Do you have an irritated scalp? Or do you feel that your hair has lost all its thickness and shine? If so, it is high time you check the shampoo you are using, as it could be why you are experiencing it. Ensure your shampoo is free of sulfate content as sulfates are very damaging to your hair. A sulfate-free shampoo has numerous benefits, especially if your hair is chemically treated.
With the numerous shampoo brands in the market, finding one that is genuinely free of sulfate and other harmful chemicals is pretty tricky. For this reason, I have listed some of the best sulfate-free shampoos in the Indian market.
Top 10 Sulfate-Free Formula Shampoos for All Skin Types
Listed below are some of the best sulfate-free shampoos available in India.
1. St. Botanica Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo
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Overall score – 4.7/5
Are you suffering from excess hair fall, breakage, or even hair thinning? If so, opt for St. Botanica Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo, as it is rich in plant-based ingredients and natural oils that provide deep clean and strengthens hair from the root.
It has very effective ingredients like biotin, collagen, oat extract, and oils like lavender oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, avocado, and rosemary oil.
Vitamin B7 (biotin) increases keratin production, thereby strengthening the hair roots to prevent excess hair fall and hair thinning. Collagen also does a similar function as it is rich in three non-essential amino acids – proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which promote strong hair growth.
Oats extracts are your best bet if you suffer from problems like hair breakage, split ends, or dehydrated hair. Not only does it help with all these problems, but it also gives a smooth, shiny texture to your skin.
St. Botanica has a perfect combination of essential oils like lavender oil, rosemary oil, and carrier oils like sunflower seed oil, avocado, and jojoba oil. These oils provide excellent nourishment and are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
If you are looking for a shampoo with an excellent combination of oils and vitamins, then opt for St. Botanica shampoo.
Highlights –
- A perfect blend of biotin, collagen, and oats extracts.
- Contains oils like lavender oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, avocado, and rosemary oil.
- It is a volumizing shampoo that helps with hair thinning problems.
- Fights free radicals and keeps the impurities away.
- Collagen slows down the graying hair process.
2. Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Shampoo
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Overall score – 4.4/5
Blended with Natrasurf technology and active natural seaweeds, Aveeno has come up with extra-gentle cleansing shampoo free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic dyes. The technology ensures that the shampoo foams quickly, maintains the moisture level, and is exceptionally gentle on our scalp and hair.
Its main ingredient has been in the culinary world for years for its rich nutrient content. But recently, it has been used in beauty and health products as well. Being rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids, it stimulates the growth of healthy and strong hair.
The antioxidants and enzymes not only keep hair shiny but also protect from dirt, dead cells, and other impurities. The antimicrobial property reduces the risk of infection, inflammations, and skin irritations.
Do you want to try this sulfate-free shampoo with active natural seaweeds??
Highlights –
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Refreshes and rebalances for healthy manageability.
- It is a mild shampoo that can be easily rinsed off.
- Safe for color or chemically-treated hair.
- Ensure oil-free scalp due to its seaweed extracts and other natural cleansers.
- Provides deep cleanse and gives volume and shine to your hair.
3. OGX Renewing with Argan Oil of Morocco Hydrating Hair Shampoo
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Overall score – 4.2/5
Want to hydrate, repair, and renew your straight hair? Opt for this shampoo from OGX with active argan oil of Morocco. Apart from that, it is designed with UV protection and free-radical formulae to restore dull, dry hair.
OGX claims their shampoo does a beautiful job when it provides shine and moisture to your lifeless hair. Not only does it lock in the moisture, but it also protects the strands from styling and heat as it is free of sulfates and parabens.
The best part about this shampoo is its argan oil content. Being rich in fatty acids, argan oil can quickly provide deep moisturization to your hair, making it look fresh, shiny, and lustrous. Its ability to moisturize dry scalp also means that it can fight dandruff problems to an extent and reduce irritation or itchiness.
As mentioned before, this shampoo is perfect if you are into styling your hair. This is because it has antioxidants and natural heat protection properties, thereby providing protection from styling tools, heat, and even harmful UV rays.
