The 15 Best Organic Shampoos for Every Hair Concern
Need something to promote hair growth or deal with dandruff? There’s an organic shampoo for that!
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
How many times have you found yourself in the hair care aisle of a store, sifting through shampoos with an ingredient list full of words you can’t even pronounce? Believe it or not, it’s not uncommon for the products we use in our hair to have harsh chemicals or additives that lead to dry, limp, or brittle strands. Regardless of your hair type or texture, it’s important to be somewhat conscious of the ingredients that you use in your hair care routine. Organic shampoos are a great alternative to treating your hair; they are free of synthetic irritants, sulfates, and parabens, making them better for your hair and the environment.
To help you find some healthier options ahead of your next wash day, we browsed the internet, raided our beauty stashes, and even enlisted the help of celebrity colorist Stephanie Brown of IGK Salon in New York City to bring you 15 of the best organic shampoos.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can feel heavy on fine hair
Has dry and damaged hair got you down? Fret no more—Innersense’s hydrating hair bath is packed with organic shea butter that provides intense moisture and hydration to damaged strands. (Also, maybe lay off the heat for a little.)
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “When I was looking to restart my healthy natural hair journey after months of straightening and dying my strands, my best friend introduced me to this shampoo and I've been hooked ever since. I love that is doesn't leave my hair feeling dry and my curls always look so bouncy after every wash.” — Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
| Size | 10 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types, Dry Hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Organic Shea Butter |
Rahua Shampoo Rainforest Grown Classic Shampoo
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- Can feel a little greasy
Coconut oil is the star ingredient here, gently lifting dirt and product buildup from the scalp and hair shaft without depositing synthetic nasties onto your skin. It also provides a bit of scalp stimulation to help promote hair growth.
Amazon Rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon Reviewer says: “I have frizzy, wavy, dry hair and this shampoo always leaves my hair looking soft and shiny. The smell is SO AMAZING and will linger on for days! I am used to shampoos not lathering because I have used more natural ones in the past so that wasn't an issue for me. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!”
| Size | 9.3 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Coconut Oil |
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Can leave residue
If you are prone to an itchy or sensitive scalp and have been searching for a solution, look no further. This shampoo clarifies enough to create a fresh, clean foundation for styling products. It is packed with rosemary extract, which is great for hair growth, coconut oil, and aloe for hydration.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: Celebrity colorist Stephanie Brown recommends all of Christina Moss’ products if you have a sensitive scalp. “It’s soothing and doesn’t irritate your skin,” she says of this one in particular.
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera |
John Masters Organics Scalp Stimulating Shampoo
Pros
- Stimulates the scalp
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry hair
If you suffer from dandruff, you’re not alone. A detoxifying shampoo, like this one from John Masters Organics, will cleanse your scalp and the root of your hair using peppermint and spearmint oils to get rid of dirt and debris. Plus, ingredients like sunflower oil balance oil production, so you won’t get dandruff again.
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have a very sensitive scalp, and during summer with the heat, sunscreens, and extra sweating, it’s not happy. This is one of two products I use to keep my scalp healthy during summer and high stress periods. My scalp feels so cool, calm and refreshed after I use it. No flakes and no itching. I love it.”
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Sunflower Oil, Peppermint Oil, Spearmint Oil |
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry hair
Tree To Tub’s Soapberry Shampoo puts your scalp first. Perfect for dry, irritated, or sensitive scalps, the formula is naturally cleansing and free from any toxins that might irritate your skin. Peppermint cleans, while the soapberry moisturizes. A one-two punch!
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo works well and leaves a smooth finish to my hair. I have naturally dry hair and this shampoo makes my hair shiny and feels very healthy.”
| Size | 8.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Argan Oil and Aloe Vera |
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- Can cause stripping
Certified organic botanicals (aloe leaf juice, rosemary extract, and quinoa seed) work to plump and fluff even the limpest strands. This gentle lather helps to add lasting volume after every wash for thicker, fuller-looking hair.
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon Reviewer says: “I really like this shampoo! I’ve been using it for almost a month now and have already noticed a growth in the length of my hair. It keeps my hair feeling clean after my shower with no product buildup. It also smells good, not too strong or overbearing but clean and fresh.”
| Size | 11 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types, Fine Hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Rosemary |
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Pricey
Highly recommended in the fine hair community, this gentle shampoo utilizes natural ingredients like balsam and macadamia to reveal softer strands. Bonus: The natural ingredients ginger and fir turn your bathroom into a dream forest vacation.
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I can not get over how much I love this shampoo!!! It is hands down the best shampoo I have ever used, natural or otherwise. I have long, moderately thick hair and it leaves it feeling so clean and light.”
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Fine Hair, All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Ginger |
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for oily hair
More than a dozen organic extracts and oils team up in this lush formula, ideal for quenching dry, brittle strands. This shampoo is infused with organic pumpkin seed oil and argan oil to revive dull hair for results that leave a lustrous shine.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love it! My hair has never been so soft and silky! The first time I used it I was in awe of how my hair felt. I have also noticed that my hair is less frizzy, and I have struggled with frizz my whole life! Also a little goes a long way so it will last you a long time.”
| Size | 8 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry Hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Pumpkin Seed Oil, Argan Oil |
Pros
- Detoxing
Cons
- May not be suited for dry hair
Intelligent Nutrients pledges a minimum of 80 percent naturally derived ingredients and a 100 percent certified organic aroma. In this case, that means this is an antioxidant-rich shampoo perfect for stripping away dulling buildup.
