Achieving smooth and gorgeous hair is like a dream come true. From investing in the right haircare products to booking salon appointments, you do everything that it takes to maintain hair health. Although this sounds like the right approach, adding the best shampoos without DMDM hydantoin to your showering routine results in naturally beautiful and healthy hair. According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, the presence of formaldehyde-releaser preservatives like DMDM in haircare products may lead to scalp irritation, resulting in common scalp skin conditions like dermatitis. Further, our research indicates that shampoos without formaldehyde promote better scalp health for enhanced hair volume and appearance. 

So, we delved deep into finding the best DMDM hydantoin-free shampoos that offer impressive results. Based on our first-hand experience, we have curated the list of DMDM-free shampoos that will help you achieve your haircare goals while offering the ultimate TLC. 

DMDM Hydantoin or Dimethylol-dimethyl is a formaldehyde derivative typically used as a preservative in cosmetic products like shampoos, conditioners, and skincare formulas. It exhibits antimicrobial properties and is effective against yeast, bacteria, and fungi. Since it's a preservative, it extends the product's shelf life for long-term use. However, increased amounts of formaldehyde, including DMDM hydantoin may negatively impact scalp skin and hair, causing allergic reactions, an NCBI study suggests. Hence, it's a better idea to swap regular shampoos with formaldehyde traces to gentle cleansers free from DMDM hydantoin. Furthermore, here are some benefits of using the best formaldehyde-free shampoos without DMDM hydantoin.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

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A highly moisturizing shampoo free from harmful chemicals that promotes a healthy scalp biome is a gold standard product. Adding to that, this Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is known for its repairing properties to leave hair sleek and soft, while maintaining scalp health. The formaldehyde-free shampoo boosts manageability with each use and controls damage while strengthening strands. While researching this product, what attracted our eyeballs was that it helps with frizz and split ends to ensure a clean and manageable look. Plus, this formaldehyde-free hair product may work well on fine, thin hair to minimize damage from root to tip. 

2

Best for Colored Hair

Biolage Professional Color Last Shampoo

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Formaldehyde in shampoos might fade hair color, here's why a color restorative cleanser like Biolage Color Last Shampoo appears a great deal. The formula is made with nourishing and organic ingredients that help balance the natural scalp and hair pH to boost color vibrancy. 

Further, it prolongs color for up to 9 weeks or 20 washes (timeframe may vary), so you don't need to visit a salon frequently. Whether you have recently gone for a new color treatment or want to maintain the existing color, the vegan DMDM-free shampoo is perfect for all as it balances color tone, depth, and luster. Based on our observations, we can determine that pairing it with the corresponding ColorLast Conditioner improves overall effects.

3

Best Nature-inspired Product

Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo & Conditioner Set

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Elevate fine hair effortlessly with Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo & Conditioner Set—crafted without DMDM Hydantoin. Inspired by nature's expanding cotton flower, this paraben and silicone-free duo infuses lightweight shine and volume. Perfect for fine hair types, the vegan formula cleanses and revitalizes, leaving locks with a natural, airy bounce. Experience the beauty of fuller, healthier hair without compromising on ingredients. Embrace the effortless charm of nature-inspired care, ensuring your hair exudes volume and shine with every wash.

4

Nioxin Scalp Relief Shampoo

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Nourish your scalp with the Nioxin Scalp Relief System—a sanctuary for sensitive, dry, and itchy scalps. This shampoo goes beyond cleansing; it soothes and thickens hair while staying free from DMDM Hydantoin, parabens, sulfates, and colorants. With Aloe Vera, scalp-neutral pH, and a clean label fragrance, it pampers your scalp and promotes healthy, vibrant hair. Immerse yourself in the luxury of a formula that cares for your hair and scalp without compromise. Elevate your routine with a paraben and sulfate-free solution that transforms your haircare into a soothing and revitalizing experience.

5

Best for Thin Hair

PURA D'OR Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo

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Bid farewell to thin hair and get a fuller and thicker mane with this PURA D'OR shampoo. This is one of the best formaldehyde-free shampoos that fortifies hair follicles and reduces hair thinning to minimize breakage. Plus, the exclusive formula is a powerful blend of natural ingredients that treat damaged hair and provide goddess-like tresses. It's mild and feels non-irritating, which makes it perfect for regular use. What's more, this sulfate and formaldehyde-free shampoo is ideal for men and women irrespective of hair type.

6

Best Moisturizing

Redken All Soft Shampoo

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The Redken All Soft Shampoo adds a quick boost of moisture and smoothens dry and brittle hair like magic. Unlike regular shampoos for dry hair, this one is packed with a 2% moisture complex and argan oil to combat dryness. Your hair will love this ultra-hydrating shampoo as it gives 7X smoother hair. Further, DMDM hydantoin in shampoo strips of natural moisture makes hair susceptible to breakage, but this holy grail conditions hair 15X more than traditional cleansers. Through our trial and error, we discovered that the moisturizing system pampers all hair types from super thick to wavy and color-treated strands. 

7

Best Hydrating

Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo

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Inspired by natural haircare rituals, the Maple Holistics shampoo refreshes hair while making strands flow like a breeze. Essential oils like tea tree and rosemary oils formulate this shampoo without DMDM to clarify your hair within deep while strengthening strands from roots. No matter whether you have a dry or oily scalp type, the shampoo balances oil production while hydrating your scalp's thirst quest. Plus, it soothes flaky and itchy scalp to tackle dandruff. For divas with oily, dry, fine, or curly hair, the pfas-free shampoo is a good-to-go option. 

