What Is Micellar Shampoo? Plus the 8 Best Products to Try
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ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2014;volume=6;issue=3;spage=95;epage=99;aulast=GavazzoniDias MFRG. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview.
ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2015;volume=7;issue=1;spage=2;epage=15;aulast=GavazzoniWalters RM, et al. (2012). Cleansing formulations that respect skin barrier integrity.
hindawi.com/journals/drp/2012/495917/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 29, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Mellanie Perez Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN Copy Edited By Sara Giusti Aug 7, 2020 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Chelsea Logan Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN Copy Edited By Sara Giusti Share this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 29, 2022
The Best Micellar Shampoos for Clean Shiny Hair
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 29, 2022Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. You may already be familiar with the benefits of micellar water in your skin care routine, but this gentle cleanser can work just as well in your hair. The micelle molecules that so efficiently trap oil and dirt on your skin do the same on your scalp. They can help clear away product buildup, pollution, sweat, dirt, and oil — all without stripping your skin or overdrying your strands. Read on for a closer look at the benefits of micellar shampoo, plus some of our top product picks.A quick look at the best micellar shampoos
Best for curly hair:Palmer s Natural Fusions Micellar Rosewater CleanserBest for dry hair: Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick Micellar ShampooKerastase Aura Botanica Bain MicellaireTRESemmé Pro Pure Micellar Moisture Daily ShampooBest for all hair types:Herbal Essences Bio Renew Micellar Water and Blue Ginger ShampooKristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar ShampooYves Rocher Anti-Pollution Detox Micellar ShampooL Occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar ShampooWhat is micellar shampoo
Micelles are tiny molecules created in surfactants, which are chemical compounds used in cleansing products. Micelles form when surfactants dissolve in water. As you wash your hair, micelles trap oil, water, and other impurities before being rinsed away. Micellar shampoos are similar to clarifying shampoos, which are designed to remove buildup. Buildup can develop from regularly using styling products, which can accumulate on hair strands and leave residue on the scalp. Buildup can also naturally occur as dead skin cells, sebum, and sweat accumulate. Either way, buildup can cause an itchy, flaky scalp and dull, waxy hair.Why use micellar shampoo
Clarifying shampoos should only be used once per week at most, and never on color-treated hair. However, micellar shampoo is gentle enough to use more frequently for a deep clean and shiny strands. Micellar shampoo may also be a good swap if your current shampoo is leaving your hair feeling dry, or if you live in an urban area and want to wash away lingering pollutants and their odors. As a lighter product that offers a deep clean, micellar shampoo can add volume. That makes it particularly effective on thin and fine to medium hair textures. Keep in mind that because micellar shampoo is so gentle, hair that’s especially gritty or oily may need more cleansing than this product can offer. Before making a purchase, check the ingredients to ensure the product is suited to your hair’s texture and preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of our top picks.How we chose
Not all micellar shampoos are created equal. In our search for the best micellar shampoos, we looked closely at ingredients and chose products that were rated well by online reviewers. We also prioritized companies with good reputations for quality products. Finally, we considered hair type. We chose options for hair that’s naturally curly or dry, as well as options that should work well for all hair types.Pricing guide
$ = under $10$$ = $10–$20$$$ = over $20Healthline s picks of the best micellar shampoos
Best for curly hair
Palmer s Natural Fusions Micellar Rosewater Cleanser
Price: $$Key ingredients: rose water, coconut oilVegan: yes A handy nozzle tip makes it easy to apply this cleanser directly to the scalp. The addition of rose water should help maintain scalp hydration, while the micelles offer a deep, gentle clean. Palmer says its micellar cleanser contains ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced, and the formula is free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, gluten, and GMOs. Reviewers found that it dramatically cut down on frizz and worked well to soften and moisturize dry curls.Shop now at AmazonSchwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick Micellar Shampoo
Price: $$Key ingredients: hyaluronic acidVegan: yes With the addition of hyaluronic acid, a hydrating agent, this micellar shampoo is specifically formulated for dry, brittle hair, or curly hair. The silicone-free formula is meant to gently cleanse and moisturize for softness and shine. Some reviewers reported a silkening effect on their hair.Shop now at AmazonKerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire
Price: $$$Key ingredients: argan oil, coconut oil, orange peel oilVegan: yes This micellar shampoo was created to clean and nourish dry hair, thanks to the addition of argan oil and coconut oils. Reviewers reported the product left their hair feeling soft and lightweight. It’s free of silicones, parabens, and sulfates. However, it does contain sodium chloride, so avoid this shampoo if you have keratin treatments. Sodium chloride can shorten the lifespan of keratin.Shop now at AmazonTRESemmé Pro Pure Micellar Moisture Daily Shampoo
