What is the best sulfate-free shampoo in 2022?

It's 2022 and the hair care market is increasingly on top of the trends. This means the industry is offering interesting and effective product options made with more natural substances.

Today there are sulfate-free shampoo alternatives. Sulfate deeply cleanses the hair, but in excess it degrades the hair, reducing the natural oiliness of the strands and causing dryness.

Let's get to know some of the best sulfate-free shampoos of 2022, taking into account the assets they bring in their formulas, but also the cost-benefit ratio of these brands, which is always important when choosing the best option for you.

The 10 best sulfate-free shampoos of 2022

How to choose the best sulfate-free shampoo

To choose the best sulfate-free shampoo, we will comment on some ideal features that a good shampoo should offer, knowing some assets and also considering the cost-benefit. Follow!

Prefer the ideal actives for your hair

In order to choose an ideal shampoo for your hair, you should not only consider the absence of harmful sulfate. There are other issues to be observed so that you find a product that suits your needs.

One of these issues is the presence of certain actives in shampoo formulas. They are components that are introduced in the formulas so that the product offers, in addition to cleaning, other interesting benefits.

Ceramides, oils, butters, amino acids and other assets are part of the potentiation of benefits in hair products. Some help in the growth, others in strengthening. Other assets, yet, combat greasiness, nourish or reduce frizz.

Ceramides: helps in the growth

Ceramides are lipids found in the outer layer of the skin and hair. These actives, present in the formulas of many shampoos, favor healthy hair growth. In addition, ceramides are molecules responsible for the natural barrier, called the hydrolipid barrier.

Therefore, ceramides are highly recommended for all hair types, as they ensure the integrity of the hair and offer restorative capacity. They are responsible for deeply nourishing the hair mass, closing the scales of the hair. This action promotes the strengthening of the fibers, giving shine and softness.

During daily life, factors such as sun exposure wear out the ceramides naturally produced by our body. The replacement of ceramides is especially indicated for those who have undergone chemical and intensive hair treatments, but also for those who are prone to dryness.

Argan oil: fills the fiber of elastic hair

An effective component against dryness is Argan Oil. It is an oil extracted from a plant called argan spinosa, which grows in Morocco. This oil is quite popular in Brazilian products, known for being able to fill the fiber of the hair, offering greater elasticity and strength.

It is a powerful ally in the treatment of hair that is lifeless, besides containing naturally Omega 6 and Omega 9, offering antioxidant action. Argan Oil also restores the integrity of the threads, especially reducing the undesirable split ends by sealing the hair cuticles.

In addition, it also combats hair loss. The presence of Vitamin E in this oil acts against the incidence of free radicals. Some studies point out that Argan Oil also proves to be efficient against dandruff.

Coconut oil: reduces porosity

Coconut Oil is extracted by pressing the coconut, containing 90% fatty acids, which ensures deep nourishment to the hair follicles. This oil has incredible properties that bring numerous benefits to the health of the skin and hair. It has become quite popular in formulas of brands that offer vegan options.

In shampoos, it is a powerful active, which reduces porosity by penetrating deep into the hair. Its action is to seal the hair cuticles, offering shine and hydration, but also protection against external factors such as sun and pollution.

In addition, this oil contains vitamins A and E, antioxidants that also work as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. It activates the blood circulation of the scalp and also fights dandruff. For this purpose, apply it in the evening, directly on the scalp, in small amounts, massaging gently.

Macadamia oil: moisturizes and reduces frizz

Macadamia Oil is extracted from a nut found on trees that grow in places like Australia and Hawaii. This oil has very positive properties, containing protein, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and vitamins beneficial for hair, as well as Omega 9 and Omega 7, essential fatty acids for hair health.

It is a powerful moisturizer, known for reducing frizz. The penetration capacity of this oil in the hair shaft makes it an excellent ally against dryness. This special absorption that macadamia offers also works to enhance the effect of other assets that are present in the formula of a hair product.

In addition, it is a light oil that can also be used by those with oily hair and those who have hair damaged by chemical processes.

Grape seed oil: fights oiliness and moisturizes

Grape seed oil is an excellent active that fights greasiness and at the same time offers hydration, as it has moisturizing and emollient action. Therefore, those who have mixed to oily hair will benefit greatly from the properties of grape seed.

Grape seed oil also greatly aids in the healthy growth of hair, prevents hair loss and protects the strands, effectively preventing flaking. The result is hair that is less brittle, hydrated and naturally shiny.

Because it contains Vitamin E, it is a soothing oil, an excellent option for those who have the most sensitive scalp. Those who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, the famous dandruff, can use this oil safely. In its 100% natural version, it can be purchased separately and added to the shampoo.

