Best sulfate-free shampoos in 2024

Shampoos containing natural ingredients and products to moisturize and nourish the hair are called sulfate-free. All organic bases are free of parabens and preservatives. They do not overdry the scalp, do not disturb the ph-balance, do not wash off the protective layer from the hair and strengthen it. In the article you will find a rating of high-quality sulfate-free shampoos, learn about their benefits and disadvantages, and also choose the right product for the price and characteristics.

What is the difference and advantages

Regular shampoos foam well, create volume and deeply cleanse the head from dirt (constant use is undesirable). This effect is provided by the sulfates included in its composition (for example, sodium sulfate). They are cheap raw materials for making cosmetics, so sulfate shampoos are inexpensive. Unfortunately, a serious negative effect is also possible - damage to the hair structure, washing out of protective layers, allergies. Special dermatological shampoos, which contain sulfates, have a positive medical effect. They clean the head well and fight dandruff.

Sulfate-free shampoos do not contain toxic and hazardous substances such as SLS, ALES, ALS, etc. They foam much less and cleanse oily hair worse. The liquid unusual structure suggests a quick consumption, although their average price is higher than that of sulfate products. The shelf life is usually no more than 1 year. The selection of components in the composition is determined by the purpose of the shampoo (regenerating shampoo, for brittle hair, against hair loss, etc.). The advantages of natural substances cover all the disadvantages. The best manufacturers try to optimize shampoo formulas so that they:

• gently acted on the hair (made the hair smooth and created a natural shine, saturated with vitamins and moisture, prevented split ends);
• healed the scalp;
• retained their color for a long time after staining.

Why sulfates are dangerous for hair and scalp

Most shampoos have sulfates in their formulations, as this is the easiest way to achieve thick lather and remove oil from your hair and scalp.

Please note that the same sulfates are in the first place in the compositions of various household and technical detergents.

However, in hair washes, sulfate is mixed with emollients to make it less aggressive. But! We wash our heads quite often, statistically every 1-3 days. And the constant exposure to a harmful substance on the skin and hair can be detrimental in the long run.

For a long time, sulfates were considered carcinogens, which, when accumulated in the body, cause the growth of cancerous tumors. However, later this information was refuted by the studies of American toxicologists, as they said in an official report.

However, not all so simple. After all, it is after sulfate shampoos that itching, dryness, allergies and brittle hair can occur.

Scientists have proven that a high concentration of sulfates in shampoo irritates the skin, and when it enters the body, sulfates can damage the respiratory system and disrupt the brain.

The main harm that sulfates do is that they wash away the protective lipid layer of the scalp.

Hair follicles secrete sebum, which is distributed along the hair shaft, protecting the hair cuticle (scales). This preserves moisture and leaves hair looking healthy and shiny.

At the same time, sulfates wash away this lipid layer. It seems to be good: the root volume appears, the scalp becomes "fresh". But, this is only the primary visible effect. Remaining without sebum, the follicles begin to produce it more actively, as they need to restore balance.

At the same time, the hair remains without a protective film for a long time, the cuticle opens. This is where the problem arises: the scalp becomes more oily, and the hair becomes dry. Therefore, you have to wash your hair more often and additionally moisturize the length.

This is why sulfate-free shampoos are a healthier alternative when it comes to hair care.

How to choose a sulfate-free shampoo

Which company is better to choose a shampoo, what features and properties shampoos from different manufacturers have, we will describe below. In the meantime, we will define the selection criteria that will help not to make a mistake.

• Read the composition. It may contain nonionic and amphoteric surfactants. They are needed to cleanse the scalp and remove impurities. If the composition contains cationic and anionic surfactants, then return the shampoo to the counter.
• Look for quality marks. Paraben-free and not animal tested signs.
• Smell the shampoo. It should not have a pronounced odor.
• Packaging is made from recycled materials.
• When using, there should not be a lot of foam, and the consistency of the shampoo is unusually liquid.
• Shampoo can be transparent or cloudy white in color.

Application features

Sulfate-free shampoos have their own application technology. In order for the components to have time to act, you need to devote more time to washing your hair. Hot water will aid the process. First you need to lather the most contaminated parts of the head and massage them. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water. Due to the low foam formation in natural shampoos, the procedure should be repeated. Lather your scalp and spread the product over the entire length of your hair. Massage your hair for 4-5 minutes and then rinse your hair with water.

Trusted Sulfate Free Shampoo Rating

Sulfate-free care products contain a minimum amount of preservatives, but there are more natural ingredients. There are also completely organic compounds. About which company is better to order shampoo and how much it costs, read below.

