2025 Award Winning Hair Treatments: Clean Conditioners That Work
NoneStanding in front of your mirror, examining yet another bad hair day? Maybe your once-vibrant color is looking dull, your ends are perpetually split, or your formerly lustrous locks have become a frizzy, unmanageable mess. Perhaps you've tried countless "miracle" treatments, only to be left with greasy roots, weighed-down strands, or – worse – no visible improvement at all.
If you've gone clean with your beauty routine, the challenge is even greater. Many conventional hair treatments rely on silicones for that instant smoothing effect or harsh chemicals for deep repair. Finding clean alternatives that actually deliver visible results can feel impossible.
We get it. That's why, for the 10th Clean Beauty Awards, an independent panel of Y clean beauty advocates and experts spent over three months testing 23 clean hair treatments across all hair types, textures, and concerns. The result? A definitive guide to treatments that truly transform your hair – no questionable ingredients required.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- The Evaluation Criteria
- The top 5 clean hair treatments that delivered remarkable results in testing
Evaluation Criteria
Performance: Immediate results to short-term results, texture improvement, strength enhancement, amd scalp impact
Ease of Use: application process, time required, rinseability, and texture
The Top Performing Hair Treatments of 2025
#1: Kanuni Brown - Avocado & Quinoa Protein Repair Conditioner Smoothie - $18.99
This ultra-lightweight conditioner is designed to promote hair growth, improve curl definition, enhance shine, and lock in moisture, even for the driest hair. The pH-balanced formula helps detangle curls, allowing moisture to deeply penetrate each strand for complete curl restoration. Nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and hydrolyzed quinoa protein work together to combat breakage and dryness while enhancing curl definition that lasts long after rinsing. It can be used as a deep leave-in conditioning treatment or as a rinse-off conditioner after shampooing. Free from parabens and phthalates, this vegan, cruelty-free conditioner is ideal for rescuing and protecting natural, chemically-treated, or heat-styled hair.
Expert Notes:
"Great packaging, love the texture. My daughter is half African-American and I've been on the hunt for healthy products for her curls- thank you!" - Jessica Brown, @thejesslbrown
"It's a decent hair conditioner. It does the job, makes hair smooth and detangles them. I'd say it could be mistaken with a mask due to the packaging and texture." - Barbara Aguirre, @Realbeautyspace
"The packaging and everything worked well with this repair conditioner. I liked that it was unscented. It also doubled great as a hair mask. Works well on both fine and thick hair for detangling." - Madie Nguyen, @Madieface
#2: Just Ingredients - Eucalyptus Mint Hair Serum - $39.99
This hair serum is formulated to tame frizz, promote hair growth, and protect against heat damage while preventing breakage. Enriched with high-quality organic oils like argan and jojoba, it seals in moisture, leaving hair soft and radiant. The blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and essential oils boosts shine and enhances scalp health, encouraging stronger, fuller hair.
Expert Notes:
"Amazing serum that makes hair beautiful and shiny. I think it's better for thick hair, but if you use carefully it is okay for finer hair, too. Just use on wet hair." - Barbara Aguirre, @Realbeautyspace
"I love the eucalyptus scent of this. It's a great product to use as a pre-wash and it washed out well in the shower. Highly recommend this one for anyone wanting healthy hair." - Madie Nguyen, @Madieface
"I love everything about this multi use hair serum! The packaging is easy to use and looks great. The hair serum smells amazing! I love that the oil absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave my hair greasy. My hair looks smooth and shiny. So many great hair ingredients." - Camellia Arjomand, @beauty_bycamellia
#3: Hi-Desert Silba Soap - Rosemary Hair & Scalp Mist - $16
This lightweight, natural mist provides daily nourishment for both the scalp and hair. Rosemary hydrosol and rosemary essential oil hydrate without weighing hair down, promoting scalp health and strengthening hair. With regular use, it helps soothe irritation, control dandruff, and repair split ends while encouraging stronger, longer, and softer hair. This plant-based, alcohol-free, and vegan mist is safe for color-treated hair and includes an ECOCert-approved preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering a simple, effective, and wonderfully herbal-scented solution for hair and scalp care.
