The 19 Best Pregnancy-Safe Shampoos Doctors Cannot Recommend Enough

No matter what you’re sensitive to, this shampoo will not (or at least it’s very, very unlikely) irritate your skin. The totally stripped-down formula is fragrance-, dye-, gluten-, paraben-free, and more. “This pick is good for all hair types and especially good for anyone with sensitive skin or fragrance intolerance,” says Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta.

Reviewers say that it leaves hair incredibly soft and has ameliorated sensitivity and scalp bumps, including breakout against the hairline and temples. Unlike other formulas, there are no botanical extracts or essential oils. It’s also formaldehyde and sulfate-free.

Sulfates are what create the suds and lather in most shampoos, but they’re also known for stripping strands of moisture. So when you choose a sulfate-free shampoo to use during pregnancy, you’re also doing dry hair a favor. On top of being sulfate-free, this one also includes shea butter and manuka honey to lock in rich moisture. Fig extract will keep your mane vibrant and shiny. Dr. Clay says it’s her pick for curly hair that needs more moisture.

“This shampoo is vegan and doesn’t contain ingredients like parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and sulfates,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “I personally used it during my pregnancy, and have had a great experience with it. I also appreciate that it doesn’t have an overpowering scent like many products do—especially important while pregnant! It cleans hair thoroughly without drying and (with a good conditioner) leaves it feeling silky and healthy.” Note that the shampoo does have some botanical ingredients like aloe leaf juice and organic rosemary leaf extract.

Normally $22

“Formulated with cold-pressed organic cupuacu butter sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest, this plant-based formula is rich in omega fatty acids and very moisturizing,” says Dr. King. “This shampoo is safe and incredibly moisturizing to help repair damaged and dry hair. It’s plant-based and full of hydrating nutrients,” says Dr. Zubritsky. The formula works great for those who need a bit of hair TLC, especially if hair is curly or wavy.

“I think hyaluronic acid is a miracle ingredient for the scalp; and Dr. Sturm’s cationic hyaluronic acid is in a league of its own with retaining the hydration levels and respecting the skin barrier of the scalp,” says Bridgette Hill, certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis.

While the shampoo doesn’t have fragrance, it does have green algae and lavender to reduce any irritation or pamper a dry scalp. Vitamin B5 helps restore hair, minimizing split ends.

Normally $48

“This is a vegan shampoo that offers plant-based ingredients to nurture the hair and has a proprietary vegan keratin that has a dual purpose in creating volume in the hair while also keeping the hair smooth,” says Hill. The keratin and silicone alternative, Karmatin, works to restore shine without stripping hair color. It also contains red clover, said to help with thinning hair–a pregnancy annoyance. Your scalp will also love mung bean, which strengthens hair follicles.

Normally $22

“The same wash you are using for your baby, you can use for yourself,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “This shampoo is ultra gentle, fragrance-free, and sulfate-free. Plus, if you are using it for yourself already, you will be ready with it in the house when the baby comes.”

It helps if you have irritation from eczema. You’ll also love that Baby Dove supports maternal health by donating to Postpartum Support International.

Like the perfect white tee of shampoos, this formula goes back to the basics for a stripped down formula that simply gets the job (cleansing your hair really well) done. No sulfates, no silicones, no PEGs, no fragrance, and it has the “Seal of Acceptance” by the National Eczema Association so it shouldn’t cause skin irritations either. It contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins B3 and B5, which leave hair pampered. Plus, reviewers swear that it makes their hair fuller!

Normally $19

This formula is safe enough for Baby to use, so you know it’s safe for you to use! It’s also ideal for sensitive skin, thanks to the organic calendula that helps soothe—it’s another National Eczema Association approved pick.