Mulsan Cosmetic

The composition of the Mulsan Cosmetic line of sulfate-free shampoos is as close to natural as possible: no sulfates, no parabens or fragrances. There are soft surfactants, cloudy white in color, very liquid in consistency. Oils and extracts are added to nourish and moisturize. Used for weakened, damaged and unruly hair. Regenerating shampoo contains birch bud and almond extract. He is very successful in recovery and healing.

Due to the presence in the formulations of only natural ingredients, the products have a shelf life of only 10 months.

• without fragrances;
• oils and extracts;
• restores and heals.

• soft surfactants.

Loreal Professional

Loreal scientific laboratories have been studying the characteristics and structure of hair types for 45 years. The line of products for colored hair contains a small amount of preservatives, the effect of which is compensated by oils and extracts. Silver ions prevent the dye from washing out, and silk proteins make hair shiny and voluminous. Taurine protects the hair and prevents water from penetrating deep into it, which also prevents the color from being washed out. These shampoos are classified as professional hair care products, so this is not a budget option.

Price: 600-1500 rubles.

• silver ions;
• oils and extracts;
• taurine moisturizes hair.

• price.

Matrix Biolang Keratindose Pro

Keratin shampoo is used to treat chemically damaged hair. After perming, highlighting or bleaching, the structure “loosen”. Keratin sticks scales together and makes the appearance of curls attractive and neat. The presence of proteins effectively nourishes and moisturizes the hair. Silk extract regenerates and heals wounds on the scalp. With regular use, the water balance is kept at a sufficient level, the effect of keratin restoration is prolonged. Shampoo lathers better than Natura Siberica and has the consistency and color of liquid sour cream. Belongs to the category of professional care products.

Price: 700-1000 rubles.

• keratin in the composition;
• silk extract;
• foams well.

• price.

Estel Aqua Otium

Estel Aqua Otium shampoo is considered a professional curl care product. It contains betaine and amino acids. These ingredients cleanse and nourish the scalp without drying out and moisturizing dry hair well. It is used for fragility and damage to the hair column, for the growth of hair. Nicotinic acid is also added to the composition, which prevents hair loss. The light fruity-floral aroma makes the application pleasant, and after rinsing, the smell does not remain. The consistency is similar to liquid sour cream, has a transparent, unclear color. Available in 1L or 250 ml bottles.

Price: 400-450 rubles. for a small bottle.

• betaine and amino acids in the composition;
• does not dry out;
• prevents loss.

• price.

Natura Siberica

Natura Siberica produces a series of sulfate-free shampoos for different hair types: for thin, dry, oily curls, for combination hair and those prone to oily. The composition includes components from Siberian raw materials, oils, nutrients. The consistency is quite liquid, the foaming is low, which indicates the absence of aggressive elements. One of the shampoos has a neutral composition based on natural detergents and mild moisturizers - it can be used for all hair types.

To restore the structure and strengthen the hair, northern cloudberry oil, sea buckthorn, vitamins and fatty acids are added to shampoos. Juniper stimulates hair growth, nourishes hair follicles and repairs damaged curls. Rosehip, cedar milk, rose rhodiola extract, etc. provide additional moisture to dry hair.

All natural shampoos of the manufacturer very gently cleanse the scalp and are harmless to any type. The strands become soft, shiny, easy to comb. When switching to sulfate-free shampoo after long-term normal use, you need to give your hair time to get used to the change.

Price: 200-500 rubles.

• ruler for all hair types;
• as part of Siberian herbs;
• price.

• you need to pick up shampoo;
• time to get used to.

Granny Agafia's recipes

Grandmother Agafia's recipes are another manufacturer that uses Siberian raw materials in their products: Siberian cedar, rose hips, flaxseed oil, etc. The washing ability is provided by the soap root, and the base is melt water. These shampoos are used to repair various damage and care for normal hair types. But it is worthwhile to carefully look at the composition, since there are also lines that include SLS and other harmful substances. Some shampoos contain less dangerous and aggressive surfactants. Many customers note that the lightweight composition is suitable for the care of their hair. These are the most inexpensive shampoos among the relatively natural shampoos.

Price: 80-110 rubles.

• price;
• raw materials of Siberia.

• you need to carefully read the composition, as there are lines with SLS.

