MI free dandruff shampoos

I’ve been asked a few times recently for suggestions for anti-dandruff shampoos safe for those with isothiazolinone allergies. 

Note that many (but not all) varieties of perhaps the most famous anti-dandruff haircare products — Head & Shoulders — do contain MI / MCI. I think it’s worth avoiding even the MI-free ones to eliminate any risk of confusion between products. 

Here is a small selection of safe options, then, although some of the medicated options may not be suited to younger children. Recommendations for others in the comments are most welcome, and like all other product listings, I’ll continue to add to these over time.

 

CLINERAL PSO Scalp Shampoo (US)
A zinc-containing dandruff shampoo, which uses a rare sulfate (sodium tridiceth) which may be more suitable for those avoiding sodium lauryl or laureth. The product is rich in sunflower oil. Free of synthetic fragrances and parabens, it is said to be suitable for psoriasis and sensitive skin ‘approved’. Available from SkinStore. 

Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo (US) / Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo (UK) 
Uses a “proprietary Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend plus healthful vitamins and botanicals” to calm dandruff-prone, itchy, irritated scalp. Vegan, soy free, gluten free, and also free of sulphates, parabens and mineral oils. Whole brand of products is MI/MCI-free too. 

Ecostore Dandruff Control Shampoo (Aus) / Ecostore Dandruff Control Shampoo (NZ)
This is a well-known ‘down under’ MI-free brand, with a wide range of products as well as this dandruff shampoo. Ecostore also has a dandruff control conditioner. Free from cocomide DEA/MEA, dimethicone, parabens, cocomidopropyl betaine, SLS, synthetic colours as well as the isothiazolinoes. 

Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (US) 
This is perhaps the best allergy-friendly version of dandruff shampoo available, as it is also fragrance free and free of all other main sensitisers and triggers, so is easily one of the best for those suffering multiple sensitivities and with highly reactive skin. 

Honeydew Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Kids (US)
Tear-free and sulfate-free natural option for children, which contains tea tree, rosemary and lavender. 

JASON Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo (US) / JASON Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo (UK)
Salicylate based dandruff shampoo from popular and affordable MI-free cosmetic brand. Also helps tackle flaking and itch. Contains menthol, rosemary, olive and jojoba. Claims to help prevent seborrheic eczema. 

Kamedis SEBO Dandruff Shampoo (US)
This is a recommendation from Dana, who administrates the excellent Allergy to Isothiazolinone, Methylishothiazolinone and Benzisothiazolinone Facebook page. It uses ALES / ALS as foaming agents — they’re gentler and SLES / SLS — and is preserved with sodium benzoate and TEA. Fragranced, and said to purify and cleanse scalp.

Neutrogena T/Gel Daily 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo (UK) / Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control(R) 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo (US)
These look like completely different formulations on either side of the Atlantic but both appear safely MI / MCI-free. The UK version is preserved with parabens, and is fragranced, but is free of the 26 declarable fragrance allergens so *may* be suited to someone with common fragrance allergies but still likes a pleasant scent (experiment cautiously though). The US version has gluten and SLS, and contains pyrithione zinc as the active dandruff-countering ingredient. 

Nivea Men Dandruff Shampoo (UK)
Affordable, high-street option for men, which won’t win any ‘natural’ awards or credentials, but is MI-free and widely available at high street chemists and supermarkets. I’m not sure whether available in North America. 

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (UK) / Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (US)
This one contains SLES and the UK version contains no fragrance, while the US does. Its active ingredient is ketoconazole, which is an anti-fungal that can be effective against dandruff as it is helpful against sebarrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp. Widely available.  

Pura D’Or Scalp Therapy Shampoo for Dandruff and Itchy Scalp (US)
This one has argan oil and tea tree, and has a good list of free from attributes — no SLS, parabens, phthalates, artificial colours, petroleum, synthetic fragrances, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, triclosan and gluten. 

 

For plenty of other suggestions for hair products, including conditioners and detanglers as well as other types of shampoos, see this collection of link and safe brands.

8 Comments

  1. Sue

    Ive checked with Olsson Scandinavia and they have confirmed through their technical team that none of their shampoos or conditioners contain MIT or MCT I’m usually no the shampoo

    Reply
    1. MI Free (Post author)

      Can you clarify the end of that comment? Not sure what you’re saying. Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Jane Klingsten

    I’m having trouble navigating where I should a comment about Sun and Earth Laundry detergent. It is no longer MI-free.

    Reply
    1. MI Free (Post author)

      Oh no! Is there a statement online you can direct me towards? Thanks for sharing this, Jane

      Reply
  3. Ertion

    The Jason’s salicylate based dandruff shampoo “Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo” is now called “Anti-Dandruff Scalp Care Shampoo”.

    Plus, they also have a Zinc Pyrithione based dandruff shampoo called “Anti-Dandruff Scalp Care 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner” which looks good on their ingredients.

    Cheers

    Reply
    1. MI Free (Post author)

      Thank you, Ertion!

      Reply
  4. Gal

    Hi, unfortunately Nizoral shampoo (USA) has fragrance. “fragrance” is the sixth listed ingredient under inactive ingredients. I’m looking at my bottle right now. It’s one of the most highly fragranced shampoos I have ever used. It makes me sneeze. However it’s the only anti-dandruff product that works. On average I use it about once a month to keep dandruff in check. It’s a good anti-dandruff shampoo that should stay on this list, but please edit the description where it says it’s fragrance free.

    Reply
    1. MI Free (Post author)

      You’re right! Thanks for this. It’s the UK version which is fragrance-free. I’ve adjusted the text. Much appreciated.

      Reply

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