Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo Ingredients
In this post, you will learn about the safety of Head & Shoulders Classic Clean shampoo ingredients so you can decide whether this anti-dandruff shampoo is for you. Additionally, you will find out about an interesting twist in the story of figuring out which Head & Shoulders ingredients are accurate. So, read on! And if you would like to become a pro in gauging the safety of any shampoo in a matter of seconds, check out my Savvy Consumer Superpower e-book.
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo Ingredients
To begin, as of September 2023, the ingredients in Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff shampoo as listed on their website are as follows:
On the one hand, I believe the following ingredients don’t pose significant concerns when used in small amounts in a personal care product like shampoo:
- sodium lauryl sulfate
- glycol distearate
- sodium chloride
- zinc carbonate
- sodium xylenesulfonate
- dimethicone
- sodium benzoate
- guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, and
- magnesium carbonate hydroxide.
Note that dimethicone is not recommended for curly hair as it might weigh down and flatten the curls. If you would like to learn more about the safety of dimethicone, you can do so by reading my blog post Does Dimethicone Belong In Toxin-Free Makeup?.
And to learn more about guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, turn to my blog post Are Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Safe?.
On the other hand, we need to discuss the remaining ingredients. It’s important so you can make an informed decision about the safety of this anti-dandruff shampoo:
- pyrithione zinc 1%
- sodium laureth sulfate
- fragrance
- cocamidopropyl betaine, and
- blue 1, red 33.
Also, keep reading to see which two harmful ingredients in addition to the ingredients listed above may or may not be in the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff shampoo.
Pyrithione Zinc
First off, pyrithione zinc, or zinc pyrithione, is common in anti-dandruff shampoos and other skincare products. Its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Reportedly, it can also be effective at treating psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) considers it safe when used in anti-dandruff shampoo or other rinse-off hair care products up to a maximum concentration of 1%. In fact, the committee has not found any evidence of its carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or of its reproductive toxicity among the studies available to them (source).
Conversely, the EWG rates pyrithione zinc between 3 and 6 (with 10 as “most toxic”) emphasizing its potential developmental and reproductive toxicity. However, the EWG gives no references to any scientific studies to prove this point. (Learn how to use the EWG Skin Deep Database the right way.)
Along with the EWG, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) describes pyrithione zinc as toxic to reproduction. Also, it’s potentially damaging to the unborn child. In addition, the ECHA refers to it as causing damage to eyes and other organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. As well as very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. To be fair, the ECHA does not specify the amounts or ways of usage of this substance. So, we don’t know if 1% of pyrithione zinc in a shampoo can cause all that.
Also, be aware that medical literature describes instances of allergic reactions to shampoos with pyrithione zinc.
Thus, this study reports that a 33-year-old man developed pruritic rash on his scalp, face, neck, and hands after using a new shampoo containing pyrithione zinc. A patch test revealed a positive reaction to pyrithione zinc and personal shampoo containing this ingredient.
Further, this study describes a case of allergic contact dermatitis in a patient who’d had stable psoriasis for 5 years and no other skin disease. Reportedly, within a week after using a shampoo containing pyrithione zinc, the patient developed severe pustular psoriasis. The patient had many lesions where the product was applied.
Similarly, this study reports a case about a patient who’d had stable psoriasis for 25 years and no other skin disease. Allegedly, within 20 days after using a shampoo with pyrithione zinc, the patient developed an aggravated scaly erythematous patch on the scalp. Simultaneously, the patient developed pustular psoriasis on both forearms. Patch testing showed a relevant sensitization to pyrithione zinc.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
For starters, every foaming shampoo must have foaming agents, also known as “surfactants.” There are two surfactants among the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean anti-dandruff shampoo ingredients:
- sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and
- sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is made by adding ethylene oxide to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This manufacturing process is called “ethoxylation.” The problem with this process is that ethylene oxide is a carcinogen (source). If the manufacturer does not use the vacuum stripping method, 1,4 dioxane, a toxic by-product of this process, may remain in the final product. There is no way for consumers to know if vacuum stripping took place. Personally, I choose not to use or promote on my blog hair care or any other products with ethoxylated ingredients. Check out my blog post Shampoo Brands To Avoid Today for other popular shampoos that have ethoxylated ingredients.
In addition, keep in mind that ethoxylated surfactants might be stripping the hair and scalp of natural moisture too much. That’s probably why there is dimethicone in this Head & Shoulders shampoo because dimethicone moisturizes the hair and makes it shiny by coating it.