Expert Notes:
"Based on the scent, you can tell there's a potent amount of rosemary, but it doesn't leave an overbearing smell on my hair. I'd have to use this for longer periods of time to see hair growth results, but I do appreciate how soft it leaves my hair feeling immediately after spraying it on." - Jessica Brown, @thejesslbrown
"Love the ingredient list! I found the spray to be refreshing. I used it on days when I wanted to do a curl refresh and found it to be a great product." - Vani Farrington, @browngurlgonegreen
"I really enjoyed the mist , my hair loved it even more . 7/10" - Jo Placencio, @joplacencio
#4: Blessed Bananas - Crown of Glory Hair & Scalp Serum - $14.99
This hair and scalp serum combines three natural ingredients to nourish and protect. Banana oil acts as a powerful antioxidant to soothe irritated scalps while improving dandruff and psoriasis. Coconut oil, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps treat scalp fungus and flaking. Vitamin E rejuvenates the scalp and creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Lightweight and non-greasy, this serum is gentle enough for everyday use.
Expert Notes:
"Such a great product and has become a staple! I love that this can be a daily product to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy. Price point is great as well. Not sure if you guys do this already but maybe package it (at a cost) with a scalp massager to help with application and relaxation. That's what I use and it's so so relaxing." - Alex Marie Skiles, @alexmaries
"It really solid hair oil that left my hair, feeling really moisturized and my scalp nourished" - Thea Vaporis, @theavaporis
#5: OliPhenolia biodynamic Cosmetics - Hair Tonic - $15.25
This hair tonic has been clinically tested by Dermatest laboratories, with studies showing significant improvements in hair and scalp health over a 3-month period. It enhances the overall condition of the hair and scalp (+26%), increases hair density (+14.9%), thickness (+8.3%), and shine (+20.7%), while effectively combating dandruff. The olive polyphenols in OliPhenolia® stimulate hair root growth, protect them with their antioxidant properties, and boost the release of the essential growth factor IGF-1. Recognized with the highest rating of Excellent 5-star by Dermatest, this tonic provides in-depth care for the scalp, supporting hair growth and preventing hair loss. It was also named the overall winner in the Best Hair Tonic category at the 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards.auty Shortlist Awards 2023.
Expert Notes:
"It has the most delicious rose-like scent, and it feels so refreshing on my scalp. I’ve been reaching for it on a daily basis in the morning and at night to give my scalp some love. I actually look forward to using it.
It has a serum texture that my hair just soaks right up, without an oily feeling. I think it would be ideal for every hair texture. I have never been a huge fan of rosy scents but this one doesn't smell too much like perfume so it's quite nice." - Kierra Pierre, @kierrapierre
#6: Morrocco Method Int'l - Citrus Silk Conditioner Bar - $22.80
The Citrus Silk Conditioner Bar is designed to detangle even the most unruly hair while adding luster, slip, and shine. Cocoa butter nourishes and moisturizes the hair shaft, while shea butter heals and softens the scalp. Conditioning sea kelp and jojoba oil provide intense hydration, resulting in soft, luxurious hair. All Morrocco Method conditioners are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, vegan, and free from gluten, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, soy, and GMOs. The conditioner bar is also environmentally friendly, packaged in compostable materials.
Expert Notes:
"I was skeptical at first; a bar conditioner? I wasn't sure if I used enough, since it doesn't lather. After I applied it on wet hair in the shower, wow. The hair got silky-smooth and detangled pretty much immediately. Love it. Also, it doesn't weigh down my fine hair; it's a keeper." - Barbara Aguirre, @Realbeautyspace
"I love love the eco-friendly-ness of a hair bar! There is a bit of a learning curve but the instructions are clear! The packaging is great and love that it's compostable. I liked the scent and subtle." - Alex Marie Skiles, @alexmaries
"This conditioner bar is very easy to use. I love that I only need a small amount, so it will last a long time.
It made my hair so soft and shiny!
It is great for every day use." - Camellia Arjomand, @beauty_bycamellia
#7: Thicc Organics - Thicc Hair Oil - $44.99
Thicc Organics' all-natural hair oil is clinically proven to promote thicker and stronger hair. Formulated with eight organic ingredients, each bottle is sustainably hand-blended and bottled in California to maintain the nutrient density of the ingredients. Powered by plants and backed by scientific research, Thicc Hair Oil stimulates the hair follicles, encouraging fuller, healthier hair.
