Your hair is often considered your crowning glory, a permanent accessory that deserves the utmost care. Enter sulfate-free shampoos, the gentle touch your hair deserves. Everyone's hair has unique needs, especially if it's been colored or permed. If your scalp is picky or you simply crave a milder cleansing experience, sulfate-free shampoos might be your hair's new best friend.
Get ready to have great hair days ahead with our buying guide, enriched with insights from Dr. Meg Sison, a board-certified dermatologist, to make an informed choice. We also listed the best sulfate-free shampoos you can get now on Lazada and Shopee, too!
Quick List - Top Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Be Organic Bath and Body
Supports Hair Regrowth and Minimizes Hair Fall Naturally
Be Organic
Formulated With Virgin Coconut Oil for Nourished Scalp and Shiny Hair
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Rica is a writer and editor for mybest PH who first joined the team in October 2020. She mostly writes lifestyle titles, especially ones that tap into fashion, beauty, food, arts, and hobbies. Though she's someone who dabbles in whatever sparks her interest, Rica spends most of her free time fangirling, watching races, and playing with her dogs.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Supports Hair Regrowth and Minimizes Hair Fall Naturally
Formulated With Virgin Coconut Oil for Nourished Scalp and Shiny Hair
Revive Natural and Permed Curls With This CGM-Approved Shampoo
Has Avocado and Tea Tree for Luscious and Bouncy Curls
Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the scalp and are less likely to cause irritations. They help retain moisture in the hair, reducing dryness and frizz. With that said, they're more suitable for colored and chemically-treated hair.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose a sulfate-free shampoo for your needs. We made sure that our guide is simple and easy to read so that you know which formula and brand is best for your hair!
Sulfate-free shampoos should contain amphoteric or non-ionic ingredients as these help maintain a balanced pH, preventing excessive stripping of natural oils which is crucial if you have color-treated or chemically-treated hair.
If you have damage-prone treated hair or dry hair, you wouldn't want a shampoo that can further dry your hair. With that said, your best pick is one with milder surfactants (amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants) like sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, laureth-5 carboxylic acid, or disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate. These surfactants can provide effective cleansing while minimizing the risk of further hair damage or dryness.
If you have damage-prone treated hair or dry hair, you wouldn't want a shampoo that can further dry your hair. With that said, your best pick is one with milder surfactants (amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants), such as:
These surfactants can provide effective cleansing while minimizing the risk of further hair damage or dryness.
To make sure that a shampoo is indeed sulfate-free, make sure that there are no anionic surfactants included. These surfactants create lather and do an effective job at cleansing, but they could be too potent, leading to dryness and damage.
Anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate are lauded for their strong cleansing properties that can remove even stubborn dirt, oil, and product residues from the hair. However, because of this same reason, they have the potential to strip the hair of natural oils, which can lead to dryness and damage. This loss of natural oils can also lead to scalp irritation and possible hair damage.
Other common anionic surfactants in shampoos to look out for include the following:
Besides gentle cleansers, you can also look for other ingredients that can provide other benefits to your treated, dry, or lackluster hair.
If you have dry hair due to chemical treatments or dyeing, look for sulfate-free shampoos with coconut oil. This natural ingredient can provide hydration and deep conditioning. It can penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep conditioning to dry and damaged hair.
Coconut oil in shampoos can penetrate inside the hair shaft because of its high affinity for hair proteins, low molecular weight, and straight linear chain.
Excessive use of sulfate-containing shampoos can strip your hair of its natural proteins, particularly keratin. This can lead to weakened hair strands, breakage, split ends, and frizzy-looking hair.
Using sulfate-free shampoos that contain hydrolyzed keratin can help smoothen and strengthen the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and making hair more manageable. It also helps increase the hair's elasticity and reduce breakage.
Smaller molecules like hydrolyzed keratin penetrate the hair shaft. They have positive charges, so it is possible that the negative charge of the damaged hair attracts the positively charged hydrolyzed keratin, neutralizing the electrical charges and reducing frizz and friction.
To boost hair’s shine, consider shampoos with dimethicones. Dimethicones are a type of silicone often used in hair care products. They form a protective layer, making your hair appear softer and shinier. Moreover, they also help reduce frizz and static.
