The 8 Best Sulfate free Vegan Dandruff Shampoo 2024 | Natural, Cruelty-Free Products
Try an eco-friendly alternative for your dandruff with these top vegan dandruff shampoo to keep your hair healthy and the environment better.
A lot of people ask me if I only follow veganism in my eating practices but also in my life in general. And my answer is the same, if you have to do it, do it the right way, correct?
So that includes adopting veganism in the products you use, shoes you wear and clothes you dress. So basically, yes, it does include everything!
I also suffer from dandruff, which is why using a vegan dandruff shampoo wasn’t in the picture for so long.
In this common scalp condition there’s either excessive product build up, other scalp conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis or even dry skin that leads to flaking.
Related: Best Dandruff Brushes
Dandruff can also cause hair loss because of clogged pores and hair follicle damage caused due to scalp itching.
And a lot of dandruff shampoos are medicated and contain active ingredients like ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione that helps keep this under control.
Unfortunately not many of them are vegan.
So I was on the lookout for the best vegan anti-dandruff shampoo for a long time.
I used a couple of the best ones in the market and reviewed it for you.
This article has got all the information you need to choose the best one available.
Let’s get into the details! But first let me tell you how I tested and rated these products.
How I tested the top vegan dandruff shampoos?
I first used these vegan dandruff shampoos and with help from my team of hair experts rated them on a scale of 1-5. These were the parameters, on the basis of which I judged them.
- Cleaning power: I looked at how effiecent these dandruff shampoos were at removing flaking and dirt from scalp.
- Gentleness: At the same time, I checked if the shampoos were too harsh or if they contained sulfates
- Eco-friendly Scale: Here I checked for eco-friendly packaging, cruelty-free formulation and also if the shampoos were allergen-free.
How to pick the best Vegan shampoo for Dandruff Hair
Before looking at the best shampoo for curly hair, let’s look at what to look for in a such a shampoo. Check it out:
Sulfate-Free
Most regular shampoos are packed with sulfates. While this is generally bad for your hair (Asian or not), sulfates become a bigger problem with color-treated hair.
The most common sulfates are Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These are surfactants that cleanse your hair and leave them squeaky clean.
We still love Videri Peppermint Shampoo with no sulfate the best
Top Vegan Dandruff Shampoos 2023
| Best Vegan Dandruff Shampoos | Best For | Top Ingredients |
| Head and Shoulders Supreme Dandruff Treatment Shampoo | Severe Dandruff | Pyrithione Zinc |
| WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo | Oily Hair | Apple Cider Vinegar, Saw Palmetto, Aloe Vera |
| DERMA-E Scalp Relief Shampoo | Dry, Itchy Scalp | Tea Tree Oil, Menthol |
| Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo | Excessive Flaking | Pyrithione Zinc |
| Arencia Salty Soda Shampoo Bar | Color-Treated Hair | Peppermint, HazelNut Oil |
Head and Shoulders Supreme Dandruff Treatment Shampoo
Well, Head and Shoulders has always been one of the most trusted brands around the world, so this product, in my opinion, should be at the top!
I found that the Head and Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo is one of the best shampoos for those who have dandruff because it not only calms and soothes an irritated scalp but also fortifies the hair roots at the same time.
After all anything to do with hair growth is always welcome, right?
After using this shampoo, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it keeps the scalp hydrated and moisturized and thereby reduces dry skin and the appearance of flakes on the scalp and hair.
A lot of dandruff shampoos leave hair dry but this one didn’t.
Since this product comes with its own conditioner, it works perfectly well for detangling my hair.
And what I love the most is that it is vegan (of course!) and contains no harsh chemicals like phthalates, phosphates, dyes or parabens either.
Like all good things, this one costs me more than a regular H&S shampoo would do. But I thought it was totally worth it!
Also, I liked the rose scent in this shampoo but I’m warning you, it’s not for everyone.
Pros:
- Suitable for use on hair that is colour treated as it contains mild surfactants
- Doesn’t contain parabens or dyes so it's safe for scalp health
Cons:
- Has a rose fragrance not suitable for all.
- Relatively more expensive compared to other such products.
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5.5
- Gentleness - 3.5/5
- Eco-friendliness - 3.5/5
Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you are looking for cruelty–free (yes, it is also PETA certified, so you can be rest assured), anti-dandruff shampoo, I highly recommend this one.
I got this shampoo as my dandruff was getting out of control and it contains Pyrithione Zinc that effectively helps get rid of dandruff.
