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It’s no surprise that many of us want to see the word “coconut” on the label when looking for hair and skincare products.
Coconut oil and other coconut-based ingredients have been proven to deliver great benefits for the hair and skin — and they’re natural!
Shampoos and conditioners with coconut oil or coconut derivatives are usually a good choice.
But that’s not the case for people with allergies or skin sensitivity triggered by coconut-based ingredients.
Also, some hair types and scalp concerns require shampoos with no coconut. So finding the best coconut-free shampoos is essential for medical reasons and simple hair care.
The prevalence of coconut ingredients in shampoos means finding coconut-free shampoo and conditioner can now be difficult. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
Keep reading because we’ve gathered a list of the best shampoos without coconut oil and shampoos without coconut-derived ingredients for your needs!
- Mild formula that works great for kids and adults
- Rich in antioxidants for deep cleansing and improves scalp health
- Formulated safe for daily use
- Rehydrates hair to improve strength
- Gentle formula safe for the hair, face, and body
- Has natural ingredients
- Deeply cleanses hair and scalp
- Soothes scalp from damage due to eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis
- Removes buildup from hair treatments and styling
Why Most Shampoos Have Coconut
Coconut-based ingredients became popular because of their known benefits to the hair and skin. Coconut oil delivers a moisturizing effect and prevents protein loss, which helps strengthen every strand.
Fatty acids found in coconut have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
So it works great in treating dandruff and soothing irritated scalp. Other commonly used coconut derivatives are natural and gentle surfactants with a mild cleansing effect.
Coconut basically has everything you want in a shampoo.
So don’t be surprised if you find it harder to look for hair products without coconut oil and other coconut derivatives.
Reasons To Start Using Coconut-Free Shampoo
Despite the undeniable benefits one can get from using shampoos with coconut, there are exceptional cases where it could be medically detrimental.
For others, the mere type of hair or skin they were born with is enough reason to switch to a shampoo without coconut.
Coconut Allergy and Skin Sensitivity
Studies have shown that coconut allergy is rare, but it does exist. There are also records of individuals that suffer from contact dermatitis to coconut.
Adverse reactions to coconut vary, but they’re all valid reasons to start using coconut oil-free shampoos and switch to shampoos without any coconut-derived ingredients.
Coconut sensitivity and intolerance are more common, but they lead to less aggressive reactions than allergies.
Still, they’re enough reasons to opt for coconut-free hair products to avoid any uncomfortable experience with hair products.
Low-Porosity Hair
The structure of cuticles in low-porosity hair makes it harder for strands to absorb moisture.
Shampoos with coconut oil, a relatively heavy oil, may not work well for low-porosity hair because it could lead to a flaky scalp or product buildup.
That said, coconut oil can still work for low-porosity hair when used in different methods.
You can get the best experience when you use it pre-poo, when it’s in a conditioner, or when it’s applied (in small amounts!) for post-wash detangling.
Dry and Brittle Hair
Coconut oil and other coconut derivatives moisturize the hair. But there are rare cases where coconut-based shampoos seem to make things worse for dry hair.
One of the likely explanations is that coconut oil may be blocking their hair cuticles, leaving little room for moisture to penetrate the strands.
Coconut oil helps the hair from losing protein, which is great. But for people with blocked hair cuticles, this could result in hair protein overload that causes breakage.
If this is your experience, consider using shampoos without coconut oil or switch to protein-free shampoos.
Spots on Your Scalp
Coconut oil isn’t necessarily bad for an oily scalp.
But if you notice the appearance of spots on your scalp after using a shampoo rich in coconut oil, you may want to change your hair product.
These spots are commonly caused by clogged hair follicles or scalp pores.
They usually appear due to the overproduction of oil or sebum as well. You’ll have to switch to a coconut oil-free shampoo when this happens.
7 Best Coconut-Free Shampoos
Unfortunately, the great benefits of coconut in shampoos make it quite challenging to find products that don’t have coconut or coconut derivatives. But we’re here to make it easy!
Here, you’ll find the best coconut-free shampoos you can try if you’re allergic to them.
But if you’re looking for shampoos without coconut oil due to specific hair and scalp concerns, we also found the best shampoos with very few coconut derivatives.
Best Completely Coconut-Free Shampoos
Your search is over for a coconut-free shampoo to soothe your scalp from skin issues while deeply cleansing your hair!
