Kindness to all living beings and our planet should be a guiding principle when choosing haircare and skincare products. This extends to the shampoo we use, emphasizing the importance of choosing cruelty-free options. Not only is this a win for our furry friends, but it also means selecting products that are kinder to both our bodies and the environment. Drawing from our experience, cruelty-free shampoos are gentle and safe for hair, as they are usually devoid of harsh additives. 

No matter your hair type or concern, there's a cruelty-free shampoo tailored just for you. Our dedicated team has diligently researched and curated a list featuring a wide range of options, addressing various needs and budgets. Each shampoo listed is certified 100% cruelty-free, bearing the esteemed approval from Leaping Bunny, PETA, or both. Moreover, many of these options are vegan and organic, offering you a guilt-free and eco-conscious choice.

Our contributor Celestine Gitau, a certified trichologist, shares, “Cruelty-free products help promote the decrease of animal cruelty and promote environmentally friendly products. Such products are manufactured without harming any animals, while vegan products contain no animal products or by-products.”

Let's dive into the list below and find the perfect cruelty-free shampoo that aligns with your values and beautifies your hair effortlessly.

Nowadays, many brands offer a fantastic array of cruelty-free shampoos that prioritize both animal welfare and product quality. But what exactly does "cruelty-free" mean in the world of cosmetics? It signifies that these products and their components have never been tested on animals, marking a significant victory for animal rights. By supporting these ethical brands, we join a movement against the inhumane practice of animal testing, which unfortunately still persists in the cosmetics industry.

Despite its ban in many places, various animal tests like the Draize test are being continued. It's often conducted on rabbits, causing immense suffering to them. Moreover, the results of these tests are unreliable too. Still, many brands continue to carry out these animal tests. Thus choosing brands adorned with the Leaping Bunny Logo ensures our purchases do not endorse animal cruelty. The logo is frequently recognized as one of the most reputable certifications as it examines the companies it accredits.

These brands mostly opt for natural ingredients over synthetic chemicals, promoting ethical and sustainable practices. Therefore when we invest in these products, we not only protect animals but also make choices that benefit our hair, our bodies, and the environment, fostering a kinder, healthier world.

• 1
  Best Overall

  VIRTUE Smooth Shampoo

  BUY ON AMAZON

Those struggling with coarse, and frizzy hair need to instantly replace their shampoo with the smoothening formulation of VIRTUE.  With just one use, you will notice a bouncy sheen, softer hair, a soothed scalp, and instant hydration. It drastically reduces any itchiness or flakes from the scalp. You will notice a 95% reduction in split ends, and at least 67% reduction in frizz. The primary ingredients include alpha kreatin 60ku (R), phospholipids, and gotu kola.

2

Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Moist Shampoo

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Giovanni is known for their great natural hair care products, and their Ultra Moist Shampoo is one among them. Unlike some, it's not watery or harsh. This sulfate-free shampoo is gentle on the scalp, preserving natural oils, and making it safe for colored, dry, and damaged hair. Enriched with aloe vera, avocado oil, shea butter, and olive oil, it revitalizes dull and dry hair. The shampoo also restores moisture as you lather. Plus, it's cruelty-free, aligning with Giovanni's commitment to ethical products.

3

Most Nourishing

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

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This SheaMoisture shampoo is a fantastic choice if you want smoother and shinier hair. It's unique with its brownish color and slightly thin texture. The shampoo is packed with hair-loving ingredients like shea butter, apple cider vinegar, and peppermint leaf extract that help soothe the scalp. The key ingredient, Jamaican castor oil, is known to promote hair strength and growth. These elements create a mild nutty-smelling shampoo that gives a good creamy lather. Apart from being cruelty-free, that product is also free from harsh stuff sulfates.

4

Best for Split-ends

Jason Anti-dandruff Scalp Care Shampoo

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This shampoo from Jason expertly combines science and natural ingredients to combat dandruff, scalp dermatitis, and mild psoriasis. It is packed with salicylic acid and sulfur to reduce flakes and itching. Plus, it calms and heals the scalp with olive, jojoba, and rosemary oils. If you prefer chemical-free anti-dandruff products, this shampoo is perfect for you. It's paraben-free, sulfate-free, and free from artificial colors. So, if you're dealing with scalp issues and want a gentle yet effective solution, this shampoo is a great choice.

5

Editor's Pick

Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo

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Finding the perfect shampoo that balances between fine and thick hair is quite tricky. This is now possible with Ouai's daily care medium shampoo. Specifically designed for wavy to normal hair types, this hydrating shampoo cleanses, nourishes, and brings back shine to your dull and lifeless hair. It is packed with unique enriching ingredients like kumquat fruit extracts, babassu oil, coconut oil, and hydrolyzed keratin that add natural shine and softness to the hair. Our analysis of the product revealed that it lathers generously which is a rare feat for sulfate-free products. Indulge in a luxe hairwashing experience with this amazing cruelty-free shampoo.

6

Most Gluten-free

Sun Bum Revitalizing Shampoo

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Sun Bum isn't just known for its sunblocks – their vegan shampoo is quite a hidden gem. The Sun Bum Revitalizing Shampoo is a daily hydrating treat that gives smooth, and manageable hair. It has coconut oil, banana, and sunflower seed oil that give your hair a great smell and shine. Plus, it has quinoa protein that nourishes each hair strand and protects your hair from damage. This blend fights frizz, repairs damage, and restores moisture. According to our expert, this perfect formulation works great for parched, over-chlorinated summer hair.

7

Most Gentle Ingredients

Love Beauty And Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Color Shampoo

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If you care about animals and the environment, you've likely heard of this brand. This sulfate-free shampoo from Love Beauty and Planet is uniquely crafted for colored hair. It has a thin, pearly white gel-like texture that foams up nicely. The shampoo is packed with natural ingredients like murumuru butter, Bulgarian rose petals, and coconut oil that leave your hair nourished, moisturized, and smelling incredible. The gentle formulation with no harsh ingredients makes your hair silky, soft, and smooth without fading your color.

