Best Pregnancy Safe Shampoo (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 23, 2026
The Answer
Most shampoos are safe during pregnancy, but many contain ingredients worth avoiding. We've analyzed 940 shampoos and found 27 A grade options free from concerning ingredients like fragrance, phenoxyethanol, and salicylic acid.
Choosing the right shampoo during pregnancy matters because your skin absorbs small amounts of what you apply. Many common shampoo ingredients like synthetic fragrances contain phthalates linked to preterm birth, while preservatives like phenoxyethanol have FDA warnings for nursing products. Opting for fragrance free, simple formulas reduces unnecessary chemical exposure during this sensitive time.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Fragrance free or unscented formulas to avoid hidden phthalates
- • Simple ingredient lists with recognizable components
- • Mineral based dandruff treatments like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole
- • Sulfate free options if you have sensitive scalp
- • Products from brands like Head & Shoulders, Nizoral, or Jason with A grade options
✗ What to Avoid
- • Fragrance/Parfum - contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects
- • Phenoxyethanol - has FDA warnings due to central nervous system effects
- • Salicylic acid - safe at low concentrations but high amounts can cause aspirin like effects
- • Sodium benzoate - may form benzene when combined with vitamin C, shown birth defects in animal studies
- • Benzyl salicylate - caused neural tube defects in animal studies
- • Blue 1 dye - limited human pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral effects
Most Common Ingredients in Shampoo Products
We analyzed 940 shampoo products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Shampoo
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 940 shampoo products we analyzed.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. A common preservative that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. May form benzene when combined with vitamin C, though topical exposure from shampoo is brief.
Found in 608 of 940 products (65%)
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. An umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates. Studies link phthalate exposure during pregnancy to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children.
Found in 519 of 940 products (55%)
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Has FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects. A preservative with FDA warnings specifically for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. While topical absorption is limited, fragrance free alternatives exist.
Found in 252 of 940 products (27%)
parfum
CAUTION
Parfum is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. The international term for fragrance, carrying the same concerns about hidden phthalates linked to preterm birth and developmental effects.
Found in 107 of 940 products (11%)
salicylic acid
CAUTION
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid for acne treatment. Is safe at 2% or less but high concentrations can cause aspirin like effects in late pregnancy. Generally considered safe at concentrations of 2% or less in leave on products. Higher concentrations or oral forms can cause aspirin like effects in late pregnancy including bleeding risk.
Found in 103 of 940 products (11%)
parfum fragrance
CAUTION
Parfum fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. Combined fragrance listing indicating synthetic scent compounds that may contain phthalates and other undisclosed ingredients of concern during pregnancy.
Found in 91 of 940 products (10%)
benzyl salicylate
CAUTION
Benzyl salicylate is a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. Caused neural tube defects in animal studies though skin absorption is very low. A fragrance ingredient that caused neural tube defects in animal studies. While skin absorption is very low, it's easily avoided by choosing fragrance free products.
Found in 84 of 940 products (9%)
benzoic acid
CAUTION
Benzoic acid is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. Related to sodium benzoate with similar concerns about birth defects in animal studies at high doses. Brief contact during shampooing limits exposure.
Found in 75 of 940 products (8%)
Types of Shampoo
How Do Shampoo Products Stack Up?
We graded 940 shampoo products for pregnancy safety. 27 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Shampoo
We found 27 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Pantene Essential Oils Moisturizing Shampoo | — |
| A | Reyhan Shampoo | Farateb |
| A | Mg217 Therapeutic Shampoo | Mg217 |
| A | Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo 8.5 Oz | Aveda |
| A | Head & Shoulders 2 In 1 Dandruff Shampoo And Conditioner, Anti Dandruff Treatment Eucalyptus | Head & Shoulders |
Shampoo to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| D- | Smooth Rose Hips Shampoo | — |
| D+ | Maui Moisture Shampoo Maui Moisture Shampoo | — |
| D | Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo | Aveda |
| D | Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo 33.8Oz | Aveda |
| D | Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo | Aveda |
Your Questions Answered
Is shampoo safe during pregnancy?
Most shampoos are safe to use during pregnancy, but ingredient choice matters. The main concerns are synthetic fragrances that may contain phthalates, and certain preservatives like phenoxyethanol. Look for fragrance free formulas with simple ingredient lists. Of the 940 shampoos we analyzed, 27 received an A grade for pregnancy safety.
What ingredients should I avoid in shampoo during pregnancy?
The top ingredients to avoid are fragrance or parfum (contains phthalates linked to preterm birth), phenoxyethanol (FDA warnings for nursing products), salicylic acid in high concentrations, sodium benzoate, and synthetic dyes like Blue 1. These ingredients appear in over half of commercial shampoos, so checking labels is important.
Is dandruff shampoo safe during pregnancy?
Yes, many dandruff shampoos are safe during pregnancy. Ketoconazole based options like Nizoral received an A grade in our analysis. Zinc pyrithione shampoos like certain Head & Shoulders formulas are also considered safe. Avoid dandruff shampoos containing salicylic acid at high concentrations or coal tar, which has more safety concerns.
Can I use dry shampoo while pregnant?
Dry shampoo can be used during pregnancy, but choose carefully. Many contain fragrance and propellants that may be concerning. Look for unscented options like Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Unscented Dry Shampoo, which received an A grade. Avoid using dry shampoo in poorly ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of any aerosol particles.
What are the safest shampoo brands for pregnancy?
Based on our ingredient analysis, brands with A grade pregnancy safe options include Head & Shoulders (several dandruff formulas), Nizoral, Jason, Aveda, Pantene Essential Oils line, and Earth Science. These brands offer formulas free from the most concerning ingredients like synthetic fragrance and phenoxyethanol.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11921639/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26014016/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9003278/
- https://motherfigure.com/safe skincare/sodium benzoate/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bdrb.20187
- https://millionmarker.com/pages/pregnancy fertility chemical sodium benzoate
- https://turkishneurosurgery.org.tr/pdf.php?id=1502
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X18312488
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what to know about sodium benzoate
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sodium benzoate
- https://mothertobaby.org/studies/ut refer gastro/?print=print
- https://hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=SODIUMBENZOATE
- https://www.mondstar.com/buying guide/sodium benzoate buying guide/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13102818.2016.1224979
- https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical guidance/committee opinion/articles/2017/08/antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3821876/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62131-7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
- https://www.mandysacher.com/blogs/6toppreservativestoavoid
