While they may be great for creating that luxurious lather we’ve come to expect from our shampoo, sulphates have come under consumer scrutiny in recent years because of their affect on personal health and that of the environment. Listed on shampoo bottles as sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sulphates are known to cause eye and skin irritation and can be absorbed through the skin. They can also strip the hair and scalp of essential oils, drying out and damaging hair follicles, which could lead to hair loss. While sulphates are a popular surfactant in many products, there are brands responding to consumer demand with sulphate-free alternatives, including these ones:
Vitafive CPR
Vitafive CPR has an entire shampoo range that’s 100 per cent sulphate-free. Catering for almost every hair need – Always Blonde, Anti-Fade, Frizz Control, Hydra Soft, Scalp Balance and Volumise – CPR is a pioneer of mainstream sulphate-free shampoos. In keeping with the theme, CPR also has an impressive collection of silicone-free conditioner.
With an affordable price point of $9.99, Naked’s Colour Protecting Shampoo and products are not only value for money but also utilise a formula made up of 97 per cent natural ingredients.
BC Bonacure Color Save Sulfate-free Shampoo increases colour retention so that even after 30 washes, up to 90 per cent of the original colour shimmer is maintained.
Known for its gentle formula, is a good option for people with a sensitive scalp. With a natural goat’s milk base that cleanses and nourishes, the formula utilises organic and plant-derived ingredients that are free from parabens, SLS propylene glycol and petrochemicals.
With several sulphate-free shampoos on offer, Davroe caters for blonde hair, coloured hair and sensitive scalps. Davroe’s product formulas combine naturally derived ingredients with the latest in hair care technology.
This Australian-owned hair care system promises that every product in its range is free from sulphates, parabens and sodium chloride. With shampoos for blonde hair, hydration, volume and anti-dandruff, the range has been infused with keratin and natural oils to soothe, calm and condition hair .
Even beauty powerhouse L’Oréal is getting in on the sulphate-free action with its new Hair Expertise , and EverStrong products. With 14 different sulphate-free shampoos on offer, there’s one to treat almost every hair concern.
The Australian brand's shampoos utilises luxurious-smelling ingredients like cinnamon, cocoa butter, eucalyptus, and lavendar, but steers clear of sulpates.
utilises Colour LockDown technology but steers clear of sulphates to create smooth and shiny hair while protecting against UV damage. The brand also has Catwalk Curlesque: Defining Shampoo, a sulphate free shampoo for curly hair.
Other brands with sulphate-free products:
Natural Instinct
Liqwd