7 Best Shampoo When Pregnant in 2025 (Safe, Sulfate-Free & OB-GYN Recommended)
Introduction
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey — but let’s be honest, it comes with a whirlwind of changes. From shifting hormones to unexpected skin sensitivities, everything from your skincare routine to your shampoo might need a rethink. Finding the best shampoo when pregnant can be tricky, but choosing the right one is essential for both you and your baby’s safety.
One area many expecting moms overlook? Their haircare products.
Surprisingly, many shampoos contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that aren’t ideal during pregnancy. The good news? There’s a growing list of gentle, pregnancy-safe shampoos designed to keep your hair healthy without exposing you or your baby to unnecessary risks.
Let’s dive into why you should consider switching, what to look out for, and the 7 best shampoos when pregnant — tried, tested, and trusted by moms worldwide.
Why You Should Switch to a Pregnancy-Safe Shampoo
During pregnancy, hormonal shifts can affect your scalp’s sensitivity, oil production, and hair texture. Plus, some ingredients found in everyday shampoos might not be the safest for expecting moms.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Sulfates: Strips natural oils, can cause scalp irritation.
- Parabens: Linked to hormonal disruption.
- Phthalates: Potential developmental toxin.
- Synthetic fragrance: May trigger headaches, nausea, or allergic reactions.
Switching to a gentle, sulfate-free, pregnancy-safe shampoo helps maintain scalp health while minimizing chemical exposure.
How to Choose the Right Shampoo When Pregnant
Look for:
✔️ Sulfate-free formulas
✔️ Plant-based, hypoallergenic ingredients
✔️ Fragrance-free or naturally scented
✔️ Dermatologist-tested or OB/GYN-approved products
Avoid products with long, unpronounceable chemical names and lean toward clean, organic options when possible.
🥇 7 Best Shampoos When Pregnant in 2025
1️⃣ Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash
If you’re after an ultra-gentle formula, this one’s a winner. Originally created for sensitive baby skin, it doubles as a pregnancy-safe shampoo and body wash.
Why we love it:
✔️ Hypoallergenic and plant-based
✔️ Free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrance
✔️ Gentle enough for daily use
Possible downside:
- Very mild cleansing power — better for normal to dry scalps.
Ideal for: Moms with sensitive or reactive skin.
👉 Check it out on Amazon
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash - Shea Butter, Calendula & Aloe Vera - EWG Verified - Cruelty-Free - Vegan - Pediatrician Tested - For Babies & Kids
2️⃣ Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Wash
More than just a calming baby wash, this shampoo soothes both your scalp and senses with natural lavender essential oil.
Highlights:
✔️ Organic calendula calms irritation
✔️ Naturally scented with essential oils
✔️ No triclosan, parabens, or artificial fragrance
Drawback:
- Lavender scent might be a little too strong for scent-sensitive moms.
Best for: Evening showers or before bed to help wind down.
👉 See details on Amazon
Earth Mama Calming Lavender Baby Wash Liquid Hand Soap Refill, Organic Body Wash for Sensitive Skin, All Purpose Castile Soap Liquid with Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Calendula & Aloe, 34 fl oz
3️⃣ Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo
Known for its clean ingredient list, this coconut-based shampoo gently cleanses while protecting your scalp’s natural oils.
Perks:
✔️ Sulfate, paraben, and silicone-free
✔️ Includes olive leaf extract and vitamin E
✔️ Ideal for oily or combination hair
Heads-up:
- Not entirely fragrance-free, but uses natural scents.
Perfect for: Moms with oilier hair types who still want a lightweight, plant-based formula.
👉 View it on Amazon
Puracy Shampoo, Gently Clarifying for All Hair & Scalp Types, Perfect Hair from Pure Ingredients, Enriched with Rosemary Oil to Stimulate Hair Growth, Sulfate-Free and Color Treated-Safe, 12 Oz
4️⃣ The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Shampoo + Body Wash
A fan-favorite among natural beauty lovers, this gentle shampoo is tear-free and hypoallergenic.
Why it’s great:
✔️ Clean formula, no harsh chemicals
✔️ Mild coconut-derived cleansers
✔️ Dermatologist-tested
Cons:
- Might need more product for thicker hair.
Ideal for: Moms with normal to fine hair seeking a simple, safe shampoo.
👉 Check current price on Amazon
The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash for Sensitive Skin | Gentle for Baby | Naturally Derived, Tear-free, Hypoallergenic | Fragrance Free, 18 fl oz
5️⃣ SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
If your hair is dry, brittle, or color-treated, this moisture-packed formula will be your best friend during pregnancy.
Key benefits:
✔️ Rich in shea butter and argan oil
✔️ Deeply nourishes and restores elasticity
✔️ Safe for pregnant women
Possible downside:
- May feel too heavy for very fine hair.
Best for: Thick, dry, or damaged hair types.
👉 Shop it on Amazon
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Deep Moisturizing with Sea Kelp & Argan Oil, Sulfate Free & Silicone Free, Curly Hair Products, Family Size, 13 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
6️⃣ Attitude Super Leaves Moisture Shampoo
An eco-conscious pick that’s as good for the planet as it is for your hair.
Standout features:
✔️ EWG Verified clean formula
✔️ Quinoa and jojoba proteins nourish and strengthen
✔️ Mild apple blossom scent from natural extracts
Minor con:
- Less lather compared to traditional shampoos.
Great for: Eco-minded moms who prefer clean beauty options.
👉 Find it on Amazon
ATTITUDE Moisture Rich Hair Shampoo, EWG Verified, For Dry and Damaged Hair, Naturally Derived Ingredients, Vegan and Plant Based, Quinoa and Jojoba, 16 Fl Oz
7️⃣ Cantu Shea Butter Cleansing Cream Shampoo
For textured, curly, or thick hair, this one’s a staple. It gently removes buildup without stripping natural moisture.
Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Sulfate, paraben, and silicone-free
✔️ Enriched with shea butter and coconut oil
✔️ Leaves curls soft and manageable
Watch out:
- Slightly heavier formula — not ideal for super fine hair.
Perfect for: Curly, coily, and textured hair types.
👉 See more on Amazon
💡 Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself and swap out products for cleaner, safer alternatives. Thankfully, the beauty world is catching up — offering more natural, effective, and pregnancy-friendly shampoos than ever before.
Whether you need deep moisture, scalp-soothing ingredients, or a clean daily cleanser, there’s a gentle, effective shampoo here to suit your needs.
Pro tip: Pair your shampoo with a mild, pregnancy-safe conditioner for extra hydration and protection.