Butters: bring nutrition

Plant butters have many nutrients that are beneficial to skin and hair, so they are a welcome ingredient in shampoo formulas, especially those that are sulfate-free. Unlike oils, butters are creamy substances.

A shampoo with the presence of butters has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity, has a conditioning effect and results in a look of beauty and naturalness to the hair, untangling them and protecting the hair from dryness. Its vegetable origins are varied, and many of them are found in sulfate-free shampoo formulas.

The avocado butter, for instance, offers elasticity and softness, the mango butter is full of essential nutrients, the cupuaçu butter is very used on national products, the famous Karite butter has hydrating and restoring power, the murumuru butter is a Brazilian butter that offers hydration without greasiness, among many others.

Betaine amphoteric is a less aggressive surfactant

Betaine Amphoteric is a surfactant, that is, a foaming agent, found in products such as shampoos and liquid soaps. The surfactants are also called surfactants, and promote deep cleaning of the threads, having astringent effect.

Present in some sulfate-free shampoo formulas, the Betaine Amphoter or Cocoamido Propyl Betaine, increases the viscosity of the components to form an abundant foam, thus dispensing the presence of salt in a hair product.

Its main function is to improve the performance of the product in terms of cleaning, being a less aggressive emollient agent that does not cause irritation to the scalp and mucous membranes.

Amino acids promote moderate cleansing

Amino acids are a guarantee of hydration for hair. Keratin and collagen, essential substances for hair health, for example, are composed of these particles.

The use of a shampoo with amino acids or keratin in its formula, combined with a good diet, generates excellent results for those who are in search of growth and strength for their strands.

A remarkable ability of hair products with amino acids is the restoration of hair mass, damaged by chemical products and exposure to heat. Thus, people who use daily hair dryer, flat iron and curl styler need amino acid replacement.

Shampoos without parabens, petrolatum less damage the hair

Not everyone knows exactly what the benefits of a paraben- or petrolatum-free shampoo are, or rather, why these components are considered harmful. Parabens act as preservatives, in addition to being bactericides and fungicides.

The use of parabens in excess and in the long term brings several risks to health, since they can disrupt hormones, besides causing dermatitis and irritation. Petrolatum are substances derived from petroleum, used as emollients in products such as shampoos.

They are effective in providing softness sensation, however, clog the follicles, form a barrier against the entry of nutrients, are active allergens and harm the healthy growth of hair.

Check the cost-effectiveness of large or small packages according to your needs

It is necessary to balance the potential benefits that the products promise and its acquisitive capacity, that is, it is not enough that the shampoo offers efficacy in what it proposes. Besides, it should offer a favorable cost-benefit relation.

Thus, many times a product with a larger amount of content can cost more, but be more durable than a product that comes in smaller packaging and will run out faster. There are still brands that present an option to buy refills of a particular product.

To gauge all this information and ensure you're making a good choice, look for sulfate-free shampoo that not only offers good results, but is in an appropriate price range.

Don't forget to check if the manufacturer performs animal testing

Something extremely positive when buying any cosmetic product is to also think about the environmental issue and conscious consumption. Therefore, giving preference to products that have not undergone animal testing is essential.

Even more so in current times, when traditional tests, based on the suffering of these beings, are being replaced on a large scale by humane methods. There are many technological advances in the cosmetics industry, proving that it is possible to care for skin and hair using products free of cruelty to animals.

Thus, numerous brands offer excellent options for sulfate-free shampoos that are not tested on animals. Be sure to check the product labels for this information.

The 10 best sulfate-free shampoos to buy in 2022

Adhering to sulfate-free shampoos is a great choice for those who want more beautiful and healthy hair, without the risk of damaging the strands. Let's get to know the best sulfate-free shampoos to buy in 2022.

Seda Boom Shampoo Liberated

Beauty, shine and affordability

The Shampoo Boom Liberado Seda is a great choice for those who want a gentle cleansing, but deep. It has D-Panthenol in its formula, a substance that turns into vitamin B-5 when absorbed by the body . This means that it is a product with antioxidant properties. But, its benefits do not stop there.

The Boom Liberated Seda also has Coconut Oil, delivering hydration without greasiness, that is, moisturizing cleansing for all hair types. The effect of shine and softness is also guaranteed, and another reason to bring this shampoo for your daily hair care is the affordable price of the brand Seda.

It can be used on all hair types, but is especially indicated for curly and frizzy hair. In addition, it is a very popular product and can be easily found in supermarkets, pharmacies, and numerous online stores.

