Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo (23.7 oz)

Name: Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo (23.7 oz)
Brand: Head & Shoulders

PFR Grade

Fair — some plastic content or limited transparency

Contains synthetic fragrance (phthalates), sodium lauryl sulfate, and zinc pyrithione (active ingredient). Head & Shoulders is the most popular shampoo brand in the US. Synthetic fragrance is the main concern.

PFR Caution

Classic clean dandruff shampoo. Head & Shoulders is the most popular shampoo brand in the US.

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

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Personal care products are applied directly to skin for hours or days. The FDA does not require pre-market safety testing for cosmetic ingredients. Many conventional products contain synthetic fragrance (hiding phthalates), parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and 1,4-dioxane.

Synthetic Plastic Content

30%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Head & Shoulders contains synthetic fragrance (hiding phthalates) and sodium lauryl sulfate. The scalp is highly absorptive — synthetic fragrance chemicals applied to the scalp are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

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 shampoo

Health Risk

Endocrine disruption absorbed through scalp

Who Is Most At RiskAdults using conventional shampoo 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.