The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos (2022 Reviews)

Sulfate free shampoos are all the rage as of late. Whether you have greasy hair and are looking for a solution, or are just ready to take the state of your hair’s health to new levels, sulfate free shampoo is an excellent option.

Not everyone is made the same, though.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to review the most well-known on the market today, and present to you the best sulfate free shampoos out there currently!

Top 6 Sulfate Free Shampoos For 2022

ShampooScentAt a Glance 
Art Naturals Organic Moroccan ShampooNatural/Botanical ExtractsShampoo/conditioner combo, enhances shine and health, cleans gently and effectively, doesn’t strip color, 100% natural standards, paraben and cruelty-free
Maple Holistics DandruffNaturalMade of organic and mild ingredients, great for those with sensitive skin, restores pigmentation to hair, helps fight dermatitis, promotes hair growth and shine, replenishes keratin
Maple Holistics Argan Oil  Argan Oil/NaturalPrevents breakage and split ends, strengthens hair with vitamins and fatty acids, reduces flaky scalp, great for the whole family
Pureology HydrateAromatherapy BlendHydrates, retains color, leaves hair soft, 100% vegan, luxurious fragrance, sustainable bottle
Puracy Natural Citrus/MintDetangles, luxurious foam, moisturizes hair and scalp, made by doctors, great for all hair types, no harsh chemicals, vegan
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil ShampooNaturalClarifies hair and balances pH, thickens and smooths strands, restores dry and brittle hair, certified organic ingredients, great for color-treated hair

Now that you’ve had the chance to take a look at each of the best sulfate free shampoos, scroll down a bit further to read more in-depth about each one!

Art Naturals Organic Moroccan Shampoo/Conditioner Set – Best Product Set

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Looking for a sulfate free conditioner and shampoo set? Look no further than the Art Naturals Argan Oil combo.

Haven’t heard of Art Naturals before?

They’re a company who consistently puts out high-quality beauty products, with the customer and the world’s health in mind. They believe that beauty treatments should be created from the purest forms of nature, and because of that, they always use natural products that are BPA-free, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.

As we’ve placed this combo on our list, you already know that it’s sulfate free.

However, it’s also amazing if you need to restore your hair’s natural health. This could be due to heat damage, being colored, or for some other reason. The couple is excellent at moisturizing, strengthening, and protecting the hair from further damage, as well. This is largely due to the Argan Oil content, in addition to many other greats.

What else does it include?

It has a combination of natural herbal extracts (aloe vera, white willow bark, burdock root, rosemary, and thyme), proteins, and Vitamin E. While all of these ingredients are important, Vitamin E actually works to stimulate capillaries, which in turn helps promote the strong, healthy growth of hair.

Let’s get back to the Argan Oil.

It works to enhance the health and appearance of your hair, including the length, color, and texture. If you have fragile or frizzy hair, you’ll love how it works to smooth the shaft and help prevent further breakage.

It works with every hair type, as well.

However, if you do have dryer, more brittle hair, you’ll probably see more drastic results.

What We Loved

  • Helps prevent any breakage while repairing past damage
  • Includes a variety of botanical extracts which strengthen and boost shine
  • Promotes hair growth

What We Didn’t Like

  • Not ideal for those who only need shampoo

Maple Holistics Sage Dandruff – Best Product for Dandruff

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As one of the best and most affordable sulfate free shampoos that are great for preventing/eliminating dandruff, we highly recommend checking out Maple Holistic’s Sage Shampoo for Heavy Dandruff.

Rather than using a more traditional active ingredient, this shampoo uses essential oils in order to control the occurrence of dandruff. While there are other shampoos which do the same, we found that this was one of few that actually did the job well.

Upon cracking open the lid, your senses will become awash with the scent of tea tree, along with some other natural herbs. It’s gentle, pleasant, and not overwhelming at all.

It does foam very well, despite being completely sulfate-free. It makes the hair feel super soft and actually leaves it surprisingly hydrated. It depends on personal preference, but you may find that you don’t even need to use conditioner with this shampoo!