So, if you use a lot of styling tools, opt for OGX Renewing with Argan Oil of Morocco Hydrating Hair Shampoo.
Highlights –
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Improves hair elasticity, strength, and growth.
- Formulated with a blend of cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil
- Benefits of argan oil, natural vitamin E, and charged antioxidants.
- Sulfate and paraben-free product.
- The sodium sulfonate content ensures deep cleaning and high foaming.
- Contains citric acid, which balances the pH level of our scalp.
4. Biotique Bio Green Apple Fresh Daily Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner
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Overall score – 4.1/5
Biotique has introduced a refreshing daily Ayurvedic care formula that not only purifies and nourishes our scalp and hair but also controls the pH level and provides hair with a natural shine. They have made this possible with the help of their perfect blend of ingredients like –
- Chinai Ghas (Gelidium amansii),
- Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica),
- Shikakai (Acacia concinna),
- Ghritkumari (Aloe vera),
- Seb (Pyrus malus),
- Badam tail (Prunus amygdalus oil),
- Nariyal tail (Cocos nucifera oil), and
- Himalayan water Q.SQS.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Green apples are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and phenols and have anti-aging properties. Apart from that, it also reduces dandruff troubles, enhances hair growth, controls hair fall, and prevents breakage. Its detoxifying property protects and purifies our scalp and hair, thereby giving a shiny and fresh look.
Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer used in Biotique shampoo, which not only hydrates our skin but also controls greasy hair, reduces itchiness and inflammation, protects against harmful UV rays, and promotes strong hair growth.
Another essential cleaning agent in this shampoo is reetha. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help control dandruff and other infections.
Are you looking for a product that functions as both shampoo and conditioner? If so, opt for Biotique Bio Green Apple Fresh Daily Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner.
Highlights –
- Dermatologically tested vegan and cruelty-free product.
- Contains a perfect blend of ingredients like green apple, aloe vera, badam oil, reetha, etc.
- Ability to control and balance the pH level.
- Ayurvedic care formula that is safe for colored hair.
- Good quality for a reasonable price.
- Suitable for all hair types but best for oily scalp and hair.
- Had a mild green apple fragrance.
5. Herbal Essences Bio: Renew Potent Aloe and Bamboo Shampoo
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Overall score – 4.1/5
Not only is this a sulfate-free shampoo, but it also provides the benefits of aloe vera and bamboo, which help strengthen the hair follicles.
The natural ingredients like aloe vera and bamboo not only provide nourishment and hydration but also helps to detangle messy, unruly hair and smoothen it out. It is free of harmful ingredients, but on the contrary, it contains natural surfactants that lather up your hair and soften it.
Aloe vera is known to control greasy hair, protect from UV rays, and help reduce itchiness and irritation caused due to dandruff or hair conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Being rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, it also provides sufficient ingredients for strengthening hair follicles.
Bamboo, like aloe vera, is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that help keep inflammation at bay while providing a soothing effect on your scalp. Not only does it strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth, but it also improves blood circulation, retains moisture, and cleanses the scalp of impurities.
Herbal Essences also has another variant in the same range which consists of aloe vera and eucalyptus extracts.
Highlights –
- Organic, vegan, and cruelty-free products.
- Recognized by PETA as it is free of harmful ingredients.
- Sulfates, paraben, colorants, and silicone-free.
- Six times more real aloe vera for smooth, soft, and hydrated hair.
- Bamboo promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles.
- Balances the hair pH level.
- Available in two variants – aloe + bamboo and aloe + eucalyptus.
6. Kerastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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Overall score – 4.6/5
Do you have unruly and undisciplined hair that is difficult to comb? Whether it is straight or curly hair, Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Gentle Shampoo helps reduce frizziness and dryness experienced by unruly hair.
This is possible as the shampoo uses Morpho-Keratin Complex formula (Morpho-Constituting Agents + Surface-Morphing Polymers) to even out the frizzy surface and protect it from dirt, pollutants, and other impurities. It also improves the hair’s elasticity and flexibility, thereby reducing the chances of breakage and split ends but improving its strength and health.
