ELLE TALKS “FRAGRANCE FREE “ WITH DAVID ADAMS
The 12 Best Fragrance-Free Shampoos That Won’t Irritate Your Scalp
By Sam Peters
Anyone with sensitive skin knows how valuable it is to be aware of what goes into your skincare products. One of the most common ways to avoid flare-ups is by choosing formulas without fragrance. The same approach should be applied to your hair care products, especially since scalp health should never be neglected and is essential to proper hair growth. Fragrance-free shampoos can help prevent redness, irritation, dryness, flakes, and even potential allergic reactions (including on the body, too, as the suds will trickle down while you lather). And since fragrance can strip the hair of dye, fragrance-free shampoos have the added benefit of keeping color-treated locks looking vibrant for longer.
“Fragrance-free means that no fragrance materials—either natural or synthetic—or masking scents are used in the product,” explains David Adams, certified trichologist and co-owner of Fourteen Jay Salon. Adams says it’s generally safe to choose shampoos labeled with the term, but notes that the FDA does not regulate the use of fragrances in cosmetics, so there can be some discrepancy. Some products may be labeled fragrance-free but contain natural fragrance, like essential oils, which can cause sensitivity. In your search for a shampoo that’s truly fragrance-free, stay away from any items with mention of essential oils, fragrance oils, or perfume. You can also use tools like the Environmental Working Group’s searchable database or simply scan a product using the free beauty app Think Dirty to help detect any potentially sensitizing ingredients within a shampoo.
No matter your hair care needs, our list has you covered. From curly hair shampoos to formulas made to target dry, flaky scalps, these are the best fragrance-free shampoos recommended by Adams and dozens of satisfied customers:
What’s the difference between “fragrance-free” and “unscented” products?
“Unscented generally means that while fragrance materials are not used to impart a scent, a product may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients,” says Adams. On the other hand, fragrance-free products should be free of any chemicals that commonly cause irritation.
If you do plan to choose a product with fragrance, Adams suggests options featuring naturally-derived essential oils, which tend to be safer on skin than those with synthetic fragrances like fragrance oils. The latter are a “vague description of man-made aromas using chemicals with no directive from the FDA,” he explains. “Furthermore, the fragrance should not inhibit the performance of the product, so it’s always better to use ‘natural’ products.”
As a general rule of thumb, Adams says that the cheaper the product, the higher the chance it could contain a chemical fragrance.
Are fragrance-free shampoos safe for all hair types?
“Absolutely. In fact, some people swear they are better than fragranced products,” says Adams. “If you have a sensitivity or an allergy to products with a fragrance, you would probably want to use fragrance-free products all the time,” he adds.
Meet the Expert
David Adams is a certified trichologist, colorist, and co-owner of Fourteen Jay Salon in New York, NY.
