Best fragrance-free shampoo
- 2026-11-14: Published.
Quick answer
Seven shampoo and shampoo-and-wash products pass our fragrance-free test on the maker's own ingredient list: no fragrance, parfum, aroma, perfume or essential oil. Vanicream and the ATTITUDE Extra-gentle formula are the plainest matches, because each maker also states the fragrance-free claim in words.
Quick picks
Shortest ingredient list
Vanicream VANICREAM Shampoo
Sixteen listed ingredients, none a fragrance, and the maker calls it a fragrance free shampoo in its own words.
View on Vanicream's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Explicit fragrance-free statement
ATTITUDE Extra-gentle Shampoo
The maker's page says it is formulated for people sensitive to fragrances, and its sixteen-entry list has no fragrance.
View on ATTITUDE's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Check the variant
ATTITUDE Volumizing & Shine Shampoo - Sensitive Skin
Fragrance-free is one of two versions the maker sells, so confirm the variant before buying.
View on ATTITUDE's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Amazon-linked pick
CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle with Hyaluronic Acid
The maker's shampoo list shows no fragrance entry, but the maker makes no fragrance-free statement on the page we read.
Amazon-linked pick
CeraVe Oil Control Shampoo
List shows no fragrance entry; like its sibling it carries no fragrance-free wording on the page we read.
Which one fits your situation?
| If this describes you | Start with |
|---|---|
| You want the maker to say fragrance-free in words, not just list no fragrance | Vanicream shampoo or ATTITUDE Extra-gentle Shampoo |
| You want the shortest list to read | Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash (about a dozen entries) or Vanicream (sixteen) |
| You want a product that can be bought through Amazon | One of the three CeraVe products; the ATTITUDE, Vanicream and Pipette links go to the makers' sites |
| You are buying a baby wash and shampoo in one | CeraVe Baby 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo or Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash |
| You want a list free of the sulfate surfactants some CeraVe lists include | Vanicream, ATTITUDE (both use glucoside or isethionate surfactants), or either baby product |
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Brand | Price band | Status | Evidence basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanicream VANICREAM Shampoo | Vanicream | Not stated | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026 | Manufacturer data |
| ATTITUDE Extra-gentle Shampoo | ATTITUDE | Not stated | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026 | Manufacturer data |
| ATTITUDE Volumizing & Shine Shampoo - Sensitive Skin | ATTITUDE | Not stated | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026 | Manufacturer data |
| CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle with Hyaluronic Acid | CeraVe | $$ | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 11 November 2026 | Manufacturer data |
| CeraVe Oil Control Shampoo | CeraVe | $ | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 12 November 2026 | Manufacturer data |
| CeraVe Baby 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo with Vitamin E for Hair & Skin | CeraVe | $ | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 12 November 2026 | Manufacturer data |
| Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash - Fragrance Free | Pipette | Not stated | Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026 (browser-captured) | Manufacturer data |
How we chose
For this page, fragrance-free means the maker’s published ingredient list contains no fragrance, parfum, aroma, perfume, essential oil or fragrance chemical. “Unscented” does not meet that bar: the FDA notes that shampoos commonly contain fragrance ingredients and that some products labeled “unscented” may too. Our fragrance-free vs unscented guide goes further.
We research from documents and have not tested products ourselves. Every product below was checked against the maker’s own page; where we say “per the maker’s ingredient disclosure”, the date is the day we retrieved it. We recommend only shampoos and shampoo-and-wash products. Medicated and anti-dandruff products are outside this page.
What to look for
Read the whole list, not the front label. Under US rules, fragrance ingredients can be listed simply as “Fragrance”, so a single word can hide many components (see why “fragrance” hides ingredients and how to read an ingredient list). Look also for parfum, “aroma” and essential oils. A fragrance-free claim covers fragrance only. The FDA states that it keeps no list of approved cosmetic claims, so a maker statement is the maker’s own, which is why we quote them and attribute them.
Vanicream Shampoo
Per the maker’s ingredient disclosure, retrieved 2026-11-13, the list reads: water, lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside, acrylates copolymer, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, glycerin, sucrose cocoate, panthenol, pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, disodium EDTA, caprylyl glycol, sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride. No fragrance entry appears. The maker describes it as “Our mild and gentle fragrance free shampoo for sensitive skin”; that is the maker’s wording, not ours. The size was not stated on the page. No Amazon listing found; this link goes to the maker’s site and is not an affiliate link. Vanicream Shampoo. A conditioner is a separate purchase.
