15 Best Drugstore Sulfate-free Shampoos for Your Hair
Most shampoos are mixed with sulfate, a chemical that attracts both oil and water. As effective as it is in cleaning your hair, sulfate, however, tends to strip off the natural oil from your hair, making it dry and tangled. Hair that underwent intensive chemical exposure like hair bleaching is less likely compatible with sulfate-positive shampoos. Furthermore, it can cause irritation for people with a sensitive scalp.
With its unpleasant effects upon frequent usage, some people are finding ways in maintaining the shampoo’s main role in hair care routine without the help of sulfate. Sulfate-free shampoos are now circulating in the market, but most of them are not as cheap as you think it is.
However, these lists of drugstore sulfate-free shampoo will definitely save you from splurging much cash on a single bottle. Here are 15 sulfate-free shampoos that would save your hair from dryness:

1. Renpure Organics Argan Oil Luxurious Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo from Renpure Organics is mixed with a beneficial ingredient for the hair, argan oil. Argan oil helps in revitalizing the scalp and getting rid of dryness. A sweet combination of removing dirt and nourishing hair is truly a heaven-sent product for people with extremely dry hair and chemical or heat damaged hair.
Apart from being sulfate-free, this shampoo is also free from sodium chloride, a compound that contributes to dryness and excessive hair fall. It is proven to be safe and effective in removing impurities on hair without resulting to hair damage.
Aveeno Pure Renewal Moisturizing Shampoo with Seaweed Extract, Sulfate-Free Formula (Pack of 2), $11
2. Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo
Aveeno also has its own sulfate-free shampoo which can be beneficial for people with damaged hair. This shampoo contains seaweed extract, an ingredient that promotes hair growth.
It is capable of extracting impurities without over-stripping, which makes it an ideal shampoo for all hair types. Additionally, it has a subtle scent – truly suitable for those individuals with a sensitive nose.
L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Cleansing Balm, $20
3. L’oreal Paris EverCreme Cleansing Balm
Another sulfate-free shampoo you might want to consider is this product from L’oreal. As an aim to promote smooth and damage-free result, this affordable shampoo is formulated with relatively safe ingredients suitable for all hair types. What makes this more advantageous is that it has a built-in conditioner that saves you from spending for a bottle of conditioner.
It is dye and silicone-free. Also, it does not overdo its job of cleansing your hair. Instead, it leaves your hair silky smooth and soft.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo, $5
4. L’oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo
L’oreal did not want to settle for one sulfate-free shampoo product. Instead, they released a different name and functionalities under one goal: to deeply cleanse hair without the help of sulfate. This line-up from L’oreal is the ideal shampoo to use for individuals with colored hair.
Advantageously, this shampoo does not promote brassiness on colored hair. It is a hair-friendly shampoo that removes dirt while acting its other role in making hair manageable and smooth.
Pantene, Argan Oil Shampoo, Sulfate Free, Pro-V Gold Series, for Natural and Curly Textured Hair, $9
5. Pantene Pro-V Gold Series Sulfate-free Shampoo
Pantene has done it again in providing their customers nothing but the best for their hair. This time, the company has released a sulfate-free set that saves Pantene fans from searching for other products that’s devoid of sulfate.
Just like other shampoos, this drugstore shampoo provides smoothness on hair, making it manageable and easy to manually style with various hairstyles.
Garnier Hair Care Fructis Triple Nutrition Curl Moisture Shampoo, $10
6. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo
Gather together, people blessed with curly hair, as this sulfate-free shampoo from Garnier is going to save you from stressful hair problems. This super affordable product is infused with jojoba, macadamia, and coconut oils that make your hair soft even when it’s labeled as shampoo.
After religiously using this shampoo, hair becomes less frizzy and stronger. Now, time to tick hair problem solution off your list and focus more on other things.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, $11
7. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Of course, Shea Moisture would not want to miss out the sulfate-free party. For $11, this shampoo really works wonders. As sulfate is eradicated from the list, they included two different ingredients that make hair soft and smooth. Apparently, the natural ingredients included are shea butter and aloe vera leaf juice. Other extra ingredients include sea kelp, a substance that helps in making hair grow and argan oil.
