Sulphate-free shampoos are creating quite a storm in the haircare industry! Today, you can walk down the aisle of any supermarket or browse through an online store; you can find labels that read “Zero sulphates” on the bottles. Experts opine that these products are better for your hair than regular shampoo.

But what are sulfates, and are they really bad for you? Do these shampoos work well to clean your hair? We recommend you read this article before you bombard yourself with these questions. Find out all you need to know about SLS-free shampoos, along with the 15 best brands in the market!

What Is Sulphate Shampoo?

Shampoos, soaps, and other detergents contain chemicals called Sulphates. These agents create a thick formula and allow deep cleaning, lathering, or foaming. In shampoos, two types of sulfates are used – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES). Over 95% of the current shampoos use them as key ingredients in the formula.

In a sulfate-free shampoo, these agents are not used and are replaced by other chemicals to create the same emulsifying action. They may not lather as well as normal shampoo, but their cleaning ability remains unaffected.

Why Choose A Sulphate-Free Shampoo?

Sulfates in shampoo are deep cleaning agents that strip away healthy hair’s essential oils and moisture. This could be the reason behind your dry and frizzy hair. Also, SLS is linked to side effects like body toxicity and allergic reactions in the eyes and skin. If you constantly face these issues while washing your hair, the culprit could be your shampoo.

Switching to a shampoo without sulphate can give you a healthy and clean scalp without stripping away its natural oils. It is also safe for colour and chemical-treated hair.

Best and Famous Brands of Sulphate-Free Shampoos:

Check out these top and most buying Zero-sulfate shampoos in most physical and online stores. Although their pricing is higher, your benefits are worth every penny. Look at these 15 products in detail and learn their pros, cons, and average user ratings.

1. Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo:

BUY NOW: Amazon.com, Amazon.in

The Aveeno Pure Renewal shampoo is designed to deep clean your hair without making it dry. The gentle formula contains naturally derived cleansing agents like Seaweed extracts to clear the debris and impurities. With zero sulfates, this product can balance the moisture levels in your follicles and bring them back to life.

Key Ingredients: Water, sodium cocoyl isethionate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, acrylates copolymer, cocamide MEA, dimethicone, sodium hydrolyzed potato starch dodecenylsuccinate etc.,

Pros:

  • It’s a very gentle formula.
  • Safe for colour-treated hair.
  • Softens hair.
  • Doesn’t dry our scalp.
  • Removes excess oil and grease with just one wash.

Cons:

  • Very expensive.
  • Available at selected stores only.

Ratings: 4.1/5

2. Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo:

BUY NOW: Amazon.com, Amazon.in

This revolutionary formula is made sans sulfates, parabens, mineral oil and other dangerous chemicals. It has a pearl-like finish and can lather well to give you squeaky-clean hair. Even extremely dry and chemically treated hair can benefit from this shampoo. Made with natural ingredients like Apple, Rosemary and other extracts, the product can nourish your hair and make it silky soft.

Key Ingredients: Apple Fruit Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Extract, Valencia Orange Extract, Grapefruit Extract, Lemongrass Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Lavender Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sea Kelp Extract, Mango Extract, Willow Bark Extract.

Pros:

  • 94% certified organic ingredients in the shampoo.
  • No harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, triclosan, etc.,
  • Not tested on animals.
  • Safe for all hair types.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t lather well. You need to use a lot of products for one wash.
  • It can dry out hair and give you a curly mane.
  • Needs a follow-up conditioner.
  • Expensive and not available at all stores.

Ratings: 3.3/5

3. Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo:

BUY NOW: Amazon.com, Amazon.in

If you habitually use shampoo for everyday hair washing, switch to something as gentle as this. The Kinky Curly Come Clean sulphate-free shampoo is designed for daily use and is a very mild formulation. It contains Mandarin orange extracts to remove the buildup on your scalp and Sea Kelpt, which can balance the hydration levels in your strands.

Key Ingredients: Purified water, organic mandarin orange fruit, organic marigold flower, organic white willow bark, organic sea kelp, c14-16 olefin, sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl betaine (coconut derived), phytic acid, citric acid, sea salt, phenoxyethanol, natural fragrance.

