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Best Drugstore Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Updated December 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
L'Oréal EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo
L'Oréal
EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo
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Drugstore Best-seller
Bottom Line

If you are ready to try a sulfate-free shampoo with premium qualities at an affordable price, you'd have a difficult time finding a better option than L'Oréal's EverPure.

Pros

Made by a favorite drugstore brand, this shampoo produces decent lather and has a pleasant scent. Gentle and effective for most hair types, including dry and color-treated hair. Formula is also vegan and paraben-free.

Cons

May leave behind a bit of residue if you use too much at once. Tube is awkward to use and its lid could be improved upon.

Best Bang for the Buck
Herbal Essences BioRenew Honey & Vitamin B Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Herbal Essences
BioRenew Honey & Vitamin B Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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Generous Amount
Bottom Line

A great-smelling sulfate-free shampoo that's affordable and works well for most hair types. The shampoo and conditioner combo is an even better value.

Pros

Contains honey extract and vitamin B to nourish hair and leave it feeling soft and manageable. Has a lovely botanical scent that isn't overpowering. Comes in a large bottle for a good price. No parabens, mineral oil, or dyes.

Cons

Can be difficult to rinse out. Some users with color-treated hair report that color fades faster than usual.

Aveeno Pure Renewal Moisturizing Shampoo
Aveeno
Pure Renewal Moisturizing Shampoo
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Nutrient-rich Formula
Bottom Line

This is a great sulfate-free shampoo if cleansing is your top concern, but consider the competitors on our list if you need a moisturizing formula for dry locks.

Pros

Utilizes seaweed extract – a plant-based ingredient that contains vitamins, minerals, and proteins to improve texture and nourish hair. Leaves hair and scalp feeling clean. A good option for fine hair as the lightweight formula won't weigh hair down.

Cons

Differing opinions on the scent. Some users find it pleasant, while others think it's too strong. Not extremely moisturizing.

OGX Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
OGX
Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
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Moisturizing Coconut Oil
Bottom Line

A highly moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo with hair-loving coconut oil. The fact that this affordable product is cruelty-free is another plus for many shoppers.

Pros

Garners praise for the combination of coconut oil and vanilla. Tames frizz and moisturizes dry hair with a pleasant scent. Works well for curly, thick, or coarse hair. Doesn't contain parabens and isn't tested on animals.

Cons

Tends to weigh down fine, thin hair. Mixed reviews on the scent. Users report bottles arriving with leaking lids.

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo
Garnier
Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo
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Best for Curls
Bottom Line

Choose this sulfate-free shampoo if you are looking for an affordable option that works well for most types of curls. The scent is likely to impress you as well.

Pros

Smooths frizz and moisturizes tight curls thanks to glycerin and a trio of oils: coconut, macadamia, and jojoba. Made with vitamins and fruit proteins that may strengthen hair. Vegan and free of parabens and silicone.

Cons

Feels somewhat heavy, so it's not ideal for thin or fine hair. Some users found it left their hair feeling weighted down or greasy.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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56
Models
Considered
111
Consumers
Consulted
14
Hours
Researched
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Sulfates have some useful purposes. When added to soaps, cleansers, and shampoos, they enhance the product's cleaning ability as well as produce lots of fluffy suds. However, sulfates in shampoos can irritate the skin and dry out hair. Fortunately, sulfate-free shampoos that are both effective and affordable are widely available from drugstore brands. They are ideal for consumers who are prone to scalp dryness and irritation as well as anyone with color-treated hair. Think about your hair type before you buy. Different sulfate-free formulas are available with ingredients that tackle various hair and scalp concerns. Most drugstore sulfate-free shampoos are made to use with matching conditioners. For added value, look for a set of sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

Our Top Picks
L'Oréal
Best of the Best
L'Oréal
EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo
Bottom Line
If you are ready to try a sulfate-free shampoo with premium qualities at an affordable price, you'd have a difficult time finding a better option than L'Oréal's EverPure.
Shop Now
Herbal Essences
Best Bang for the Buck
Herbal Essences
BioRenew Honey & Vitamin B Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Bottom Line
A great-smelling sulfate-free shampoo that's affordable and works well for most hair types. The shampoo and conditioner combo is an even better value.
Shop Now
Aveeno
Top Pick
Aveeno
Pure Renewal Moisturizing Shampoo
Bottom Line
This is a great sulfate-free shampoo if cleansing is your top concern, but consider the competitors on our list if you need a moisturizing formula for dry locks.
Shop Now
OGX
Top Pick
OGX
Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
Bottom Line
A highly moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo with hair-loving coconut oil. The fact that this affordable product is cruelty-free is another plus for many shoppers.
Shop Now
Garnier
Top Pick
Garnier
Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo
Bottom Line
Choose this sulfate-free shampoo if you are looking for an affordable option that works well for most types of curls. The scent is likely to impress you as well.
Shop Now