Fragrance
First of all, “fragrance” is a mixture of various chemicals used as fragrance dispersants. There are literally more than 3500 varieties of fragrance ingredients for manufacturers to choose from (source)! Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system. I believe it’s a good idea to stay away from fragrances, particularly for families with babies and small children as well as pregnant women, including those planning to conceive. (If you are this woman, you will benefit from my Helpful List Of Chemicals To Avoid During Pregnancy.)
The EWG Skin Deep database rates fragrance 8 out 10 (10 being “most toxic”). In my rating list e-books, I also rate fragrance 8, including so-called “natural fragrance.”
And here is an interesting detail: US law does not require that manufacturers disclose their fragrance ingredients. Much to their credit, Head & Shoulders discloses the fragrance sub-ingredients in their Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff shampoo (which is commendable):
The great news is that there are no phthalates among the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean shampoo fragrance ingredients! As you may know, some phthalates are potential carcinogens and hormone disruptors (source), so it’s great this anti-dandruff shampoo doesn’t have them.
On the other hand, the shampoo fragrance contains potential allergens and sensitizers, namely:
- hexyl cinnamal
- limonene, and
- linalool.
You can learn more about these isolates in my post Is Natural Fragrance Safe?.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
The biggest concern with cocamidopropyl betaine is its potential to cause allergy and sensitization. Thus, the American Society of Contact Dermatitis listed it among allergens even in concentrations as low as 1%. Also, in 2004, it got a title of “Allergen of the Year” due to high rates of cases involving allergic reactions.
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel’s report, the primary concern is related to the presence of impurities, namely DMAPA and amidopropyl dimethylamine (amidoamine), that have the potential to induce skin sensitization. Thus, the amounts of these contaminants present in the Head & Shoulders shampoo ingredient matters a lot. I don’t have any information regarding the purity of cocamidopropyl betaine in this product.
If you would like to know if cocamidopropyl betaine is the same as coco betaine, turn to my post Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Ingredients: Are They Safe?.
Blue 1 And Red 33
To start with, Blue 1 (CI 42090) and Red 33 (CI 17200) are synthetic colorants made from petroleum.
Generally speaking, colorants (or “dyes”) can be of mineral or synthetic origin and may contain traces of heavy metals, as detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (source).
However, in addition to heavy metals, synthetic dyes may contain traces of contaminants specific to petroleum, including carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting benzo[a]pyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). I talk more about that in my post Are There Heavy Metals In Makeup? – check it out!
Further, both Blue 1 and Red 33 are used in hair coloring products. The European Commission allows their use in hair colors at a maximum concentrations of 0.5% (source and source). I don’t have any information as to the amount of these dyes in Head & Shoulders Classic Clean shampoo.
Ultimately, how important are colorants in a shampoo? I hope Head & Shoulders will remove synthetic dyes from their Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff shampoo, just as they have removed a couple of harsh preservatives. Or have they? Read on!
Methylchloroisothiazolinone And Methylisothiazolinone
The main concern with these preservatives, commonly used in cosmetics and shampoos, arises from their sensitizing and allergenic potential. Thus, in 2013, the American Contact Dermatitis Society called methylisothiazolinone “Contact Allergen of the Year.” You can learn more about methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone in my blog posts dedicated to these preservatives.
For your information, sensitization is different from skin irritation. Specifically, a sensitizer is a chemical that causes users to develop an allergic reaction after repeated exposure. Alternatively, irritation appears after the first use. With sensitizers, you may not have an allergic reaction to a product at first but develop it after prolonged use. It’s a nuisance that once a person becomes allergic to something, they stay allergic. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid using products that cause it (source).
Anyway, why am I talking about these preservatives when they are not part of Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff shampoo (as per the screenshot above)?
Here’s the confusing part: while methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone are not listed among this shampoo ingredients on the Head & Shoulders website, they are listed on the label of the product sold on iHerb:
Technically, it is possible that Head & Shoulders has reformulated their anti-dandruff shampoo and removed these two harsh preservatives; hence, we don’t see them on their website any longer. However, as you can see, the older formulation is still out there on the market. So, please, always read products’ labels and avoid the products with potentially unsafe ingredients.
