Best Acne-Safe Shampoos & Conditioners That Won’t Break You Out

HAIRCARE

5/8/2024

woman inside bathtub
woman inside bathtub

Struggling with annoying breakouts around your scalp, jawline, or back even though your skincare is dialed in? Your hair products might be the culprit. Many shampoos and conditioners contain pore-clogging oils, silicones, or heavy fragrance that can trigger acne in areas your hair touches. Because haircare is designed to cling to the hair shaft, it clings to your skin too which can be problematic if it is filled with pore cloggers.

As a licensed esthetician with over 11 years of experience treating acne-prone skin, I’ve created this list of shampoos and conditioners that are truly acne-safe, ingredient-vetted, and available on Amazon!

Best Acne-Safe Shampoos

  1. L'Oreal Ever Pure Clarify Shampoo
    Sulfate-free, gentle, and perfect for removing residue without stripping the scalp.

  2. Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo
    Lightweight and build-up free, this one adds volume without clogging pores.

  3. Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo
    Clarifies with desert-derived ingredients and a clean, minimal formula.

  4. Bondi Boost HG Anti-Thinning Shampoo
    Strengthens strands and supports scalp health with no breakout-triggering ingredients.

  5. SEEN Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle
    Dermatologist-developed and clinically tested to be non-comedogenic.

  6. It's a 10 Miracle Shampoo Plus
    Repairs and hydrates while staying safe for acne-prone skin.

  7. Derma E Thickening Shampoo
    Clean formula and excellent for sensitive scalps or those prone to hairline breakouts.

🪄 Best Acne-Safe Conditioners

  1. Native Moisturizing Conditioner, Coconut Vanilla
    Simple, clean, and lightweight — won’t weigh hair down or clog pores.

  2. Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Conditioner
    Classic drugstore favorite that smooths without greasy residue.

  3. JVN Nurture Hydrating Conditioner
    Developed by a haircare expert, and acne-safe with hydrating ingredients.

  4. Joico Blonde Life Violet Conditioner
    Great for toning blonde without the heavy buildup of typical purple conditioners.

  5. Redken All Soft Conditioner
    Salon-quality hydration with a formula that won’t break you out.

  6. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner
    Lightweight and free of silicones, parabens, and pore-cloggers.

💌 Bonus Tips for Clearer Skin

  • Rinse thoroughly. Product residue on your back and hairline can be a major breakout trigger.

  • Use an acne-safe body wash after rinsing your hair to remove any lingering ingredients. Try:
    SEEN Body Wash

  • Consider using a shower filter. Hard water and chlorine can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin. Try:
    The Jolie Filtered Showerhead

Need More Acne-Safe Picks?
Check out my curated categories for acne-safe makeup, skincare, supplements, and more — all approved by an esthetician.

[Browse all acne-safe finds →]

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely trust for acne-prone skin!