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Shampoo

Shampoo

Shampoo — Reddit Reviews

by Vanicream

83nextscore24 verdicts

Updated November 3, 2026

Stripped-down fragrance-free cleanser for reactive scalps; can leave hair and scalp dry.

What the community says

A stripped-down, fragrance-free shampoo built for reactive scalps, eczema-prone routines, and occasional clarifying. It suits people avoiding scent and common irritants, but its cleansing can leave hair dry, and it will not control stubborn dandruff.

From Reddit

Backed by 29 threads from r/HaircareScience, r/curlyhair and 6 more.

Read the threads ↓

What people love

  • Fragrance-free, stripped-down formula for reactive scalps
  • Useful maintenance wash for dandruff-prone or buildup-heavy routines

Watch out for

  • Can dry out scalp, trigger flakes, and leave hair needing conditioner
  • Too gentle for removing silicone or heavier buildup
  • Not a dandruff-treatment replacement for persistent itch

Product details

Product Traits

Where to buy

Real Reddit threads — 42 mentions across 29 threads

Vanicream Shampoo on Reddit, in one place — 29 threads from r/HaircareScience, r/curlyhair and 6 more, summarized.

“If you want a frangrance-free human shampoo, try Vanicream. It's what my dermatologist suggested to me.”

Mentioned

“This one has honestly been a life changer for me… I've come to realize my insanely itchy scalp was really just allergies to… something.”

Positive

“I'd say Vanicream's Free and Clear shampoo and conditioner might be close to what you're looking for.”

Positive

“I was worried the Free and Clear shampoo and conditioner would be good for my scalp but not my hair.”

Positive

“I just started using Vanicream shampoo and conditioner and I use a bit of the conditioner as a leave in.”

Positive

“Then, about 2 weeks ago I started using Free & Clear shampoo with 2% zinc”

Positive

“My scalp had been feeling super itchy”

Positive

“After the first shampoo, my shedding has basically disappeared.”

Positive

“Shampoos mentioned frequently: coal tar, vanicream, cerave…”

Mentioned

“use a monthly clarifying shampoo (like Vanicream) followed by a monthly hydrolyzed protein conditioner to keep virgin waves strong without product buildup.”

Mentioned

Dupes & Alternatives

Compare all 6 alternatives

Often paired with

Products Redditors use alongside this one

  • Vanicream Conditioner

    Vanicream

    Conditioner

    Mentioned together in 7 threads

    “I use Vanicream products (the line is called Free & Clear, I use their shampoo, conditioner, and hair gel).”

    — r/Wavyhair

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