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Top 7 Best Oil Free Shampoos

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedOctober 23, 2024

Oil is something that most of us can’t do without in our daily lives, but it becomes quite a controversy when it comes to hair care. Some of the possible culprits for oily hair may include heredity, hormonal imbalances, and certain conditions in the environment. Evidently, for those who have oily hair, it is very crucial for them to find the most appropriate shampoo that suits them best to keep their hair looking neat. Enter oil-free shampoos then as the solution to this problem.

Oil-free shampoos are products meant for cleaning hair without completely washing off the sebum that is produced by the scalp to maintain healthy hair. They are commonly manufactured using soft materials that cannot harm the tresses or the scalp in any way.

In the subsequent sections, we will make recommendations on the best oil free shampoos based on expert reviews and then give you a description of each product.

Top 3 Best Oil Free Shampoos

  1. Tiffalina's Oil-free Hair Kit
  2. OUAI Thick Shampoo + Conditioner Set
  3. Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Extra-Body Shampoo

Each product has undergone testing with the help of our team of experts so that users can be sure that they will work, they are safe for skin and do not leave the oily layer on the skin surface. Whether you have oily hair or simply do not like to use any oil products, here are some tips that will help you. Here is our list of carefully selected slots below.


Tiffalina's Oil-free Hair Kit

Editor's Choice

Tiffalina's Oil-free Hair Kit

Using Tiffalina’s Oil-free Hair Kit was amazing while on the oil-free diet. Coconut-milk scented for the shampoo and conditioner do not contain chemicals, making hair gentle and smooth. Despite the fact that this shampoo does not form a rich foam and the containers are rather small, they are perfect for travelling. Conditioner could require more, however it is efficient. Most suitable for those observing oil-free diets.

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Tiffalina’s Oil-free Hair Kit is a perfect choice for individuals who are on an oil free diet plan. If you are on NutriMost, Shape Reclaimed, Ideal Protein, Prolean Wellness, Restrictive diets, and all other oil-free diets, then this hair kit is appropriate for you.

Pros

  • Tiffalina's Oil-free Hair Kit is perfect for people on an oil-free diet plan.
  • The shampoo and conditioner are made with no absorbable fats or oils.
  • The hair kit is perfect for NutriMost, Shape Reclaimed, Slim180, Prolean Wellness, Ideal Protein, and other oil-free diet plans.

Cons

  • The shampoo doesn't lather as much as other shampoos.
  • The bottles are small.
  • The conditioner may need a little more product to match the same feeling/results as other non-oil-free products.

We have tried the Oil-free Hair Kit with Tiffalina’s while on an oil-less diet, and we could not really be disappointed. Both shampoo and conditioner come with a faint scent of coconut milk, they do not contain any added colours or dyes, or any other toxic products. The shampoo and conditioner I used made my hair smooth and silky with no interference to the achievement of our weight loss goal.

Even though this shampoo does not foam as much as other shampoos, it works efficiently in removing dirt from our hair. These bottles are miniature, but they come in handy when you are on a trip. While it might require slightly more than when one uses other wet/non-oil-free products, it is good at conditioning our hair.


OUAI Thick Shampoo + Conditioner Set

OUAI Thick Shampoo + Conditioner Set

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If you are interested in purchasing an oil shampoo that will assist you in hydrating and conditioning your hair, you should consider OUAI Thick Shampoo + Conditioner Set.

Pros

  • Leaves hair feeling smooth and healthy
  • Helps to detangle thick, dry hair
  • Made with high-quality ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil

Cons

  • Some users may find the price to be a bit steep
  • May not be suitable for those with very fine or thin hair
  • Some users may prefer a different scent

This particular brand of shampoo and conditioner is effective in providing moisture to dry and thick hair to let it detangle with ease, and at the same time eliminate frizz and flyaway hair. It contains keratin, marshmallow root, shea butter, and avocado oil to gently remove buildup, without leaving hair feeling coated or weighted down.

Another thing that we can appreciate about this particular shampoo and conditioner set is it is an effective product with effective ingredients. It is crucial to understand that all OUAI products are created deliberately to reduce styling time while improving hair health. We include the desirable items while omitting undesirable points without necessarily compromising the quality of our work. As is the case with any organization, we are always working to improve its standing for the benefit of the planet.

The OUAI Thick Shampoo + Conditioner Set is also very straightforward, making it a practical choice for everyday use. It’s a perfect product for everyone who needs intensive hydration for their hair with a conditioner that adds moisture and slips for an easy detangle routine, making hair silky, shiny, frizz-free and, of course, OUAI more manageable. This will allow you to get a “no blowout appointment” which means you don’t need to go for hair washing at the salon.