Dimethicone and other silicones enhance the shine of hair fiber by reflecting the light. Dimethicone also has the effect of protecting the hair shaft from abrasive actions, while siloxysilicates increase hair's body.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Uses Gentle Surfactants | Surfactant Ingredients | Other Beneficial Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Human Nature Strengthening + PLUS Shampoo | ![]() | Boost Hair Growth With Rosemary and Wheat Protein | Thin Hair, Hair Fall | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate、Decyl Glucoside、Coco-Glucoside | Coconut Oil、Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | 200mL | ||
2 | Be Organic Bath and Body Gugo Strengthening Shampoo | ![]() | Supports Hair Regrowth and Minimizes Hair Fall Naturally | Thin Hair、Hair Fall、Damaged Hair | Potassium Cocoate、Cocomide Mea、Cocobetaine | Gugo Extract | 250mL | ||
3 | Zenutrients Tea Tree Anti Dandruff Shampoo | ![]() | Infused With Tea Tree Oil to Treat Flaky Scalp | Dry Hair | Cocomide Mea、Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Tea Tree Oil | 250mL | ||
4 | Be Organic Sulfate-Free VCO Shampoo | ![]() | Formulated With Virgin Coconut Oil for Nourished Scalp and Shiny Hair | Hair Fall、Frizzy Hair | Potassium Cocoate、Cocoamidopropyl Betaine、Cocomide Mea | Virgin Coconut Oil | 250mL | ||
5 | L’Oreal Ever Pure Thickening Shampoo | ![]() | Nurture Your Hair’s Strength and Volume With Rosemary Oil | Thin Hair、Hair Fall | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate、Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate、Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate、Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | Rosemary Oil、Juniper Oil、Hydrogenated Coconut Acid | 250mL | ||
6 | Luxe Organix Curl Define Intensive Hydration Daily Shampoo | ![]() | Revive Natural and Permed Curls With This CGM-Approved Shampoo | Frizzy Hair | Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Sodium Methylcocoyl Taurate、Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate | Synthetic Jojoba Oil、Avocado Oil | 220mL | ||
7 | Zenutrients Curls by Zenutrients Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo | ![]() | Has Avocado and Tea Tree for Luscious and Bouncy Curls | Frizzy Hair, Dry Hair, Dandruff | Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Coco Diethanolamide | Coconut Oil、Tea Tree Oil、Avocado Oil | 150mL | ||
8 | Davines Purifying Shampoo | ![]() | Has Naturally Derived Active Ingredients to Combat Dandruff | Dry Hair | Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate、Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate、Coco-Glucoside | Glycerin | 250ml | ||
9 | Hair Thickening Shampoo HairReve | ![]() | Revitalize Your Hair with Argan Oil and Herbal Extracts | Frizzy Hair、Thin Hair、Hair Fall | unknown | Argan Oil | 250mL | ||
10 | Monea Cysteine Frizz-Free Shampoo | ![]() | Packed With Keratin and Argan Oil to Alleviate Frizzy Hair | Frizzy Hair | Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate、Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein、Argan Oil | 250mL |
When we talk about natural products, Human Nature is one of the best brands that is a mainstay on many lists! This shampoo is formulated with a fusion of hydrolyzed wheat protein and rosemary oil. These ingredients promote healthy hair growth, makes hair appear fuller, and makes it less prone to breakage.
With that said, it's an excellent choice for those who want to manage thinning hair and hair fall. Customers love the effortless cleansing and thickening it gives their hair. It's also a proven shampoo that can provide gentle daily rinse since it does not contain ingredients like sulfate and silicone.
Best For | Thin Hair, Hair Fall |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate、Decyl Glucoside、Coco-Glucoside |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Coconut Oil、Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein |
Net Weight | 200mL |
If you want a natural shampoo to help manage hair thinning and loss, try this Be Organic shampoo! Formulated with saponin-rich gugo extracts, it promotes hair growth and combats hair fall by stimulating blood flow beneath the scalp. It has properties that provide a deep cleanse similar to clarifying shampoos, removing impurities without stripping natural oils.