Pros:

  • It’s a very mild formula.
  • Removes scalp impurities well.
  • Doesn’t dry out hair.
  • Safe for all hair types.

Cons:

  • Very expensive.
  • Use a conditioner to prevent further damage if you have dry or frizzy hair.

Ratings: 4.5/5

4. L’Oreal Paris Xtenso Lr Sulfate-free Care Shampoo:


This gentle sulphate-free shampoo can repair and rejuvenate damaged tresses and chemically treated hair. The formula is free of harmful sulfates, parabens, and other hazardous agents. It is also enriched with the goodness of Astaxanthin, Keravis, Ceramide and Arginine to strengthen and nourish your hair. The Xtenso technology can restore the elasticity of your thin hair and make it bouncy.

Key Ingredients: Keratin – Repair Asta Care.

Pros:

  • It lathers well on your hair.
  • Adds shine.
  • Controls frizz to an extent.
  • Works for treated hair, too.

Cons:

  • It May not suit very dry hair types.
  • Expensive product.
  • Not for everyday use.

Ratings: 3.6/5

5. Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo:


Pamper your locks with this amazing coconut milk shampoo from Ogx. The luxurious formula contains an amazing blend of coconut milk with ultra-whipped egg and coconut oil to hydrate your hair and add brightness. You can also get lost in the heavenly tropical scent with a clean scalp.

Key Ingredients: Coconut milk extracts, Coconut oil, Egg white proteins.

Pros:

  • Soothing fragrance.
  • Nourishes your hair and makes it manageable.
  • Cleans your scalp well.
  • Doesn’t dry out hair.

Cons:

  • The common verdict is that the Indian range of OGX shampoos is less efficient than the global OGX products.

Ratings: 4/5

6. The Body Shop Rain Forest Shine Shampoo:


This popular shampoo from the Body Shop is free from sulphates, silicones, parabens and artificial colourants. It contains an irresistible aloe vera and organic sugarcane blend to keep your hair clean and fresh. The formula is gentle and suits normal to dry hair. You can notice a natural shine on your mane in just one wash, thanks to Precaxi and Cameline oils.

Key Ingredients: Pracaxi Oil, Caméline Seed Oil And Community Trade Olive Oil, Sugar, And Aloe Vera.

Pros:

  • Contains community trade and organic ingredients.
  • No harmful chemicals.
  • Gentle on hair and scalp.
  • Great smell that lasts long.

Cons:

  • It May not be an ideal shampoo for very dry and frizzy hair.
  • Expensive product.

Ratings: 3.5/5

7. Mamaearth Happy Heads Natural Protein Hair Shampoo:


Mama Earth’s Happy Heads shampoo is enriched with the power of natural ingredients. It contains Biotin, Amla, Bhringraj and other ingredients to strengthen your shafts and increase their elasticity. The formula is free from Parabens, SLS, dyes and artificial fragrances. The shampoo is suitable for all hair types and doesn’t cause any allergic reactions.

Key Ingredients: Lime Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Linoleic Acid, Biotin, Horse Chestnut Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Amla Fruit Powder Extract, Bhringraj Powder Extract.

Pros:

  • No harmful chemicals.
  • It can be used for Kids above 6 years.
  • Very mild shampoo and doesn’t damage your hair.
  • Affordable pricing.

Cons:

  • It may worsen dry hair if you don’t use a conditioner.
  • The nozzle doesn’t dispense the right amount of shampoo.

Ratings: 3.5/5

8. WOW Apple Cider Vinegar No Parabens & Sulphate Shampoo:


WoW shampoos are one of the fastest-selling products in the Sulphate-free range. This original Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo promotes a healthy scalp and beautiful hair. The formula also works on dandruff, itchiness and flakes. It gently detangles your hair and seals open cracks and split ends. The formula is also powered with DTH blockers to prevent hair loss and potential baldness due to DTH.

Key Ingredients: Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil.

Pros:

  • It makes hair visibly bright.
  • Removes excess oil and product buildup on the scalp.
  • Light-weight formula.
  • It leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean.
  • Gives temporary relief from dandruff.
  • Value for money.