Kapous Professional

There are no harmful or aggressive substances in Kapous professional shampoos. The base is keratin and moisturizing balm, no fragrances. To restore hair, fruit amino acids and oil extracts are added to them. To preserve the color of dyed hair and care for them, the shampoos contain milk proteins, wheat proteins and vitamins. Orange extract, vitamins and microelements are added to the daily care products. The Kapous range of sulfate-free shampoos is great for use after keratin repair. Strengthening the structure of the curls, protecting the scalp from external irritants and restoring damaged hair are guaranteed.

Price - 180-270 rubles.

• price;
• keratin;
• suitable for use after keratin recovery.

• soft surfactants.

Lakme Teknia Gentle Balance

Lakme Teknia Gentle Balance shampoos are suitable for daily care - brittle and dull hair are not threatened. The basis is red algae and antioxidants. They are non-toxic, do not irritate sensitive skin, but, on the contrary, protect and heal the hair structure, have a rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory effect. Extracts of acai berries and beets restore and smooth the structure, nourish the core, improve cellular respiration of the hair. Shampoo protects the color of dyed hair, heals it due to the complex of plant amino acids in the composition, suitable for sensitive scalp.

Price: 300-500 rubles.

• daily care;
• algae and antioxidants;
• anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effect.

• soft surfactants.

Kaaral

The manufacturer Kaaral produces shampoos without silicones, parabens and mineral oils, which makes the composition as natural as possible. Some lines of sulfate-free products use royal jelly. It promotes hair restoration, actively moisturizes and maintains natural beauty. The complex of plant extracts retains moisture inside the hair shaft and prevents drying out. Gently cleanses the scalp.

Price: 750-1500 rubles.

• no silicones;
• royal jelly.

• price.

CHI Ionic Color Protektor

For brittle, unruly and colored hair, CHI Ionic Color Protector shampoo is suitable. It is formulated with silk proteins, which transform hair and promote its intensive regeneration. Silver ions protect the color, preserve the shades, restore and strengthen the hair. The American manufacturer promises Lux the quality of its shampoo lines. It is also well suited for use in the period after keratin therapy.

Price: from 1000 rubles.

• silk proteins;
• silver ions;
• luxury quality.

• price.

J.Maki

J.Maki brand products are manufactured in Finland and appeared on the Russian market relatively recently. However, most of those who have already tried this cosmetics were completely delighted.

To begin with, all shampoos of this brand do not contain sulfates, parabens and alcohol. The manufacturer uses a large amount of oils and herbal ingredients in the composition. Also, all products contain UV filters and have a healing effect.

The line of products includes shampoos for different types of scalp and hair.

Price: from 900 rubles.

• washes until squeak;
• easily removes meat masks;
• despite the fact that it practically does not foam, it remains quite economical;
• does not cause dandruff;
• softens hair.

• washes out the color of dyed hair a little.

Nano Organic

Already a fairly popular Russian brand among those who prefer high-quality organic hair care. Sulfate-free shampoos Nano Organic have an ultra-mild detergent base: saponified oils 15% (castor and coconut) and decyl glucoside 5% - the mildest and safest surfactant from glucose and coconut oil. And thanks to the large amount of herbal ingredients in the composition, shampoos heal the skin, scalp and hair.

In the line of shampoos, you can choose a product for different hair types.

Price: from 300 rubles.

• washes the scalp well;
• pleasant fragrance;
• softens hair;
• does not dry length;
• has a cumulative effect.

• not economical, since it practically does not foam, but this is compensated by the large volume of the bottle;
• takes time to get used to.

Benefit and disappointment

Often, when switching to sulfate-free shampoos, girls are disappointed in their action. At first, the hair looks heavy, greasy and loses its usual splendor. The benefits that natural ingredients bring to hair are obvious, but you also want to look good. This development of events may be preceded by two factors:

1. the shampoo is chosen incorrectly;
2. the hair is not yet accustomed to the new ingredients.

A properly selected sulfate-free shampoo effectively cleanses hair, making it look healthy and attractive. However, you don't need to use it all the time. It is enough to give your hair a rest from regular shampoos at least once every 3 months. And, of course, products without aggressive substances are irreplaceable after keratin hair straightening and after chemical exposure.

In addition, the aggressive cleaning base of conventional shampoos washes away the fat layer from the scalp, which forces the sebaceous glands to work with double force. Therefore, the head seems dirty faster and it becomes necessary to wash it more often. The components of sulfate-free products are gentle and do not wash off the protective layer from the skin. Therefore, with prolonged use of natural cosmetics, it is possible to restore the work of the sebaceous glands.