Apart from the Morpho-Constituent Actives and Morpho-Corporizing Polymers, it also consists of Surface Sublimers and High Precision Care Agents. The former helps to smoothen out rough hair, so it becomes easy to comb, while the latter restores and ensures healthy, voluminous hair.
The best part about this shampoo is that it is sulfate-free, which means that it is an excellent shampoo for sensitive hair and even color or chemically-treated hair. So, if you recently colored your hair or underwent some chemical treatment, this can be your choice.
Highlights –
- Lathers up very quickly and easily.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Controls unruly hair by removing pollutants and other impurities.
- 72 hours of anti-frizz protection and anti-humidity.
- Quick detangling ability with a mild fragrance.
- Ideal for sensitive hair, color-treated or chemically-treated hair.
- Ensure smooth and soft hair.
- Good results even without using a conditioner.
7. OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo
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Overall score – 3.9/5
Are you suffering from split ends, or are you looking for a means to create a luscious, vibrant mane with brilliant shine? If so, you are in the right place. The ingredients in OGX shampoo are blended with utmost perfection that aids in proper growth, development, and cleansing of hair and scalp.
Unlike mineral oils that do not penetrate deep into our scalp quickly, both macadamia oil and coconut oil can penetrate deep into the hair shaft and infuse it with fatty acids. This ensures smooth, strong, healthy, and nourished hair.
Coconut oil moisturizes and repairs dry hair and relieves scalp psoriasis symptoms and other scalp diseases that cause irritation. Similarly, avocado oil is also known to reduce the appearance of flaky skin and dandruff by providing deep moisturization.
It also has extracts from aloe vera, sugarcane, and bamboo. These extracts promote hair growth, make the hair follicles stronger, prevent scalp dryness, reduce hair fall and breakage, and give smooth, silky hair.
Want this perfect blend of macadamia oil, coconut oil, avocado oils, and extracts from sugar cane, bamboo, and aloe vera? Order now!!
Highlights –
- Suitable for all hair types but best for dry or damage-prone hair.
- Moisturizes our scalp but does not dry it out.
- Stronger hair follicles, thereby lesser chances of breakage and hair loss.
- A perfect blend of macadamia oil, coconut oil, avocado oils, and extracts from sugar cane, bamboo, and aloe vera.
- Can reduce frizz, split ends, and define curls.
8. Mamaearth Onion Shampoo for Hair Growth
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Overall score – 3.9/5
Mamaearth, with its new and improved deep, cleansing formula, provides 22% more foam for stronger, smoother, and cleaner hair. Apart from that, it also provides eight times more detangling action and four times more conditioning effect.
The highlight of this shampoo is that it has onion essence and plant keratin and is free of toxins, chemicals, sulfates, silicones, parabens, mineral oil, and even dyes. Onion and plant keratin are exceptionally gentle on the hair and scalp. It provides extreme nourishment, thereby ensuring clean and strong hair with a minimum amount of hair fall or breakage.
Apart from onion juice, some of the main ingredients are wheat amino acids, plant keratin, and soy amino acids. The former improves the tensile strength of each strand of hair, thereby increasing the elasticity and reducing the chance of hair breakage.
Plant keratin being rich in 18 different amino acids, not only moisturizes our hair but also provides a natural shine to it. Wheat amino acids also decrease hair porosity and strengthen hair follicles. On the other hand, soy amino acids lock in moisture and strengthen hair fibers.
With its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, onion juice helps treat hair conditions, like alopecia areata and even dandruff problems, thereby soothing the irritated scalp. The flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin present in onion juice also promote blood circulation and also moisturize dry and brittle hair.
One shampoo with so many unique ingredients? What are you waiting for? Buy Mamaearth Onion Shampoo for Hair Growth for silky, smooth, string, fast-growing hair.
Highlight –
- Free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, mineral oil, and dyes.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Dermatologically tested and safe for chemically.
- This shampoo has onion juice which promotes fast hair growth.
- Consists of plant keratin for sufficient hair protein.
