8 best sulfate-free shampoos for keeping hair healthy & clean

With the right sulfate-free shampoo, your hair will feel fresh and cleansed. And top-tier formulas will also lock in moisture and leave your locks revitalized and replenished. 

Sulfate-free shampoos differ from sulfate shampoos in that they produce less foam to remove product build-up and dirt. That said, just because sulfate shampoos are more foamy, they don’t necessarily do a better job at cleaning your hair. 

Additionally, sulfates can be harsh on the hair because they strip it of natural oils and can cause hair to become dry, dull, frizzy and lifeless. And if you color your hair, sulfates are also known to fade color faster, so you’ll want to look for a sulfate-free shampoo.

To help you find the best formula for your hair, our editors did extensive research to identify the best sulfate-free shampoos on the market. Keep reading to shop for your new hair cleanser.

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Our favorite sulfate-free shampoos

Best for frizzy hair

Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo

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$24.23 at Walmart

Best drugstore shampoo

OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Moisturizing Daily Shampoo

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$6.97 at Walmart

Best for colored hair

Aveda Color Control Sulfate-Free Shampoo

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$31 at Aveda

Best sulfate-free shampoo for men

Murdock London Quince & Oakmoss Shampoo

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$24.90 at LOOKFANTASTIC

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Best for frizzy hair

Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo

$24.23

$24.23 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Formulated to improve detangling

• Designed for frizzy hair

• Sulfate- and paraben-free

• Higher price point

• Formula may be too heavy for fine hair

With plant-based extracts and oils like fermented yerba santa and safflower oil, the Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo smooths your hair strands and helps with detangling. Designed for use on frizzy hair, this shampoo restores depleted amino acids and strengthens your natural keratin structure to give you luscious locks.

Its sulfate-free and paraben-free formula contains argan oil and argan butter to nourish your hair for a smooth, shiny and more manageable texture. Plus, you can feel good about purchasing this product because the Moroccanoil brand is certified as cruelty-free through PETA.

Best drugstore shampoo

OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Moisturizing Daily Shampoo

$6.97

$6.97 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Affordable 

• Contains cold-pressed argan oil

• A few reviewers say it’s not a salon-grade product

So, you want a sulfate-free shampoo that doesn’t break the bank — but leaves your hair feeling like you just left the salon? Look no further than the OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Moisturizing Daily Shampoo.

Formulated with cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil, this budget-friendly shampoo is made for those struggling with damage and dryness. And it boasts a delicious scent blend, containing citrus, floral and woody notes.

Ready to try out this affordable must-have? With a 4.5-star average rating from over 900 reviewers, this shampoo is definitely worth buying.

Best for colored hair

Aveda Color Control Sulfate-Free Shampoo

$31

$31 at Aveda

Pros & Cons

• Keeps color-treated hair vibrant

• Suits all hair types

• Features cruelty-, silicone-, and sulfate-free formula

• Consistency is a bit lighter than others

• Smaller-sized bottle

Finally, you’ve landed on a shampoo designed to keep your color-treatment intact for longer. The Aveda Color Control Sulfate-Free Shampoo is formulated with botanical cleansers, so it effectively cleanses your hair and scalp — without stripping hair of color. 

We love that this shampoo is vegan — and contains Omega-rich apricot oil to soften hair. And the plant-based formula keeps your color vibrant while keeping your strands silky and hydrated. Impressive, right?

Aveda’s color control is also formulated to work with all hair types, from 1A to 4C. So, whether your hair is straight or curly, your strands and color will thank you.

Best sulfate-free shampoo for men

Murdock London Quince & Oakmoss Shampoo

$24.90

$24.90 at LOOKFANTASTIC

Pros & Cons

• Not tested on animals

• Sulfate and paraben-free

• Ideal for men

• Smaller-sized bottle

The Murdock London Quince & Oakmoss Shampoo is a shampoo we can get behind — both for its classy packaging and smart formula. This sulfate-free shampoo promotes gentle cleansing of the hair and scalp — without causing drying. 

How does it work? This hair product features aloe vera for moisture and oat extract for a gentle anti-inflammatory cleanse. And it’s intended for daily use, so you can use it daily without having to worry about any adverse effects.

