The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Sulfate-Free Shampoos
- 1. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Breakage Reducing Shampoo
- 2. Tree To Tub Soapberry & Peppermint Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
- 3. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Infused Paraben & Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- 4. Pureology Hydrate Color Protection Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- 5. JĀSÖN Biotin Restorative Shampoo, 16-Ounce
- 6. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisturizing Color Care Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
- 7. Love Beauty And Planet Fine Hair Volumizing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Designed for strengthening, this shampoo works for any kind of hair and helps rebuild bonds. It avoids sulfates, only requires a small amount each wash and is a safe option if you color your hair.
Helps With DamageConsider this option if you use chemical treatments or have weak or damaged hair.
This shampoo and conditioner set is free of harsh chemicals and made with vegan-friendly ingredients. It uses soapberries and peppermint to achieve the perfect pH balance and a fresh, invigorating smell.
Vegan-Safe IngredientsUse these all-natural hair care products and you’ll feel confident that your tresses look vibrant and beautiful.
Aveeno’s sulfate-free shampoo is infused with apple cider vinegar, and it does not contain parabens or dyes. The vinegar works to clarify hair and moisturize your scalp while adding plenty of volume and shine to lackluster hair.
Shinier, Thicker HairThis farm-fresh inspired shampoo pairs well with Aveeno’s other haircare products, including their conditioners, oils and hair masks.
Used in high-end salons, Pureology’s Hydrate shampoo has a thick, luxurious, creamy formula that deeply hydrates color-treated and dry normal to thick hair.
The Professional ChoiceWhile it is priced higher than other shampoos, your investment in this product will show salon-quality results that you will love.
Biotin can help restore damaged hair, and this shampoo is packed with it. You’ll also get vitamin B5, ginseng and lavender extracts. If you're looking for a healthy shampoo option, you'll be glad to see this shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrolatum and artificial colors.
For Hair HealthRestore while you shower with this 16-ounce bottle of shampoo.
This hydrating, gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set provides your hair with lasting moisture and can keep your color looking fresher for as long as four weeks. With this product, your tresses will not feel weighed down and will have the refreshing scent of rosemary.
Rehydrate Dry StrandsYou can protect your color while keeping your hair looking, feeling and smelling great with these products.
Made with coconut water, coconut oil, ethically sourced mimosa flower and plant-based cleansers, this vegan and cruelty-free shampoo is made for finer hair and is gentle enough for all hair types.
Provides Body and StrengthIf your fine hair needs volume, this sulfate-free shampoo is your best choice for thicker, lightly moisturized hair.
Buying Guide
You’ve probably seen the term “sulfates” on various products, including shampoos, but what the heck is a sulfate, anyway?
Sulfates make shampoos bubbly, and they fall under the category of surfactants. This group also includes emulsifiers, foaming agents and detergents. Sulfates attract oil and water, helping to remove dirt and dead skin cells from your hair and scalp. By doing this, they can also strip away natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair.
People with sensitive scalps can also experience itching, dryness and redness from sulfate exposure. Sulfate also has a bad reputation (especially sodium lauryl sulfate) for causing cancer, but sources like the American Cancer Society say that it is not a known carcinogen.
Still, since sulfate is technically a detergent, it can be harsh on your hair, and you might want to choose sulfate-free hair products for this reason.
Many hair care professionals feel that sulfates strip color from treated hair, and that these products are also not good for dry or fine hair. Those who have frizzy and curly locks can benefit from the added moisture that sulfate-free products offer; these are also recommended for people with eczema and sensitive skin.
You will notice that sulfate-free shampoos do not lather up like sulfate-containing ones do, but this does not mean that your hair is not getting clean. It is not necessary to use more shampoo, since your hair will still get clean. You simply need to massage it into your scalp a bit more rigorously.
Products that contain coconut oils are a good sulfate-free option, and there are some good vegan-friendly choices, as well. Sulfate-free shampoos come in all different price ranges, and you can buy larger containers to save money.
What to Look For
- Not sure if your products contain sulfate? Look on the ingredients list for: sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium laureth sulfate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate and other items that begin with the word “sodium.”
- If you are considering switching over to sulfate-free shampoo, buy small bottles of one company’s shampoo and conditioner and give them a month to see results. Then you can make a more informed decision about what works best for you.
- Next time you’re at the salon, ask your stylist to check your scalp. If it’s dry or red, sulfate-free products may be the answer.
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