Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through & make a purchase.
All opinions are honest + my own. All products are put through a 2 week test period conducted on myself.
Shampoo
| Best For: | Note: | |||
| Free & Clear Shampoo | $10 | (Part of the Test-Avoid List) If you have no idea if your acne is a sign you’re reacting to a detergent, this is a good starting test. It’s not my favorite shampoo, but it’s valuable for finding out if you’re reacting to an irritant. | Testing for Irritating Detergents | Not Tested on Animals |
| Live Clean Hydrating Shampoo | $10 | Tested with fine, tangle-prone hair. Everyday use. A longtime favorite of mine! | Everyday Use | Biodegradable Not Tested on Animals |
| Not Your Mother’s Volumizing Shampoo with Linseed, Chia Blend, + French Plum Seed Oil | $10 | Lightweight formula, keeps hair soft and smooth feeling. Allows hair to have a bounce. “Nutrient Rich to Enhance Hair Fiber” (honestly, well put) | Everyday Use Weightless Hydration Silky Volume | Not Tested on Animals |
| OGX Sensually Soft Tsubaki Blossom Shampoo | $11/each (2 pack) | A longtime favorite! Helps with silkiness. Can be hard to find. This has a lovely scent for those who don’t react to fragrance. (Don’t pair with its conditioner, which has DMDM hydantoin.) | Everyday Use Weightless Hydration | |
| Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Maximum OTC Strength Zinc Pyrithione 2% | $11 | For those dealing with dandruff or the sob, fungal acne. Recommend only using 1ce a Month. | Fungal Acne | Not Tested on Animals |
| Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Shampoo | $12 | Nourishing lightweight shampoo. | Everyday Use | Leaping Bunny Certified (Cruelty Free) Vegan |
Conditioner
| Best For: | Note: | |||
| Free & Clear Conditioner | $10 | (Part of the Test-Avoid List) If you have no idea what ingredient your skin is reacting to, this can be a useful basic. It’s free of fragrance + some other common skin irritators. It’s not my favorite conditioner, but it’s useful as a basic test. Sometimes removing most common irritants can help cast a wider net + see if there’s any improvement. | Basic Skin Test Fragrance Free Botanical Extract Free | Not Tested on Animals |
| Live Clean Hydrating Conditioner | $10 | A longtime favorite of mine! Does what it says. | Everyday Use | Biodegradable Not Tested on Animals |
| Not Your Mother’s Volume Boost Conditioner with Linseed, Chia Blend, and French Plum Seed Oil | $10 | Lightweight formula, keeps hair soft and smooth feeling. Provides bounce. | Everyday Use Weightless Hydration Silky Volume | Not Tested on Animals |
| Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave In Conditioner | $19 | Though $19, this bottle will last you 2+ months. A lightweight, nourishing shampoo that helps keep hair tangle-free post-wash. My fine hair gave thumbs up! FYI – some people with sensitive skin can react to mint. | Everyday Use Alt Use: Hair Mask Alt Use: Leave In Conditioner | Black Owned Business Women Founded Vegan Not Tested on Animals |