair fall in the long run. Formula Opt for a clarifying or cleansing formula that focuses on cleansing your scalp and caters to eliminating the dandruff, flakes and dryness. The formula must lather well, must be hypoallergenic, and must have antioxidant properties, and remain free from added synthetic fragrances. The formula must tackle recurring concerns like build up, hair fall, split ends, breakage, tangles, frizziness, and dryness. Cruelty-Free Validity Unless the products and its ingredients are clearly labeled as “cruelty-free,” assume that the products contain animal-based ingredients or are tested on animals. Check for a stamp of certification on the packaging to ensure the shampoos you are choosing are cruelty-free and certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a hair care enthusiast. She understands that dandruff can be a recurring issue and affect the scalp health. She also knows that most products are tested on animals, which ethically-conscious individuals do not prefer. So, she has compiled this list of the best cruelty-free dandruff shampoos after thorough research and an in-depth evaluation of reviews. These products contain natural ingredients, fight dandruff, and reduce scalp inflammation. Can I use cruelty-free, anti-dandruff shampoo daily? Yes, if the formula is mild and gentle enough for regular use. Always check the shampoo packaging for instructions about frequency of use. How can I permanently get rid of dandruff? Regular hair care routine and the right anti-dandruff products help prevent dandruff, but you can never stop it permanently. Can you brush dandruff out? Yes, to some extent, but tiny flakes remain stuck to your strands. However, it helps distribute the scalp oils and sebum throughout the head. How can I tell if I have dandruff or dry scalp? Large, oily flakes are caused by dandruff, while dry skin flakes are smaller and whiter. Can you use cruelty-free, anti-dandruff shampoo and a regular conditioner together? Yes. A regular, moisturizing conditioner after an anti-dandruff shampoo may help prevent dryness. But if you have moderate to extreme dandruff problems, using a regular conditioner may counteract the anti-dandruff properties of the shampoo and trap more oils to cause dandruff. Does cruelty-free, dandruff shampoo cause split ends? Yes. If your dandruff shampoo is too drying, it can cause split ends. However, most formulas are non-drying and safe for your hair and scalp.