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The 19 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos

All the suds, none of the stripping.

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sulfate free shampoos
Rosdiana Ciaravolo

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Knowledge is a blessing and a curse. In my youth, shopping for beauty products was a lot easier and less stressful because I didn’t have to worry about my beauty products being x-, y-, or z-“free,” simply because all I needed was a shampoo or conditioner that removed dirt and cost less than $10. Now that I’m a curious, ingredient-obsessed adult who wouldn’t dare put those cheap formulas of my youth to my scalp, I’m keenly aware of how damaging certain ingredients can be to my hair.

These days, I spend extra time scanning product labels to ensure that my serums, body washes, and makeup aren’t packed with anything that will irritate my skin—and my haircare is no exception. I’ll admit that I’m still not totally clear as to why I must stay away from specific ingredients, particularly the hotly contested “sulfates” in shampoos. So I turned to Alicia Bailey, hair texture specialist and global education manager at Design Essentials, for answers.

“Sulfate-free shampoo is formulated with cleansers that do not contain sulfates, which are essentially detergents that help to create suds and lather to cleanse the hair and scalp,” Bailey explains. While many shampoos contain sulfates as a lathering agent, unfortunately, they often come with the side effect of stripping the hair shaft of all that’s good—be it dye, oils, and/or natural protectants.

Our top picks for the best sulfate-free shampoos of 2024

Those formulated without sulfate may not offer as many suds, but they’ll also leave hair perfectly clean and much less damaged over time, especially if your hair is color-treated or curly. And some still manage to add suds all the same. We consulted hair experts and poured over dozens of customer reviews to find the 19 best sulfate-free shampoos you've been missing out on. Check out all of our favorites ahead.

1
Best for Clarifying

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Clear-Wash: Detox Clarifying Shampoo

Clear-Wash: Detox Clarifying Shampoo
$24 at Sephora$24 at Amazon
Pros
  • Doesn’t weigh down the hair
Cons
  • May not be best for fine hair

Bread’s Clear-Wash is the relief your hair has been yearning for. With a gorgeous pink hue and an even better formula, your hair is thoroughly cleansed with moisture intact by the final wash. Your scalp is treated with stimulating rosemary, sage, and eucalyptus extracts to help encourage blood flow.

Key ingredients: Sage, rosemary, and eucalyptus lead extracts

Size: 10.4 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “There are no creams, oils, or butters strong enough to go up against this Bread shampoo. The best way for me to treat my hair is when it’s tucked in a protective style where my scalp is showing. Then, I go in with the cleanser to ensure all areas of my scalp are cleansed. The formula has cooling eucalyptus and rosemary for an extra boost.”Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

2
Best for Extra Sheen

Ogx Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo

On Sale
Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
Now 25% Off

If you’re a fan of coconuts, this shampoo nourishes your strands with creamy coconut oil and milk, leaving a subtle tropical scent that will garner compliments. Egg white proteins are added to the mix to add shine and smoothness.

Key ingredient: Coconut milk

Size: 25.4 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Been using this for months now. It really smells nice. It’s improved hair growth. I love the big bottle. Give it a try!”

3
Best for Repair

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

On Sale
No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Strengthens weak hair
Cons
  • Learning curve

A favorite among beauty obsessives everywhere, Olaplex’s shampoo repairs, strengthens, and restores hair bonds without stripping it of its natural oils and nutrients. Your hair is noticeably healthier after each wash.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin

Size: 8.5 oz

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I rarely go back to a shampoo after trying it, but Olaplex is one that I’ve gone back to again and again. I love the way it smells, and it makes my hair super soft and less prone to frizz.”Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

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4
Best for Fine Hair

Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo

Fine Hair Shampoo
Pros
  • Adds volume to thin hair
Cons
  • Some users dislike the strong scent

Looking at your limp, lifeless hair can make you feel hopeless. Ouai’s Fine Hair Shampoo is the pick-me-up your hair has been missing. The formula is built with strengthening ingredients like biotin and keratin, while chia seed oil soothes and nourishes the strands.

Key ingredients: Biotin, chia seed oil

Size: 10 fl oz

Ouai rating: 4.6

A Ouai reviewer said: “I have very fine hair and this shampoo has been a game changer! My hair is so full and feels thick! Great stuff.”

5
Best for Build-Up

Amika Normcore Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Normcore Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Pros
  • Adds bounciness
Cons
  • Some users note it can weigh down the hair

We love hot tools, volumizing hairsprays, and nourishing oils, but by the time wash day rolls around, we’re winded. Amika’s Normcore Shampoo works to remove all the product build-up weighing down our strands and restore balance to the scalp to improve the hair's overall health.