Also, this shampoo is purely formulated with a pH balanced formula for the purpose of reducing scalp dryness and itchiness. And I must say it worked!
I used it for a month with the aim of reducing flakiness upon regular use. And it helped cleanse my scalp and kept it nourished, while also reducing frizziness.
For those who have scalp soreness or redness due to constant itching, then this shampoo is perfect for you.
I love that it contains the aroma of coconut and shea butter, but yes, not everybody does.
Let me get one thing out of the way, it has SLS. Yes, the dreaded sulfates. So if you have color-treated hair I’d stay away.
Pros:
- Moisturizes flaky scalp as well thanks to the shea butter in it
- Reasonably priced compared to other high end vegan shampoo brands
- Reduces scalp irritation thanks to the pH balanced formula
Cons:
- Contains SLS (sodium laureth sulfate) which can strip hair color
- Has a fragrance of coconut and shea butter, which may not be suitable for all.
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5.5
- Gentleness - 3/5
- Eco-friendliness - 3/5
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
What I like most about the WOW shampoo is that it is suitable for all hair types and it is more than just an anti-dandruff shampoo, it is the whole hair package. Or at least it was advertised as that.
My hair tends to dry, but there’s also a lot of buildup on my scalp.
And I liked that the WOW ACV shampoo acts as a scalp clarifier that can get rid of excess product buildup and dirt, which can otherwise lead to dandruff formation.
It has a blend of many natural ingredients like saw palmetto, argan and almond oil and nettle leaf extract that help protect the hair and keep it nourished and moisturized.
But unfortunately my hair looked drier on usage? It was confusing to me as this product is 100 percent sulfate-free!
Other than that the nettle leaf extract also helps soothe scalp irritation caused by dandruff. It is vegan and is made cruelty-free as well.
So there you go, like I said, it is the whole package in one, but only for oily hair.
Pros:
- Can be used on those with any hair type as it's both cleansing and moisturizing at the same time
- Good for color-treated hair as it's sulfate-free
- Contains no silicones so it won't buildup on hair
- The apple cider vinegar formula will clarify scalp gently
- Contains DHT blockers that might aid hair growth
Cons:
- Its apple fragrance may not be suitable to all.
- It can be drying despite being sulfate free
- Relatively more expensive than other such products.
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5
- Gentleness - 4/5
- Eco-friendliness - 4/5
DERMA-E Scalp Relief Shampoo with Herbal Blend
What I like most about the DERMA-E shampoo is the fact that it is all-natural!
How many such shampoos do you get these days, free from parabens, sulfates and petrolatum?
Also, the fact that it is 100% vegan is what makes it even more eco-friendly.
The DERMA-E shampoo is perfect for dandruff prone scalps as it helps calm down and soothe scalp irritation (caused by dandruff, eczema or psoriasis).
I bought it because it contains ingredients like tea tree oil and menthol and also cleanses the scalp off excessive product buildup, dirt and dead skin.
After using it, I found that it is gentle on the scalp and helps get rid of dandruff and flakes in one wash.
It also contains aloe-vera extract that deeply nourishes the hair and keeps hydrated, which makes it perfect for my dry hair type.
Pros:
- Works well on dry hair types.
- Made from 100% natural ingredients.
- Gentle for use even on a daily basis.
- Doesn’t contain any parabens, sulfates or petrolatum.
- Suitable for use on hair that is colour treated.
- Relatively cheaper than other such products.
Cons:
- None ( I loved it!)
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5.5
- Gentleness - 4.5/5
- Eco-friendliness - 4/5
PURA D’OR Scalp Therapy Shampoo
Perfect for those with any hair type, the PURA D’OR shampoo has a subtle scent of lavender with a blend of the ingredients peppermint and tea tree oil, which I really liked.
I hate artificial fragrances so this essential oil scent really impressed me.
These ingredients are very helpful for those looking for the ideal shampoo to help their dandruff prone scalp. Using this shampoo will help keep scalp itchiness and flaking at bay.
It helps keep the scalp hydrated and moisturized and thereby keeps dry skin away, in turn reduces dandruff formation as well.
I must admit that the “Satisfaction Guarantee” policy of this brand further enticed me to buy this product because the policy states a full refund if the shampoo didn’t work.
And guess what, it did actually work. I didn’t need to use the warranty after all.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free shampoo.
- Contains some natural ingredients.
- Can be used on those with any hair type.
- The product is free from sulfates, parabens and silicones.
- Suitable for use on hair that is colour treated.
- Has a “satisfaction guarantee” refund policy.