The formula works to solve the root issue of dandruff, which is dermatitis; the inflammation of the skin. That’s why they’ve included sage, which is one of the best anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help fight it, as well. Spikenard helps restore pigmentation to the hair, as well as aid in fighting dermatitis. Rosemary helps renew hair follicles, while tea tree oil helps clear out the old cells.

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How does it leave the hair looking?

It leaves it looking shiny, due to the inclusion of Jojoba and Argan Oils. These oils both restore hair shine and the smoothness of the scalp.

The only downside?

If you already have dry hair, you may need to use a conditioner as well.

What We Loved

  • Works to restore shine and smoothness of scalp
  • Helps to reduce dandruff by battling dermatitis
  • Pleasant, gentle, natural smell

What We Didn’t Like

  • With dry hair, may require conditioner as well

Maple Holistics Argan Oil – Best Budget Product

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While there are many sulfate free shampoos that are listed at a great price, not all of them are up to the standards that the Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo is.

Yes, we know, we’re onto Maple Holistics again; but their products are amazing, and we had to keep them both on here!

Maple Holistics is a US-based company which focuses on an array of beauty and hair products. All of their products are designed to be healthy for the globe, and for its consumers, and with that, all of their products are cruelty-free.

The Argan Oil shampoo is created to replenish dry, damaged hair with vitamins to strengthen the hair shaft and make it look “new” again. It’s specially designed to hydrate hair, and infuse it with a variety of ingredients like: Argan Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Botanical Keratin, Peach Kernal Oil, and Camellia Seed Oil. Not only that, but it also works to retain moisture, once you have it.

Why these ingredients?

Because they’re packed full of an array of vitamins which will make your hair healthy again, from the inside, out.

If you want silky, flowy hair, then this is the one for you. It doesn’t matter your hair type, either: straight, wavy, or curly, it works well with them all. Many of us try to fight against our natural hair type or texture by using flat irons, blow dryers, not to mention chemical straightening. While they definitely work to some extent, they will usually leave your hair more damaged than ever before.

The thing that’s great about this sulfate free shampoo, is that it gives you real results without any of the damage. The shampoo is paraben-free and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about the product you’re putting on your hair.

So, with such a great shampoo, was there anything we weren’t fans of?

Actually, yes, but it wasn’t something that was a deal-breaker in any way. The shampoo has a very thin, watery consistency, so we did have some trouble keeping it in our hands and not wasting extra product. Aside from that, we loved it!

What We Loved

  • Works to repair and strengthen damaged hair
  • Paraben-free, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free
  • Restores natural sheen in hair
  • Great budget product

What We Didn’t Like

  • Very thin, can cause excess product waste

Pureology Hydrate – Editor’s Pick

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No matter if you have dry, damaged hair, or relatively-healthy hair, we know you’re going to love the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo.

Pureology is a very well-known name in the sulfate free shampoo world. The company is based out of California and was one of the first brands to really lead the way in creating products with good health in mind.

If you have dry, dehydrated hair, you’re probably already experiencing some kind of breakage, split ends, or frizz. Not only that, but it can make your hair look dull and lifeless. If you have color-treated hair or hair that has been mistreated with heat, then you need to restore moisture, nutrition, and strength in some way.

Sure, you could go to a salon, but you’re going to need a good shampoo to keep your hair looking how you want it to.

That’s where Pureology Hydrate comes in.

It works to clean thoroughly, but without stripping your hair of its natural oils or stripping out any color. In fact, it has an AntiFade Complex, which was made to keep your hair’s color while giving a luxurious lather which works to make it look even better.

Take that fresh-out-of-the-salon feeling and keep it with you every day!

What kind of ingredients does it feature?

It has an array of all-natural plant extracts, such as Rose, Sandalwood, and Green Tea. When it comes to the scent of the shampoo, it features a signature aromatherapy blend of: Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Anise, and Patchouli.