Price: $Key ingredients: coconut acidVegan: yes This micellar shampoo is designed to moisturize dull, dry hair and add shine. It contains no parabens, sulfates, or mineral oils. Many reviewers found that it left their hair feeling sleek, shiny, and moisturized. Plus, they love the light floral fragrance.Shop now at AmazonHerbal Essences Bio Renew Micellar Water and Blue Ginger Shampoo
Price: $$Key ingredients: aloe juice, alpinia galanga rhizome extractVegan: yes Designed to cleanse and refresh dry, limp hair, this formulation is free of silicones, parabens, and dyes. It’s also color-safe and pH-balanced, which may help reduce frizz. At least 90% of its ingredients are naturally sourced with minimal processing, according to the company — but this shampoo does contain sulfates, which can be drying. Reviewers rave about the scent, a blend of ginger, floral, and musk.Shop now at WalmartKristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo
Price: $$Key ingredients: chamomile extract, mango seed butter, avocado and castor seed oilsVegan: yes With its pointed nozzle, the bottle makes it easy to apply the formula directly to the scalp before lathering. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free product that’s both color- and keratin-safe — and it contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or silicones. Instead of swapping out your shampoo completely, try rotating in this micellar shampoo a few times a week to boost shine, clarify, and hydrate the scalp, and lightly moisturize. Shop now at TargetYves Rocher Anti-Pollution Detox Micellar Shampoo
Price: $$Key ingredients: moringa, agaveVegan: yes This dermatologically tested formula is biodegradable and silicone-free. It includes moringa and agave, which are intended to remove pollution residue. Since this product includes sulfates, it doesn’t make it ideal for hair that’s naturally dry. Reviewers found that this micellar shampoo left their hair feeling clean, silky, and weightless.Shop now at AmazonL Occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo
Price: $$$Key ingredients: lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, chamomile essentials oilsVegan: yes Designed for all hair types, L’Occitane’s micellar shampoo includes lemon, orange, rosemary, chamomile, and lavender for a light, fragrant aroma that reviewers love. The formula contains no sulfates or silicones. Reviewers report that it leaves their hair feeling clean, shiny, and voluminous.Shop now at L’OccitaneA comparison of the best micellar shampoos
ProductPriceIngredientsVegan?Palmer s Natural Fusions Micellar Rosewater Cleanser$$rose water, coconut oilyesSchwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick Micellar Shampoo$$hyaluronic acidyesKerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire$$$argan oil, coconut oil, orange peel oilyesTRESemmé Pro Pure Micellar Moisture Daily Shampoo$$coconut acidyesHerbal Essences Bio Renew Micellar Water and Blue Ginger Shampoo$$aloe juice, alpinia galanga rhizome extractyesKristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo$$chamomile extract, mango seed butter, avocado and castor seed oilsyesYves Rocher Anti-Pollution Detox Micellar Shampoo$$moringa, agaveyesL Occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo$$$lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, chamomile essentials oilsyesHow to choose a micellar shampoo
Look for a micellar shampoo that’s designed for your hair type. There are options specifically formulated for curls, for example, or hair that’s prone to dryness. Like any shampoo, micellar shampoos come in various price points. Setting a budget is a good way to narrow your options. It can also be helpful to check customer reviews for feedback from people who have tried the product already. Shopping for small sizes, if they’re available, is a good way to test out a product before spending money on a full-size bottle.Frequently asked questions
Can you use micellar shampoo every day
Micellar shampoos are gentle enough to use daily. But because they’re so gentle, they may not offer the type of cleansing that oily, gritty, or especially dirty hair needs. In that case, they work well as an alternative to your regular shampoo a few times a week.Is micellar shampoo drying
No. Micellar shampoos are similar to clarifying shampoos, in that both help remove buildup. But micellar shampoos don’t remove all of the natural oils from your hair, so they aren’t drying.Is micellar shampoo good for your scalp
Yes. Micellar shampoo is designed to remove buildup, including on the scalp, without stripping the skin. This kind of shampoo can help soothe dry, itchy, flaking, or tightness on the scalp.Takeaway
Natural buildup on the scalp and the accumulation of styling products can make hair feel dull and lifeless. While clarifying shampoos can be a good option to remove that buildup, they may leave your scalp tight and itchy, and your hair feeling stripped. Micellar shampoo is a gentle alternative you can use more frequently for fresh, clean, voluminous hair. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Dias MFRG, et al. (2014). The shampoo pH can affect the hair: Myth or reality?ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2014;volume=6;issue=3;spage=95;epage=99;aulast=GavazzoniDias MFRG. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview.
ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2015;volume=7;issue=1;spage=2;epage=15;aulast=GavazzoniWalters RM, et al. (2012). Cleansing formulations that respect skin barrier integrity.
hindawi.com/journals/drp/2012/495917/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 29, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Mellanie Perez Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN Copy Edited By Sara Giusti Aug 7, 2020 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Chelsea Logan Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN Copy Edited By Sara Giusti Share this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 29, 2022