Key benefits: Anti-inflammatory effect for various scalp issues; safe for color-treated hair; removes buildup from hair extensions and weaves
Features:
- Theobroma cacao seed butter has conditioning effects that make the hair shinier and softer
- Plantain skin has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to treat scalp damage
- Tea tree oil soothes the scalp and prevents the overproduction of oil and sebum
It’s a coconut-free powerhouse that can relieve scalp irritation caused by several skin disorders.
Finding a completely coconut-free shampoo is tough, but finding Alodia Nourish & Heal Organic Black Soap Wash will make it all worthwhile.
Despite the lack of coconut oil and coconut derivatives, you’ll still get a whole lot of natural ingredients with great benefits and a gentle cleansing formula for your hair.
If you’ve had a hair installation, such as extensions, weaves, and braids, you’ll also find this shampoo extremely helpful in removing any buildup without drying your hair and scalp.
It’s filled with ingredients that treat irritation and inflammation caused by skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
And that makes this shampoo a great option even if you’re looking for something that will soothe your scalp for every reason imaginable.
Please note that this shampoo contains palm oil. If you are sensitive to that as well this is one you will want to avoid.
Specifically formulated for anyone with coconut allergy. Enjoy a worry-free hair care routine!
Key benefits: Without coconut and other common allergens; produces gentle lather for your hair, face, and body; contains organic jojoba oil to reduce hair damage
Features:
- Organic cocoa butter rehydrates and nourishes the hair while improving the scalp’s overall health
- Castor oil has natural moisturizing properties and strengthens the hair to reduce breakage
- Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids with reparative characteristics for dry and damaged hair
This shampoo can be used as a body cleansing bar for sensitive skin too!
Don’t let the simple packaging fool you because this is one of the best products you’ll find if you’re allergic or sensitive to coconut.
Yes, it’s completely free of coconut, and it’s formulated without other common allergens as well!
It’s budget-friendly, but what gives it great value is that it’s gentle enough to be used for washing your face and body!
Despite its price and modest appearance, you’ll be surprised by the number of natural ingredients it has. Together, they’ll nourish and moisturize your strands, repair damage, and strengthen your hair.
Originally formulated for kids but works well for adults with coconut allergies!
Key benefits: Has natural ingredients without coconut oil and coconut derivatives; improves scalp health; safe for daily use
Features:
- Antioxidants-rich orange and lime for gentle cleansing and preventing hair fall
- Seaweed strengthens hair strands and helps keep the scalp clean
- Aloe vera extract controls oil production and protects strands from UV damage
It’s truly one of the best coconut-free shampoos that don’t skimp on other effective, natural ingredients.
Clean Kids Naturally Tropical Orange Burst Shampoo is one of the few shampoos you’ll find that doesn’t contain coconut oil or any coconut derivative.
But it’s still filled with natural ingredients like orange and lime to promote deep cleansing and keep your hair clean. Expect a gentle cleansing effect, however. After all, it was originally formulated for kids!
But even for the young at heart, this hair product is still worth the try, especially for those with coconut allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity.
Best Coconut Oil-Free Shampoos (With Few Coconut Derivatives)
If you have oily hair and scalp issues and want to remove buildup gently, this is the one for you!
Key benefits: Formulated for oily and fine hair, reduces greasiness without stripping moisture, brightens hair with natural ingredients
Features:
- Chamomile extract has antiseptic properties to unclog hair follicles
- Aloe vera gel deeply cleanses an oily scalp and strengthens strands to reduce hair fall
- Antimicrobial lavender essential oil prevents bacterial and fungal growth on the scalp
It’s true! You can keep your scalp and hair healthy even with a shampoo that has minimal coconut in it.
Oily hair can lead to more issues, such as a flaky scalp and clogged follicles. So you’ll be thankful to find Real Purity Chamomile Shampoo to keep things under control.
Aside from being natural, its ingredients were carefully selected to deliver the most significant benefits for your hair and to maintain a healthy scalp.
But this isn’t the shampoo for you if you have a severe coconut allergy. Its ingredient list includes some coconut derivatives, such as glycerin and decyl glucoside.
There’s no coconut oil, but this shampoo is infused with essential oils like lavender, sage, and rosemary, all known to promote hair growth.
Damaged and dry hair got nothing on this anti-breakage shampoo with an intensely moisturizing formula.