ATTITUDE Extra-gentle Shampoo (Unscented)
The product name says “Unscented”, which is not the test, so we went to the list. Per the maker’s ingredient disclosure, retrieved 2026-11-13, it has sixteen entries beginning Aqua, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, and includes three plant extracts (watercress, Indian cress and blueberry leaf). There is no fragrance entry. The maker writes: “This fragrance-free shampoo is formulated for people sensitive to fragrances”. It is offered in Regular 16 FL. OZ. and Family 32 FL. OZ. formats. No Amazon listing found; this link goes to the maker’s site and is not an affiliate link. ATTITUDE Extra-gentle Shampoo.
ATTITUDE Volumizing & Shine Shampoo, Sensitive Skin
This one needs care because the maker’s page says the product is also sold with a light chamomile scent. The maker states: “The formula is available fragrance-free (ideal for the most fragrance-sensitive skin)”. Per the maker’s ingredient disclosure, retrieved 2026-11-13, the seventeen-entry list has no fragrance entry; it includes grape seed oil, oat kernel extract and hydrolyzed soy protein. Choose the fragrance-free version deliberately. Size was not stated. No Amazon listing found; this link goes to the maker’s site and is not an affiliate link. ATTITUDE Volumizing & Shine Shampoo.
CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo (bundle listing)
Per the maker’s ingredient disclosure, retrieved 2026-11-11, the shampoo list has 34 entries, including sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid and hyaluronate, and no fragrance entry. We found no fragrance-free statement on that page, so this rests on the list alone. The maker also warns that its lists are updated regularly and to check the package. The Amazon listing is a shampoo-and-conditioner bundle; the maker page we read covers the shampoo, so we make no statement about the conditioner. CeraVe Gentle Hydrating bundle (Amazon, affiliate link).
CeraVe Oil Control Shampoo
Per the maker’s ingredient disclosure, retrieved 2026-11-12, the 12 fl oz shampoo has a 30-entry list that closely resembles the one above, with zinc PCA added, and no fragrance entry. Salicylic acid appears on the list; we make no claim about what it does. As with its sibling, there is no fragrance-free statement on the page we read, and the maker advises checking the package for the current list. CeraVe Oil Control Shampoo (Amazon, affiliate link).
CeraVe Baby 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo
This is a baby product, and it is both a wash and a shampoo. Per the maker’s ingredient disclosure, retrieved 2026-11-12, the 16 fl oz product lists 25 ingredients led by water, coco-betaine and disodium cocoyl glutamate, with ceramides, cholesterol and tocopheryl acetate, and no fragrance entry. The maker page carries no fragrance-free statement that we could quote; the maker also says lists change and the package is authoritative. CeraVe Baby 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo (Amazon, affiliate link).
Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash
This is also a baby product that serves as wash and shampoo, and it is the only one here resting on a browser capture: the ingredient list was captured from the maker’s page in a browser on 2026-11-13, because our automated fetch was blocked and could not re-check it. The maker’s glossary-style list names water, decyl glucoside, glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium lauroyl lactylate, glycolipids, squalane, citric acid, magnesium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, sodium benzoate, sodium dehydroacetate and sodium gluconate. The page also sells other aromas (Vanilla + Ylang Ylang, Sweet Wildflower) of this product, so only the Fragrance Free version belongs here. The maker’s wording is “Fragrance Free Baby Shampoo + Wash for sensitive littles”. Sizes listed include Full (11.8 oz), Refill (33.9 oz) and a travel size. No Amazon listing found; this link goes to the maker’s site and is not an affiliate link. Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash.
What the label does not tell you
A list without fragrance tells you about fragrance only; it does not cover other ingredients you may react to, such as preservatives. The National Eczema Association runs a Seal of Acceptance program with its own ingredient standards; we did not check these products against its directory. For medical questions about scalp or skin conditions, ask a clinician or an allergy or dermatology society. See also our fragrance-free hair products roundup, dry shampoo, covered on the hair products page and dandruff shampoo pages.
One rejected example
The L’Oreal Paris Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo is shown as rejected above because the maker’s own list includes PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, limonene and citronellol. The lesson is the same for any shampoo: the list decides, not the front label.
Products we looked at and left out
Each exclusion cites a label, certification record, recall notice or published specification. See the review criteria and the removals log.
- L'Oreal Paris Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo with Antioxidants (6.8 fl oz): The maker's ingredient list, retrieved 2026-11-11, includes 'PARFUM / FRAGRANCE', 'LIMONENE', 'CITRONELLOL'. It fails the fragrance-free test.Source
What we don't fully know
- All seven products rest on the makers' own pages; we did not check any certification directory, and we have not tested products ourselves. Makers update formulas, and CeraVe's pages say so, so compare the list on the package you receive.
- Some products rest on browser-captured evidence our automated fetch could not re-check: the Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash list was captured from the maker's page in a browser on 2026-11-13.
- The CeraVe pages we read give ingredient lists but no fragrance-free statement; we include them only because the lists contain no fragrance, parfum, aroma, perfume or essential oil.
