You may have noticed a trend in recent years towards shampoos and other hair-care products being produced without sulfates. Sulphates, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), are a cleansing agent often used in soaps, showers Gels and shampoos to create a creamy, foaming lather that helps lift dirt and grease.
On many hair types, sulfates cause no issues at all; but it’s a different story for those with delicate scalps, damaged or colour-treated hair. In this instance, these foaming ingredients can prove drying, and can also strip dyed hair of its new colour. The Curly Girl method of caring for naturally curly hair (more on that below) also recommends that you avoid shampoos and conditioners containing sulfates. For these reasons, you’ll find an increasing number of alternative formulas available to gently cleanse and care for hair that are void of sulfates.
Read on for our guide to choosing the best sulphate-free shampoos for your hair type and texture, after which you can discover our favorite sulphate-free shampoos for every budget.
Best sulphate-free shampoos: At a glance
How to choose the best sulphate-free shampoo for you
What are sulfates?
Sulphates are a group of chemicals known as surfactants – ingredients that bind to oil to help remove sticky, greasy dirt and sebum and lift it away into water. They also create that distinctive bubbly lather you’ll find in hair, body and household cleansers from shampoos and bubble bath to wash-up liquid.
Sulphates aren’t necessarily the enemy. In fact, some hair and scalp types will actively benefit at least an occasional wash with a lathering sulphate-based shampoo to remove large amounts of grease, dirt or product build-up. However, their effectiveness can often result in stripping the hair’s natural moisture, which can be a concern for those with hair that’s already dehydrated. For those who color their hair, the lather can also lift away dye, especially from the roots where we most often shampoo first.
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How do sulphate-free shampoos cleanse hair?
Instead of using foaming surfactants, sulfur-free shampoos often use natural seed and plant oils (coconut oil is a common ingredient) and amino acids to gently coax dirt away from the surface of the hair.
Note that sulphate-free shampoos will create very little foam, so, if you’re used to lathering up your shampoo in the shower, this may feel very different to begin. To use your sulphate-free shampoo, you’ll need to work the product into hair a little more physically, taking your time to massage the shampoo into roots and mids, and rinsing out carefully thereafter. You may also find that two applications of sulfate-free shampoo are required to achieve a more “clean” feel. Similar to double-cleansing the skin, the first application will remove dirt and product buildup, while the second will cleanse away any remaining residue.
If you use a lot of styling products, then you may find you still need an occasional wash with a regular sulphate-containing shampoo to remove any stubborn buildup.
Should I avoid sulfates in my haircare?
Some hair types naturally tend to dryness; this can be true of fine hair, as well as curly and coily hair, where the spiral in each hair shaft can leave the hair cuticle open, causing natural moisture to escape from the hair. , the Curly Girl method recommends avoiding sulfates in shampoo and other haircare products altogether.
Bleached and chemically straightened hair can also be dryer after processing. If you find sulphate-containing shampoos leave your hair feeling dry and frizzy, you might like to try switching to a gentler sulfur-free shampoo. Dyed and colour-treated hair will prefer washing with a low-lather sulphate-free shampoo that won’t strip dye molecules from the hair, and so will help preserve the color for longer.
Delicate scalps can also benefit from sulphate-free shampoos. If you suffer from eczema or a sensitive, flaky scalp, a sulphate-free shampoo may prove kinder to your scalp. Note that young children are unlikely to need the strong cleansing of a sulphate- based shampoo, making a sulphate-free option better for delicate young skin.
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Best sulphate-free shampoos you can buy in 2023
1. OGX GX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo: Best sulphate-free shampoo for curly hair
Price: £8.49 | Buy now from Superdrug
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in products made for curly hair, since it both cleanses and adds vital moisture without weighing down delicate curls. This strengthening and repairing shampoo from stylist-led brand OGX has a wonderful fresh coconut fragrancely hair soft, cur silky and full of bounce.