Just like other sulfate-free shampoos, this one is relatively safe for colored hair. Any kind of hair is welcome to use this product as part of their routine.
Creme of Nature Moisture & Shine Shampoo with Argan Oil, $5
8. Crème of Nature Moisture and Shine Shampoo with Argan Oil
Another shampoo that is incorporated with argan oil is this product from Crème of Nature. Argan oil greatly contributes to nourishing hair due to the fact that it is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. As a result, anyone using this product would go out of the bathroom with tangle-free hair.
Made with gentle ingredients, this sulfate-free shampoo greatly enhances the appearance of hair that is prone to frizz. Pairing it with their conditioner would surely give better results.
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo, for Color-Treated Hair, $10
9. Nexxus Color Assure Vibrancy Retention Shampoo
For those with chemically treated hair, this shampoo from Nexxus definitely does the job in making the hair alive and healthy. It also helps in retaining hair color, which is suitable for individuals that are fond of coloring their hair.
Rich in Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), this shampoo would absolutely protect your hair from breakage and loss. Also, the absence of sulfate makes it a suitable choice for those who wish to detach themselves from the usual sulfate-positive shampoo.
Noughty 97% Natural Care Taker Shampoo – Scalp Soothing, $20
10. Noughty Care Taker Shampoo
Claiming as scalp soothing, this sulfate-free shampoo is suitable for those who are highly prone to dandruff and those with sensitive scalp since it is 97% made of natural ingredients. Aside from its main function, it also provides a pleasant smell – not overwhelming at all.
This shampoo is unbelievably cheap and that what makes it even better. If you are suffering from eczema or dry scalp, this affordable shampoo is meant for you.
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo,$24
11. Morrocanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
Perhaps it is time to give more life to that fine hair of yours with the use of this product. Apart from being sulfate-free, this gem is also negative for phosphate and parabens.
Paired with Morrocanoil’s conditioner, the shampoo-conditioner duo would ultimately give volume to your hair and make it manageable. Plus, the scent sticks to the hair for a few days.
12. Suave Sulfate-free Cleansing Shampoo
Time to shoo away your old sulfate-infused shampoo and start using Suave’s sulfate-free cleansing shampoo. Just like other cleansing shampoos, this one also removes impurities from hair without removing the natural oils at all.
With natural shea butter and coconut oil, this shampoo is capable of moisturizing and keeping hair away from frizz. Apart from sulfates, it is also devoid of parabens and dyes.
Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Balance Moisturizing Shampoo & Moisturizing Conditioner, $17
13. Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Balance Moisturizing Shampoo
Clean and protect – these two words are what makes this product from Trader Joe’s the option of choice in finding a sulfate-free shampoo. Trader Joe’s provides nourishing ingredients that help hair look healthy and shiny daily.
Using their condition will help make the hair even look superb. In addition, the duo smells nice enough to attract anyone in a positive way.
14. Ouai Volume Shampoo
Despite its simple-looking bottle, this sulfate-free volume shampoo is capable of making hair vibrant and healthy. Infused with keratin, it helps clean and repairs the damaged portions of the hair.
Overall, it is a good investment for anyone who wants to have healthy, bouncy hair.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo, $17
15. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo
Rinsing hair with shampoo on a daily basis can be damaging since it drastically strips the natural oil and eventually leads to dry-looking hair. However, Living Proof has granted the wish of those who are more comfortable with washing their hair with shampoo every day.
This shampoo consists of mild ingredients and absence of sulfate, which makes it reasonably safe from hair damage due to constant washing.
In conclusion, shampoo with sulfate is not a healthy choice for hair at all as it contributes to dryness and frizz. Using sulfate-free shampoo helps in making hair manageable, healthy, and alive.
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