Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Review + 9 Best alternatives
If you are looking for a Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Review or you want to know more about anti-residue shampoos, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll first tackle what anti-residue, purifying, and clarifying shampoos are. Then, we’ll give an in-depth review of Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. We’ll look closely at its ingredients, uses, and side effects. Last, we’ll explore other clarifying shampoo alternatives available on Amazon today.
Anti-Residue, Purifying, And Clarifying Shampoo
What is Anti-Residue Shampoo?
Anti-Residue Shampoo is also called Residue-free, Clarifying, or Purifying Shampoo. This type of Shampoo has a more potent formula for deep cleansing the scalp and hair. It is meant for occasional use, usually after using large amounts of hair serums and treatments or after swimming in chlorinated pools.
Regular shampoo or Coconut oil can clean our scalp and hair. However, these cannot remove dirt, oil, dead skin, mineral buildup, and product remnants that accumulate over time. All of these become residues that make hair greasy and limp. Sometimes, it also causes dandruff and hair fall.
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
In a convenient 6-fluid ounce bottle, this clarifying shampoo removes up to 90% of dulling residue from shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Gently cleanse and boost volume, enhancing your daily shampoo’s performance. Suitable for all hair types, use it weekly for a thorough cleanse, leaving your hair refreshed and ready for the week ahead!
How do I know if my Shampoo is Clarifying?
To know whether your shampoo is Anti-Residue, Clarifying, or Purifying, look for the following:
First, check the product label. It must explicitly say it is Anti-Residue, Residue-Free, Clarifying, or Purifying Shampoo.
Second, examine the ingredients. Regular Shampoos often use cleansing detergents like sulfates. While Clarifying Shampoos use surfactants. Some examples of surfactants are:
- Ammonium-sodium lauryl sulfate
- Chloride or bromide (or derivatives of these two)
- Cetyl-fatty alcohols
Last, see the water content. Clarifying shampoos usually have a higher water content that makes them easy to rinse off, so they won’t leave any gunk in your hair.
Anti-Residue Vs.
Detoxifying Shampoo
Clarifying or Anti-Residue Shampoo relies on synthetic components to provide its signature deep cleanse. Detoxifying Shampoo works the same but uses natural ingredients instead of synthetic formulas.
Clarifying Shampoo Vs. Dandruff Shampoo
Clarifying Shampoos are made for deep cleansing, not for treating dandruff. Unless the Clarifying Shampoo has ingredients that help control dandruff, you should stick with dedicated Dandruff Shampoo to stop flaking.
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Overview
Who is Neutrogena?
Neutrogena is a well-recognized and trusted American skin and hair care brand that creates high-quality products for all skin and hair types. This company has been considered one of the pillars of the hair and skin care industry for over 90 years! One of their best-selling products is the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo.
What is Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo?
The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo is Amazon’s best-seller in the Clarifying and Anti-Residue Shampoo category. As a matter of fact, it has sold more than 8,000 products.
This Anti-Residue Shampoo claims to be tough on impurities but gentle and non-irritating on the scalp and hair. It is formulated to remove up to 90% of heavy residues from shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products that make hair flat and dull.
Aside from deep cleansing, this Clarifying Shampoo aims to offer the following hair benefits as well:
- Enhance hair volume by rinsing away buildup
- Strip away hair discoloration caused by hair styling products
- Gentle on color-treated treated hair
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Ingredients
Other Surfactants and Cleansing Agents
The other surfactants that act as foaming and cleansing agents found in Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo are Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, and Sodium Hydroxide.
What is Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a widely used detergent or surfactant made from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. It is often found on shampoos, cleaning products, and other personal care items. It combines with the grease and dirt on your scalp and hair, making them easy to rinse.
SLES has recently been under scrutiny because of its potential health risks. SLES can irritate the skin and the eyes. It can also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen that can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where it can cause organ damage.
Other Ingredients
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo also contains the following ingredients:
- Propylene Glycol is a synthetic compound that helps your scalp absorb all the ingredients by attracting and locking in moisture to your scalp.
- Glycerin draws moisture and helps hydrate your hair.
- Sodium Chloride or table salt in the formula to enhance the viscosity of the Shampoo.
- Citric Acid helps reduce hair’s pH, making it less frizzy or more manageable.
- DMDM Hydantoin an additive that prevents spoilage and preserves your Shampoo.
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
How to Use Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo on Dreadlocks
- Wet your dreadlocks and scalp well.