Although it feels thick in the bottle, OGX’s shampoo achieves a rich, gentle lather that will leave the hair and scalp feeling clean and refreshed. Sulphate- and paraben-free, Coconut Miracle is an excellent value choice for dehydrated hair in need of some extra care. Follow with the conditioner in the same range for a nourishing boost of moisture.
Key details – Bottle size: 385ml
Buy now from Superdrug
2. Pureology Hydrate shampoo: Best sulphate-free shampoo for dry hair
Price: £21 | Buy now from Lookfantastic
If your hair is feeling a little parched, Pureology’s hydrating shampoo with calming sage, green tea and nourishing jojoba oil could be just the ticket. The rich and creamy vegan formula is gentle enough to be used multiple times a week, and it does a great job at cleansing the scalp and hydrating hair. Work the deliciously lavender-scented shampoo through the lengths and ends for hydrated hair that’s shiny and full of life.
Hydrate shampoo is also colour-safe and perfect for use on bleached and coloured tresses that need an extra bit of moisture. For even more hydration and shine, follow with the counterpart conditioner.
Key details – Bottle size: 266ml
Buy now from Lookfantastic
3. Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo: Best sulphate-free shampoo for colour-treated hair
Price: £24 | Buy now from Feelunique
Kérastase’s colour-safe and nourishing shampoo will moisturize and strengthen coloured hair, helping to seal the hair cuticle to keep hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free – even in humid weather. The shampoo has a light, floral fragrance and contains pro-keratin to strengthen hair from the inside out.
With its gentle, creamy lather that leaves hair feeling soft, shiny and cared-for, it’s a great option for hair that’s been colour-treated and is in need of a little extra TLC. One wash leaves hair feeling clean for at least a couple of days, so Bain Fluidealiste is also great for dryer hair if you’re looking to reduce the number of days in the week you wash your hair.
Key details – Bottle size: 250ml
Buy now from Feelunique
4. Childs Farm Shampoo Strawberry & Organic Mint: Best sulphate-free shampoo for children
Price: £4.50 | Buy now from Boots
This luscious-smelling shampoo with strawberry and mint is suitable for all hair types, including delicate baby hair and scalps. The gentle formula with natural corn and coconut oils cleanses, softens and detangles hair. Suitable for even the most sensitive and eczema-prone skins , Childs Farm’s shampoo is free of parabens, artificial color and fragrance, and it won’t cause tears if a splash gets into eyes. Hair feels soft and clean after washing, and easy to brush or comb. Follow with the light conditioner for extra detangling power.
Key details – Bottle size: 250ml
Buy now from Boots
5. Bouclème Curl Cleanser: Best sulphate-free shampoo for afro-textured hair
Price: £15 | Buy now from Cult Beauty
Formulated specifically for Type 3 and 4 coils, Bouclème’s all-natural hair cleanser is made with sea-salt, nourishing coconut and argan oils, and hydrating aloe vera water to gently cleanse without stripping curly hair’s natural oils. The cleansing wash is silicone- sulphate-free and suitable for the Curly Girl method of haircare.
Creamy and non-foaming like a co-wash product, Bouclème’s hair cleanser refreshes the scalp and leaves hair feeling soft, glossy and tangle-free – and without any hint of stickiness. Follow with Bouclème’s curl conditioner and curl cream for maximum hydration and bouncy results.
Key details – Bottle size: 300ml
Buy now from Cult Beauty
6. Ethique Sorbet Restoring solid shampoo bar: Best sulphate-free solid shampoo
Price: £12 | Buy now for Ethique
New Zealand-based beauty company Ethique has been carbon neutral and working to reduce plastic waste worldwide since 2012. The company is celebrating its 10th birthday this year with this delicious-smelling solid bar shampoo.
The Sorbet solid shampoo bar is formulated with nourishing mango butter, peach kernel oil and strengthening rice protein and is suitable for normal to dry hair. It leaves hair soft, shiny and with a delightful fruity scent.
Key details – Pack size: 110g
Buy now from Ethique