- Not verified, so neither recommended nor rejected: 365 by Whole Foods Market; Alaffia EveryDay Shea Shampoo & Conditioner Set; Aquaphor Baby Body Wash and Shampoo; Babyganics foaming shampoo + body wash, fragrance free (our re-fetch did not confirm the quote); Cetaphil Tear Free Baby Wash and Baby Shampoo (re-fetch did not confirm); Desert Essence Fragrance Free Shampoo with Jojoba and Green Tea (size mismatch); The Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash (the page list shows fragrance, so possible variant mismatch); Native and Head & Shoulders (maker pages did not render); SEEN (maker site returned http 429); Nécessaire The Hair Duo (no readable maker list); and many others for which we found no maker source.
- Excluded as drug-type products (not assessed), CeraVe Hydrating Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Neutrogena T/Sal 3% Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. See the separate dandruff page.
Frequently asked questions
Is unscented shampoo the same as fragrance-free shampoo?
No. The FDA notes that even some products labeled "unscented" may contain fragrance ingredients, because a maker may add enough fragrance to mask the smell of other ingredients.
How do I check a shampoo for fragrance?
Read the full ingredient list for fragrance, parfum, aroma, perfume or essential oils. US rules let makers list fragrance ingredients simply as "Fragrance", so one entry can stand for many components.
Does a fragrance-free claim mean the product is hypoallergenic?
No. The FDA says it has no list of approved or accepted claims for cosmetics and that labeling claims must be truthful and not misleading. A fragrance-free claim says nothing about other ingredients.
Why is the L'Oreal Paris shampoo listed as rejected?
The maker's own ingredient list shows PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, LIMONENE and CITRONELLOL, which fails the test used on this page.
Is a baby shampoo fragrance-free by default?
Not by default. The two baby products here are included because their maker lists show no fragrance entry; Pipette also sells other aromas of the same product.
Do I need a shampoo-and-conditioner bundle?
The CeraVe bundle record here rests on the shampoo's maker page; we did not read a conditioner list. For conditioners, see our [fragrance-free conditioner](/fragrance-free-conditioner/) page.
Do these products carry the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance?
We did not check the NEA directory for them, so we make no statement either way.
Why are no medicated shampoos included?
Products with drug-type claims are regulated differently, and we did not verify any. Our dandruff page covers that category.
Where do conditioners and other hair products fit?
They are on separate pages, including conditioner, dry shampoo and hair oil.
Our picks again
Shortest ingredient list
Vanicream VANICREAM Shampoo
Sixteen listed ingredients, none a fragrance, and the maker calls it a fragrance free shampoo in its own words.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026
- Ingredient list (maker)
- water, lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside, acrylates copolymer, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, glycerin, sucrose cocoate, panthenol, pentylene glycol, 1, 2-hexanediol, disodium EDTA, caprylyl glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride source (checked 13 November 2026)
- Maker's claim (explicit), quoted
- "Our mild and gentle fragrance free shampoo for sensitive skin" source (checked 13 November 2026)
View on Vanicream's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Explicit fragrance-free statement
ATTITUDE Extra-gentle Shampoo
The maker's page says it is formulated for people sensitive to fragrances, and its sixteen-entry list has no fragrance.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026
- Size on the maker page
- Regular 16 FL. OZ.; Family 32 FL. OZ. source (checked 13 November 2026)
- Ingredient list (maker)
- Aqua / Water / Eau, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Tropaeolum Majus (Indian Cress) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Leaf Extract. source (checked 13 November 2026)
- Maker's claim (explicit), quoted
- "This fragrance-free shampoo is formulated for people sensitive to fragrances" source (checked 13 November 2026)
View on ATTITUDE's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Check the variant
ATTITUDE Volumizing & Shine Shampoo - Sensitive Skin
Fragrance-free is one of two versions the maker sells, so confirm the variant before buying.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026
- Ingredient list (maker)
- Aqua / Water / Eau, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Inulin, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Panthenol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein. source (checked 13 November 2026)
- Maker's claim (explicit), quoted
- "The formula is available fragrance-free (ideal for the most fragrance-sensitive skin)" source (checked 13 November 2026)
View on ATTITUDE's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Amazon-linked pick
CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle with Hyaluronic Acid
The maker's shampoo list shows no fragrance entry, but the maker makes no fragrance-free statement on the page we read.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 11 November 2026
- Ingredient list (maker)
