16 Best Sulfate

Jan 31, 2024

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Throw these BBs into your wash day mix.

Bestie, idk if you knew this, but not all shampoos are created equally. There are different cleansers to meet all your hair care needs. If you've been noticing excess dandruff and product buildup, then look to a clarifying shampoo to remove the gunk. Have you colored your hair recently? Toning shampoos preserve the vibrancy of newly-dyed strands. And then there are shampoos with hydrating ingredients like shea butter to seal in your hair's natural oils. When your hair feels dry and brittle, get your hands on the nearest sulfate-free shampoo. The best sulfate-free shampoos gently remove dirt and debris without stripping the hair or irritating the scalp, skin, or eyes.

You've probably noticed tons of sulfate-free shampoos while shopping at your local drugstore or your most trusted e-tailer online and wondered what sulfates are and why they've been removed from shampoos. Seventeen chatted with four experts to break down what sulfates are and share their product recs for the best sulfate-free shampoos to gently cleanse your hair. See what they had to say below.

To keep it short and sweet, sulfates are the cleansing agents that help your favorite shampoos lather into a soapy, sudsy form. "Sulfates serve as a surfactant to reduce the surface tension between the shampoo and the skin, helping to eliminate buildup, dirt, oil, and debris off the hair and scalp, while also contributing to the foamy lather that occurs when shampooing or cleansing," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick tells Seventeen.

While we all stan a good deep cleaning shampoo, "sulfates remove oil and debris from the hair shaft," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp adds. If too much oil is removed from the hair, Dr. Camp says, "it may be at risk of dryness," which often results in fragile hair that's more prone to frizz and dullness. According to Dr. Camp, sulfates, like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), "represent a group of synthetic chemicals found in many skincare ingredients." These agents break down excess product, dirt, and oil in hair —but they can be harsh and unnecessary. "The greater the concentration of sulfates and the longer the duration of exposure may be more likely to lead to irritation," Dr. Garshick explains.

So why do sulfates get such a bad rep? Along with stripping the hair and leading to dryness on the hair, scalp, and skin, it's also about how sulfates are manufactured. According to Dr. Camp, some of the manufacturing processes use petroleum-based products that have been proven to irritate the eyes and scalp. If someone has an extreme sensitivity to sulfates, Dr. Camp says they may experience dryness, itching, or even acne. Sulfates have also been "linked to climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gasses," according to Dr. Camp.

Along with gently cleansing, sulfate-free shampoos prevent irritation. Hair artist Laureabeth Cabott recommends sulfate-free for all of her clients, but especially for those who are contemplating color. The ArtistryByLB founder says that sulfates strip and dull hair color, affecting how long the hair dye will last. Dr. Garshick agrees. She says sulfate-free shampoos "preserve hair coloring longer" because they are "less likely to strip moisture or remove color from the hair." Maxine Salon stylist Raven Hurtado says that "the scalp doesn't feel or look greasy" when her clients use sulfate-free shampoo. She also notices that her client's hair feels softer and free of a "waxy residue" on the hair after washing with a sulfate-free shampoo. Dr. Camp adds that sulfate-free shampoos are gentle enough for everyday use.

Few things feel better than running your hands through your freshly-washed hair. Using sulfate-free shampoos gently cleanses your hair and scalp without running the risk of irritation and excess dryness. Scroll ahead to check out the best sulfate-free shampoos, according to experts.

Dr. Camp recommends Vanicream Free and Clear shampoo because, along with being sulfate-free, "this gentle shampoo contains no dyes, fragrances, or parabens which can also cause scalp irritation and dryness

Hair type: Straight, wavy, coily, curly

Customer review: "I purchased this shampoo because I was having an issue with an itchy scalp. When my hair is wet, it is squeaky clean. The only problem I have is that the bottles are hard to squeeze."

In case there were any questions, you can give your hair all the TLC it needs with products found at the drugstore. Dr. Garshick suggests using Aveeno Scalp SOothing Fresh Greens Blemd Shampoo to help soothe the scalp and help thicken the hair.

Hair type: Straight, wavy, curly

Customer review: "I like the fact that you only need a little bit to work up lots of lather. The shampoo is easy to rinse out as well."

You may be familiar with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid due to their hydrating benefits for the skin. Dr. Garshick recommends Nécessaire The Shampoo because it's enriched with both ingredients to provide the scalp with the same nourishing properties.

Hair type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "I love this shampoo! This shampoo has been amazing. Leaves your hair feeling clean and healthy but not stripped. I love the shine it gives my hair. I have very sensitive skin so it being fragrance-free is great!"

When dandruff strikes, Dr. Garshick recommends First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Not only is this liquid shampoo a gentle cleanser, but it also features 1% pryithione zinc to "help eliminate flakiness due to dandruff." The New York-based derm also raves about this shampoo because it "contains calendula and vitamin E, helping to keep the hair looking and feeling soft and smooth."