- Add some Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo to your hands.
- Massage it to your scalp gently but thoroughly with your fingertips.
- Work it gently on your hair as well.
- Rinse with lots of water. Let the shampoo flow through your dreadlocks and avoid touching new locks as much as possible to preserve their shape and style.
- For those with mature dreadlocks, you can opt to squeeze them to wring out the Neutrogena shampoo.
- Repeat the entire process once more or until satisfied.
Where to buy Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo?
The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo is available on Amazon.
Neutragena Anti-Residue Shampoo
In a convenient 6-fluid ounce bottle, this clarifying shampoo removes up to 90% of dulling residue from shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Gently cleanse and boost volume, enhancing your daily shampoo’s performance. Suitable for all hair types, use it weekly for a thorough cleanse, leaving your hair refreshed and ready for the week ahead!
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Reviews
The company discontinued the production of Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, but it is very much still available on Amazon today.
Bottomline
To summarize this Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo review, I would say that while this Clarifying Shampoo works well for most users, the product formula can use some improvements to minimize potential irritation and health risks.
If you’re looking for Anti-Residue Shampoo alternatives, read on to learn more about the best-rated Clarifying Shampoos on the market.
10 best Rated Clarifying Shampoo Reviewed
Here are the best Clarifying and Anti-Residue Shampoos to deeply clean your scalp and hair, as well as protective hairstyles like dreadlocks and microlocs.
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dry Hair
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo Review:
People with dry hair have difficulty finding the ideal Clarifying Shampoo because most shampoos will only worsen matters. If that’s you, then you don’t have to struggle anymore. The Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, 8.5 oz is hands down the best Clarifying Shampoo for dry hair.
The Shampoo features fantastic ingredients that clean and hydrate your hair and scalp. The Shampoo uses Lavender, Chamomile, Avocado, and Rosemary extracts for cleaning purposes. While Keratin, Jojoba seed extract, and Argan oil will moisturize and strengthen your dry hair.
Many users are also satisfied with how effectively this Clarifying Shampoo removes impurities from using hard water. The hair feels clean and soft right after every wash.
How to Use
Apply the Shampoo on the wet scalp and hair. Add enough, but not too much, water to get the best out of each ingredient. Rinse it off thoroughly.
Pros:
- Formulated to cleanse and moisturize scalp and hair deeply
- Contains high-quality natural ingredients
- Excellent customer feedback
Cons: This Clarifying Shampoo is a little pricey.
Bottomline: If you need a Clarifying Shampoo to remove the impurities from hard water and provide moisture to your dry hair, then Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is what you need.
Pattern Clarifying Shampoo
Best Shampoo for 4c Low Porosity or Fine Hair
Pattern Clarifying Shampoo Review:
Curly and kinky hair types require more hairstyling products, often leading to hair buildup. At the same time, they are more prone to dryness and breakage. That is why it is essential to use a Clarifying Shampoo explicitly formulated for type 3 and 4 hair.
The Pattern Clarifying Shampoo is an incredible option for everyone with curly hair. It does all the necessary deep cleansing without affecting stripping hair’s natural oils and moisture.
This Clarifying Shampoo for curly hair does the job using keenly selected ingredients. It does not contain Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, and Formaldehyde. Instead, it uses gentle yet effective cleansing alternatives like Tea tree leaf oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Hydroxide, among others.
It also has Aloe Vera, Coconut oil, and Honey to keep the curls and coil hydrated and healthy.
How to Use
Massage the Shampoo onto your freshly cleaned hair and scalp thoroughly, then rinse it. Follow it with a conditioner.
Pros:
- Formulated for curly hair
- Uses gentle and non-stripping cleansing ingredients
- Contains natural ingredients that hydrate and nourish hair
- Color-safe
- Free of Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, and Formaldehyde
Cons: It comes in small bottles.
Bottomline: The Pattern Clarifying Shampoo is an excellent Clarifying Shampoo that deep cleans and hydrates low-porosity hair.
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo
All-Natural & Sulfate-Free: Best Vegan Clarifying Shampoo
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo Review:
The Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo is an excellent choice for an all-natural, gentle, deep cleanser. This EWG-certified Shampoo is sulfate-free, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, biodegradable, and free from synthetic fragrances and parabens that can cause irritation and health risks.
The Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo, 11 oz. (Pack of 2) contains powerful natural ingredients like Lemon essential oil, Vitamin E, Quinoa protein, and Aloe Vera. Not only do these ingredients exfoliate residues, but they go as far as hydrating your hair, giving it a great glow.
How to Use
Massage the Shampoo gently throughout your wet hair and scalp. Rinse it off and then follow it with a Lemon Clarifying Conditioner.
Pros:
- Gentle and hydrating formula
- Contains all-natural deep cleansing and nourishing ingredients
- Excellent customer feedback
- Affordable.
Cons: Some find the lemon scent overpowering for them.
Bottomline: If you are looking for an affordable all-natural Anti-Residue Shampoo that will remove impurities and restore your hair’s natural texture and shine, then Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo is a great buy.
Head & Shoulders Supreme Detox & Hydrate
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp
Head & Shoulder Supreme Detox & Hydrate Shampoo Review:
The Head & Shoulder Supreme Detox & Hydrate Shampoo is a dermatologically-recommended shampoo primarily formulated to purify and nourish the scalp to allow hair to grow strong and healthy.
It uses gentle cleansing and hydrating ingredients like Coconut water and Argan oil to detoxify the scalp of impurities and moisturize the hair simultaneously. The Head & Shoulder Supreme Detox & Hydrate Shampoo is free of potential irritants like Parabens, Phosphates, Dyes, Ethanol, and Phthalates.
In addition to cleaning your hair, this Head & Shoulders Detox and Hydrate Shampoo 11.8 Fl Oz Twin Pack has 1% Pyrithione Zinc, an ingredient that effectively gets rid of dandruff.
How to Use
Use this Shampoo on wet hair. Massage it throughout your hair and scalp, and then rinse it off. It would help if you used this Shampoo whenever you want to remove dandruff effectively.
Pros:
- Dermatologically-recommended Detox Shampoo
- Gentle cleansing and hydrating formula for the scalp and hair
- Contains 1% Pyrithione Zinc to help fight dandruff
Cons: This Detox Shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Bottomline: if you are looking for a Clarifying Shampoo that targets the overall health of your scalp, then The Head & Shoulder Supreme Detox & Hydrate Shampoo is an excellent option.
Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair
Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo Review:
The Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo is a gentle shampoo that can be used daily, although I highly advise you to use it twice to thrice a week to avoid over-stripping of natural oils in your hair.
This Shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and Formaldehyde. It is also cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
The Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo contains acai, blackberry, pomegranate, avocado, and lavender oils. These provide gentle but super-effective cleaning. This clarifying Shampoo can remove gels, pomades, and other heavy styling products that you apply on your hair. The ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo – 8 Fl Oz – Performance-Driven Hair Care Gently Cleanses, Removes Buildup, Boosts Shine & Replenishes Moisture – Lemongrass & Argan, 100% Vegan also hydrates and moisturize the scalp and hair lightly.
How to Use
Apply it on wet hair, massage it throughout the hair and scalp, and wash it off thoroughly.
Pros:
- The gentle clarifying formula for oily hair
- Suitable for all hair types, including curly and coily hair
- Contains effective natural ingredients
- Free of irritants and additives
- Affordable
Cons: It is difficult to spot a con for this product. That said, not because it works for the majority of its users, it automatically works for all. There are still a few who said that this Clarifying Shampoo did not meet their expectations when it comes to removing buildup.
Bottomline: If you have extremely oily hair and you need a Clarifying Shampoo to remove oil buildup on almost a daily basis, then you should give this Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo a try. It is gentle yet potent enough to tackle your specific hair problem. Lastly, it is suitable even for textured hair types.
Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dandruff
Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Shampoo Review:
Think about it, every time you step out of the house; your hair comes into contact with all sorts of pollutants ranging from dirt, smoke, smog, etc. These will accumulate on your scalp, making your hair lose its color and look.
The SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo, 8.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) has the best formula for a healthy scalp in this list. It is formulated with Salicylic acid to shed off dead skin cells and Lactic acid to regulate oil production in the scalp. The other ingredients, such as Ginger extract and Rosemary oil, soothe scalp irritation and fortify hair and protect it against impurities.
Besides protecting your scalp and hair against pollution, this Shampoo also helps improve your hair’s manageability.
How to Use
Apply the Shampoo on the wet scalp and hair and massage it gently before rinsing it off.
Pros:
- Formulated to promote a healthy scalp and fight dandruff
- Contains ingredients that regulate oil production and soothe scalp irritation
- Excellent user feedback
Cons: This Clarifying Shampoo is a little pricey compared to other products in this list.