Cons:

  • It May not work well for very dry and frizzy hair.
  • Available at selected stores only.

Ratings: 3.7/5

9. SoulTree Triphala Revitalising Shampoo with Henna and Shikakai:

BUY NOW: Amazon.com, Amazon.in

Soul Tree is another eco-conscious brand which sources all its ingredients from local organic farms. The Triphala Revitalising shampoo is enriched with the goodness of Triphala – Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, which nourish your scalp and stimulate hair growth. It also contains Henna for conditioning and Shikakai for effective cleaning. This amazing ayurvedic blend can slow down premature hair greying and hair loss. It is suitable for normal to oily hair and is free from Mineral oils, petroleum, Silicones, Lead, Parabens etc.,

Key Ingredients: Amla, Triphala, Henna and Shikakai.

Pros:

  • Free from harsh chemicals that damage hair.
  • A small amount of product is sufficient.
  • Add bounciness to your hair.
  • Controls hair fall to a certain extent.

Cons:

  • If you have normal or dry hair, use a conditioner.
  • Doesn’t lather well.
  • Pricey compared to other products in this segment.

Ratings: 4.1/5

10. Khadi Natural Aloe Vera and Neem Herbal Hair Cleanser:


This Aloe vera and Neem hair cleanser from Khadi is formulated to combat dandruff and itchy scalp. Along with clearing unwanted particles on the hair, it also moisturizes the strands from within. The shampoo is free from SLS and parabens to give you a safe hair-wash experience. It works for all hair types and can be used by both men and women.

Key Ingredients: Neem, Aloe vera.

Pros:

  • Free from Sulphates and Parabens.
  • Lathers well.
  • Ideal for oily and greasy scalp.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have a complete list of ingredients.
  • It can dry out hair.
  • Works only for visible flakes.

Ratings: 3.6/5

See More: Best Alcohol-Free Shampoos

11. Himalaya Herbals Protein Shampoo – Gentle Daily Care:

BUY NOW: Amazon.com, Amazon.in

This gentle shampoo from Himalaya is free from Sulphates and other harsh chemicals that damage your hair. It contains foaming agents derived from natural sources that gently cleanse your scalp without stripping off the essential oils. It is enriched with proteins from Chickpea to strengthen the roots and prevent hair fall due to daily wear and tear. Unlike regular shampoos, it doesn’t leave any product buildup on the scalp and is fit for daily use.

Key Ingredients: Extracts of Chickpea, Amla, Black Myrobalan, Eclipta, Licorice, Henna and Beach Almond.

Pros:

  • Gentle Formula for fine hair.
  • Good for everyday use.
  • Doesn’t damage hair.
  • It makes your hair manageable.
  • Affordable.
  • Easily available.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for very dry hair.
  • It makes your hair frizzy if it is not conditioned well.

Ratings: 4.1/5

12. The Blessing Tree Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo:


Made with 100% natural actives, this shampoo can effectively clean your scalp without causing dryness. It is free from harmful parabens, sulfates, Dyes, Petrochemicals and other harmful ingredients. The key ingredient of this shampoo is Moroccan oil, which can moisturize your strands, while the natural fruit extracts and Vitamin E can protect them from external damage.

Key Ingredients: Moroccan Argan Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Soap Nut extract, Fruit Extracts etc.

Pros:

  • All-natural ingredients.
  • Attractive bottling.
  • Very affordable.
  • Doesn’t dry out your hair.
  • Gentle for everyday use.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for extremely dry hair.
  • Available at selected stores only.

Ratings: 3.9/5

13. Aaranyaa Sulphate Free Shampoo With Sea Buckthorn & Shikakai:


Aaranyaa Sulphate-free shampoo is a revolutionary formula which uses natural agents to give you a lathering action. Ingredients like Sea buckthorn oil, Cedarwood oil and other herbs offer an excellent hair-cleansing experience. The fatty acids present in this formula can nourish your strands and protect them from moisture loss. The shampoo also promotes a healthy scalp with the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Reetha and Ashwagandha extracts.

