Is Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated September 9, 2026
Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Earth Science
Anti dandruff shampoos need active ingredient specific advice. The product reviewed here, Earth Science Fragrance Free Shampoo, is a non medicated cleanser not Nizoral or a proven dandruff treatment. Its current manufacturer formula receives a C catalog grade; that is an ingredient score, not proof that routine washing is unsafe or a pregnancy safety guarantee.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
Stress Less This Pregnancy
Check your shampoo in the app
What Ingredients Are in Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo?
Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo has 14 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
chamomilla recutita flower extract
CAUTION
Chamomilla recutita flower extract is a soothing botanical ingredient known for its calming and anti inflammatory properties. The topical chamomile caution reflects limited direct pregnancy evidence and possible irritation or allergy. It is not evidence that this shampoo causes fetal harm.
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. The catalog flags limited direct pregnancy data. Ordinary rinse off use is different from infant ingestion of a nipple area product; this caution is not a blanket instruction to avoid cosmetic preservatives.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E commonly used as an antioxidant in skincare and cosmetic products. This is topical vitamin E, not an oral high dose supplement. Its assessment is low concern for ordinary cosmetic use, with limited direct pregnancy data.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. The topical assessment concerns cosmetic pH adjustment, not a high strength acid peel. Follow the finished shampoo’s directions.
cocamidopropyl betaine
SAFE
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, commonly used in personal care products for its foaming and cleansing properties. This is assessed in the context of a rinse off cleanser. Stop if the finished product causes irritation or an allergic reaction.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. The catalog’s ingredient rating is not clinical testing of this entire reformulated shampoo.
water
SAFE
Water is a clear, tasteless, and essential liquid that sustains all known forms of life. The topical water assessment concerns ordinary cosmetic use; it does not certify every other ingredient in the finished shampoo.
ethylhexylglycerin
SAFE
Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster commonly used in cosmetics to enhance product stability and provide mild antimicrobial benefits. No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
hydrolyzed wheat protein
SAFE
Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a processed form of wheat protein that helps strengthen and condition hair and skin by providing moisture and improving elasticity. No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
leuconostoc radish root ferment filtrate
SAFE
No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
panthenol
SAFE
Panthenol is a moisturizing and soothing ingredient commonly used in skincare and haircare products to improve hydration and promote healthy skin and hair. No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
simmondsia chinensis seed oil
SAFE
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, also known as jojoba oil, is a nourishing, lightweight oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, commonly used in skincare for its moisturizing and balancing properties. No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
SAFE
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate is a gentle, sulfate free surfactant commonly used in cleansers and shampoos to produce a mild, foaming lather. No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
sodium phytate
SAFE
Sodium phytate is a salt derived from phytic acid that acts as a natural chelating agent, commonly used as an antioxidant and preservative in food and cosmetic products. No separate pregnancy assessment was matched for this ingredient. An unflagged catalog entry does not establish pregnancy safety.
Answering Your Questions
How much Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo is safe during pregnancy?
Follow the bottle’s directions: apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly. Check the ingredient list first; the manufacturer now lists a different formula from older retailer records under this UPC.
Can you use Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo daily while pregnant?
Follow the current package instructions and your scalp’s tolerance; no pregnancy specific washing schedule is established here. Persistent flaking, itching, or inflammation deserves pharmacist or clinician advice rather than assuming this cleanser treats the cause.
Is Earth Science Fragrance Free Shampoo an anti dandruff medicine?
No medicated dandruff active is declared in the current manufacturer formula reviewed here. Earth Science describes a fragrance free cleanser for sensitive scalps. It should not be presented as ketoconazole shampoo or as proven treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.
Why does this page discuss Earth Science rather than Nizoral?
The product associated with this page is Earth Science Fragrance Free Shampoo, UPC 054986174002. Nizoral is a different medicated product with a separate review. Advice about one formula cannot establish the suitability of the other.
Which Earth Science ingredient list does this review use?
This review uses the manufacturer’s current 14-ingredient formula, which includes sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, tocopherol and phenoxyethanol. Older retailer listings under the same UPC show a different 16-ingredient recipe. Match your bottle’s label before relying on this review; the current formula’s grade does not automatically apply to an older bottle.
What does the C grade mean for this shampoo?
It is a catalog ingredient score, not a clinical verdict on the finished product. The current formula has topical chamomile and phenoxyethanol cautions, while topical tocopherol is assessed as low concern. Some other ingredients have no separately matched assessment, so an unflagged entry is not proof of pregnancy safety.
Must I avoid ketoconazole shampoo during pregnancy?
Not as a blanket rule. NHS guidance permits ketoconazole shampoo during pregnancy. That concerns a medicated product, not this Earth Science cleanser. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which treatment and directions fit your scalp condition.
Does fragrance free mean this shampoo cannot cause a reaction?
No. Fragrance free is not a promise that every user will tolerate the whole formula. The catalog’s topical chamomile assessment specifically notes possible irritation or allergy. Stop if a reaction develops and seek appropriate advice for persistent symptoms.
How Does Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo Compare to Other Shampoos?
We graded 2,936 Shampoos for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Earth Science Fragrance-Free Shampoo earns a C grade, placing it among the majority of Shampoos. Only 2% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains an ingredient Pregnancy Safe recommends avoiding during pregnancy. This may reflect an established risk or a precaution based on limited evidence; check the ingredient guidance and exposure context.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
People Also Checked
References
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-matricaria-recutita-l-flos-first-version_en.pdf
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-chamaemelum-nobile-l-all-flos_en.pdf
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581818801814
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581817705620
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40314057/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40374153/
- https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-08/sccs_o_195_0.pdf
- https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/28157
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3109/10915819009078737
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-024-03938-5
- https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/warnings/1156
- https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/sites/default/files/Ethanol%2C%202-phenoxy-_Human%20health%20tier%20II%20assessment.pdf
- https://hero.epa.gov/reference/2857875
- https://books.publisso.de/sites/default/files/documents/series/mak/dam/Vol2019/Iss1/Alt006/mb12299kske6319_w.pdf
- https://cdnservices.industrialchemicals.gov.au/statements/EVA00103%20-%20Evaluation%20Statement%20-%2026%20June%202023.pdf
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581818794455
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4154592/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15868062/
- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/vitamin-e/
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/citric032012FR.pdf
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-hotlist-prohibited-restricted-ingredients/hotlist.html
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35309882/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16040403/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9256916/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581818773354
- https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535285/
- https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/1648/betaine/
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=31a684d0-cd98-4e46-b43a-ccbd17c41559
- https://www.hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?id=GLYCERIN&set=FoodSubstances
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7009851/
- https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/glycerin-suppositories/
- https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-exposures/cosmetics/
- https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/INCINomenclatureConventionsReferenceInformation2022_v1.pdf
- https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/groups/Royal_Hospital_for_Women/Mothersafe/documents/skinhaircareandcosmetictreatmentsapril2021.pdf
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/complications/itching-and-intrahepatic-cholestasis/
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-pregnancy
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-guidance-documents/good-manufacturing-practice-gmp-guidelinesinspection-checklist-cosmetics
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/microbiological-safety-and-cosmetics
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25153208/