Key benefits: Hydrates and strengthens hair to prevent breakage, reduces hair tangles, promotes hair growth
Features:
- Kalahari oil reinforces the lipid barrier to keep the hair and scalp hydrated
- Baobab oil reduces frizz and nourishes hair after treatments and coloring
- Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids make hair softer and more manageable
By bringing moisture back to every strand, your hair will be stronger and look healthier!
This coconut oil-free shampoo features rare natural oils like kalahari, oleaster, baobab, and mongongo oils that repair hair damage and protect cuticles to bring shine back to every strand.
Rehydration and nourishment are also vital in strengthening hair strands. These are just some of the primary benefits of The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote Shampoo.
While it can deeply cleanse every strand, it has a formula that won’t completely strip out natural oils and is gentle enough for daily use.
Some of the coconut derivatives in its ingredients are cocamidopropyl betaine, caprylic/capric triglycerides, and glycerin.
If you want a low-lather formula, then this one’s for you!
Key benefits: Cleanses without weighing down your hair, works well for all hair types; has creamy lather for gentle cleansing
Features:
- Panthenol helps retain moisture in hair strands to reduce frizz and dehydration
- Sulfate-free to avoid stripping down natural oils and hair color
- Vegan ingredients
It’s a wonder how this can still deliver deep cleansing with a milder, low-lather formulation.
The word “gentle” in its name specifically means it provides a creamy lather to ensure you’re deeply cleansing every strand without removing natural oils and moisture.
This gentle formula also means it’s safe to use on color-treated hair.
Its intensive rehydrating formula makes it a great companion for people with curly hair. But the brand says it also works well for straight hair. And it comes in three fragrance variants too!
For the No Fragrance variant, the coconut derivatives in this shampoo are cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoyl isethionate.
Treat your dry hair with a vegan-formulated shampoo that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Key benefits: Long-lasting moisturizing effect to soften hair; improves manageability and elasticity, reduces frizz
Features:
- Argan oil promotes a healthy scalp and lessens breakage
- Pumpkin contains biotin that aids hair growth and keratin production
- Aloe vera leaf juice moisturizes and soothes the scalp
Expect your hair strands to get stronger and softer at the same time!
Frizzy and hard-to-manage hair are some of the worst results you can experience when your strands lose moisture.
But thanks to Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, managing these hair concerns has been more accessible than ever!
This shampoo does include some coconut derivatives such as sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, cocoglucosides hydroxypropyltrimomium chloride, sodium cocoyl glutamate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
But it’s vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, and formaldehyde-free, so it should be safe to use if your main concern is low-porosity, dry hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Use Shampoos With Coconut Derivatives?
One study found that most coconut derivatives don’t cause adverse skin reactions. So if you’re looking for coconut-free shampoos for hair concerns, you shouldn’t avoid hair products with coconut derivatives.
But it’s a different story if you have a coconut allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance. Avoid health risks by choosing shampoos without coconut oil and coconut-derived ingredients.
Always check the label, especially if you have an allergy. And familiarize yourself with some of hair products’ commonly used coconut derivatives.
It’s also good practice to always perform a patch skin test 48 hours before using a new shampoo.
Does Coconut Oil Clog Hair Follicles?
Yes, but it’s avoidable. Coconut oil is heavy, so it can easily clog skin pores and hair follicles when used in large amounts. And that can adversely affect hair growth and cause scalp irritation.
Aside from controlling the amount of coconut oil you use, avoid applying it directly on your scalp. And never leave it on your hair overnight!
Is My Scalp Allergic to Coconut Oil?
Sometimes, people are not aware that they have allergies to coconut oil.
One of the ways to know if you’re allergic is when your scalp starts to become itchy often or it becomes red and flaky all of a sudden. This is called scalp dermatitis.
What Hair Types Should Not Use Coconut Oil?
If you have fine to medium hair that is dull and lifeless, then you can use coconut oil on your hair. The protein from coconut oil will breathe new life into your tresses.
On the other hand, if you already have dry, coarse, or stiff hair, avoid using coconut oil to avoid protein overload.
Start Using Coconut-Free Shampoos
It’s not easy finding a very effective shampoo that doesn’t have that one product you’ll almost always find in hair and skin care products: coconut.
But it’s not impossible, and you can completely avoid coconut (and its derivatives) or opt for shampoos that don’t have coconut oil by looking for a shampoo without coconut derivatives, such as those on our list.
And great news! Skipping the coconut doesn’t mean you’re missing out on great hair benefits, thanks to the natural ingredients of the best coconut-free shampoos.