Additionally, this gugo bark-infused shampoo addresses itchiness, as customer reviews affirm. It also contains no added sulfates, silicones, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, making it safe even for those with dry and sensitive scalps. Many users appreciate its gentle formula, which helps maintain a healthy scalp while promoting stronger hair.
Best For | Thin Hair、Hair Fall、Damaged Hair |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Potassium Cocoate、Cocomide Mea、Cocobetaine |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Gugo Extract |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Best For | Dry Hair |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Cocomide Mea、Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil |
Net Weight | 250mL |
This shampoo from Be Organic is a good pick for a gentle hair care solution. Made of the purest botanical ingredients, it cleanses impurities and nourishes the hair while maintaining its natural balance. It is formulated with nutrient-rich Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) that leaves hair soft and shiny while nourishing the scalp.
Additionally, this shampoo does not contain harsh chemicals like sulfates and silicones, making it suitable for all hair types. Many users appreciate its effective cleansing power. They also love its refreshing scent and how it leaves their hair feeling clean without the dryness or frizz often caused by conventional shampoos.
Best For | Hair Fall、Frizzy Hair |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Potassium Cocoate、Cocoamidopropyl Betaine、Cocomide Mea |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Virgin Coconut Oil |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Best For | Thin Hair、Hair Fall |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate、Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate、Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate、Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Rosemary Oil、Juniper Oil、Hydrogenated Coconut Acid |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Best For | Frizzy Hair |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Sodium Methylcocoyl Taurate、Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Synthetic Jojoba Oil、Avocado Oil |
Net Weight | 220mL |
Look no further than this shampoo if you want one that can do wonders for your curly hair! This sulfate-free shampoo from Zenutrients is also paraben-free and silicone-free. Its infused with avocado and tea tree to thoroughly clean your hair without causing further damage to its strands and texture.
Its main tea tree ingredient prevents scalp buildup, while the avocado oil nourishes the hair to increases its strength and elasticity. This shampoo is also CGM-approved by various customers! This amazing shampoo helped them maintain and moisturize their natural curls. it's one of your best choices if you want to embrace and enhance your natural waves.
Best For | Frizzy Hair, Dry Hair, Dandruff |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Coco Diethanolamide |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Coconut Oil、Tea Tree Oil、Avocado Oil |
Net Weight | 150mL |
If you're on the hunt for a no-frills method to combat dandruff, look no further than this one by Davines. Besides having a formula free from paraben and sulfates, it features a lineup of naturally derived active ingredients. It has selenium disulfide, dandelion phytoceuticals, and essential oils, like lavender, sage, and myrrh, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
This blend of antifungal and antibacterial ingredients helps cleanse and purify your scalp to let you score flake-free hair. It also works well regardless of whether you have oily or dry dandruff. Apart from curbing dandruff, it can also address other conditions characterized by flaking, like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Best For | Dry Hair |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Betaine、Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate、Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate、Coco-Glucoside |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Glycerin |
Net Weight | 250ml |
Best For | Frizzy Hair、Thin Hair、Hair Fall |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | unknown |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Argan Oil |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Best For | Frizzy Hair |
---|---|
Uses Gentle Surfactants | |
Surfactant Ingredients | Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate、Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Other Beneficial Ingredients | Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein、Argan Oil |
Net Weight | 250mL |
If you still have burning questions that you need to be answered, below are some of Dr. Sison's answers to the internet's most asked questions!
Yes, it can definitely be used on all hair types.
For colored or chemically-treated hair, you can use them once a day. You also have to make sure to apply a conditioner afterward. Meanwhile, for thinning hair, they can use these shampoos every other day if their scalp is on the dry side. It's always best to follow with a conditioner after shampooing.
Not necessarily. You can use any type of conditioner after shampooing your hair.
We're pretty sure you have got your skincare routine down pat. But don't forget about your hair! Here are some products for you to check out to indulge in a little self-care for your hair.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Human Nature|Strengthening + PLUS Shampoo
No. 2: Be Organic Bath and Body|Gugo Strengthening Shampoo
No. 3: Zenutrients|Tea Tree Anti Dandruff Shampoo
No. 4: Be Organic|Sulfate-Free VCO Shampoo
No. 5: L’Oreal|Ever Pure Thickening Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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