All in all, the OUAI Thick Shampoo + Conditioner set is a very effective and luxurious product containing only the best for your hair and the environment.


Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Extra-Body Shampoo

Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Extra-Body Shampoo

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We suggest Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Extra-Body Shampoo to anyone who is in search of a mild shampoo that promotes volume and fullness of natural hair.

Pros

  • Provides extra body and more luster to hair
  • Recommended for fine, listless hair
  • Free of animal by-products and animal testing

Cons

  • May not be suitable for oily hair types
  • Scent can be overpowering for some
  • May require more product to achieve desired lather

This shampoo has revolutionized the lives of people who have fine, limp hair. The formulation eliminates oily residues and therefore gives the hair a clean and non-oily appearance and texture. We note with satisfaction that this shampoo does not contain any by-products derived from animals and it also does not involve animal testing, thus making it good for those who are concerned with animal rights.

With this in mind, it is also important to understand that this shampoo is not ideal for people with oil-glazed hair since it may not be sufficiently powerful. Also, one of the most significant drawbacks of the shampoo is the stench it comes with a very strong smell, which may be unbearable for so many people. Last of all, we established that there was the need to apply more product to the hair until foam was generated, though the process might differ based on the hair type and length.

In conclusion, Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Extra-Body Shampoo is highly recommended to anyone who wants a cruelty-free product that can provide volume and fullness to flat and lifeless hair.


Magick Botanicals Oil-Free Fragrance-Free Shampoo

Magick Botanicals Oil-Free Fragrance-Free Shampoo

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We suggest the Magick Botanicals Oil-Free Fragrance-Free Shampoo if you are seeking a fragrance-free product for color treated hair.

Pros

  • Coats hair shaft with panthenol, biotin, and keratin protein
  • Keeps scalp clean and nourished with vitamins and amino acids
  • Suitable for individuals with chemical sensitivities

Cons

  • May require a larger amount of shampoo to lather properly
  • Quality control issues have been reported
  • Higher price point than other oil-free shampoos

This shampoo is best suited for people who have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate products that contain scents and other chemicals because this shampoo is unscented. It incorporates panthenol, biotin, and keratin protein that will help in wrapping the hair cuticle and offer the necessary strength and nutrients. It also includes vitamins and amino acids that assist in maintaining the healthiness and cleanness of the scalp.

A possible disadvantage of this shampoo is that it may need a substantial amount of shampoo to produce sufficient foam. Moreover, quality control of the product has also given some customers a hard time according to a number of customers surveyed. Last but not least; it is expensive compared to other oil-free shampoos which are available in the market.

All in all, we suggest that the Magick Botanicals Oil-Free Fragrance-Free Shampoo is a good choice for anyone who has skin or chemical issues. It includes mild washing and conditioning for the hair and the skin on the head, and it is not scented in any way at all.


Magick Botanicals Oil Free and Fragrance Free Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle

Magick Botanicals Oil Free and Fragrance Free Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle

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In case you are searching for an oil-free shampoo that is also free from fragrances, then you can try the Magick Botanicals Oil Free and Fragrance Free Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle.

Pros

  • This shampoo is suitable for people with sensitive skin.
  • The bundle includes both shampoo and conditioner.
  • It's a good option for people who want to avoid using products that contain oils.

Cons

  • The shampoo is very thin and doesn't lather well.
  • It may not be suitable for people with very dry or coarse hair.
  • Some people find that it doesn't leave their hair feeling clean.

Both the shampoo and conditioner do not contain any fragrances which is good for anyone who has sensitive skin or nasal passages. Furthermore, the bundle is reasonably priced as both of these products are combined into one unit.

However, there were other issues that we identified and these are that the shampoo is very thin and does not produce a lot of foamy substance. It is not ideal for individuals with extremely dry or coarse hair types because it tends to dry out the hair. It is also reported that their hair doesn’t feel as clean when they are done using the item.


Peet Bros. Coconut Shampoo Bar - Lemon & Thyme Moisturizing Shampoo Bar Made With Coconut

Peet Bros. Coconut Shampoo Bar

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If you want an excellent natural vegan shampoo bar that is free from palm oil, then Peet Bros. Coconut Shampoo Bar is one of the best. It contains 50% of coconut which is very nourishing and delicate on the skin and a lemony scent of lemon and addition of thyme for diminishing stress and tiredness.

Pros

  • Made with natural essential oils that bring more health benefits.
  • 100% palm-free hydrating shampoo bar.
  • Most "natural" bath products use harmful palm oil & only trace amounts of ingredients like Shea Butter, Olive Oil & Hemp Oil. Our ingredients are always front & center, so you can be sure you’re getting what you came for.