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While it may not seem like a huge deal, the scent was one of the huge reasons why this sulfate and paraben free shampoo made our editor’s favorite. It has an almost minty scent, with a hint of herbal-ly, nature in the background. It sounds silly, but it’s true!

Not only that, but the mint smell transfers well to the hair. Not necessarily the scent, but the feeling. When you start to lather it into your hair, you’ll feel a pleasant tingling; like a fresh sensation. It makes shampooing your hair very pleasant!

Yes, we know it lathers, but it really is sulfate free!

Instead, the product contains naturally-derived corn, coconut, and sugar in order to effectively cleanse the hair. Contrary to popular belief, harsh chemicals are not required for a good clean!

Are you vegan or just care about the ethics of the products you’re using?

Then you’ll definitely appreciate the fact that Hydrate is 100% vegan. Which is almost surprising considering how effective it is at cleaning hair and leaving it so manageable.

So, are there any downsides?

The price tag could be seen as a bit expensive for some. However, we’d like to mention that you need only a dime-to-quarter-sized amount of product, even for long hair. It lasts an impressively long amount of time, and we guarantee it will last you longer than any of the less expensive products out there.

What We Loved

  • Hydrates and replenishes nutrients in dry, damaged hair
  • Only a tiny amount of product is needed
  • Minty scent and refreshing feel
  • Bottles are 100% recyclable, contain 95% post-consumer recycled materials

What We Didn’t Like

  • Cost is a bit more expensive than most comparable products

Puracy Natural – Best Product for Families

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While this shampoo is often toted as a baby product, the Puracy Natural is excellent for the entire family. This can make it a great option when you’re traveling and don’t want to have to take different shampoos for you, your partner, and children!

It can be used on brand-new hair like on babies, but this is also a sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair, just as well.

Puracy is a company that has been raved about by many bloggers out there; not just because of their shampoo, but because of their body wash, conditioner, and household cleaning items. Every product they produce is with health in mind, and with that, make sure their products are made of all-organic materials.

But, let’s get into their Natural Shampoo.

The shampoo is a well-thought-out blend of luxurious cleansers, emollients, and essential oils. Among them, is Squalene, which will give your hair moisture and hydration without the weight, with eliminate frizz, static, and just make your hair look healthier, in general.

Worried it won’t work with your hair type?

Worry no more! This sulfate-free shampoo works well with normal, oily, dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.

Like with Pureology, the Puracy natural shampoo really made us fall in love at first smell.

The unique combination of citrus and mint may sound odd on paper, but it smells amazing. They’ve included freshly-sliced bergamot with hints of peppermint and eucalyptus to please your nose and your scalp!

The cleanser is all naturally-derived, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, vegan, gluten-free, as well as biodegradable. Not only is this great for the planet, but it’s also a wonderful pick for those with sensitive skin!

It’s also cruelty-free and safe for greywater/septic systems! It’s good for around 60 washes, so it’s also a good price!

Now, onto the cons.

The only real one we could think of was that the scent isn’t for everybody. We loved it, but it is a pretty notable scent, so if you don’t like it, it wouldn’t be easy to avoid.

What We Loved

  • Vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free, biodegradable, sulfate-free
  • Great for all hair types/entire family
  • Provides around 60 washes; good value

What We Didn’t Like

  • Scent isn’t for everybody.

SheaMoisture Black Castor Oil – Best Product for Regrowing Hair

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Whether you need a sulfate free shampoo for curly hair or you need something to help grow your hair, the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo is one of the best.

If you’re already familiar with the SheaMoisture brand, then you already know their shampoo size is always around 13 ounces, however, lasts for a super long time! Well, with this one, it’s actually a whopping 16 ounces, so you can imagine how much product you’re getting for your money.

In addition, you only need a small bit of the product to get a good, solid clean.

The Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo works to strengthen, grow, and restore the hair. No matter what kind of hair type you have, you’ll see results! However, it does work best on hair that is already chemically-treated, heat-styled, or just generally brittle.

What does the formula contain?

