Beauty and Health
10 Best Sulfate-free Shampoos in India (2024)
Looking for the best sulfate-free shampoo? Read this article to know about the pricing and usage of sulfate-free shampoos available in India.
Sulfate could damage your hair and could even trigger rapid hair fall. Sulfate-free shampoos give your hair a gentler clean and allow your hair to shine with its natural sheen. It minimises the harsh effects of sulfate on the hair while promoting hair health. Additionally, sulfate-free shampoos are a blessing to those who have coloured hair as it does not strip your hair from colour easily.
The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo is the best sulfate-free shampoo on our list. It is enriched with shea butter to help deeply clean the hair and give it a bright sheen. It contains zero sulfates, thus having minimal adverse effects on the hair. Furthermore, it is well-suited for oily scalps.
Expert Comment: The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo restores the beauty and luscious hair feel. The essential oils and shea butter make this product suitable even for oily scalp. It enriches the hair and improves hair health. It also helps in creating smoothening and softening effects.
Note: For optimal results alongside Shampoo, choose a supplement with key ingredients like Biotin, Keranat, Folic Acid, and Vitamin E. For instance, consider this Hair Supplement.
The goodness of onion in the WOW Skin Science Onion Shampoo for Hair Growth and Hair Fall Control helps prevent hair fall and damage. The addition of Pro-Vitamin B5 and black seed oil help in enriching the scalp and hair health.
Expert Comment: The onion seed oil with black seed oil and pro-vitamin B5 help improve the hair's texture while strengthening the follicles. It further rejuvenates dead and weak portions of the scalp and the hair length, making it one of the best sulfate-free shampoos for men and women. Furthermore, it is also one of the most affordable shampoos on the market.
The mCaffeine Hair Fall Control Coffee Shampoo is enriched with argan oil and special protein that helps nourish the hair shaft. It deeply cleanses the hair and also nourishes the hair with the goodness of coffee. It enables hair fall control and makes the hair seven times stronger.
Expert Comment: The mCaffeine Hair Fall Control Coffee Shampoo uses caffeine and its goodness, argan oil, and protein to help the hair get stronger right from the roots. It thereby minimises hair fall and also deeply cleanses and nourishes hair. It is undoubtedly the best sulfate-free shampoo for hair fall at an affordable price.
The WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo No sulfate & Parabens is the best choice for both men and women with dry hair. It uses the goodness of apple cider vinegar to help you nourish your hair and ensure it is moisturised to prevent dry and frizzy hair. It also helps you control hair fall and damage with its ability to balance the scalp's pH.
Expert Comment: The WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo No sulfate & Parabens is one of the best sulfate-free shampoos for dry hair. It uses the age-old technique of apple cider vinegar to keep the scalp moisturised and nourished. It balances the scalp pH, thereby minimising hair fall and dandruff.
The Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo is perfect for gently cleansing the hair. It adds moisturising and conditioning properties. It eliminates the impurities of the hair and brings back the scalp to its naturally balanced state, helping the hair health and improving follicle strength. The shampoo doubles as a conditioner and is sulfate-free.
Expert Comment: The Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo is the best sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner as it deeply enriches the scalp and hair length. It helps in maintaining the hair naturally while removing impurities and balancing the scalp's health. It promotes hair growth and controls hair damage rather well.
It is the best sulfate-free shampoo for men to eliminate yellow undertones and keep hair light and fresh.
Expert Comment: The Schwarzkopf Professional Goodbye Yellow Neutralising & Anti-Yellow Sulfate Free Purple Shampoo has advanced technology to eliminate the undertones of yellow in salt and pepper hair. It is best suited for men and promotes hair health while deeply cleansing and nourishing the hair. It also condenses the hair and hydrates it.
The TRESemme Sulfate Free Pro Protect Shampoo helps give the hair a natural sheen. It is the best sulfate-free shampoo for women as it uses the goodness of Moroccan argan oil. It can be used on damaged and coloured hair as well.
Expert Comment: The TRESemme Sulfate Free Pro Protect Shampoo is perfect for all hair types. It gives you a professional sheen at home at very reasonable prices. The shampoo is free from sulfates making it gentle and effective in promoting hair health.
S. No
Product Name
Price in Rs.
WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo No sulfate & Parabens
302
mCaffeine Hair Fall Control Coffee Shampoo
429
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo
1,795
WOW Skin Science Onion Shampoo
294
Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo
2,571
Schwarzkopf Professional Goodbye Yellow Neutralising & Anti-Yellow Sulfate Free Purple Shampoo
850
TRESemme Sulfate Free Pro Protect Shampoo
627
Luxura Sciences Argan Oil Shampoo
599
WishCare Fermented Rice Water Shampoo
450
The Moms Co. Natural Protein Shampoo
429
Here’s a list to help you wash your hair gently and easily without any side effects after using some of the best sulfate-free shampoos:
The WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo No sulfate & Parabens uses ancient technology of using apple cider vinegar to enrich the hair and balance the scalp’s pH. It helps moisturise and hydrate dry hair while keeping it fresh and luscious. It is the ideal sulfate-free shampoo for men and women.
Price: Rs. 302
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Fresh
Hair Type: Dry
Pros
Cons
Free from chemicals
Shampoo gives less lather
Strengthens hair follicles
Slow results
It contains almond and argan oil to keep hair fresh
Has a pleasant odour
The goodness of caffeine along with special protein and argan oil technology have combined to present itself in one of the most affordable sulfate-free shampoos for hair fall. The mCaffeine Hair Fall Control Coffee Shampoo is free from chemicals and helps in making the hair stronger and shiny at affordable prices.
Price: Rs. 429
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Pure Arabica coffee
Hair Type: All and damaged
Pros
Cons
Free of silicones and sulfates
Could cause hair to appear frizzy and unruly
Smells like coffee
Not suitable for thin and damaged hair
It is soap-free and has a gentle effect on the hair
A large quantity is required for a single wash
Deep cleanses the hair
The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo is enriched with argan oil, shea butter, and other essential oils to help you repair, hydrate, smoothen, and soften your hair. It can be used on oily scalps to gain the same results. It is well suited for thick, unruly, and curly hair. Taming hair is extremely easy with this sulfate-free shampoo that acts as a conditioner as well.
Price: Rs. 1,795
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Pleasant fragrance
Hair Type: All
Pros
Cons
Not tested on animals
Might cause itching of the scalp
Can be used on oily scalp
Lather takes time to form
Controls hair damage and hair fall
Might leave a residue on the hair
Tames thicky and unruly hair
The WOW Skin Science Onion Shampoo is suited for all hair types and is known to improve hair health and texture. The scalp is also enriched with onion seed oil and black seed oil. It further helps in minimising hair damage and hair fall. The WOW Skin Science Onion Shampoo for Hair Growth and Hair Fall Control is free from all forms of chemicals and parabens.
Price: Rs. 294
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Fresh
Hair Type: All
Pros
Cons
Free from chemicals; Vegan
Might cause hair to become oily
Strengthens hair follicles and improves hair texture
Might cause the scalp to get itchy
Contains essential oils to improve the softness and sheen of the hair
Can be used by both men and women
The Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo is designed with a combination of sulfate-free and moisture-locking technology to not just cleanse the hair but also deeply nourish it and hydrate it.
Price: Rs. 2,571
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Fresh
Hair Type: All
Pros
Cons
Has a hair renewal ability
Expensive and unaffordable for many
Acts as both shampoo and conditioner
Packaging issues
Gently cleanses and moisturises hair
Softens hair and improves scalp health
The Schwarzkopf Professional Shampoo helps decrease the hair's yellow undertones, making it look more healthy and shiny. It is the perfect shampoo for those having grey and thin hair. It improves the health of your salt and pepper hair while controlling hair fall, damage, and dandruff.
Price: Rs. 850
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Fresh
Hair Type: Normal
Pros
Cons
Minimises yellow undertones
Requires a substantial quantity for every wash
Works very well with salt and pepper hair
Might not be suitable for unruly hair
Controls hair falls
Makes hair natural and shiny
The TRESemme Sulfate Free Pro Protect Shampoo is the perfect sulfate-free shampoo for women. It helps you clean your hair gently while also giving you a salon-like finish. It uses Moroccan argan oil to nourish hair and give it a natural sheen.