Of course, as a researcher, I wanted to clarify this confusion with the company. The IRLFY team both emailed the company and phoned them twice so we could engage different customer service representatives. However, we didn’t get a satisfactory explanation. One of the reasons may be that customer service reps are not used to questions about shampoo ingredients. Therefore, I encourage you to keep contacting companies and asking them questions. Based on my experience, since I started blogging about product ingredients, I’ve seen many positive changes! The more we ask questions, the sooner those changes will come.
Conclusion About Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo Ingredients
Please Be Aware That Some Ingredients In Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo May Cause Allergy And Sensitization.
In sum, I know that dandruff is a real issue for many people, and Head & Shoulders might be a go-to shampoo for them. Keep in mind that there are different reasons for dandruff and one of them can be dry skin caused by the very shampoo you are using. In other words, switching to a gentle non-drying shampoo without harsh surfactants can do the trick (source). My absolute favorite shampoo is Supergreens.
Relatively speaking, Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ingredients don’t look as bad as those of many other conventional shampoo brands to avoid, especially if they have indeed removed the methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone preservatives. Just be aware that while helping with one thing, some ingredients in this product may cause the emergence of allergies and sensitization. Specifically, look out for and avoid the following ingredients:
- ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs, PPGs, Polysorbates, -eth)
- fragrance
- synthetic colorants
- harsh preservatives (e.g., methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, and benzisothiazolinone).
The I Read Labels For You blog can help you make informed decisions about purchasing safer consumer goods. Check out the hair care section of our non-toxic product shop as well as our e-books and services. Stay healthy and beautiful!
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Dear Irina Thank you for the informative article about Head Shoulders which earlier this year was recommended by a dermatologist for scalp problems. First I have to say I’m a mature lady and have some thinning going on.Within a very short time of using Head and Shoulders shampoo I started experiencing severe hair loss. Head and Shoulders accelerated yhe thinning massively. Within weeks I no have bald spots! Didn’t real8ze it was the Head and Shoulders. Worse yet I was using it sparingly only used it maybe 3x a week..it was truly shocking! And extremely sad. Quit using it and happily the fast shedding stopped. Sadly the bald spots remained. Wah wah wah! At least I know what didvit and I’d like to out the word out. Many,many years ago in my early 30’s I used Head and Shoulders Didn’t effect my hair like this. It seems if you’re already thinning Head and Shoulders Jumpstart the hair loss. I hate to blast prducts,but this deserves it,especially because I’ve seen many other comments back up what I’m saying, it’s hard for me to think the company that produces it doesn’t know.. Thank you for your excellent posts,instantly I trusted you. I send my Blessings,may you have enough success to cheer your heart,but not so much to spoil you!
Dear Joy
Thank you for sharing and your kind words and wishes! We truly appreciate it!
We are sorry to hear about your hair, but, as you mentioned, the good news is that now you know!! Blessings to you, too!!
Hi Irina,
Thank you for the note on shampoos. I avoid using shampoos as much as possible and instead use a mild bodywash or dove soap to wash my hair.
Love this 1 second method. I basically look for fragrance on the ingredients list and if it has it I don’t buy it. Now I know 2 other ingredients that are definitely on a do not buy list. Thank you!
I’m currently still searching for a good shampoo. I’ve tried Acure, Alaffia, & EO without loving any of them yet (& I’ve also only tried one type of those shampoos so maybe I need to experiment a little more). I also don’t know how clean those shampoos/conditioners truly are. I’ve been curious about Innersense & BeautyCounter’s new line of hair care. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you, Kendra, for letting me know. It is always great to hear from you. Could you tell me more why you were not impressed by Acure, Alaffia and EO? What are you looking for in a shampoo? Thanks. ~Irina
My hair feels dry with the ones I’ve tried. Looking for something that doesn’t irritate my scalp and doesn’t make my hair feel dry. I was able to only wash a couple times a week with the ones I’ve tried which I do like.
Hi, Irina. Can’t wait for your next shampoo post. Turned out Hairprint shampoo (didn’t try the color) wasn’t for me, so I’m still looking. My hair likes Carina Organics Unscented, but my scalp isn’t 100% happy. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi, Judy: Great to hear from you! Thanks! Have a great weekend. ~Irina
Hi Judy, if you don’t mind, why didn’t you like hairprint shampoo?
Hi, Natalia. I didn’t remember, so I looked at the many emails back and forth to the company. The Fermented Bamboo made my hair look and feel dry, lifeless, dull, limp and it flattened out my natural waves. It also made my scalp itch. I’ve been using limited ingredient “natural” shampoos for years, so I don’t think it was detox. I kept at it until I almost finished the bottle. Judy
thank you Judy! this is very helpful!