If you’re looking for an effective shampoo for men, this is our top choice. Murdock London is a barber-approved hair care line that makes everything from beard conditioner to cologne and hair products, making it the perfect brand for guys.

Best for curly hair

Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Shampoo

$10.80

$10.80 at LOOKFANTASTIC

Pros & Cons

•  Formulated for curly, wavy, and afro hair

• Free of harmful chemical

• Fragrance can trigger sensitivity

Curly-haired girls will agree, there’s nothing desirable about limp, lifeless curls. And if you’re using the wrong shampoo, that’s often the result. Thankfully, the Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Shampoo is here to help tame the frizz and bring back the bounce.

 This shampoo is made to nourish your scalp and roots while gently cleansing your strands. With natural ingredients, such as camellia oil and wheat extract, your curls stay hydrated and shiny. From thick curls to bouncy waves, this sulfate-free formula is designed to give your hair volume and definition — without the frizz.

Not only is this shampoo gluten-free, but it’s also formulated without the chemicals that can harm your curls, such as alcohol and parabens. So, you can feel confident trying it out.

Best for fine hair

L'Oréal Volume Sulfate Free Shampoo For Fine Hair

$10.99

$10.99 at Walgreen's

Pros & Cons

• Sulfate, paraben, gluten and sodium-free

• Formulated for fine and color-treated hair

• Designed to gently cleanse

• Scent may be overpowering to some

If you have fine hair, you know there are days when your hair lays flat and looks a bit lifeless. Fortunately, you can start the styling process to avoid sub-par hair days in the shower. 

The L'Oréal Volume Sulfate Free Shampoo For Fine Hair is designed to help give fine hair strands extra care and support to look thicker and healthier.

Aside its body boosting benefits, this shampoo is sulfate-, paraben-, and sodium-free (free from harsh salts, that is). And it’s safe for use on color-treated hair.

Plus, it has a lovely scent, boasting rosemary and eucalyptus notes, so your hair will smell great all day long.

Best for hair growth

John Masters Organics Shampoo with Lavender Rosemary

$32

$32 at Macy's

Pros & Cons

• Good price for bottle size

• Made with natural and organic ingredients

• Higher price point

Dreaming of long, luscious locks, but your hair hasn’t gotten the memo? Try the John Masters Organics Shampoo with Lavender Rosemary, which contains rosemary oil to promote hair growth. 

Packed with organic ingredients, this shampoo nourishes and moisturizes hair strands to keep it clean and healthy. Its herbal formula also contains lavender oil, both traditionally known to soothe inflammation. We know your scalp will thank you for trying it out.

Best for oily hair

L'Oréal Sulfate Free Simply Clean Shampoo

$10.99

$10.99 at Walgreens

Pros & Cons

• Formulated for all hair types

• Affordable price

• Sulfate, paraben, and gluten-free

• Fragrance can be overpowering

You know that feeling of being self-conscious because your hair looks oily, even though you just washed it. Not a fun feeling — and it could lead to overwashing your hair.

The Sulfate-free Simply Clean Shampoo by L’Oreal is a solid solution. As the name suggests, the goal of this product is to give you “simply clean” hair — thanks to the rich lather and intense conditioning it provides when washing.

As an added plus, it’s formulated for all hair types, so you can add it to your wash day routine with confidence. And if you’re worried about oiliness, the only oil included is the added rosemary essential oil, which provides a clarifying effect on your scalp, without stripping moisture from your hair.

Our top editor picks

When choosing the best sulfate-free shampoo for you, consider your hair type and goals. But if you want advice on which shampoos our beauty-obsessed editors like best, these are our top two choices.

• OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Moisturizing Daily Shampoo If you want to try a top-rated, budget-friendly shampoo that’s designed to help with dry hair, we can’t recommend this option enough. Boasting cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil, this rich, creamy shampoo is an editor-approved hair cleanser. 

• John Masters Organics Shampoo with Lavender RosemaryIf you want to focus on hair health and growth, this shampoo with rosemary and lavender oil is worth a try. Formulated with organic and natural ingredients, this shampoo nourishes and moisturizes hair to give you clean, silky locks.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.