Expert Notes:
"From the smell, the oil, the scalp massager brush and the derma roller - there was no stone unturned. I love applying this to my scalp and using the brush to help it penetrate and then using the scalp brush to shampoo it out. It's so relaxing and I know I'm getting + growing healthier hair in the process." - Alex Marie Skiles, @alexmaries
"I love using this hair oil before I wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I also use the hair roller and hair brush as directed. I hand fine hair and my hair is thinning. I have definitely seen less hair loss, and see some baby hairs growing." - Camellia Arjomand, @beauty_bycamellia
"A beautiful hair oil that left my hair and scout feeling very nourished and hydrated" - Thea Vaporis, @theavaporis
#8: Nu Skin - Nu Colour® Lash + Brow Serum - $55
The Nu Colour Lash + Brow Serum is a powerful formula designed to visibly improve the appearance of lashes and brows. It features natural ingredients like red clover, clover sprout extract, larch wood, and camellia sinensis leaf extracts. Free from parabens, prostaglandin, and phthalates, this serum prioritizes consumer health and environmental safety. The formula includes Myristoyl Pentapeptide 17 for superior, natural results. Clinically tested with 100% participant success, it promotes inclusivity in beauty. The 100% plant fiber polymer packaging is completely plastic-free, saving 984 kg of virgin plastic in 2023 alone. Since its launch, Nu Skin has saved 1.22 tons of virgin plastic by using biobased packaging for the serum.
Expert Notes:
"I found the serum to be gentle and hydrating. My lashes and brows felt soft. I did not find the serum to be irritating to my eyes which is a plus. I did not find it to increase any hair growth." - Vani Farrington, @browngurlgonegreen
"I didn't notice a huge improvement in the length of my eyelashes. It did a great job of conditioning and it didn't irritate my eyes. It's also great for eyebrows." - Madie Nguyen, @Madieface
#9: Pure Heart Essentials Inc. - Ayurvedic Scalp & Hair Conditioning Oil - $35
This Ayurvedic scalp and hair conditioning oil is a unique blend of exotic oils specifically formulated to support scalp growth and nourish hair. It can be applied directly to the scalp or used throughout the hair for a deep conditioning treatment, providing intense hydration and promoting healthy hair growth.
Expert Notes:
"Smells lovely and I know this will help my hair grow and be healthier with long term use because after a few treatments noticed my hair was significantly softer!" - Alex Marie Skiles, @alexmaries
"A really stunning oil I did feel like it was a little bit too heavy for my skin type. I have more of an oily scalp, but it did leave me very hydrated." - Thea Vaporis, @theavaporis
#10: Holistic Hair - Sensitive Conditioner - $19.75
This advanced lavender-scented conditioner is designed to revitalize delicate, fine, or thinning hair. Infused with Evening Primrose and Lavender oils, it strengthens hair and enhances elasticity. Chamomile and Palmarosa oils boost vitality and shine, while Nettle Extract supports scalp health. The sophisticated detangling agents ensure effortless combing and smoothness. Free from harsh synthetic chemicals, this conditioner offers a gentle yet effective treatment, scientifically proven to restore and maintain the hair’s natural beauty.
Expert Notes:
"Love this conditioner so much!! And the packaging makes me feel like a Queen :)" - Jessica Brown, @thejesslbrown
"Light weight, lightly hydrating conditioner with a nice slip. No discernable fragrance so great for those with sensitivities. My thirsty curls need a bit heavier texture so I will finish my bottle using it as a leave in conditioner because the ingredients are lovely!" - Vani Farrington, @browngurlgonegreen
Looking Forward
The clean hair treatment category has made remarkable strides, proving that natural ingredients can deliver professional-level results. Whether you're dealing with damage, dryness, or daily maintenance needs, there's now a cleaner conditioner that truly works.
The days of sacrificing performance for clean ingredients are over—this year’s top clean hair treatments proved that plant-based formulas can repair, smooth, and strengthen without relying on silicones or synthetic fillers. Whether you need deep hydration or damage control, the right treatment can transform the look and feel of your hair.
Note that a well-rounded routine doesn’t stop at conditioning, regular exfoliation is just as essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Next, we reviewed the best clean face scrubs of 2025, highlighting award-winning formulas that deliver effective exfoliation without compromising skin health.
Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products