Whether you struggle with oily roots, load on the styling products, or you simply stretch the time between washes (who doesn’t?), this shampoo is ideal for giving your strands a fresh start. The clarifying formula pulls away build-up from products, dirt, and oil, but also from pollutants, hard water deposits and chlorine—all without the use of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. Instead, take a whiff of Ylang Ylang, oakmoss, and cucumber scents while you wash your hair.

Trying to find a shampoo that’s pregnancy-safe and won’t dull your color-treated hair can be hard, but this formula does it all. The main problem that comes from coloring your hair is a lack of moisture and shine, which many shampoos are also known for depleting. This shampoo does the opposite, thanks to a blend of coconut, shea butter, and honey that lock in moisture while pumpkin seed oil keeps your color looking bright and shiny. Reviewers with curly hair were all about this shampoo and loved that it also smelled great.

Everyone’s skin and hair reacts differently to pregnancy, but for a lot of women it tends to leave them feeling drier than usual. If that’s the case for you, this super rich shampoo will be your hair’s best friend. Amazonian-derived Rahua oil is the signature ingredient, but it also uses morete oil (an Amazonian fruit), aloe, and quinoa protein for moisture, strength, and protection against UVA rays. Thanks to the passion fruit and mango aroma you’ll feel as if you’re taking a shower in a tropical enclave.

Normally $12

Another baby shampoo and body wash hybrid for the win! This paired down formula is super gentle, as it is free of phthalates, parabens, dyes, SLS/SLES, formaldehyde donors, and synthetic fragrances, but also cares for your hair and skin with added almond oil, jojoba, aloe vera, and coconut oil. The naturally-derived calendula strengthens hair and adds shine.

For an eco-friendly option, take away the bottle and use a shampoo bar. This pregnancy-safe formula comes in a solid form, and will give you between 50 to 75 washes (about two to three bottles worth) depending on your hair type and length. You’ll have soft locks thanks to cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and castor oil that are all about retaining moisture that will also ensure your scalp is happy.

Normally $50

While dandruff shampoos are typically safe to use while pregnant, some contain salicylic acid, which should be avoided while pregnant. This one uses a coconut surfactant (cocamidopropyl betaine) to create suds for a thorough clean that’s not harsh on your already irritated scalp skin, along with antimicrobial piroctone olamine to clear up and keep away dandruff causing bacteria. The gentle formula contains aloe leaf juice to calm any irritation.

With ingredients like keratin and biotin, this OUAI shampoo will not only help strengthen, moisturize, and nourish hair, it will give you va-va-voom volume without the frizz. But iIt’s also recommended by Nithya Gopal, MD, FAAD, a board-certified OB/GYN in New York City, because it has a clean formula that’s pregnancy-safe: it doesn’t include synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, SLS, parabens, or phthalates and is still color-safe.

The shampoo is also a favorite of Adrienne O’Connelll, DO, the director of medicine and president of Laguna Beach Aesthetics, because it uses all natural ingredients, yet still leaves the hair nourished from root to tip. You’ll also love its delectable fragrance of rose with notes of Italian lemon, jasmine, and white musk.

Normally $11

When looking for a good pregnancy-safe shampoo, the more natural, the better. Michael Green, MD, an OB/GYN at Winona, says one of his favorite shampoo brands is Maui Moisture because it’s affordable, vegan and steers clear of harmful ingredients like parabens, silicones, and sulfated surfactants. This lightweight hydrating shampoo has aloe juice as its first ingredient, and also uses hibiscus water, antioxidant-rich passionfruit, pure coconut water, and watermelon for a tropical touch. The brand also makes shampoos/conditions for a variety of hair types, including color-treated, dry, and curly hair.

With 93 percent naturally derived ingredients, this shampoo and conditioner has no sulfate cleansers, silicones, parabens, or dyes. They’re infused with coconut water, mimosa flower, and coconut oil to hydrate and add volume to your hair. It smells great too, so you can have a bit of aromatherapy as you wash your tresses. You can use it after pregnancy, too, to potentially help you manage postpartum baldness or thinning hair.