8

Best Refreshing

Ethique Mintasy Refreshing Solid Shampoo Bar

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Revamp your hair care routine with this Ethique shampoo bar. The unique solid bar boasts the goodness of naturally sourced ingredients like peppermint oil, glycerine, and cocoa and coconut butter that replenish moisture levels and seal cuticles to prevent water loss. Plus, the fresh notes of mint oil refresh your senses for a tropical shower experience. Moreover, a tester quoted that the bar added enough body to hair and vanished yellows for a perfectly sleek look. Overall, it seems a great choice to make hair super shiny, voluminous, and bouncy. 

9

Best Dermatologist-recommended

Vanicream Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

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When it comes to sensitive skin, DMDM shampoos are absolutely no-no products. The reason— they fluctuate the scalp pH resulting in multiple hair woes, including irritation, itching, or inflammation. In such cases, shampoos that don't have DMDM, like Vanicream cleanser that is specially formulated for sensitive scalp skin look like a better option to try. This dermatologist-recommended concoction is free from formaldehyde releasers, synthetic fragrances, and other nasty stuff that damage the protective scalp barrier. In fact, this formula repairs and strengthens the skin barrier to ensure improved hair and scalp health. 

10

Most Affordable

Maui Moisture Haircare Shampoo

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All million-dollar shampoos don't drill a hole in your pocket. Some exclusive shampoos, such as Maui Moisture Cleanser perfectly balance the price point without compromising the benefits. This budget-friendly DMDM hydantoin-free shampoo is the ultimate solution for weak and brittle hair that requires extra love and care. It softens and thickens your natural curls with sufficient bounce and flair. Additionally, it rejuvenates and densifies locks while reducing brittleness. After putting it to the test, we found that the shampoo is appropriate for tight curls to loose waves as it maintains texture and volume.

11

Best Sulfate-free Shampoo

Matrix Keep Me Vivid Shampoo

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For salon-like results, all you need to do is include this Matrix Keep Me Vivid Shampoo in your showering kit. The mild cleanser removes dirt, oil, and accumulated buildup without drying hair or fading color. It is designed with the latest sulfate-free technology that washes off impurities and restores vibrant color until your next color-treatment salon visit. Besides, pairing this shampoo with corresponding formaldehyde-free hair products like conditioners and sprays completes the regimen and extends the color retention rate. 

12

Best for Dull Hair

Avalon Organics Volumizing Rosemary Shampoo

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Bring back life to your dull and dehydrated hair using this volumizing shampoo by Avalon Organics. The hydrating and moisturizing complex is a mindful blend of plant-based extracts and essential oils that thoroughly cleanse hair while boosting volume. In addition, this magical elixir is a decent replacement for shampoos that contain formaldehyde, as it never messes with the scalp biome, which could trigger irritation or discomfort. Our analysis of the product revealed that it creates a rich lather for a luxurious shower session and effective cleansing.

13

Max Green Alchemy Hair Shampoo

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The Max Green Alchemy scalp rescue shampoo lives up to its name. It's a balanced fusion of natural ingredients like Macadamia oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, and essential oils that fight dry, irritating, and itchy scalp caused by scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. This shampoo without DMDM hydantoin and sulfate-free cleanser stabilizes pH to soothe any hair type from wavy to chemically treated and dry while combating dandruff. So now, no more dry flakes will trouble you. With continuous application, you will achieve flawless locks that you would love to flaunt everywhere. 

 

Now that you have seen our list of shampoos without DMDM hydantoin, it's time to check for a few factors that guide you in finding the right shampoo.

Getting your hands on suitable shampoos becomes effortless when you know your haircare concerns and needs. To choose the best shampoos that don't have DMDM or other formaldehyde preservatives, here are some factors to focus on.

Ingredients 

Besides avoiding DMDM, it's better to refrain from other harsh ingredients like synthetic colors, parabens, gluten, etc., as they may impair the natural scalp and hair barrier. Instead, natural and organic formulas containing plant extracts, coconut oil, quinoa protein, aloe vera, amino acids, etc., are safer options that are worth a try. You can pick a natural and gentle formula to fetch maximum benefits. 

Hair And Scalp Type 

Indeed! Knowing your hair and scalp type is a must to filter out the options. For instance— moisturizing and hydrating shampoos are perfect for dry hair types. They prevent moisture loss and keep dandruff at bay caused due to dryness. Further, if you have oily hair, you may want to try no DMDM hydantoin products that balance oil synthesis and don't feel oily and greasy. Those with sensitive skin may opt for hypoallergenic shampoos as they minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergies. Moreover, volumizing and thickening shampoos suit folks with fine and thin hair. These infuse natural bounce and volume for a healthy hair appearance. 

Consistency 

The best formaldehyde-free shampoos without DMDM are available in different consistencies, from gel to cream. Although it's a matter of choice— some users prefer gel shampoos, while others like creamy textures, it's best to choose one that runs smoothly on hair and builds enough lather to cleanse the scalp and strands. 

Shampoos without DMDM or other formaldehyde preservatives provide numerous advantages, such as; 

Avoiding Irritation

By ditching skin and hair products with DMDM hydantoin, you can reduce the risk of allergic reactions, irritation, and itching that may occur due to formaldehyde exposure. 

Promoting Scalp Health

DMDM or formaldehyde-free hair products are gentle on the scalp and hair and keep inflammation, dandruff, and other haircare woes at bay. 

Ensuring Long-term Use

Since hair products without DMDM hydantoin are typically free from harsh chemical additives, they may be considered for long-term use while avoiding potential health risks.