The 5 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos

Sulfate-free shampoo is a must in the beauty world, which begs a couple questions...what are sulfates, and why should we care whether they're in our shampoo or not? Sulfates are harsh detergents, made of mineral salts, that you typically find in products like shampoo, facial cleanser, toothpaste, and body wash. And while they do dissolve dirt, grime, and product buildup, they also do some pretty harmful things, too: like stripping away all your natural oils and moisture. This can result in dry, damaged, brittle hair over time, as well as an itchy, inflamed scalp. Um, no, thanks. Here are the five best sulfate-free shampoos to try.

Pure Nature Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

Pure, sulfate-free luxury in a bottle

No need to sacrifice your health just to have nice hair when you invest in a bottle of this Pure Nature shampoo.

Best Overall

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Divenly nourishing and hydrating, Pure Nature Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo is specially formulated to repair hair that’s been damaged by chemicals and daily pollution exposure, by infusing it with much-needed moisture, vitamins, and antioxidants. This high-quality, cruelty-free shampoo even contains a UV and thermal protectant, to protect your precious locks from future damage. Hair feels softer, smoother, and bouncier after just one use.

Pros:

Contains a UV and thermal protectant with a bevy of antioxidants and vitamins, which results in hair that’s soft and silky-smooth to the touch.
Formulated to help treat and prevent split ends, and increase the strength of your strands.
Gives your hair volume and bounce.
Safe for color-treated hair and well-suited for all hair types.
Cruelty-free.
Awesome value buy.

Cons:

The nozzle of the bottle needs to be improved.

Honeyskin Hair & Scalp Therapy Shampoo

Say goodbye to flakes and itchiness

Hydrate your scalp and banish flakes for good with Hair & Scalp Therapy Shampoo from Honeyskin.

Best for Itchy Scalp

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Is your dry, itchy scalp driving you nuts? If so, it’s time to incorporate Honeyskin Hair & Scalp Therapy Shampoo into your shower routine. This ultra-hydrating shampoo can help repair and restore your hair back to its natural, healthy state, and combat scalp issues like dryness, itchiness, dandruff, and eczema. Crafted with pure, all-natural ingredients, this shampoo provides a deep cleanse, without stripping your hair and scalp of its oils—which is what can cause itchiness and flakes in the first place.

Pros:

All-natural, pure, safe ingredients; no parabens or minerals (and no sulfates).
Super-hydrating formula that helps restore hair to its naturally healthy state.
Helps combat scalp issues like dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.
Available in three sizes.

Cons:

Not the cheapest shampoo, by any means.

Pureology Moisturizing Shampoo

Quench your hair's thirst

If you're struggling with desert-dry hair, then a bottle of this Pureology sulfate-free shampoo will do you good.

Best Hydrating Formula

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Does your mane feel like brittle straw rather than actual hair? If you’re dreaming of luxuriously soft locks, Pureology Moisturizing Shampoo is a godsend. Regardless of whether you’ve used too many heat-styling tools, spent too much time in the sun, or damaged your hair by bleaching or color-treating it one too many times, this shampoo smooths and nourishes like no other. That’s all thanks to the brand’s specialized Advanced Hydrating Micro-Emulsion Technology, which deeply hydrates your hair from roots to end.

Pros:

Great for transforming dry, brittle locks into silky-soft ones.
The brand’s Advanced Hydrating Micro-Emulsion Technology is wonderfully hydrating—think of this shampoo as a giant gulp of water for your hair.
Color-safe.
Signature scent is a blend of bergamot patchouli, and ylang ylang; it’s very pleasant.

Cons:

The costly price tag.

L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Keep your color for as long as possible

If you color your hair, this L'Oreal shampoo is a must-have.

Best for Color-Treated Hair

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Not all shampoos (even those that are sulfate-free) are appropriate for color-treated hair. But L’Oreal Paris EverPure is ideal for protecting your hair color, due to the brand’s sulfate-free protection system that thoroughly cleanses and dissolves dirt, without stripping away a single trace of color. Not only that, but this shampoo gives your mane a mega-dose of moisture and nutrients, thereby improving softness and shine.

Pros:

Sulfate-free protection system thoroughly cleanses but doesn’t strip away color.
Moisturizing and shine-inducing.
Comes with shampoo and conditioner.
Excellent value.

Cons:

Not the best choice for fine hair.

DermaChange Organic Shampoo (and Conditioner)

Your ticket to thick, long locks

Are you having trouble growing your hair out? Maybe that's because you haven't tried DermaChange Growth Shampoo.

Best for Hair Growth

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If you’ve always dreamt of having long, flowing, mermaid-like hair, DermaChange Organic Shampoo might just be what you need. This much-beloved shampoo has been known to halt hair loss and reduce the appearance of thinning hair, while clearing away the dirt and product buildup that can block hair follicles and prevent growth. And, the formula is jam-packed with nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and amino acids) that encourage health and vitality. The scent—with notes of tea tree and rosemary—is lovely, too.

Pros:

Works by clearing away the grime and product buildup that can block hair follicles, which can in turn help hair grow faster.
Formula is rich in the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that encourage healthy hair growth.
Lovely scent (tea tree and rosemary).
Comes in a set with shampoo and conditioner.

Cons:

One of the more expensive sulfate-free shampoos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sulfate-free shampoo?

Sulfate-free shampoos leave out sulfates, which are harsh cleansing agents. Sulfates may dissolve product buildup and grime, but they also strip your hair and scalp of its natural oils.

Who should use a sulfate-free shampoo?

Most people would benefit from using a sulfate-free shampoo, but if you struggle with itchy scalp, or your hair is dry, coarse, or damaged, then it’s especially important to use a shampoo that doesn’t strip it or irritate it even further. And, those with color-treated hair should only use sulfate-free shampoo; sulfates can strip the color.

How often should I use my sulfate-free shampoo?

You can use a sulfate-free shampoo every other day, just as you would with any kind of shampoo.