The 15 Best Organic Shampoos for Every Hair Concern
Going green never looked so good.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
As often as we talk about skincare, we sometimes neglect to include scalp health in the conversation. Since the focus is generally on maintaining hair health or length, discussing the best way to care for our scalp usually takes a backseat. Caring for the skin on your scalp not only reduces irritation and other scalp issues but also promotes healthy hair growth. Similar to how cleansers are the foundation of a good skincare routine, shampoos are an important part of any hair care routine and should be free of any ingredients that can compromise hair health.
Opting for a natural or organic shampoo is a good way to weed out any harsh chemicals or additives that can cause damage to your hair and scalp over time. These good-for-you shampoos are free of synthetic irritants, sulfates, and parabens, making them better for your hair and the environment, and are often formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Though the perfect shampoo isn't one-size-fits-all, organic shampoos are great for all hair types and textures and particularly beneficial for those with a sensitive scalp. “If you’re looking for a hydrating formula for your damaged hair, nourishing ingredients like argan oil and shea butter are great options,” says Stephanie Brown, a celebrity colorist at IGK Salons. “If you are looking to get a healthier scalp, ingredients such as tea tree oil, green tea, and calendula relieve itching, dryness, and inflammation.”
Regardless of the number of conditioners, creams, and masks, we pile on to maintain strong, shiny strands, healthy hair starts at the scalp—and a healthy scalp starts with a good natural shampoo. So, to narrow your search for the perfect shampoo to add to your routine, we called on experts and shuffled through dozens of consumer reviews to bring you the 15 best organic shampoos. See our selections below
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 it 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, which nourishes as dirt and product buildup are lifted from the scalp and hair shaft. The shampoo also provides a bit of scalp stimulation to help promote hair growth and won't deposit synthetic nasties onto your skin.
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. Your hair is treated with rosemary extract, which is excellent for hair growth, along with 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
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 roots 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
- Leaves hair visibly shiny
Cons
- Can leave residue
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Surprisingly, apples can also be beneficial for your scalp and hair health. Unlike sulfates, which are commonly found in shampoos and are known to strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils, the apple amino acids in this shampoo gently cleanse the scalp without damaging the skin's moisture barrier, resulting in visibly healthier hair and a hydrated scalp.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: "I can't praise Act + Acre shampoo enough! It's simply fantastic. Not only does it cleanse my hair thoroughly, but it also leaves it feeling incredibly soft and healthy. The natural ingredients ensure I'm treating my hair right, and the refreshing scent is an added bonus."
Size: 10 oz
Hair Type: All Hair Types
Ingredient Callout: Apple Amino Acids
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 editor 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: Argan Oil
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- May not be suited for oily hair
This Art Naturals shampoo is made of 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 hair and scalp, nourishes strands, and helps 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
All Hair Types: 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, babassu oil, acts as a hydrating conditioning agent that helps to smooth ends, reduce dryness and breakage, and strengthen 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 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, which helps 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, 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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