- Wheat amino acids and soy amino acids supplement the effects of onion juice and plant keratin.
9. The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Shampoo
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Overall score – 3.8/5
This world-famous beauty brand gives us this 100% vegetarian shampoo with an eco-conscious formula for quick lather and efficient results. Like most of the other shampoos on the list, even The Body Shop shampoo does not contain sulfates, silicones, parabens, or colorants.
Even though the whole ingredients list is not mentioned on the back, we know that this shampoo contains pracaxi seed oil, caméline oil, olive oil, aloe vera, and sugarcane.
Pracaxi oil not only has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties but is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids like behenic and lignoceric acids. As a result, it has numerous benefits like providing in-depth moisture, detangling knots smoothly, protecting hair from pollutants, and even helping with dandruff and an itchy scalp.
Caméline oil contains linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which act as anti-inflammatory properties that help ease dryness and irritation, thereby reducing the chances of dandruff. It also contains antioxidants that keep away free radicals, thus giving us smooth, soft, nourished hair.
One shampoo and so many benefits! Do you want to reap the benefits of these oils? If so, choose The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Shampoo.
Highlights –
- 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free.
- Made with eco-conscious formula.
- Free of silicones, sulfates, parabens, and colorants
- Suitable for hair types between normal to dry hair.
- Gel-based shampoo that quickly foams.
- Ensures soft, shiny, and moisturized hair.
- Contains pracaxi and caméline seed oils.
- Community Trade organic olive oil from Italy and organic aloe vera and organic sugarcane from Paraguay.
10. WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
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Overall score – 3.8/5
WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo claims to restore shine and smoothness of the hair. It is a soft shampoo, i.e., it’s not hard on the hair. Apart from that, it also reduces fizziness and prevents hair breakage and split ends.
All of this is possible with the help of 100% pure, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, sweet almond oil, and argan oil.
Apple cider vinegar has been used in household remedies for a long time. But it’s only recently that science has started to look at the benefits of apple cider vinegar. In the case of hair care, apple cider vinegar is said to be a treatment for dandruff and other bacterial and fungal infections as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It also lowers the hair’s pH so that the hair becomes less brittle and frizzy. When hair is not frizzy or brittle, we can expect a natural shine and a smoother texture. Not only does it keep out dust and other pollutants, but it also protects from heat and styling tools.
Being rich in essential fats and vitamin E, sweet almond oil nourishes hair. Similarly, argan oil also has moisturizing properties since it is rich in linoleic acid and omega 6 fatty acids.
Gain all of these benefits without the harmful effects of sulfates with WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo!
Highlights –
- Ideal for men and women.
- Keeps the frizz under control, thereby providing smooth, shiny hair.
- Controls the flaking dead skins and provides gentle detoxification.
- A perfect blend of apple cider vinegar, sweet almond oil, and argan oil.
Benefits of sulfate-free shampoo
1. Eco-friendly product
The best part about sulfate-free shampoo is that it is made with plant derivatives and is mostly free of harsh chemical substances. This means it is good for the environment and our hair.
2. Ensures healthy hair
Since these shampoos use natural ingredients, it is mild on our scalp. Even though it is mild, it is highly effective as it strengthens each hair follicle and provides healthy, hydrated, smooth hair that is free of dirt and other impurities.
3. Less risk of irritation
When shampoos are loaded with chemicals, there are more chances of irritations, rashes, and dry scalp. It also reduces the formation of hair disease and flaky, dandruff hair.
Final verdict
Using a shampoo containing sulfate is pretty risky as it leads to problems like hair breakage, hair fall, thinning, color fading, dandruff, etc. So, while shopping for a shampoo, opt for ones free of sulfates, parabens, colorants, silicones, and other chemical components.
Personally, I would opt for St. Botanica Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo since it gives a more voluminous appearance to our hair and reduces the problem of hair thinning and hair fall. It also contains a beautiful blend of plant-based ingredients that do wonders for our hair.
I really hope you found this article helpful. Which one is your favorite shampoo? Please let us know in the comment section below.
