10 Best Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoos of 2023 – Our Top Choices!
Gentle formulas to take care of dandruff without damaging your hair and scalp.
Alexandro VasquezHairdresser
Expertise: Hairdressing & Hair Color
Experience: 24 years
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He special... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Ramona SinhaCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 11 years
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: Shutterstock
A sulfate-based shampoo can efficiently remove the dirt and oil from the scalp and hair, but along with thorough cleaning, the shampoo will kill the moisture in your hair, making your scalp and hair dry. This is why you need the best sulfate-free dandruff shampoo that can retain moisture, treat scalp issues, and make your hair dandruff-free, healthy, and shiny. Furthermore, using sulfate-free shampoo on color-treated hair will make the color last longer and stay vibrant.
Sulfate-free shampoos are suitable for all hair types. These shampoos can also prevent scalp dryness and an itchy scalp. However, the market is swamped with sulfate-free shampoos, and it may become puzzling for you to narrow it down to the right one. This is why we have curated a list of the 10 best sulfate-free shampoos that will remove all your dandruff problems and give your a clean and healthy scalp and hair. Keep reading!
In This Article
Banish the Dandruff With 10 Best Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoos of 2023
1. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Image: Maple Holistics If dandruff had a sworn enemy, it would be tea tree oil. Eliminating dry, itchy, and flaky scalp by locking in the natural moisture, this shampoo also hydrates and conditions your hair with every use. With anti-bacterial and anti-fungal attributes, it will also keep your hair from thinning and prevent head lice too. Cleaning, soothing and moisturizing, all at the same time, this shampoo claims to be more like a therapy than a cleanser with rosemary and lavender. A great solution for all your hair problems, give this sulfate free anti dandruff shampoo a go if you haven’t already! Check out the detailed review of the product in this video.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients and oil formula
- Deep cleans and strengthens the roots
- Eliminates dirt, extra sebum, and dandruff
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive scalps
- Restores shine, suppleness, and softness
- Prevents shedding, irritation, and flakiness
- Chemical-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Pro Tip2. Best For Color-Treated Hair: L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Antidandruff Sulfate-Free Shampoo
When your scalp turns flaky or itchy, it’s giving you a sign for help or rather a change in shampoo! This Loreal sulfate free dandruff shampoo has a travel-friendly option for you that ensures to restore the balance with 1% pyrithione zinc and neem. One of the best ways to fight nasty dandruff and itchiness, this shampoo is also clinically tested to minimize and control flakiness, ensuring efficient scalp care. Give it a try, especially if you are looking for a no sulfate dandruff shampoo to use on-the-go.
Pros
- Restores hydration and softness
- Provides intense scalp and dandruff treatment
- Rejuvenates the scalp and adds shine to hair
- Paraben-free, salt-free, and surfactant-free
- It has an aromatic Indian lilac fragrance.
- It’s gentle on color-treated hair.
Cons
- Not recommended if you are sensitive to smell
- May be tough to apply on curly or wavy hair
Pro Tip3. Best Plant-Derived Formula: Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo
Image: Puracy Are you looking for a more trustable option to eliminate dandruff? Try Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo as it is developed by doctors. Formulated with natural and chemical-free ingredients such as beet sugar extract, olive oil-based squalene, vitamin B5, and vitamin E— consider your scalp taken care of instantly! From intense cleaning to making your hair looking healthier and flake-free, it also protects and intensely moisturizes the scalp. Besides this, it is gentle enough to use daily, thus making it a great choice for those who prefer frequent hair showers. It is the best affordable sulfate free shampoo. Don’t miss it!
Pros
- Rich-lathering and hypoallergenic shampoo
- Plant-derived and coconut-based formula
- Eliminates friction, dandruff, and frizzy hair
- Includes fragrance of citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus
- Paraben-free, phosphate-free, and triclosan-free
- Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
- Suitable for all hair types and sensitive skin
Cons
- It may be slightly drying.