It features a selection of well-curated ingredients. Among them are apple cider vinegar, which works to clarify hair and aid in balancing the pH level to make sure your hair isn’t too dry, nor too oily. Certified organic Shea Butter replenishes the hair with nutrient-rich fatty acids, which helps to give the hair a more manageable, soft feel. Rice Protein will help to add some thickness while simultaneously smoothing the hair shaft.

There are a variety of other ingredients, but we’ll just hit on the basics.

Overall, the shampoo is great for cleansing, while remaining gentle on the hair, and working to restore it. If you’re having trouble growing your hair, the Jamaican Black Castor Oil works wonders on stimulating the blood flow to the roots of the hair, thus making it grow easier.

The one thing we didn’t like?

That it contains peppermint. While it smells great, this can be irritating to some with sensitive skin, so keep this in mind while you’re making your purchase.

What We Loved

  • Great at helping to grow the hair
  • Helps to strengthen and smooth the hair
  • Only a small amount of product is required; very durable

What We Didn’t Like

  • Not ideal for those with sensitive skin

Picking The Right Sulfate Free Shampoo For Your Hair

Now that you’ve had the chance to take a look at all of the best sulfate free shampoos, you may still be up-in-the-air about which product is right for you and your hair. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create the buying guide, below. It will let you go through every point and make sure you’re getting 100% the product you want and need!

Hair Type

Which type of hair do you have? This is vital to know, as not every shampoo works the same for every hair type (although there are a few on this list which does). Generally speaking, sulfate-free shampoos will give the most distinguished results on dry, damaged hair, but this isn’t a rule.

If you have greasy hair, this should be one of the first things you look at when purchasing a sulfate-free shampoo.

Why?

Because some of them will leave your hair greasy if it doesn’t clean the way your hair needs. Again, this isn’t a rule, but it’s something to take into consideration. Everyone’s hair and body are different.

Scent

Many people overlook this part of the purchasing process when choosing a new shampoo. However, it ends up being important when you don’t like the smell of your shampoo and never use it because of that. No one wants to waste money on something they’re not going to use!

Most of the products we have will just have a “natural” scent, meaning that there isn’t really a defined, easily-describable scent. Others have a minty smell, which we personally loved, but that’s really a personal preference.

Cost

With shampoos, it’s important to not only look at the price tag but also look at how large the bottle is, and how long it will last.

For example, the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is one of the more expensive sulfate-free shampoos on our list, and the bottle isn’t particularly big in relation to its price. However, you just need a very tiny amount of product, even on longer hair, to get a great clean. We can say with confidence that even though this product is more expensive, it lasts longer than just about any other, less-expensive product on our list. With that being said, the price definitely evens out, and you’ll get a higher-quality shampoo.

Allergies/Sensitivities

It’s always important to take this into consideration, no matter what product you’re buying. However, it’s particularly important when dealing with the scalp and hair, because an allergic reaction can cause hair loss, among other things.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure that you read through the details and ensure that it’s hypoallergenic or appropriate for those with sensitive skin. Things like peppermint can sometimes aggravate the skin too, so think about that.

Conclusion

Now that you know just about everything, there is to know about sulfate-free shampoos, have you decided which one is going home with you?

If not, then let us reiterate how much we loved the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. The brand is very well-known and reputable, so you can rest assured you’re getting a high-quality product. Not only that, but only a tiny amount of product is needed to see great results.

It’s packed full of vitamins and nutrients to help restore damaged hair and to help maintain the health of hair already in a good state. It works with all hair types, smells great, and feels even better. Oh, and the bottles are 100% recyclable and made out of 95% recycled materials. What more could you want?

So, which one of these best sulfate-free shampoos will be making its way into your shower?

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Jennifer Webb
Jennifer Webb

A little over a year ago, Jennifer quit her job as a PR consultant to backpack through Europe and Southeast Asia, where she decided to turn her passion into a business and launched JustWomanThings.

Jennifer Webb

A little over a year ago, Jennifer quit her job as a PR consultant to backpack through Europe and Southeast Asia, where she decided to turn her passion into a business and launched JustWomanThings.