- AQUA / WATER / EAU, SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE, DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE, DISODIUM COCOAMPHODIACETATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, AMODIMETHICONE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE, PPG-5-CETETH-20, POTATO STARCH MODIFIED, COCAMIDE MIPA, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, NIACINAMIDE, TRIDECETH-6, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, COCO-BETAINE, CITRIC ACID, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, BENZOIC ACID, Please be aware that ingredient lists for the products of our brand are updated regularly. Please refer to the ingredient list on your product package for the most up-to-date list of ingredients to ensure it is suitable for your personal use source (checked 11 November 2026)
Amazon-linked pick
CeraVe Oil Control Shampoo
List shows no fragrance entry; like its sibling it carries no fragrance-free wording on the page we read.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 12 November 2026
- Size on the maker page
- 12 fl oz source (checked 12 November 2026)
- Ingredient list (maker)
- AQUA / WATER / EAU, SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE, DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE, DISODIUM COCOAMPHODIACETATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE, COCAMIDE MIPA, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, NIACINAMIDE, ZINC PCA, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, COCO-BETAINE, CITRIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, BENZOIC ACID, PPG-5-CETETH-20 (F.I.L. N70073597/1), Please be aware that ingredient lists for the products of our brand are updated regularly. Please refer to the ingredient list on your product package for the most up-to-date list of ingredients to ensure it is suitable to your personal use source (checked 12 November 2026)
Baby wash and shampoo
CeraVe Baby 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo with Vitamin E for Hair & Skin
A baby product whose maker list has no fragrance entry; it is also a wash, not only a shampoo.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 12 November 2026
- Size on the maker page
- 16 fl oz source (checked 12 November 2026)
- Ingredient list (maker)
- AQUA / WATER / EAU, COCO-BETAINE, DISODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, CITRIC ACID, CETYL HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, SODIUM PHYTATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, DISODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, BENZOIC ACID, Please be aware that ingredient lists for the products of our brand are updated regularly. Please refer to the ingredient list on your product package for the most up to date list of ingredients to ensure it is suitable to your personal use, For refilled products in the store, the most up to date list of ingredients should be obtained locally after refill of the product on the point of sale) source (checked 12 November 2026)
Baby wash and shampoo, browser-captured
Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash - Fragrance Free
A baby product with a maker-stated fragrance-free option; this one rests on a browser capture our fetch could not re-check.
Status: Fragrance-free per listed ingredients as of 13 November 2026 (browser-captured)
- Size on the maker page
- Full (11.8 oz); Refill (33.9 oz); Travel size also listed source (checked 13 November 2026)
- Ingredient list (maker, captured in a browser)
- All aromas: Water: Pure, simple product base. Decyl Glucoside: Gentle plant-derived cleanser that won’t dry baby’s skin. Glycerin: Plant-derived moisture attractor. Coco-Glucoside: Gentle plant-derived cleanser. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate: Plant-derived moisturizing cleanser. Glycolipids: Sugar-derived emollient cleansers that help support baby’s developing skin moisture barrier. Squalane: 100% sugarcane-derived, sustainable ingredient that mimics the vernix, baby’s first built-in moisturizer and the best protection Mother Nature can give. Citric Acid: pH adjuster that ensures perfect pH balance with baby’s skin. Magnesium Chloride: Naturally occurring mineral that helps keep skin replenished. Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride: Hair conditioning ingredient that helps with combing, detangling and improving hair softness. Sodium Benzoate: Food–grade preservative. Sodium Dehydroacetate: Organic salt preservative. Sodium Gluconate: Naturally derived ingredient that helps boost preservative effectiveness. source (checked 13 November 2026)
- Maker's claim (explicit), quoted
- "Fragrance Free Baby Shampoo + Wash for sensitive littles" source (checked 13 November 2026)
View on Pipette's site (opens the maker's website; not an affiliate link)
Sources
- Maker page: ATTITUDE Extra-gentle ShampooManufacturer dataaccessed 13 November 2026
- Maker page: ATTITUDE Volumizing & Shine Shampoo - Sensitive SkinManufacturer dataaccessed 13 November 2026
- Maker page: CeraVe Baby 2-in-1 Wash & Shampoo with Vitamin E for Hair & SkinManufacturer dataaccessed 12 November 2026
- Maker page: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle with Hyaluronic AcidManufacturer dataaccessed 11 November 2026
- Maker page: CeraVe Oil Control ShampooManufacturer dataaccessed 12 November 2026
- Maker page: Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash - Fragrance FreeManufacturer dataaccessed 13 November 2026
- Maker page: Vanicream VANICREAM ShampooManufacturer dataaccessed 13 November 2026
- Maker page: L'Oreal Paris Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo with AntioxidantsManufacturer dataaccessed 11 November 2026
- Fragrances in Cosmetics (FDA)Regulatory list or noticeaccessed 11 November 2026
- Cosmetics Labeling Claims (FDA)Regulatory list or noticeaccessed 11 November 2026
- About the Seal of Acceptance (National Eczema Association)Certification recordaccessed 11 November 2026