Cons

  • Not suitable for children.
  • The packaging is not eco-friendly.
  • The scent might be too strong for some people.

Peet Bros. Coconut Shampoo Bar is one of the best options as it provides natural hair care without chemicals or palm oil. It is formulated with natural essential oils offering more benefits than regular shampoos and is a 100% palm-free hydrating shampoo bar. Nevertheless, it is not recommended for children, and the wrapper is non-recyclable. Some might find that the smell is too intense, but for lovers of citrus, especially lemon, and supporters of the medicinal properties of thyme, it would be ideal.


Herbalosophy Biotin & Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Herbalosophy Biotin & Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner Set

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The Herbalosophy Biotin & Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner set is ideal if you are searching for sulfate, paraben, and gluten-free products for your brittle hair as you want your hair to transform.

Pros

  • Infused with premium ingredients, including Vitamin B7 and Collagen, to help strengthen and nourish hair
  • pH balanced formula helps keep scalp's pH at a healthy level
  • Safe for damaged, thin, fine, and dry hair

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with the pump mechanism
  • May not be suitable for those with oily hair
  • Some users found the scent to be too strong

The specialized ingredients such as Vitamin B7 and Collagen used in the product will assist in the process of fortifying hair. Likewise, the pH-balanced formula assists in maintaining a good pH balance of the scalp, and this contributes to improved hair texture, as it becomes softer and stronger.

We also heard of a couple of complaints concerning the pump mechanism, though this affects the ability to ever spill the product in the first place. However, it should be noted that some people may experience that the aroma is too pronounced. All in all, we think that the Herbalosophy Biotin & Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner Set is a good choice to purchase if you are searching for a sulfate free, paraben-free, and gluten-free shampoo and conditioner that could help in improving processed hair, thin hair, fine hair, or dry hair. Also, there is a 100% money-back guarantee to ensure that you use the app with no possibility of loss.

Buying Guide

The following factors should be taken into consideration when selecting the best oil-free shampoo.

Hair Type

The hair type determines the kind of shampoo that should be used. If you have oily hair, it simply means the shampoo you will be using should be one that has been developed for use in treating oily hair. If your hair is dry, you will be looking for a shampoo that will help to add moisture to the hair.

Ingredients

When making a purchase, try to choose the shampoos that do not contain some particular chemicals among which are sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Several of these chemicals can remove the hair’s natural coat and leave the hair dry, rough and lifeless. However, it is advised to go for natural products like shampoos with additives like tea tree oil, aloe, and chamomile.

Scalp Health

If you are one of the people with a dry or itchy scalp, there are types of shampoos made to specifically help with that issue. If you suffer from dandruff you should look for shampoos that have the following elements, such as salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione for instance.

Hair Goals

Remember your goal of whether you want shorter hair or a specific hair style. If you’re in need of volume, use products that are specially formulated to give you volume. If you would like to minimize the appearance of frizz then opt for shampoos that are marketed as anti-frizz.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best shampoos for oily scalp and dry ends?

If you have an oily scalp but dry hair ends, then you require a shampoo that will help in balancing the moisture. For this hair type, some of the most suitable shampoos are Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo, L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo, and Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo.

Which drugstore shampoo is the best for oily hair?

For those with a tight budget, the following are some of the chemical shampoos for oily hair that are available at the local stores. Some of the best options that are available in the market include OGX, Tea Tree Mint Shampoo, Head & Shoulders, Instant Oil Control Shampoo, and Pantene Pro-V Blends Charcoal Shampoo.

What are some good oil-free shampoos?

For people with oily hair, there is a specific type of product called oil-free shampoo. These are some of the best oil-free shampoos: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo, Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.

Which shampoos are best for removing oil?

If you want a shampoo that will help you get rid of dandruff and excess oil from your hair, you can check out shampoos that have tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or activated charcoal as their components. These are Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo, Redken Clean Maniac Micellar Clean-Touch Shampoo, and Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo.

What are some clarifying shampoos for oily hair?

The clarifying shampoos are also used to remove any accumulation on your hair and scalp, and therefore those with oily hair are recommended to use them. Clarifying shampoos can be bought from stores and some of them include Kenra Professional Clarifying Shampoo, Suave Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo and Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo.

What are some conditioners that work well for oily hair?

If you have oily hair, you probably don’t like to apply a conditioner very often. But then again, you can use a light condition to ensure that your hair is healthy, shiny and easy to manage without making it flat. Some of the most suitable conditioners for oily hair include the following; Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Conditioner, and Herbal Essences Naked Volume Conditioner.

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