The 9 Best All-Natural Shampoos for Men, Tested by Grooming Experts

Credit: Florence SullivanPros100 percent biodegradable container 100 percent plant-based ingredients pH balanced formula ConsOne of the smaller bottles on this listTo recap, someone may look to all-natural shampoos for one of three primary reasons. They either A) prefer the nourishment of organic ingredients, B) are looking to naturally attack preexisting issues, or C) want a more eco-friendly product. The Ingreendients Daily Shampoo finds itself at the top of this list because it excels on all three of these levels.The shampoo's formula is led by soothing tea tree oil, which is known to have antibiotic properties that can relieve dry scalp and dandruff. This is in addition to apple cider vinegar, which removes scalp buildup and helps restore the pH balance in hair. Not to mention, there’s also aloe vera to improve hair health and even helps promote growth.All of this is then packed in a 100 percent recycled plastic bottle, and the formula is entirely biodegradable and cruelty-free. But, more than anything, the rich and wide-reaching lather of this shampoo left my hair feeling hydrated and smooth with enough bounce and flow to make styling a breeze. It simply outperforms not only other all-natural options, but popular shampoos across the board.Read More: Best Shampoos for MenKey IngredientsTea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, aloe veraHair TypeAllSize9.6 ozCredit: Florence SullivanProsRefreshing coconut and sandalwood scentB-Corp certifiedSafe for color-treated hair100 percent post-consumer recycled bottleFormulated with at least 99 percent organic ingredients and bottled in 100 percent recycled plastic, it's no surprise this shampoo is B-Corp certified (only given to brands that meet the highest standards of environmental transparency and accountability). And thanks to its coconut and avocado oil-led formula, this shampoo is as nourishing to hair as it is to the environment.As one of the more inclusive all-natural shampoos, California Naturals Daily Shampoo is designed for all hair types, including color-treated hair. Not to mention, it's backed by the brand's "Chief Shampoo Officer," Owen Wilson. Trust me, after one wash with this stuff you'll also be overusing "wow."Read More: Best Beard DyesKey IngredientsCoconut, avocado oil, sunflower extractHair TypeAllSize16.5 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Florence SullivanProsCan be used to clean pretty much anything you can think ofPacked with refreshing peppermint post-consumer recycled plastic bottleConsScent is strong, especially if you don't diluteSure, everybody's heard of a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Maybe you've even tried a three-in-one option with added formulation for the body. But Dr. Bronner's looked at those, scoffed, and added 15 more. That's not a typo; this is an 18-in-one product—and an effective one at that. Sure, it sounds a bit crazy using the same soap you wash your body with for your dishes, but I can confirm that this stuff is effective across the board.This is especially true for hair, as it left my hair looking shiny and feeling ultra-hydrated. That being said, I recommend (as do the instructions on the bottle) diluting the liquid with a three-to-one water/soap ratio (pro tip: you can also cut it with coconut oil for added hydration). This not only will help minimize the strength of the initially overpowering scent, but also keep the bottle lasting forever.Key IngredientsCoconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, palm kernel oil, jojoba oilHair TypeAll (including pet hair by the way)Size25 ozCredit: Florence SullivanPros100 percent vegan and cruelty-free (PETA-Certified)EWG-Verified Plastic-free packagingRefillable bottle ConsIf you prefer some fragrance, this borders on scentlessIt turns out, soy works as an excellent meat replacement as well as a substitute for harsh chemicals often found in standard shampoos. Plus, soy proteins are known to stimulate and strengthen hair follicles to help promote not only healthier but thicker hair. This natural shampoo utilizes the versatile ingredient to its fullest potential by combining it with Indian cress and watercress for added volume and health. This is in addition to it being verified by the Environmental Working Group to ensure there are no ingredients of concern.Key IngredientsSoy proteins, cranberriesHair TypeThinning to normalSize16 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLong-lastingZero-waste Vegan, cruelty-freeConsCan leave thicker hair feeling oily If you're somebody who prefers bar soap to body wash, you'll probably also dig a shampoo bar, although this all-natural option from