Key ingredients: Coconut acid, sea buckthorn

Size: 9.2 fl oz

Sephora rating: 3.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I honestly love this shampoo. I have thick, long, curly hair so I wasn’t sure how I would like it especially since my hair is so picky with products. I had previously tried out their hair mask and loved the smell so I figured I would try the shampoo also and honestly I was not disappointed. It smells amazing and makes my hair so soft. Such a great price too.”

6
Best for Thick Hair

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo

Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo
Pros
  • Super moisturizing
Cons
  • Not recommended for fine hair

Thick, curly strands gain a subtle sheen and softness from this rich mix, which contains nourishing almonds and avocados.

Key ingredients: Almond, avocado

Size: 12 fl oz

Ulta rating: 3.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I was looking for something more moisturizing for my relaxed hair as my current shampoo was too clarifying, despite claiming to be moisturizing as well. I switched to this one and after one wash, condition and flat iron, it’s giving fresh out the salon chair. Much fewer fly-aways, my hair looks shinier and physically feels more moisturized. I’m sure I could’ve detangled with the shampoo but I waited until I deep conditioned to be safe. 10/10.”

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7
Best for Strengthening

Love Beauty and Planet Sulfate-Free Deep Cleanse

On Sale
Sulfate-Free Deep Cleanse
Now 29% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Softens hair
Cons
  • Strong scent

With a focus on biotin and coconut oil, you can relax knowing that your hair is receiving the right care. While biotin increases hair resistance, coconut oil nourishes and smooths limp strands.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, biotin

Size: 32 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been using this for a while! It actually works pretty well with curly hair and it smells amazing. I definitely recommend.”

8
Best for Scalp Stimulation

GIOVANNI Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo

Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Easily removes buildup
Cons
  • Strong herbal scent

Transform your bathroom into a tranquil spa with a heavenly aroma of peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Formulated with these same ingredients, this shampoo promotes scalp circulation while also conditioning and nourishing the hair to rebuild it stronger.

Key ingredients: Peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary

Size: 8.5 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “If you have product build-up, get this shampoo!!!! Even better if you get the matching conditioner. Works perfectly for curly hair!”

9
Best for Dandruff

Nécessaire The Shampoo

The Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Easily removes flakes and dandruff
Cons
  • May not be best for color-treated hair

Safe enough for daily use, Nécessaire’s shampoo treats your hair with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the scalp. Other ingredients like aloe vera juice and celery seed extract soothe and relax your strands.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3

Size: 8.4 fl oz

Necessaire rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Necessaire reviewer said: “A consistent product. Always leaves my hair looking and feeling amazing. Combined with the conditioner this is my go to shampoo.”

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10
Best for All Textures

True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo

True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo
Pros
  • Nourishing
Cons
  • Some users note it can feel drying

Reverse dry, lackluster hair with this gem from Mizani. After a few washes, your hair will feel lighter and bouncier with a healthy sheen.

Key ingredients: Marula oil, olive oil

Size: 33.8 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This shampoo has really made a big change in my hair. It was so dry and now it is shinning and soft. Yes i would recommend buying this product.”

11
Best for Natural Hair

Rucker Roots Smoothing Sulfate Free Shampoo

Smoothing Sulfate Free Shampoo
Pros
  • Stimulates the scalp
Cons
  • Can feel a little greasy

This shampoo is packed with so many nourishing oils—including ginger root oil, turnip root oil, and carrot root oil—that leave your hair feeling buttery smooth and manageable for styling.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, argan oil, vitamins A, C, K, & B

Size: 8 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Do not sleep on Rucker roots products!!! I love these products. The shampoo and conditioner makes my hair feel so fresh and clean. The products are sulfate free!”

12
Best for Moisture

Aveda Nutriplenish™ Deep Moisture Shampoo

Nutriplenish™ Deep Moisture Shampoo
Pros
  • Deeply moisturizing
Cons
  • Pricey

As the name suggests, this Aveda shampoo is a savior for chemically-treated hair or any hair in desperate need of a tune-up. Mango butter and coconut oil work together to replenish strands and make curls appear healthier and bouncier.

Key ingredients: Coconut oil, mango butter

Size: 33.8 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This made my hair feel healthy again after a lot of chemical treatment.”