Price: Rs. 627
Item Form: Cream
Scent: Pleasant Odour
Hair Type: All
Pros
Cons
Uses the goodness of Moroccan argan oil
Might trigger hair fall
Suitable for coloured hair
Could cause the hair to get sticky
Strengthens the hair
Makes hair naturally shiny
With the goodness and effectiveness of argan oil, the sulfate-free Luxura Sciences Argan Oil Shampoo helps in making hair stronger and free from frizz in just a few uses.
Price: Rs. 599
Item Form: Oil
Scent: Argan oil
Hair Type: Oily, treated, and coloured
Pros
Cons
Uses the goodness of argan oil
Might cause dryness of scalp
Suitable for coloured hair
Could cause to become frizzy and dry
Can be used on oily and treated hair as well
Adds volume to the hair
The WishCare Fermented Rice Water Shampoo has a hair growth and strengthening formula that allows hair to grow naturally. The precious exotic blend of rice water enables moisture penetration to the roots, and it protects the scalp from harmful UV rays and dust.
Price: Rs. 450
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Coconut
Hair Type: All
Pros
Cons
Uses the goodness of coconut oil, fermented rice water, and almond oil.
Low effectiveness
Contains soy protein
Could trigger hair fall for those with sensitive scalp
Free from harmful chemicals and parabens
Protects hair from heat styling
The Moms Co. Natural Protein Shampoo minimises hair fall largely and can be used on children as it does not contain any harmful chemicals that could harm them. It can detoxify the hair and also nourish it or stronger and healthier hair. It is suitable for all hair types.
Price: Rs. 429
Item Form: Liquid
Scent: Coconut
Hair Type: All
Pros
Cons
Uses the goodness of coconut oil for hair strengthening
The silk protein used could trigger allergies
Can tame and moisturise hair
Might leave a white powdery substance on the hair
Makes hair look voluminous
Adds a natural shine to the hair
Choosing the wrong shampoo could trigger hair fall, hair damage, hair-thinning, etc., and these problems could make or break your hair health. It is important to understand what your hair needs and what is suitable for application to improve its health. After careful study and analysis of different products available in the market for different issues, we have shortlisted the best sulfate-free shampoos considering the following:
The price and the value for money it offers
The composition and technology used for shampoo formulation
The effect of the product on the hair
The effectiveness and lasting duration of the product
The after-effects of the product
The overall experience
Sulfates are known to make hair dry and frizzy. Thus, sulfate-free shampoos provide the following benefits:
Preserves hair colour
Maintains natural hair oil
Added moisture retention of the hair
Environmentally friendly
Zero frizz
No tears
Can be used on sensitive scalps
Ensuring that you read the labels and instructions for the use of the product is vital. While picking out your sulfate-free shampoo, you must look out for the following words:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Parabens
Phthalates
Triethanolamine (TEA)
If your shampoo is not composed of these above-mentioned chemicals, it is sulfate-free. While picking out your shampoo, it is also important to look out for:
The composition
Type of hair
Area of application
Allergies and sensitivity
Yes, sulfate-free shampoo is the best type of shampoo as it cleanses and conditions your hair deeply yet gently.
Sulfate-free shampoos do not contain these primary surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium Laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. These do not hurt the sensitive scalp and weak hair.
Sulfate-free shampoos most likely do not cause hair loss. Shampoos that have sulfates cause thinning as they irritate and inflame the scalp. However, this might occur due to some form of allergy.
The list mentioned above is the best sulfate-free shampoos available today. Keep the instructions of use and composition in mind before purchasing.
Yes, sulfate-free shampoos are unisex and can be used by anyone.
The bottom line, sulfate-free shampoos have many advantages over conventional normal shampoos. The gentleness of these shampoos is what makes them so popular in the world of improved hair health. Additionally, these shampoos do not react with other ingredients making them easy to pair with other nourishing ingredients to improve hair strength.
To contact the Express Deals team, please drop an email to - expressdeal@newindianexpress.com
We will reach out to you in the next 48 business hours.
Disclaimer: At Express Deals, we work with subject matter experts to bring you the latest in product innovations and Indian eCommerce trends. Express Deals participates in various affiliate programs, which means we may earn revenue on purchases made through the links to retailer sites. Please note that prices mentioned on the pages can vary based on retailer promotions on any given day. Also, do note that we will not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the featured products since they aren't directly sold by us.