Amazon Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “BEST shampoo! Have used for years now and get compliments on my hair all the time. Stops the frizzing and the dryness and even though it does not lather up it still gets your hair clean.”
| Size | 8.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Peppermint and Spearmint Oil |
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
You know that incredible lather most hair commercials promise but you can’t ever seem to achieve in the shower? This organic shampoo delivers! Dr. Alkaitis’ shampoo uses ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E to create a decent amount of shower fizz while strengthening strands and promoting shine.
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon Reviewer says: “I found Dr Alkaitis Organic Herbal Shampoo fantastic. Smells amazing and it's very soothing for itchy dry scalps. I have been using this shampoo for 3 weeks and my hair feels silky, lush and shiny!”
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E |
OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can leave buildup
OGX’s Argan Oil of Morocco shampoo might be the secret to shinier and softer hair. The sulfate-free formula intensely hydrates and locks in moisture with the help of silk proteins.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Elle Writer says: “If there is one shampoo that I always repurchase it's this one. This shampoo has been a staple in my stash for years. I love the smell and it always leaves my hair feeling and looking extremely soft and shiny.”—Tasha Nicole Smith
| Size | 25.4 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Agan Oil |
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- May not be suited for oily hair
This Art Naturals shampoo is made from 100 percent argan oil with a keratin boost, making it a savior for extremely damaged or dry hair. It’s also gentle enough for color-treated hair.
Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is the best shampoo I have ever tried.It makes my hair feel really soft and helps control frizz. I have about waist length, dyed, frizzy hair and I have definitely seen an improvement with using this shampoo. I love it.”
| Size | 12 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All hair types, Color-treated hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Keratin and Argan oil |
Flamingo Estate Rosemary & Ionian Bergamot Shampoo
Pros
Cons
Using a blend of hand-grown ingredients, including jojoba, olive, babassu, and avocado oils, this shampoo deeply cleans your hair and scalp, nourishes your strands, and helps to repair signs of damage. With the added benefits of rosemary and Ionian bergamot, this shampoo is also great for promoting scalp health and fighting dandruff.
Flamingo Estate rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Flamingo Estate Reviewer says: “This shampoo is fantastic. Most shampoos leave my hair somewhat dull and I was amazed at the shine and soft feeling after drying my hair. Scalp feels amazing as well.”
| Size | 16.9 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Jojoba, Babassu, Avocado, and Olive oil |
Pros
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May not be suited for oily hair
Ideal for curly hair, this nourishing formula miraculously still foams, making for a satisfying and softening washing experience. The primary ingredient of babassu oil acts as a hydrating conditioning agent that helps to smooth ends, reduce the amount of dryness and breakage, and strengthen your hair's elasticity for curls that bounce back every time.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Elle editor says: “Since I started using Mielle products a few years ago, the brand has become a family favorite. My mom, sisters, and cousins all love this shampoo, and of course, so do I. This shampoo has an amazing lather that leaves my scalp feeling clean without drying out my curls. I can even run my fingers through my hair as I wash for some light detangling, which for me is the test of a great shampoo.”—Tasha Nicole Smith
| Size | 8.0 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair type | Curly, Coily Hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Babassu Oil |
Pros
- Clean Scent
Cons
- Not the most suitable for sensitive scalps
If you are equally as environmentally conscious as you are hair conscious, then this shampoo is the one to reach for. Apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil are the standout ingredients in this 100 percent plant-based, biodegradable formula to help reduce flakiness and dryness. The bottles are also made totally from recycled materials.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “As an oily hair person, I love this shampoo SO much! It suds up without much effort at all and really deeply cleanses. My hair is never oily after using this like it is with many other shampoos I've tried. I love how it's natural ingredients and my hair is also super soft afterwards.”
| Size | 9.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Apple Cider Vinegar |
Meet the Expert
Stephanie Brown is a celebrity colorist at IGK Salons. She has worked with stars like musician Vincint and actress and comedian Kate McKinnon.
What should you look for in an organic shampoo?
According to Brown, finding the right organic shampoo is super easy. It’s all about looking for ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. “Go for oils like coconut, olive, and sunflower, apple cider vinegar, aloe, green tea, and other ingredients you would feel safe ingesting,” explains Brown. “Look at the ingredient label and look for certification symbols like COSMOS or Soil Association or National Organic Program.”
Who should use an organic shampoo?
Brown recommends organic shampoo for all hair types, but notes it’s ideal for people with sensitive scalps who have allergies to harsh chemicals. “If you’re looking for a hydrating formula for your damaged hair, nourishing ingredients like argan oil and shea butter are great options,” says Brown. “If you are looking to get a healthier scalp, ingredients such as tea tree oil, green tea, and calendula relieve itching, dryness, and inflammation.”
Why Trust Elle Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with hair experts about the absolute best organic shampoos to shop before wash day. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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