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13
Best for Hydration

SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo

Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Moisturizing ingredients
Cons
  • Can weigh down thin hair

If you’ve been struggling to detangle or style your hair due to excess damage, allow SheaMoisture’s Intensive Hydration Shampoo to bring your hair back to life. The “hydration” comes courtesy of manuka honey and mafura oil, which makes the hair softer and shinier instead of dry and stiff like many other cleansers.

Key ingredients: Manuka honey, baobab, fig extract

Size: 24 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “My hair looks sooooo much thicker after using this just once. I have noticed I have less split ends each time I use it. I have a sensitive scalp, and I really like this product. I even put the conditioner straight on my scalp, it does not leave a greasy residue at all.”

14
Best for Volume

Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo

Extra Volume Shampoo
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Great for thin, fine hair looking for volume
Cons
  • Pricey

This shampoo makes you feel like you’re fresh out of the hair salon. Each wash results in soft, bouncy hair, and relieves itchy scalp.

Key ingredients: Argan oil, glycerin

Size: 8.5 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have been using this shampoo for over a year and my hair is very healthy feeling. I have gray coming in and I am letting it grow out. So it was feeling dry and had split ends. My hair looks shiny and soft!”

15
Best Drugstore Buy

L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo

EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo
Pros
  • Doesn’t disrupt color-treated hair
Cons
  • Can be drying

This drugstore sulfate-free option remains one of the best. The opalescent formula has a herbaceous scent and leaves color-treated strands both vibrant and volumized, not dull.

Key ingredient: Rosemary oil

Size: 8.5 fl oz

Target rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “Have used this EverPure shampoo for color-treated hair for at least 18 years. A small amount of the shampoo really works wonders, and it makes my color last a lot longer than regular shampoo does ! Usually purchase a single tube of the shampoo, but this time the sale was so great I bought 4 tubes at once !!”

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16
Best Tech-Infused Option

Living Proof Full Shampoo

Full Shampoo
Pros
  • Builds a barrier to protect hair
Cons
  • Can weigh down fine hair

Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clayton Hawkins suggests his clients use this techie option, which relies on the brand’s patented OFPMA molecule to seal strands and repel dirt with a weightless (and completely invisible) shield.

Key ingredients: Peptides, algae

Size: 8 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I have been using this shampoo for at least 1 year and it has made such a great difference in my hair health. I usually have really bad dandruff, but this helps with managing it.”

17
Best Cream Formula

Hair Rules No Suds Cleansing Cream

No Suds Cleansing Cream
Pros
  • Cleanses without stripping hair
Cons
  • Hair can feel a little greasy

Celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend swears by this gentle, suds-free formula, which breaks down buildup with honey, lemongrass, hops, and Hawaiian ginger. (Yum.)

Key ingredients: Lemongrass extract, honey, hops

Size: 25 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “When I finally mustered up the courage to do the ‘big chop,’ naturally I went to Dickey’s salon, Hair Rules, in New York City. He’s one of the top natural hairstylists in the city, and while it may not be cost-effective to fly in for your hair appointments, his products are a good second option. This shampoo leaves my hair hydrated and makes my curls pop. I also experience less shedding. My hair loves this.” Danielle James, digital beauty director

18
Best Affordable Option

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Curl Nourish Shampoo

On Sale
Fructis Triple Nutrition Curl Nourish Shampoo
Now 36% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Nourishing cocktail of oils
Cons
  • Some users dislike the scent

While it’s branded for curly strands, the jojoba, coconut, and macadamia oils in this affordable option are light and hydrating enough for other hair types, too.

Key ingredients: Plant protein, coconut oil

Size: 12.5 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have naturally wavy hair that doesn’t like to behave but this keeps it in check! I like all the curl nourish line.”

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19
Best Gentle Shampoo

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Shampoo

Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Pros
  • Gentle enough for frequent use
Cons
  • Not suited for super thick hair

A coconut-based cleanser means you’ll still get a frothy and satisfying lather, but without any unfortunate stripping.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, green tea extract

Size: 8.0 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I actually put this shampoo in the shower at my parents’ house, and my family is hooked on it. It’s so gentle on your hair and your scalp, and if you’re more sensitive, it’s nice that it’s fragrance-free. It also leaves your hair feeling cleansed but not stripped.”—Katie Berohn

Meet the Experts

elle line break

Alicia Bailey, hair texture specialist and global education manager at Design Essentials

Starr Mason, hairstylist and Hair Cuttery Family of Brands’ field leader and educator

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