Low Bubble Soul Power Shampoo

Vegan and potent

An excellent option for those who have dry hair is this novelty of Soul Power. The Low Bubble is a cleansing cream for hair that does not produce much foam and offers a blend of organic actives (Aquilea, Sage, Mint, Rosemary and Quillaia).

Yes, this is a vegan shampoo highly recommended for moisturizing and maintenance of natural curls. The Acacia Senegal extract in its formula ensures prolonged hydration, as it creates a kind of protective film that retains water and nutrients, penetrating deep into the wires.

The extract Fitoglicerinado Grape releases vitamins and mineral salts essential for the revitalization of those who want to restore damaged hair. Other positive points are: the charming packaging and full of identity, besides the fact that this company does not conduct animal testing.

Magic Wash Soul Power Sulfate-free Shampoo

Hydration with natural actives

Gentle cleansing of curly, curly and wavy hair, without aggression to the wires and fighting dryness. This is what Magic Wash Soul Power Sulfate-free Shampoo delivers. The Magic Wash formula is a powerful compound of natural actives focused on hydration and hair restoration.

Among them, the D-Pantenol (Pro Vitamin B5), effective to maintain hair hydrated for much longer, releasing the benefits of Vitamin B5 . The emollient and lubricant properties of the Olive Oil also mark presence, as well as the Macadamia Oil, which contains Omega 7 and Omega 9.

Besides, this is an antioxidant product, for containing grape phytoglycerin extract, which is rich in Anthocyanins, Resveratrol, Vitamins and Mineral Salts. Another positive point is to be 100% free: of sulfate, silicone, parabens and petrolatum.

Salon Line Maria Natureza Coconut Milk Hydration Shampoo

Benefits for the hair and beautiful packaging

Maria Natureza Coconut Milk Hydration Shampoo, by Salon Line, is recommended for all hair types. It was developed, however, especially for the treatment of damaged hair with a worn-out and dry aspect.

This shampoo brings Coconut Milk as the main ingredient, which means effectiveness in the absorption of excellent fatty acids for hair fibers. In addition, it offers other important assets for those seeking strengthening and beautification for the strands: a mix of Monoi Oil with coconut oil.

The Monoi Oil is extracted from a flower of French Polynesia and provides intense hydration and immediate shine effect. Another interesting point is the packaging, which draws attention by its beauty. And finally, this is a totally vegan and cruelty free product.

Shampoo in paste tea latte Jasmine and vegetable milk Lola Cosmetics

Sustainable, charming and promising

The Lola Cosmetics 2022 Tea Latte Jasmine and Vegetal Milk Shampoo was developed for very damaged hair. It is a hypoallergenic product that offers intensive treatment for those who have opaque, brittle and lifeless hair, presenting visible benefits in a short time.

Its composition invests in Jasmine Butter and coconut vegetable milk. It protects against pollution and UV rays. For being a paste product, it has a creamy and soft texture and can be removed with less water.

Its formulation invests in economy and eco-sustainability, since it comes in a bio-degradable packaging. This product is listed in the PEA (Animal Hope Project), among the totally cruelty free options in the cosmetic market. In addition, its charming compact packaging is a great option to take on trips.

Lola Cosmetics My Curl Shampoo

Identity, charm and quality

The Lola Cosmetics Shampoo Meu Cacho came to kick ass, delivering visible results for those who have curly hair and want to solve once and for all the brittle aspect of the wires. The Oil Patuá in its formula acts as a hair tonic, giving shine and strengthening from the root.

This oil is also especially effective against seborrhea, restoring the health of the scalp. Meu Cacho Shampoo provides great hydration and shine, leaving hair showy and invigorated, with remarkable elasticity and softness.

To top it off, Lola Cosmetics presents its products in beautiful, retro-looking packaging, and Shampoo Meu Cacho has a high point, in terms of quantity and cost-effectiveness. Lola Cosmetics also gets it right when it comes to conscious consumption: the brand is part of the PEA (Animal Hope Project), which lists totally cruelty-free options in the cosmetic market.

Love Beauty & Planet Shampoo Smooth and Serene

Frizz free while caring for the planet

To get rid of frizz once and for all, try Love Beauty & Planet Shampoo Smooth and Serene. Gentle cleansing is one of the benefits of this product, which uses Argan Oil from Morocco to provide deep nourishment and softness.

The lavender, also present in the composition of Smooth and Serene Shampoo, according to the packaging, is cultivated in French fields. Also known as lavender, it provides protection against hair loss, acting also against fungi and bacteria. Not to mention the highlight that is its soft and deep fragrance.

This product has a completely vegan formula. Even Love Beauty & Planet's packaging is made with 100% recycled plastic and is recyclable.