Hair type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "I've had really bad dandruff for years due to over-production of oils in my scalp. I was prescribed a medicated shampoo but it was too harsh on my skin for regular use. I use this pretty much every time, except for the occasional use of my prescription shampoo when I have a flair up. As someone with sensitive skin, this is a blessing"

No matter if you've missed a few wash days because you're celebrating the unofficial start of summer or hanging out with your friends before everyone leaves for college, Dr. Camp suggests using Ouai's Detox Shampoo to remove buildup and debris that accumulates over time. Plus, it contains apple cider vinegar to gently remove gunk from hair.

Hair type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "I bought a 3 oz size of this a year ago and i just ran out. I use this in place of my other shampoo every few weeks and it leaves my hair feeling so clean. I did notice it was drying if i used it all the time. Detox/Clarifying shampoos shouldn't be the only shampoo you use otherwise yes, it'll dry your hair out tremendously. I highly recommend only using once or twice a month to avoid over stripping your hair."

Curl creams and mousses help your ringlets pop when you're styling them, but Dr. Camp recommends Brigeo's Curl Charisma because the rich moisturizers help define curls at the beginning of your wash day routine and reduce frizz.

Hair texture: Wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "My hair has lots of curl and body. Feels great to the touch, refreshes easily with just a mister."

Hair products shouldn't weigh your tresses down, especially shampoos. Cabott raves about Color WOW Color Security Shampoo because it gently cleanses and has minimal ingredients to prevent a heavy, weighed-down feeling.

Hair type: Coarse, curly, coily, color-treated

Customer review: "I have been using Color WOW products for about a year and I love them all! My hair is not weighed down like with a lot of products. I have a lot more volume that lasts and it is good for my hair. Won't ever switch again."

This revitalizing shampoo is a go-to for damaged hair because it's enriched with a reparative formula (thanks to carob seed extract and plant collagen) that helps seal the hair cuticle, improve elasticity, and retain moisture.

Hair type: Straight, wavy

Customer review: "This product removes build up from my hair beautifully. Old hair spray, Old conditioner and mineral deposits from my water...I use it twice a week."

If you've ever overprocessed your hair, then you're all too familiar with the leftover brassiness that lingers. This toning shampoo neutralizes yellow and orange hues without stripping or causing dryness. Dr. Garshick raves about it because it's "formulated with rosemary" that keeps hair nourished and soft.

Hair type: Color-treated

Customer review: "I really like this shampoo. I gave it four stars instead of five because cleaning purple off my shower walls is a pain when splashes leave my head but its effective and smells great. My hair looks good!"

This one's an oldie, but goodie. OGX's Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo thoroughly cleanses and leaves a coconut scent that will have everyone asking which hair products you're using.

Hair type: Dry, straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "I used this shampoo in combination with the matching conditioner while I was housesitting and it was so wonderful. My hair was light and soft and had slip again. My hair is super long and super thick and it tends to get a bit heavy and unmanageable at its worst. But this combo made it feel light and soft. Plus it smelled wonderful, to boot!"

The last thing you want to do is fade your newly-dyed blonde hair or your fresh highlights. This shampoo bar neutralizes brassiness, is color-safe, and helps reduce breakage.

Hair type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "I have blonde hair naturally that has been turning more brown as I get older, but I’ve been using this product gifted by superzero to bring out the cool tones of my blonde and it is amazing! I also love the bar, I think it feels so good to use and I would totally recommend to any blonde!"

Dry, brittle strands require extra moisture and hydration. This creamy sulfate-free shampoo, treats your hair to the TLC it needs thanks to jojoba oil, green tea, and sage.

Hair type: Dry, straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "This shampoo does the job of cleaning and leaves my hair decently soft, but it is a bit heavy/greasy and I absolutely despise the smell. I find the peppermint scent to be overwhelming and honestly, nauseating - it lingers in my hair after washing, which I hate."

Knots and tangles can make your wash day a bit painful. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo is low suds, combats frizz, and leaves curls prepped for detangling.

Hair type: Wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "This has worked amazingly for my hair. there are some certain curls that feel kinda stiff but still soft. i DO recommend!!!"

Get ready to customize a shampoo based on your individual hair needs. Function of Beauty offers a quiz to determine which ingredients suit your current hair sitch. The best part about it is that you can snag a sulfate-free option as well.

Hair type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "I absolutely love how my hair felt after using my order for the first time. My hair felt extremely soft and I was able to run my fingers through my hair without pulling any hair out. My new shampoo left my hair smelling good for a whole day. I highly recommend using function of beauty!"

Argan oil is the secret weapon that helps this strand-plumping shampoo nourish and add an additional layer of shine and body.

Hair type: Fine, straight, wavy

Customer review: "Does a good job with volume without over moisturizing and making hair look oily. Will reorder."

If you're looking for a shampoo that is safe for your fluffy curls, look no further than Miss Jessie's Harm Me Knot. Along with a sulfate-free formula, this hydrating shampoo cleanses and leaves curls ultra-soft.

Hair type: Wavy, curly, coily

Customer review: "Smells nice, feels good to lather, and doesn't dry out your scalp. It's a perfectly serviceable shampoo."

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

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