Quick Tip4. Best For All Hair Types: Tru Moroccan- Moroccan Oil Shampoo
To hair care enthusiasts, the magic of Moroccan oil is no secret. And now you can enjoy the same in this amazing shampoo! Soothing the scalp and preventing frizzy hair, it provides intense moisture and conditioning to eliminate dryness, which is one of the root causes of dandruff. And that’s not all; it also adds a lustrous shine and volume to your hair that you’ll want to flip and flaunt all day long. Now, for all those looking for a shampoo for damaged, color-treated, or oily hair, this Moroccan shampoo could be it! It is the best sulfate free shampoo for dry scalp that smells good as it has a gentle yet ultra-conditioning formula that contains organic argan oil and extract of chamomile flowers, red clover, white willow bark, and elderflower too. Need we say more? Watch this video of the product for more information.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Plant and oil-based shampoo
- Prevents and eliminates split ends
- Soothes dry scalp and softens hair
- Gentle and balances sebum on the scalp
- Promotes hair growth and ensures manageable hair
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
Cons
- Expensive
- Not recommended if you are looking for a rich lather
5. Best For Daily Use: Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo
Image: Botanic Hearth Dandruff, what dandruff? With Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo, you don’t have to keep your hair in a bun anymore! This non-irritating shampoo is formulated with 100% pure tea tree oil, and it clarifies and conditions the hair to bring back the lost luster. And given how tea tree oil is the ultimate dandruff-buster, it also eliminates flakiness and provides intense hydration to give your hair that healthy and bouncy look. Also, the formula is rich in vitamin C, rosemary, and lavender oil too. Yep, try it, and get ready to say goodbye to hair ties forever.
Pros
- Weightless formula
- Gentle for daily use
- Paraben-free and cruelty-free
- Soothes flaky and irritated scalp
- Ensures intense cleaning and nourishment
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Thin consistency
- Not ideal if you prefer a rich foam
6. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Honeyskin Tea Tree Shampoo
Image: Honey Skin Say goodbye to the itchy scalp with this organic shampoo that contains manuka honey, apple stem cells, aloe vera, coconut oil, and tea tree. Hard on flakes but gentle on your scalp and hair, this shampoo deeply cleanses, hydrates, and soothes the scalp to prevent flare-ups. It strengthens follicles, provides essential nutrients to the hair, and promotes healthy hair growth. It is ideal for all hair types, from thin, thick, curly to color-treated textures, and is a unisex product.
Pros
- Organic
- pH-balanced formula
- Pleasant scent
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Ideal for sensitive scalp
Cons
None
7. Best Organic Formula: pHat 5.5 Seborrheic Dermatitis Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Image: Phat 5.5 Dry, damaged, and chemical-treated hair have a high chance of flaring up. So, if you are dealing with something similar or seborrheic dermatitis, then you must try this shampoo infused with honey, coconut, and aloe vera. Like a calming and therapeutic tonic for your scalp with orange extract, tapioca, and cehami, it intensely moisturizes and claims to restore the pH balance too. This means your scalp not only stays happy and healthy but leaves no room for dandruff to grow or return as well. Now, that’s something worth trying!
Pros
- Gentle and organic shampoo formula
- Restores natural moisture and sebum
- Promotes healthy-looking and shiny hair
- Ensures thorough cleaning and conditioning
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
8. Best Chemical-Free Option: Lotus Rx Dandruff Control Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Dandruff can be a real nightmare, and sometimes no home remedies can help. But before you give up, give this sulfate-free and dandruff control shampoo a go. Claiming to be an ideal combination of science and nature, it contains 8 essential oils along with pyrithione zinc to bring back your gorgeous tresses. Thoroughly cleansing as well as moisturizing, it eliminates dandruff, redness, and itchiness too. And are you earth-conscious? Because the brand uses 100% recycled bottles and a chemical-free dye for packaging. Still, want to miss it?