What’s your opinion on Acure ultra hydrating shampoo? Here are the ingredients:
water/eau, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, euterpe oleracea (acai) fruit extract*, rubus fruticosus (blackberry) fruit extract*, rosa canina (rosehips) fruit extract*, punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit extract*, calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract*, matricaria recutita (chamomile) flower extract*, aspalathus linearis (rooibos) leaf extract*, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, betaine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, glycerin, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, potassium sorbate, argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil*, hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) seed oil*, tocopherol acetate, curcubita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, natural benzaldehyde, cinnamomum aromaticum (cassia bark) oil, ubiquinone (CoQ10), argania spinosa callus (argan) culture extract, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) seed extract. *organic ingredient
THANKS!
Thank you, Celeste, for letting me know what you need help with. I am in a process of figuring how I can address your guys’ questions in the most effective way. Please stay tuned. ~Irina
In my research I also came across SheaMoisture Baby Head-To-Toe Wash & Shampoo. I know it’s for babies, but sometimes it’s the only way to stay away from extra ingredients in the list. I haven’t tried this one yet, but the ingredients look impressive.
Ingredients: Deionized water, decyl glycoside (sugar beets), lauroyl lactylate (palm kernel), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)*, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*, sclerocarya birrea (marula) seed oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe vera), persea gratissima (avocado) oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), guar, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower (and) lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract, essential oil blend. *Certified Organic Ingredient
Lately I’ve been using NutriBiotic Everyday Nourish Shampoo. It works well and lathers very well, much better than anything I’ve tried. The ingredients look ok, just the fragrance that worries me.
Ingredients: A botanical infusion (sage, coltstool, yarrow, balm mint, chamomile, rosemary, althea, yucca, wild thyme, and horsetail in pruified water), disodium olefin sulfonate, oleyl betaine, soyamidopropylkonium chloride, polyguaternium-10, glycereth-7 cocoate, citric acid, grapefruit seed extract, panthenol, tea tree oil, glycerin, soy protein, sunflower oil, macadamia nut oil, kukui nut oil, tocopherol acetate, phospholipids, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and natrual fragrance blend.
Thank you for letting me know, Natalia! This is so helpful. I will try to address this in the upcoming posts. ~Irina
Hi Irina, I would LOVE to read more about picking shampoos! I’ve been struggling to find something that cleans my hair with sufficient lather, doesn’t leave a squeaky feel and doesn’t leave my hair greasy a couple of hours after the wash (yes, a big list!).
I’ve been using Alaffia Everyday Coconut and it meets most of my criteria, but I feel like my hair doesn’t stay clean for longer than a day with it. Here are the ingredients (the only one I’m questioning is “aromatic”, not even sure what that is.
Ingredients: Zingiber officinale (ginger) aqueous extract, lauryl glucoside, saponified cocos nucifera (virgin coconut) oil*, decyl gluside, sodium chloride, cocos nucifera (coconut) water*, panthenol, aromatic, coco nucifera (copra) extract, *Certified Fair Trade by IMO.
Hi, Natalia: There was a year when I tested a ton of different shampoos on my hair. I ruined my hair back then but I learned a lot including that shampoos with saponified oils make my hair greasy. I will be talking more about that in my upcoming post. Stay tuned. Irina
that’s good to know … I might be in the same boat here.
Can’t wait for your next post about shampoos!
I’d try Hairprint, but I had an unpleasant experience with their customer service when I tried their hair color and I’m pretty stubborn 😉
I’d read about MCI/MI being bad and one of the possible reactions could be dermatitis which is funny because I’d been using Head and Shoulders to relieve my scalp itching. So I read the labels of my body washes and other shampoos and they all had it – along with various dyes!! That lead me to find your website. Thank you.
Thank you, Judy! I am so happy you found my website. ~Irina
Thank you for this post. I use the Head and Shoulders Classic Clean and now I will change. What shampoo do you use? My children and I all have very dry scalps so we have been using that product. Please do share what you use.
Hi, Lisa! I know! This is the irony of it. My husband used to use Head and Shoulders all the time before I met him and he had bad problems with his scalp. The pyrithione zinc in the Head and Shoulders is also linked with scalp dermatitis. I was using Hairprint shampoo exclusively for almost year and recently found another shampoo I like a lot. I will be publishing a post about the shampoos next week. Stay tuned. ~Irina
Irina, I look forward to that post.