Key Ingredients: Seabuckthorn Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Reetha Extract, Ashwagandha Extract, etc.

Pros:

  • Vegan product.
  • Contains no sulfates, alcohol, silicones or other unwanted ingredients.
  • Suitable for coloured hair.
  • Gentle cleansing action.
  • Doesn’t cause any hair fall.

Cons:

  • Available at selected stores only.

Ratings: 3.9/5

14. Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze Sulfate-free Shampoo:


This professional care shampoo from Schwarzkopf is specially designed for colour-treated hair. It gives you 90% colour retention and shine, protecting the natural elasticity of your strands. The Amino Cell Rebuild technology strengthens your hair and repairs its surface. With this sulphate-free shampoo, you need not worry about the colour being stripped away with each wash.

Key Ingredients: Amino cell rebuild technology.

Pros:

  • Salon quality product.
  • It is great for globally coloured hair and highlights also.
  • Lathers well.
  • Cleans hair in just one wash.

Cons:

  • Available at selected stores only.
  • Expensive.

Ratings: 3.7/5

15. WishCare® Argan Oil Biotin Shampoo – Restorative Formula:


The WishCare Biotin shampoo uses the power of natural ingredients to give you healthy and strong hair. Argan oil is the key ingredient that penetrates deep into the follicles and renews them. Conversely, Biotin protects your hair from external damage due to heat, styling and UV radiation. It is free from sulphates and parabens and is suitable for both men and women.

Key Ingredients: Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Rosemary Extract, Licorice Extract.

Pros:

  • Excellent packaging.
  • Light-weight formula.
  • Leaves a nice herbal smell on your hair.
  • It makes hair more manageable.

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive.
  • Available in online stores only.

Ratings: 4.4/5

How To Use Sulphate-Free Shampoo?

There is no difference in using a sulfate-free shampoo from a normal one. The only change you may notice could be with the amount of lather. In the absence of sulfates, the product doesn’t give too much lather, which can make you doubt the efficiency of the product. But the fact is that these shampoos do clean your scalp well and offer many more advantages, too. Here is the right way to use a shampoo without sulfates (or any shampoo, for that matter)!

  • Wet hair with lukewarm water.
  • Take the required amount of shampoo in your palms.
  • Apply it on the hair and massage well.
  • Work from the roots to the tips of the hair.
  • After 1-2 minutes, rinse your hair with water.
  • Repeat if necessary.
  • Follow it up with a suitable conditioner.

Those are some of the latest Sulphate-free shampoos on the market. We have collected the top-ranked products which have earned massive popularity in pricing, availability and effectiveness. Along with these shampoos, there are many other international and Indian brands which offer sulfate-free variants. Do check them out, too and let us know if any shampoos deserve to be on this list.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:

Q1. Do Sulphate Shampoos Cause Cancers?

Ans: Many websites and offline papers state that prolonged usage of SLS and SLES can cause Cancers. This statement, however, is far from true! Sulphates are surfactants which are found in many personal care products. Especially in shampoo, a tiny amount of these agents are added for lathering action, which cannot pose any major bodily hazards. There is no scientific evidence to prove that SLS causes life-threatening diseases like Cancers. But sulfates do dry out your hair and cause allergic reactions.

Q2. Why are Sulphate-Free Shampoos Recommended for Curly Hair?

Ans: A normal shampoo can worsen your state if you have extremely curly hair that is also dry and frizzy. The sulfates inside this product can strip away essential oils and moisture levels, leaving your hair dry and hay-like. Sulphate-free shampoos can gently clean your hair and balance the follicles’ hydration levels. So, you can notice a more defined hair structure with zero sulfate shampoo compared to regular shampoo.

Q3. Does a Sulphate-Free Shampoo Reduce Hair Fall?

There is no empirical proof that a sulfate-free shampoo can prevent hair loss. However, users have experienced fewer hair falls after switching to these products. One reason could be that these shampoos do not dry out your hair and cause breakage. They nourish your strands and offer deep hydration. So, the chances of hair falling out are lowered!

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