- Cons:
- Has a blend of fragrances, which may not be suitable to all.
- Relatively more expensive than other such products.
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4/5
- Gentleness - 5/5
- Eco-friendliness - 4/5
DermaChange Natural Hair Growth Shampoo
This shampoo is perfect to repair damaged hair and mine definitely was! It comes as a set of shampoo and conditioner which work best together.
It helped rejuvenate my undernourished hair, as it contains cassava root that is rich in antioxidants and also worked well to reduce my dandruff and the itchiness caused by the dandruff flakes.
I found that using DermaChange shampoo improved my hair texture and quality and also contributed significantly to clarifying and cleansing my scalp.
What I really liked about this shampoo is that it is completely free from sulfates, parabens and dyes and also worked well on my colour-treated hair.
The only catch? It’s a bit heavy on my pockets. But I don’t need to use it daily as it’s a dandruff shampoo so it lasted long.
Pros:
- Suitable for use on hair that is colour treated.
- Contains an all-natural formula, which is 100% vegan.
- Helps balance scalp pH levels.
Cons:
- Aloe vera scented, not suitable for all.
- Very expensive compared to other such products.
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5.5
- Gentleness - 4/5
- Eco-friendliness - 4/5
Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo
The Kamedis shampoo claims to be formulated specifically for those with dandruff prone scalps but it didn’t suit me at all.
Don’t get me wrong, it did help to cleanse and purify my scalp and helped reduce my dandruff and flaking.
This shampoo is completely free from harsh chemicals and it is made cruelty-free, which is also what I liked about it.
But it did nothing for my skin soreness, redness and itchiness. Which was surprising as it contains Pyrithione Zinc, an ingredient that is specifically used for dandruff, flaking and scalp infections like eczema and psoriasis.
Also after doing some more research on the ingredients, I found it has Sodium Benzoate, a preservative linked to many side effects.
Pros:
- Formulated specifically for dandruff prone scalps.
- Safe and gentle to be even used on children.
- Dermatologically recommended.
- Free from sulfates.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other such products.
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5.5
- Gentleness - 5/5
- Eco-friendliness - 4/5
Arencia Salty Soda Shampoo Bar
I know that this one is not a shampoo but a shampoo bar, but I had to add this one in here and let me tell you why!
I usually just used shampoos, until I tried a shampoo bar for the first time and this made my first time experience perfect!
The Arencia shampoo bar is perfect for use on all hair types and lathers relatively well, I must say.
It is made from natural and organic ingredients and is also 100% vegan.
I liked that it also worked well on my dandruff irritated scalp, by soothing the itchiness and reducing the flaking.
But is this shampoo bar perfect? Nope! The scent was too overpowering which is something I disliked because I am not a fan of harsh fragrances.
Also, it doesn’t moisturize your hair well. So unless you have oily hair, you can end up with straw-like strands.
Pros:
- Long-lasting, as compared to liquid shampoos.
- Contains no parabens, sulfates, petrolatum or formaldehyde.
- Unscented, suitable for those who do not like fragrances.
- Contains some natural ingredients.
Cons:
- Can leave hair dry
- Overpowering scent
My Rating:
- Cleaning Power - 4.5.5
- Gentleness - 3.5/5
- Eco-friendliness - 5/5
Here are the top vegan shampoos for dandruff compared at a glance!
| Top Vegan Shampoos For Dandruff | Head and Shoulders Supreme Dandruff Treatment Shampoo | Dove Dermacare Anti-dandruff Shampoo | WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo | DERMA-E Scalp Relief Shampoo | Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo | Arencia Salty Soda Shampoo Bar | Pura’Dor Tea Tree Oil Shampoo | DermaChange Natural Hair Growth Shampoo |
| Images |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Price | Slightly Expensive | Very Affordable | Slightly Expensive | Affordable | Affordable | Very Expesnive | Affordable | Slightly Expensive |
| Ingredients | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Strength of Formula | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dandruff Cleansing Ability | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Moisturizing | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Gentleness on Hair | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable For Colored Hair | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The final takeaway
Finding the right shampoo for your dandruff prone hair is definitely a hard task. Trust me, I’ve been there too!
Another thing that I am particularly careful about is buying products that are vegan and cruelty-free.
So finding such products and then getting them to work on your scalp and hair, is a whole other story.
Well, you do not have to worry as I’ve got that covered for you guys.
I hope this article came in handy for you in making your choice for buying the perfect shampoo or your dandruff prone hair.
Also Read:
