These 8 drugstore shampoos we tested are sneaky good and budget-friendly

New York Post

22-04-2025

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In the heyday of the beauty aisle, brands like Pantene and Herbal Essences reigned supreme. They still do, in many ways, as drugstore shampoos are making a comeback.
After using my sudsy shampoo until the very last drop in middle school, I'd head over to my local beauty supply store with my mom and gaze over the assembly line of pump-dispensing bottles for my next hair wash day. I'd always opt for one that smacked on 'moisturizing' or 'frizz' on the label, testing and trying new formulations to see if they worked for my hair type.
Fast forward years later, and I do this for a living — and this guide is all about the best drugstore shampoos I've tested.
Listen, I love a luxury bottle of Kérastase, Oribe or Redken just as much as the next person, but these high-end brands aren't for everyone, especially if you want to keep you wallet in check. Drugstore shampoos kind of lost their glossy appeal with the movement of clean beauty that's been taking consumers' shopping habits by storm. Though that's not to say that all drugstore shampoos won't offer up a good hair day.
In recent years, sulfate-free shampoos have been all the rage for cleansing your scalp and locks for ditching silicones in their ingredient lists. While this class of shampoos offers a gentle cleanse, the resurrection of drugstore shampoos is much ado social media influencers sharing their allegiance to drugstore labels over professional brands for their hair looking photo-ready.
It's important to know that drugstore shampoos continue to evolve and are more focused than ever on ingredients. Many formulations are, in fact, sulfate-free to serve those who prefer a gentle cleanse. Others contain skin-nourishing ingredients that help with moisture, like hyaluronic acid. Some even include biotin for hair growth. Essentially, the world is your oyster when it comes to picking out a new shampoo, and this guide focuses on the very best options I put to the test.
Ahead, the following shampoo reviews prove that drugstore shampoos are continuing to have a moment. In fact, it never should have escaped us.
Amazon
Pros: Left my hair feeling the most natural, soft and virtually frizz-free
Offers a gentle cleanse
Unbelievably silky feel Cons: It may irritate extremely sensitive scalps as it's not fragrance-free
In my foray back to drugstore shampoos, this was one of the first formulations I added to my shower routine. The L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo is truly a gem, offering my hair a gentle cleanse, ample moisture without weighing down my hair and a fullness like no other.
Victoria Giardina
Even when rinsing out my hair in the shower, the softness factor is something I notice almost instantly. The happy medium of this shampoo, balancing my hair's moisture and allowing it to feel soft and silky, is unmatched. Its scent is akin to luxury salon brands, but you're receiving both the shampoo and conditioner for less than $15. I won't get over that, truly.
Formulated without sulfates, parabens, added phthalates and dyes, it's a science-backed formulation that makes my hair looking well-styled but not too structured. It creates the perfect base for curling my hair after if I wish, but I find myself skipping my hair straightener since the shampoo leaves my naturally frizzy and somewhat dry hair tame and looking great.
Amazon includes both the shampoo and conditioner as a set.
Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Glycerin, Rosemary Botanicals | Scent: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Musk
Best Clarifying: Odele Clarifying Shampoo
Ulta Beauty
Pros: Excellent value, given price and bottle size
Gently cleanses the scalp
Feels luxurious and great for dry hair Cons: Not designed to be used as regularly as more traditional (not clarifying) shampoos, though not a dealbreaker
Odele Clarifying Shampoo holds a gentle yet effective formulation that never strips my hair or makes it 'too detoxed' and squeaky clean. Unlike many clarifying shampoos that can strip hair of essential moisture and natural oils, Odele's shampoo uses natural ingredients like rice protein to ensure that your scalp and hair remain nourished even after deep cleansing.
This balanced approach helps remove buildup from all of the styling products I use (a huge checkmark in this shampoo's favor, let me tell you), without compromising the health of my hair. The end result is always refreshingly healthy, but not brittle.
'A clarifying shampoo is a cleansing detoxifier to remove oil, dirt and product buildup,' Amy Abramite, hairstylist, salon educator and creative director at Maxine Ltd. in Chicago, told Post Wanted. 'The suds should lather well and contain a natural ingredient like apple cider vinegar to deep clean the scalp and hair.'
Its commitment to clean, cruelty-free beauty at an affordable price point makes it a standout shampoo that I keep coming back to. Free from harsh sulfates, parabens and phthalates, the shampoo caters to individuals seeking a non-toxic hair care routine.
Additionally, its pleasing scent and luxurious lather aren't characteristics to skip over. I find my hair feeling well-cleansed, fresh and invigorated. If I were blindfolded and had no idea what shampoo I was using, I'd think this would be a $50 bottle. Using its formula creates a spa-like experience, making it a pleasure to use, all while reaping the benefits of its primary function: to clarify the scalp.
Size: 13 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Rice Protein, Citric Acid | Scent: Ylang Ylang, Oakmoss, Cucumber
Best for Fine Hair: Raw Sugar The Grow Pro Vegan Biotin Shampoo
Raw Sugar
Pros: Best value
Smells amazing
Helps nourish the hair Cons: Not the best for frizz, but not a dealbreaker
I've been a huge fan of Raw Sugar from the jump. The entire suite of products, from its Vinegar Hair Rinse ($12) to its Simply Straight Straightening Serum ($12) is absolutely phenomenal and worth every penny. I call it 'the amika of drugstore': it's effective and smells unbelievably salon-esque.
Raw Sugar's The Grow Pro Vegan Biotin Shampoo is an exceptional choice for those with fine hair, as it's specifically formulated to nourish and strengthen delicate strands. One of the key ingredients, biotin, is well-known for its ability to promote hair growth and improve the thickness of fine hair, though, candidly, more testing on the ingredient has to be conducted. Whenever I use this shampoo, I notice how t works to strengthen each strand from root to tip, helping to reduce breakage and give my hair a fuller, healthier appearance.
Victoria Giardina
Additionally, its blend of nourishing ingredients like zinc and botanicals ensures that the finer parts of my hair receive the hydration it needs without feeling weighed down or greasy, which is approved by Abramite.
'A good shampoo for fine hair should gently cleanse and not weigh hair down,' Abramite explained. 'Aloe vera will balance cleansing by adding enough hydration for lightweight manageability.'
What makes The Grow Pro Vegan Biotin Shampoo particularly beneficial for fine hair is its lightweight formula. Many shampoos designed for thickening or volumizing that I've used were often too heavy, which tends to make fine hair limp or flat. Raw Sugar's shampoo, however, cleanses and fortifies hair without causing any heaviness. Topped off with its clean and vegan ingredient list and less-than-15 price tag for the shampoo, it's destined for your online shopping cart.
If purchased through Amazon, the shampoo and conditioner come as a set.
Size: 18 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Botanicals | Scent: Passion Fruit
Best for Wavy Hair: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo
Amazon
Pros: Contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and rebalance hair
Sulfate-free, so offers a gentle cleanse
Fragrance-free, so great for sensitive scalps Cons: Doesn't have that 'salon feel' compared to other drugstore shampoos tested, though not a dealbreaker
Yes, CeraVe offers more than its top-rated skincare. As its bottle alludes to, the Gentle Hydrating Shampoo is exceptionally gentle and hydrating, while also cleansing exceptionally well. Bonus points for being a brand I trust and consistently use, be it for eye creams or night creams.
Victoria Giardina
Two chief ingredients I love using are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and this less-than-$15 shampoo contains them both. The former, great for moisture, pairs well with the latter, which is great for rebalancing the skin and making it bouncier. It also contains ceramides, so it cleanses without disrupting the scalp's moisture barrier and makes hair more manageable, while leaving your post-styled hair as shiny as can be.
My sensitive skin (that includes my scalp) loves how this shampoo is unscented. Sure, I love a salon scent, but this one is right to the point and still the shampoo I turn to for my wavy hair. It defines my wavy texture without the excess frizz and is hydrating without weighing down my hair. I wish I had tried this shampoo sooner, but now that it's in my shower, it's never leaving.
Size: 12 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide | Scent: Unscented
Best Volumizing: Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo
Amazon
Pros: Smells amazing
Lathers well and cleanses gently
Helps extend the longevity of your blowout Cons: A bit more expensive than other drugstore shampoos, but worth it
Behold: one of the drugstore shampoo's finest formulations that'll lift your roots and enhance your hair's body. The Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo is a bottle I used years ago and have unintentionally slept on in recent years.
The brand smells like a dream (my fiancé told me 'your hair smells really good' when I entered the room after my shower instantly) and it lathers gently, thanks to its sulfate-free formulation. I'd recommend it for any hair type. It even helps extend my blowout as my hair tends to remain oil-free for longer.
​It thoroughly cleanses my hair and scalp without stripping its natural oils. Enriched with avocado oil and castor oil, it replenishes moisture and enhances shine, and always leaves my hair feeling moisturized and looking glossy. With that in mind, achieving volume is effortless.
Uniquely, the shampoo features Zip-Up Technology, a proprietary strengthening complex that targets split ends, addresses weak areas, smooths damaged cuticles and helps protect against environmental stressors and color fading. It makes my hair feel clean and is literally clean: it's free from sulfates, parabens and phthalates. ​
Amazon includes both the shampoo and conditioner as a set.
Size: 10 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Avocado Oil | Scent: Pear, Sandalwood, Magnolia
Amazon
Pros: Gentle on all scalps
Contains coconut water and aloe vera, making this shampoo excellent for hydration and soothing properties
Thoughtfully made Cons: Not the best for intense volume, though not a dealbreaker
California Naturals is a new-ish brand that I've tried, and I'm glad I found it on Amazon. Its top ingredient is coconut water which is simply nurturing to any scalp. When aloe vera is added to the mix, I knew I was going to score a cocktail of soothing, gentle ingredients.
And, I was right. The brand's Classic Shampoo stands out as a premium sulfate-free shampoo for $10 as it offers a divine blend of natural ingredients and effective cleansing properties. Aside from coconut water and aloe vera, it also brings sugar cane, vitamin B5 and sunflower extract to its ingredient mix, all working together to gently remove impurities without stripping my hair's natural moisture. It doesn't leave my hair limp, either.
This thoughtful combination of hair-good ingredients ensures that my locks remain clean, soft and healthy-looking after each wash.​ It doesn't feel abrasive, overly sudsy or ineffective, either.
While sulfates aren't on Post Wanted's do-not-buy list, Abramite is a cheerleader for sulfate-free shampoos as a prime recommendation. 'Avoid sulfates that harshly cleanse hair,' she instructed. 'Sulfates can be overly drying to the scalp and hair, leaving it frizzy and stripped of natural oils, creating an imbalance. Look for natural moisturizing ingredients such as coconut or argan oil for nourishment, protection, smoothness and shine.'
The shampoo's commitment to purity is evident in its avoidance of harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates and silicones. Instead, it utilizes a Coconut Cleansing Complex that effectively cleanses while maintaining the hair's natural oils, resulting in a gentle yet thorough wash. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive scalps or those seeking eco-friendly hair care options.​
For $10, run to this product. It's a nod to summer, especially.
Amazon also includes both the shampoo and conditioner as a set.
Size: 16.5 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Avocado Oil | Scent: Coconut, Dreamwood, Sandalwood
Best for Damaged Hair: OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Amazon
Pros: Contains biotin and collagen to help improve hair health
Great for frizz
Wonderful for damaged hair that's in need of a revival Cons: Doesn't make my hair as full compared to other shampoos tested, though is phenomenal for volume and texture
​If your hair is in serious need of some TLC, the OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo is what I'd recommend. Since middle school, I've been grabbing the brand's pretty, curvy bottles for moisture and frizz reduction, and there's none better than its biotin-collagen infusion.
Its nutrient-infused formula combines vitamin B7 biotin and collagen to enhance hair strength and thickness. Biotin, though loosely studied, has been shown to support hair growth and overall health, while collagen, a natural protein, contributes to increased hair strength and fullness. This powerful combination works together to plump up strands, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier. ​
In addition to its enriching ingredients, this shampoo features OGX's LipiPro Shield Technology, which offers twice the protection against protein and lipid loss compared to non-conditioning shampoos. This technology safeguards hair from excessive loss of essential lipids and proteins, which can lead to frizz and breakage, ensuring that hair remains resilient and less prone to damage.
The formula is also free from sulfated surfactants, parabens, phthalates, microplastics and dyes (a five-time score), making it a gentle yet effective choice for those seeking to repair and strengthen their hair.
Each time I use this less-than-$15 shampoo, I feel like my hair strands are resurrecting from the dead. With fresh scents of bergamot, jasmine and vanilla, I feel a difference in both the volume and texture of my hair. I don't use this every time I shower, but it's perfect for an every-other-wash cadence when you really want to nurture your hair. It doesn't weigh down my hair, either.
