Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

Name: Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo
Brand: Head & Shoulders

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

Contains synthetic fragrance (undisclosed phthalates), parabens, and DMDM hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser). Head & Shoulders is one of the most widely used shampoos in the US but has a poor chemical safety profile.

PFR Caution

Anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione. Head & Shoulders is the world's most popular anti-dandruff shampoo.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$8See Safer Alternatives in Personal Care

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Share:X / Twitter Facebook

High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Personal care products are applied directly to skin — the body's largest organ — and many ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The average American uses 9-15 personal care products daily, with women using more. Phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and PFAS are commonly found in conventional personal care products.

Synthetic Plastic Content

30%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Head & Shoulders contains synthetic fragrance (a catch-all term that can hide phthalates), parabens, and DMDM hydantoin — a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. These ingredients are applied to the scalp, which has high absorption. A clean-formula dandruff shampoo is a simple upgrade.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Plastic bottle

phthalates

Source

Synthetic fragrance in conventional shampoos

Health Risk

Endocrine disruption, hormone interference

Who Is Most At RiskAdults and children using conventional shampoos daily

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.