Church California is stellar enough to make any liquid devotees curious. For those who have never tried one, the major benefits of using bar shampoo are that they're more eco-friendly (read: no plastic container) and more travel-friendly because they're compact with no risk of leakage.Church California's bar offers these and more. It's devised largely of fermented rice water, which helps promote hair growth and hair density. Not to mention, this bar lasts forever (seriously, I've got weeks out of just one of these 3 oz bars). Add in a wonderful woodsy yet somewhat floral aroma, and this shampoo bar is a true winner. Only minor gripe with the bar is that our fine-haired testers found it generally more effective than our thicker-haired testers, noting that it can leave a slightly oily feel.Read More: Best Bar Soap for MenKey IngredientsRice water, olive oil, shea butterHair TypeFine to normalSize3 ozCredit: Florence SullivanProsBoosts scalp healthLeaves fresh feelingSubtle, refreshing scentConsNot ideal for every day useThis scalp-cleansing natural shampoo is led by three powerful ingredients: apple amino acids, baobab oil, and old reliable glycerin. The trio works in tandem to break down grime and oil, hydrate the scalp, and boost hair health. Glycerin is one of the most effective hydrators, which helps strengthen the scalp’s moisture barrier. This is boosted by baobab oil’s ability to rebalance the scalp microbiome, further improving overall scalp health, while apple amino acids gently clear dirt and oil.This left my scalp with that tingly, fresh feeling each wash, as well as hair soft and strong. If you’re someone who washes your hair every day, however, I wouldn’t use this that often. I found its intensive scalp reset can be drying if used several days in a row. But for three or four washes a week, it’s perfect.Key IngredientsApple amino acids, baobab oil, glycerinHair TypeAllSize10 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLarge 24 oz bottleNice earthy scent2-in-1 shampoo and conditionerConsThe cap can sometimes be fickle at first to openDr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 too intense/overwhelming for you? Every Man Jack’s classic 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner is a great scaled-back option where you’ll still save time and money by not buying a dedicated conditioner. There’s glycerin to hydrate, soy to strengthen, and tea tree to thicken—not to mention the scent.This convenient shampoo and conditioner has one of those great, earthy scents that Every Man Jack has become known for. The tea tree gives it a fragrance that smells like waking up in a rainy northwest forest in the best way possible.Key IngredientsCoconut-derived surfactants, glycerin, soy protein, tea treeHair TypeAllSize24 ozHighland The Wash features an all-star line-up of natural ingredients that boost softness and texture, including lentil seed, quinoa seed, and cicer seed. There are also known hydrators like meadowfoam flower, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Plus, there’s caffeine and rosemary oil, which can help hair look and feel fuller.When it comes to everyday washes, this is my go-to. It does everything you want a shampoo to do—cleanse and boost hair health—without stripping the scalp. The scent is nice, but subtle so it never clashes with my cologne or other fragrances, either.Key IngredientsMeadowfoam flower, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, caffeineHair TypeAllSize10.1 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsRemoves oil build-upSulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, and dye-freeLightweightConsNot ideal for every day useNative offers a natural alternative that’s as convenient as Every Man Jack’s 2-in-1, effective at supporting scalp health as Act + Acre, and cheaper than both. And in the case of the latter, Native is less than half the price. This option relies on salicylic acid to remove oil buildup, while avocado oil moisturizes and soothes. It’s pretty lightweight, but just like Act + Acre, I wouldn’t use it every single day. This will likely lead to irritation or dryness.Still, Native’s 2-in-1 is sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, so you can wash in confidence, and the refreshing mint scent is a nice touch. I also find it to be one of the more expansive lathers on this list; I only need about a nickel-sized amount to wash my hair, which, to be clear, I’ve been growing out for eight months. If you have shorter hair, I doubt you’d need more than a dime-sized amount.Key IngredientsSalicylic acid, avocado oil Hair TypeAllSize16.5 ozSean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck. Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.