Bottomline: If your hair is exposed to pollutants daily, then the Sachajuan Shampoo has the perfect formula for your hair.
L’Oreal Paris Hair Care Colorista Reset Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Stripping Hair Colour
L’Oreal Paris Hair Care Colorista Reset Shampoo Review:
This Clarifying Shampoo is made specifically for stripping hair color. While it’s lighter and gentler than other clarifying shampoos, you can still expect a thorough wash with L’Oreal Paris Hair Care Colorista Reset Shampoo.
However, its main draw – color removal – isn’t a definite result. Customers have indicated mixed reviews, ranging from complete color removal to hair bleaching to no results at all.
Pros:
- Clarifying Shampoos formulated to fade hair color
- Smells great
Cons: Can take roughly six washes to see results, made specifically to remove L’Oreal Colorista Semi-Permanent colors, can bleach hair, doesn’t lather well
Bottom line: If you like experimenting with L’Oreal’s Colorista product line, this clarifying Shampoo is definitely for you. The catch – it only works flawlessly with Colorista colors.
Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner
Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo and Purifying Conditioner Review:
Herbal Essences Clarifying Shampoo is a light shampoo with a very rich lather. Made without silicone or mineral oil, this clarifying Shampoo harnesses the power of tea tree oil and jasmine to remove any buildup from your hair and give it weightless volume.
The accompanying conditioner helps keep your hair moisturized and healthy after the Shampoo’s thorough cleanse.
Pros:
- Low synthetic material content
- Formulated to regulate oil production
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons: This Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner is not ideal for curly and coily hair types.
Bottomline: This clarifying Shampoo is excellent for people with adverse reactions to mineral oil or silicones. It’s complemented by a nice (some say overpowering) tea tree scent that leaves your hair feeling citrusy and airy.
Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream
Best Budget Clarifying Shampoo
Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo Review:
This affordable Shampoo gives even Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo a run for its money. Offering all that a clarifying shampoo can do without the high price tag, Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo is widely endorsed by its many happy customers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Gentle cleansing formula
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Safe to use on permed hair
Cons: Too much use of this Clarifying Shampoo can quickly dry hair.
Bottomline: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo is best described as simple but effective. The scalp and hair instantly feel lighter after use. This Shampoo has no particular standout features (aside from a somewhat harsh orange cleanser smell, according to some) – which means that it works like a charm.
FAQs About Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
Neutrogena isn’t sulfate-free. One of its primary cleansing agents is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Sulfates are potent cleansing agents and should be used occasionally as it causes dry scalp and brittle hair. If you want a sulfate-free shampoo, try Dr. Hempster Anti Hair Loss Shampoo.
Neutrogena is formaldehyde-free. It uses other cleansing agents to remove oil and dirt from your scalp and hair.
When it comes to their use, anti-residue shampoos work the same as clarifying shampoos. They provide more intense cleaning and can remove scalp buildup and other hair product residue.
Because anti-residue shampoos are powerful cleansers, they can remove even your hair’s natural oils. That’s why it is essential to use a deep conditioner to bring back moisture and prevent your hair from drying.
Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo can effectively remove dirt and buildup without stripping your hair color. The ingredients used in its formula will not bleach or lighten your hair like hydrogen peroxide, or strong acids will do.
Some users report hair loss after using Neutrogena regularly. Because of their potent formula, clarifying shampoos are not meant for daily use. If you need a shampoo that you can use daily, check out hair care products that have Capixyl.
Neutrogena can help remove product buildup and dandruff that sometimes cause hair loss. If this is the leading cause of hair loss, clarifying anti-residue shampoos like Neutrogena can help.
FAQs About Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
Redken doesn’t use DMDM hydantoin.
Maui Shampoo doesn’t have DMDM hydantoin.
No, it is not. T-Gel Shampoo is an anti-inflammatory shampoo that helps deal with auto-immune skin disorders like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
While it’s not exactly a clarifying shampoo, Olaplex bond 4 works just like a clarifying shampoo.
Yes, some Head and Shoulders shampoos are classified as clarifying shampoos.
Yes, Mane and Tail Brand has Mane and Tail Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. As its name suggests, it’s a gentle clarifying shampoo that cleans your hair and washes out residue from other hair products or contaminants. Mane and Tail Gentle Clarifying Shampoo also doesn’t dry your scalp or leave your hair frizzy.
