For many people, the scent of the original Clairol Herbal Essences Shampoo brings back powerful memories. Whether it reminds you of childhood bath times, teenage years spent trying different beauty products, or the fresh, botanical aroma that made it stand out, this fragrance holds a special place in the hearts of many.
But here’s the challenge: the original Herbal Essences formula is no longer available. Over the years, the brand has undergone multiple rebrands and reformulations, meaning the exact scent from the 1970s to 1990s is no longer sold.
The good news? There are still shampoos, perfumes, and essential oils that capture a similar botanical, earthy, and floral scent. If you’re on a mission to find a fragrance that smells like the original Herbal Essences shampoo, this guide will help you discover:
✅ What made the original scent so special?
✅ Why the formula changed over time
✅ Shampoos that closely resemble the original fragrance
✅ Perfumes, body sprays, and essential oils with a similar aroma
✅ DIY methods to recreate the original scent at home
Let’s dive into the world of herbal fragrances and see how you can bring back that nostalgic scent!
The Iconic Scent of the Original Herbal Essences Shampoo
What Did It Smell Like?
The original Clairol Herbal Essence Shampoo, first introduced in 1971, had a scent that was fresh, green, floral, and slightly spicy. People often describe it as:
✔ Earthy and herbal – It had strong botanical notes from natural ingredients like rosemary, sage, and chamomile.
✔ Floral and slightly sweet – There was a distinct wildflower-like aroma, giving it a light, natural sweetness.
✔ Mossy and woody undertones – Some people detected a hint of oakmoss or cedar, which gave it a grounding effect.
✔ Clean and invigorating – Unlike many modern shampoos that have a synthetic, fruity scent, this shampoo smelled pure, fresh, and natural.
Why Was It So Popular?
The shampoo’s unique botanical scent set it apart from other products of the time. It wasn’t just another generic floral fragrance—it truly smelled like a walk through a lush garden. The green bottle with a vintage label also contributed to its appeal, making it feel natural and organic.
For those who grew up using it, the smell became tied to memories of youth, beauty routines, and a simpler time in life. That’s why so many people still seek out a shampoo that smells like it today!
Why Did the Formula Change?
Unfortunately, the original formula was discontinued, and over the years, Herbal Essences has undergone multiple rebrands and reformulations. Here’s why:
1. Changing Market Trends
The scent of the original Herbal Essences shampoo was very herbal and green, but by the 2000s, beauty trends shifted towards fruity, sweet, and tropical scents. Companies started formulating shampoos with berry, coconut, and floral notes, which were more appealing to a broader audience.
2. Ingredient Regulations
Some of the original ingredients may have been phased out due to updated cosmetic regulations. Over time, certain fragrance components (such as oakmoss, which was common in older perfumes and shampoos) were flagged for potential allergic reactions or other safety concerns.
3. Brand Acquisition and Rebranding
Clairol, the original manufacturer of Herbal Essences, was eventually acquired by Procter & Gamble. When large corporations buy smaller brands, they often reformulate products to fit modern production standards and consumer preferences. This likely contributed to the significant changes in the Herbal Essences line.
While the current Herbal Essences shampoos still smell great, they don’t capture the earthy, herbal aroma of the original. But don’t worry—there are alternatives!
Shampoos That Smell Like the Original Herbal Essences
If you’re looking for a shampoo with a similar botanical, earthy, and floral scent, here are some excellent alternatives:
1. Nature’s Gate Herbal Shampoo
✔ Contains sage, chamomile, and rosemary
✔ Has a fresh, green, and herbal scent
✔ Free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances
Nature’s Gate is one of the closest modern shampoos to the original Herbal Essences fragrance. It has the same herbal and floral blend, making it a great alternative.
2. JĀSÖN Restorative Biotin Shampoo
✔ Features ginseng, chamomile, and lavender
✔ Has a mild, natural, and herbal aroma
✔ Strengthens hair with biotin and vitamin B5
While not an exact match, this shampoo has a light herbal fragrance that reminds many people of the original scent.
3. Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Shampoo
✔ Infused with botanical extracts and essential oils
✔ Smells earthy, floral, and slightly musky
✔ Vegan and cruelty-free
Lavender isn’t the dominant scent in the original Herbal Essences, but this shampoo has a similar botanical freshness that makes it a worthy alternative.
4. ShiKai Henna Gold Shampoo
✔ A longtime herbal shampoo with a classic scent
✔ Contains henna, aloe vera, and natural extracts
✔ Has a slightly floral and earthy aroma
This shampoo has been around for decades, and its natural herbal scent makes it a nostalgic option.
Perfumes and Essential Oils That Smell Like the Original Herbal Essences
If you’re more interested in capturing the scent outside of shampoo, consider these alternatives:
Perfumes That Resemble the Original Scent
✔ Demeter Fragrance Library – Grass – Smells like fresh-cut grass and wildflowers, similar to the green notes in the original shampoo.
✔ Coty Wild Musk – Has a musky, woodsy, and slightly floral scent, reminiscent of vintage herbal fragrances.
✔ L’Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Shampoo – While not a perfume, this shampoo has a strong botanical and essential oil-rich scent.
Essential Oils for a DIY Herbal Essence Scent
If you want to create your own version of the scent, blend these essential oils:
✔ Rosemary oil – Earthy and herbal
✔ Sage oil – Fresh and slightly musky
✔ Chamomile oil – Soft and floral
✔ Cedarwood oil – Woody and grounding
✔ Lavender oil – Adds a floral touch
You can mix these into a fragrance-free shampoo or dilute them in a carrier oil to create a natural hair perfume.
DIY Ways to Recreate the Original Herbal Essences Scent at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own herbal shampoo at home!
DIY Herbal Shampoo Recipe
Ingredients:
✔ ½ cup castile soap (unscented)
✔ ½ cup distilled water
✔ 1 tsp jojoba oil or almond oil
✔ 10 drops rosemary essential oil
✔ 8 drops sage essential oil
✔ 5 drops chamomile essential oil
✔ 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well.
- Use as you would regular shampoo.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
This DIY shampoo gives you a fresh, botanical fragrance that’s close to the original scent.
Final Thoughts: Can You Still Get the Original Herbal Essences Scent?
While the exact original Herbal Essences shampoo scent is no longer available, you can still find close alternatives. Whether you choose a similar herbal shampoo, a perfume, or an essential oil blend, there are plenty of ways to bring back that nostalgic, botanical aroma.
Have you found a shampoo that smells just like the original? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Does Herbal Essences still make the original shampoo?
A: No, the original formula was discontinued and reformulated multiple times.
Q: What is the closest shampoo to the original?
A: Many people recommend Nature’s Gate Herbal Shampoo or ShiKai Henna Gold Shampoo for a similar scent.
Q: Can I buy vintage bottles of the original Herbal Essences?
A: Sometimes, unopened bottles appear on eBay or collector sites, but they can be expensive and the formula may have degraded over time.
Q: Why do companies change classic scents?
A: Regulations, ingredient availability, and changing consumer preferences all play a role in reformulations.
If you found this post helpful, share it with fellow Herbal Essences lovers who are still searching for that nostalgic scent! 🌿✨