8

Best for Sensitive Scalp

Attitude Natural Care Oatmeal Sensitive Care Shampoo

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For those with easily irritated scalps, Attitude's unscented sensitive shampoo is a fantastic discovery. This perfume-free shampoo is nourishing and effectively removes dirt and excess sebum without causing irritation, even for sensitive scalp. It is packed with soothing ingredients, including oatmeal and grapeseed oil, offering gentle moisturization. It boasts a pleasing gel-like texture that excels in thorough cleansing and volumizing your hair. Plus, the shampoo is vegan, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested.

9

Best for pH Balance

No Nothing Sensitive Moisture Shampoo

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True to its name, No Nothing Sensitive Moisture Shampoo is a gentle shampoo, free from irritants and added fragrance, making it a perfect choice for sensitive scalps. Unlike other shampoos, it doesn't leave your hair rough or crunchy. Its pH-balancing formula tames frizz and reduces breakage, while the infusion of avocado oil provides deep hydration for dry hair. This shampoo has a creamy consistency that lathers well without stripping the moisture. This 100% vegan product has even earned the label from the Finnish Allergy, Skin and Asthma Federation, ensuring safety.

10

R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist

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This mist from R+Co is one of the best cruelty-free dry shampoos on our list. With over a thousand reviews on Amazon, this popular dry shampoo mist swiftly cleans your hair and scalp. Its innovative micellar formula and cleansing powder leave your hair exceptionally clean, unlike regular dry shampoos. It also ensures a clean feeling without powdery residue. The formulation is great for sensitive scalp and is known to relieve itchiness. With this, you can enjoy voluminous locks even on your no-wash days.

11

Best for Deep Cleansing

Pacifica Beauty Rosemary Purify Clarifying Shampoo

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Pacifica Beauty will always amaze us with their new products. They're 100% cruelty-free, and most shampoos are free from harmful stuff like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, SLS, or mineral oil. With key ingredients like rosemary, mint, and spirulina extract, this clarifying shampoo is gentle yet effective in cleaning the scalp. Rosemary helps nourish and soften your hair, while the clarifying formulation clears away surface impurities like oil residues and flakes (1). When we tested the product, we found that it has a refreshing minty scent, and the benefits of protein-rich spirulina make the product even better. It's a win for happy and healthy hair.

12

Kevin Murphy Blonde.Angel.Wash

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Kevin Murphy creates luxurious shampoos that can transform every moment into a bombshell experience. Their Blonde.Angel.Wash is a salon-favorite product that works wonders by eliminating brassy tones. Enriched with lavender, this color-enhancing shampoo caters to all shades of blondes — from creamy to platinum blondes. With the addition of optical brighteners, it revitalizes dull colors, making them vibrant again. The shampoo, with its rich purple hue, not only moisturizes deeply but also neutralizes any brassy tones, leaving your hair looking stunning and radiant.

13

Most Refreshing Scent

Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

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Malin + Goetz's Peppermint Shampoo stands out as a bestseller for good reason. This unisex clarifying shampoo is enriched with amino acids and peppermint extract, known for its repairing properties. They not only maintain scalp hydration but also soothe irritated skin, leaving your scalp healthy. The shampoo effectively removes buildup and flakes from your hair without stripping away its natural oils. Furthermore, it restores the scalp's natural pH levels. And the best is its soothing peppermint scent creates a heavenly shower experience.

14

ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo

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ACURE is renowned for its affordable natural products, and its sulfate-free clarifying shampoo is a standout. Perfect for reviving dull, oily hair, it effectively removes excess product buildup without drying out your locks. It is enriched with nourishing oils like argan and has a refreshing lemongrass scent. The formulation not only clarifies but also makes your hair healthy and lustrous. It's suitable for daily use and works well for all hair types. Plus, it's free from sulfates, formaldehyde, parabens, and mineral oil. You'll be closer to your dream hair right from the first use.

There are plenty of reasons to opt for cruelty-free products; especially if you have curls, and here's why:

1. No Harsh Chemicals: Regular shampoos often hide harmful chemicals that can damage your hair, body, and the environment (2). Toxic ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates might lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. Worse, they can pollute water and harm marine life. The best cruelty-free shampoo avoids these nasties, being safe for both you and our planet.

2. Gentle Ingredients: Regular shampoos with harsh chemicals can strip away natural oils, leaving your curls dry and fragile. Whereas most cruelty-free products use natural ingredients. Thus, it's gentle on your hair and scalp, ensuring you have a nourished and healthy scalp.

3. Environmentally Friendly: The top cruelty-free shampoos use natural and biodegradable ingredients that break down harmlessly. In contrast, traditional shampoos often contain chemicals that pollute water and land. By using cruelty-free options, you're making a positive impact on the environment, reducing your footprint. 

4. Ethical And Sustainable: Cruelty-free shampoos are made with ethics and sustainability in mind. By choosing them, you're supporting animal welfare and environmental conservation efforts. These products reflect brands committed to ethical practices and are great for reducing your ecological impact.

Opting for the best cruelty-free shampoo is not just a moral decision but a smart one for your hair's well-being. We have given you a range of hair shampoos, mostly crafted from natural ingredients, ensuring gentleness, efficacy, and safety for both you and the environment. Choosing any of the right products from the list will help you champion ethical and sustainable practices, get clean hair, and boost hair growth. You can also experience some positive change in your hair by trying these gentler cruelty-free products today. Make a compassionate choice and witness the difference for yourself.

Contributor: Celestine Gitau, Certified Trichologist