22 of the Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos to Moisturize the Hell Out of Your Locks

Whether you wear your hair in a bun, a high ponytail or regularly opt for a glossy blowout à la Kate Middleton, a trusty shampoo can make all the difference between a good hair day and a great one. The right cleanser will promote a healthy, balanced scalp by removing flakes, oils and buildup that can accumulate on your scalp without stripping your locks of any much-needed moisture. And depending on your hair type and condition, it might be one of the best sulfate-free shampoos you're looking for.

Justin Toves-Vincilione, a design team elite stylist at Ulta Beauty, tells PureWow, "Sulfates are cleansing agents that aid in an intense lather and easily cleanse away oils and buildup." They're also responsible for "that lather that we’re so used to experiencing when washing our hair," he says.

Put simply, a sulfate-free shampoo is one that's formulated without sulfates, using other agents, such as plant extracts, like palm or coconut oil, to clean your hair.

Good question! As luck would have it, those same sulfate-based cleansing agents that leave your locks feeling squeaky-clean can also leave you with irritated eyes and skin—particularly if you're prone to sensitivities. (Womp, womp.) To give you an idea of the strength these chemicals have, "these same sulfates can also be found in household cleaners and detergents," Toves-Vincilione tells us.

As a result, they can cause redness and acne with prolonged use and strip away natural oils that serve to moisturize your hair. "Using a sulfate-free shampoo can ensure that your hair and scalp retain a healthy amount of natural oils while still cleansing away build-up accumulated in between washes," explains Toves-Vincilione.

"Sulfate-free shampoos can benefit all hair types and textures but especially hair that is already dry, damaged or chemically treated," says Toves-Vincilione. (We're looking at you, curly and coily gals.) Have color-treated hair? A sulfate-free shampoo might be your best bet. As Toves-Vincilione explains, the gentle cleansing "is known to preserve the longevity of your hair color."

Dr. Elyse Love, a dermatologist at Glamderm and Spring Street Dermatology, told PureWow in November 2020 that sulfates can be helpful, however, for greasy-haired gals with locks that tend to fall limp. “For those with fine, oily hair, [sulfates] can be helpful on a routine basis to control oil buildup and allow styles to hold for longer," she said.

Labels are key when selecting a sulfate-free shampoo. According to Toves-Vincilione, you should look for one without sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. "It’s also very beneficial if you find natural ingredients higher up on the ingredients list," he shares, adding, "The higher the better! This means there is a higher content of that ingredient."

A few common sulfate alternatives to keep your eyes peeled for include glucosides (more commonly known as vegetable oils and starch), taurates and fatty acid isethionates, which are derived from coconut fatty acids, glutamates (these amino acid surfactants are among the gentlest around), and amino acid sulfosuccinates.

First, decide if you want a gentle or deep cleanse, Toves-Vincilione says. For a gentler shampoo experience, he recommends that you get your hair completely wet and apply a moderate amount of sulfate-free shampoo to your entire scalp. "Try not to focus a large amount on just one area," he says.

From there, massage the product throughout your scalp and make your way down your hair. "Avoid putting too much shampoo directly on your ends," Toves-Vincilione warns. "This area tends to be more dry and requires less cleansing." Afterward, use a conditioner that's suited for your hair type.

For a deeper clean, you can follow the steps above and then apply second layer of shampoo to your scalp and spread evenly. "You’ll notice a more intense lather the second time around," Toves-Vincilione says. "Massage the scalp and work your way down to the ends." When you're finished, nurture your strands with a deep conditioner, hair mask or replenishing treatment.

To discover the best sulfate-free shampoos for every hair type (and budget), keep scrolling—you're guaranteed to find at least one that's just right for you.

• Stylist's Choice: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Cleanser
• Best Vegan Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar: Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo Bar
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Curly Hair: Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoo: Kick Active Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Color-Safe Shampoo: Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Fine Hair: Gisou Shampoo
• Best Foaming Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Susteau Moondust Hair Wash Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo With UV Protection: Verb Hydrating Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Damaged Hair: PureNature Argan Oil Deep Hydra Nourishing Shampoo
• Best Scented Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Garnier Whole Blends Taming Shampoo
• Best Restorative Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo: Ouai Detox Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for 4C Hair: Bread Hair Wash Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Frizzy Hair: Hair Food Smooth Shampoo
• Best Drugstore Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Blends Rose Water Shampoo
• Most Popular Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Natural Hair: Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo
• Best Sulfate-Free Scrub: Briogeo Scalp Revival