Amazon includes both the shampoo and conditioner as a set.
Size: 13 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Biotin, Collagen | Scent: Citrus, Florals, Woody
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Pantene Pro-V Radiant Color Shine Shampoo
Amazon
Pros: Smells beautiful
Makes hair noticeably shinier and softer
Doesn't strip color like most affordable shampoos
Easy to find and super budget-friendly Cons: Might be too lightweight for super dry or damaged hair
I don't have color-treated hair, but commerce writer/editor Kendall Cornish does — and was thrilled to test out Pantene's Pro-V Radiant Color Shine Shampoo. Yes, Pantene is having a comeback. In fact, the brand shouldn't have left the conversation.
Kendall Cornish
It stands out as an exceptional drugstore option for color-treated hair largely in part for its advanced formula designed to protect and enhance color vibrancy. It's infused with a potent blend of Pro-V nutrients and antioxidants to gently cleanse without stripping essential moisture. The end result? A good cleanse, a good price and shiny hydration.
'It's one of those rare drugstore staples that punches above its weight class,' Cornish noted. 'It actually does what it says: leaves your hair soft, shiny and smelling like you just left a salon. It lathers like a dream, which I missed more than I realized, and rinses clean without that squeaky, stripped feeling.'
When used in conjunction with the Radiant Color Shine Conditioner, it provides up to 72 hours of hydration and shine, making it ideal for those who are constantly on the go. The absence of parabens, dyes, mineral oil and drying alcohols ensures that the formula is gentle on the scalp and hair. With that said, you'll reduce the risk of irritation and damage.
'The scent is warm and clean with just a hint of fancy-lady floral, like you washed your hair in the powder room of a Hamptons estate,' Cornish added. 'Lastly, and most importantly, it brings out the richness in my colored hair, which feels like a small miracle at this price point. For everyday shine and prolonged color maintenance, it's a yes from me.'
Amazon includes both the shampoo and conditioner as a set.
Size: 12.6 fluid ounces | Key ingredients: Glycerin, Citric Acid | Scent: Subtle Citrus
How we tested
Some of the shampoos tested, from California Naturals to Kristin Ess.
Victoria Giardina
We've been testing drugstore shampoos for years, but have been professionally scrutinizing each one and reviewing them for at least three months. Here's the criteria we kept in mind:
Viscosity : Before I scare you off with a highly scientific term, this point simply refers to how thick or lightweight the formulation felt in my hands (and then, my hair) once emitted from the tube. Any formulations that were incredibly thick or, on the flipside, far too runny, didn't make the cut.
: Before I scare you off with a highly scientific term, this point simply refers to how thick or lightweight the formulation felt in my hands (and then, my hair) once emitted from the tube. Any formulations that were incredibly thick or, on the flipside, far too runny, didn't make the cut. Scent : Whether a shampoo costs $1 or $100, if it doesn't smell good, it's not worth it, IMHO. I made sure to point out which scents instantly transported me to a salon, among all the shampoos that made the cut.
: Whether a shampoo costs $1 or $100, if it doesn't smell good, it's not worth it, IMHO. I made sure to point out which scents instantly transported me to a salon, among all the shampoos that made the cut. Longevity: Of course, how often you wash your hair is dependent on your hair type and thickness. However, I had a confident understanding of which ones seemed to make my hair flat after using a blow-dryer brush to style and which ones held the blowout for at least two days.
An FAQ on Drugstore Shampoos
Ahead, I interviewed an expert hairstylist on what to know about drugstore shampoos: the 411 before you shop.
Does it really matter what brand of shampoo you use?
Like any product, which one you use can make a difference. Abramite thinks so, too.
'Targeting the usage of shampoo to address specific hair and scalp needs will ultimately grant better styling results and healthier hair overall,' she told The Post.
How often should you wash your hair?
Everyone's shampoo timeline is unique to their hair texture, scalp type and lifestyle.
'Dry hair and scalp will require less shampooing to maintain a moisture balance and oily will need more washing,' Abramite explained. 'I recommend washing hair when it feels dirty and becomes unmanageable.'
Daily shampooing is probably too much unless a vigorous workout lifestyle is involved, too. 'Once a week is probably pushing the limits on maxing out a style and cleanliness,' she said. 'On average, most people shampoo three times a week for best results.'
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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