Cicatrifios Inoar Shampoo

Instant hair plastic

Cicatrifios Shampoo is a vegan development of the Inoar brand for hair that needs complete restoration, that is, those that are brittle and lifeless. This is because it offers an instant hair repair.

For this purpose, Inoar uses the RejuComplex3 technology, an evolution in hair restoration provided by daily hair cleansing products. This formula has restoring action on the hair fiber in addition to being a sealer.

The benefits of Cicatrifios provides easier combing, extreme shine, strength and silkiness. It is not the cheapest on the market, but it has an exclusive formula.

Another positive information is the non testing on animals. Inoar brand conducts its tests through a bank of human hair strands, ensuring the cruelty free seal of its products.

Shampoo #Bombar Inoar Hair Growth

Boom of hydration and growth

Another vegan shampoo option offered by the Inoar brand is the Shampoo #Bombar Crescimento Capilar (#Bombar Hair Growth). The focus of this line is on hair restoration and healthy hair growth, with visible effects in a short period of time.

This true nutrient bomb for the hair promotes gentle cleansing and is a mix of D-Panthenol, effective in prolonging hydration and shine, and biotin, a potent vitamin for growth,

It is a product recommended for all hair types and its package contains 1 liter, which makes it a heavyweight option for those who want to invest in quantity and quality at the same time. Lastly, Inoar is a brand that takes non-testing on animals seriously, opting for tests on human hair strands.

Cleansing Juba Widi Care Shampoo

Revolutionary curl technology

The graceful name of this shampoo delivers that it is the darling of those who seek novelty with quality. Widi Care Higienizando a Juba Shampoo is the ideal shampoo for daily cleaning and care of hair, especially curly, wavy and frizzy hair.

It was developed to with original technology, providing cleaning, hydration and untangling of the threads. It promises to be the only shampoo formulated for curves, not fogging, in other words, allowing curls to absorb nutrients and cleaning agents uniformly.

It offers the power of Linseed Oil, rich in Omega 3 and 6, the emollient action of Hazelnut Extract, the restoration of Murumuru Butter and the deep hydration of Coconut Oil. In addition, Juba is a completely vegan line and the Widi Care brand has a cruelty free seal.

Further information about sulfate-free shampoo

Find out how to use sulfate-free shampoo properly, and also learn about regular washing. Plus, check out what other sulfate-free products might be a good fit for your hair.

How to use sulfate-free shampoo properly

Hair cleaning should be done preferably with warm or cold water. Hot water damages the hair and wears out the cuticles, causing dryness and even oiliness with the so-called rebound effect.

Therefore, to use sulfate-free shampoo properly, generously wet the hair and apply the product, making gentle, circular massages until you get foam. The process is then finished by rinsing off all residue.

You can after that apply a conditioning product of your choice.

You have to remember that sulfate-free shampoo does not produce as much lather as its sulfate counterpart, but that does not mean that dirt removal and penetration of actives is not effective.

How many times to wash your hair in a week

The frequency of hair washing is something that should be considered from your hair type. That is, knowing the regularity of cleaning with shampoo depends on whether your hair is oily, dry, mixed or normal.

The hair texture, if it is fine or thick, for example, also influences the best frequency for each one. However, those who have fine hair should wash it more often, due to the propensity to accumulate greasiness.

The consensus is that normal to oily hair should be washed preferably every two days, and dry and curly hair, once or twice a week.

Other sulfate-free hair products

Besides shampoos, an indispensable product for daily hair hygiene, there are other sulfate-free products that are excellent additions to your haircare, that is, your hair and scalp care routine.

There are, for example, sulfate-free conditioners, creams and masks, ideal for moisturizing, hair reconstruction and untangling hair. Other options rich in nutrients and extracted from vegetables are oils, butters and extracts.

Many of them can be applied directly to the hair, for scalp massage, for example, but also in order to obtain the benefits and positive effects that these assets confer to the hair.

Choose the best sulfate-free shampoo according to your needs

Choosing the best sulfate-free shampoo should, first of all, meet your needs. But in addition to the presence of various actives that provide certain effects, other factors can be taken into consideration when choosing.

For example, you can consider which substances you do not want in your hair products, seeking less aggressive options. The non-performance of tests on animals is another essential information for those seeking to aggregate industrial quality and conscious consumption.

Sulfate is a substance that degrades the hair, reducing the natural oiliness of the strands and causing dryness, as it changes the PH of the fibers. The several new sulfate-free shampoo options promote effective cleaning, but in a gentler way, not interrupting the natural production of oiliness, but controlling it.