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Soothes, hydrates, and conditions hair
- Clinically-tested, botanical, and medicated dandruff shampoo
- Suitable for psoriasis, dry scalp, and color-treated hair
- Paraben-free, salt-free, and artificial preservatives-free
Cons
- Pricey
9. Best Dermatologist-Tested Formula: Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Image: Vanicream Does no shampoo or treatment seem to work for your stubborn dandruff? Get your hands on this medicated anti-dandruff shampoo from Vanicream. It contains zinc pyrithione 2% that has antifungal properties, which effectively reduces recurring dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. It cleanses the scalp gently, removes all flakes and itchiness, leaving the scalp fresh and nourished. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Creamy texture
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No dye
- Lanolin-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May be too drying for some hair types
10. Best Long-Lasting Formula: Majestic Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Image: Majestic Pure If you haven’t been told by your grandma or mom already, apple cider vinegar is an age-old formula to fight dandruff. And making the potion all the more powerful is this hydrating shampoo by Majestic Pure, which also contains avocado and coconut oil for moisturizing benefits. So, to make it simple, it will not only detoxify and clean the scalp but also leave a moisturizing layer behind. Also ideal, if you are dealing with itchy scalp or frizzy hair, give this traditional-meets-modern shampoo a go!
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Recommended for women and men
- Prevents itchiness, residue build-up, and flakiness
- Weightless and paraben-free product
- Exfoliating
- Ultra-hydrating and cleansing shampoo
- Safe for damaged, dry, and color-treated hair
Cons
- Packaging may not be user-friendly
Dandruff, goodbye! There you go, those are the 10 best sulfate-free anti dandruff shampoos to bring back your gorgeous and lustrous hair. To know more about why you need a sulfate-free shampoo, read our buying guide below.
Buying Guide – For Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Which Ingredients to Replace Sulfate with In Your Shampoo and Why?
Though many ingredients ensure better, milder, and scalp-friendly cleansing, the following ones are the top choices:
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil leads the race due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial attributes. Commonly found in most of the dandruff shampoos, its detoxifying and infection-fighting power is a must-have to eliminate itchiness and dandruff.
- Jojoba Oil: Since sulfate shampoos strip the natural moisture and oil off the hair, jojoba oil is recommended to restore the original suppleness and shine.
- Argan Oil: From cleansing the scalp, repairing the hair texture to moisturizing, argan oil can do it all. So, if you are dealing with dry and damaged hair, argan oil is a great choice.
- Coconut Oil: Who doesn’t know the benefits of coconut oil? Widely used for solving several hair problems, coconut oil ensures intense moisturizing and cleansing benefits that can help eliminate dandruff, flakiness, and dryness.
- Aloe Vera: If you are looking for a shampoo to soothe your dry and damaged scalp, then the one with aloe vera would be ideal. Other than soothing, it also provides nourishment and helps with hair growth.
- Eucalyptus: Another ingredient known for fighting and eliminating infection is eucalyptus. It detoxifies the healthy scalp and leaves it clean and flake-free.
Benefits of Using the Best Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoo
- Minimizes Hair Loss: Sulfate shampoos other than stripping away the dirt and excess sebum will eliminate the natural moisture and oil that your hair needs to stay healthy and to grow. And in the long run, it may weaken the roots as well, thus leading to hair loss. Hence a sulfate-free shampoo is a better option to minimize hair loss.
- Eliminates Dry Scalp: Since sulfate is harsh on the scalp and hair, dryness is a given. Dandruff shampoos without sulfates, on the other hand, restore and retain the natural oil and moisture to help the scalp stay conditioned, healthy, and nourished naturally.
- Gentle on Sensitive Scalp: Do you have a sensitive scalp? Then a mild sulfate-free shampoo should be your only choice for they are nourishing, and do not strip the scalp’s natural sebum off. Also, most of them are gentle enough to be used daily too.
Alexandro Vasquez, a renowned hairdresser, says, “Sulfate-free shampoos are one of the most efficient products for hair care. Use these shampoos along with sulfate-free conditioners to get healthy and shiny tresses.”
Infographic: Hair Wash Tips For Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoos
Sulfates are harsh chemicals that can cause irritation and hair dryness, leading to dandruff and other scalp issues. This is why using a sulfate-free shampoo for a dandruff-prone scalp is essential. The ingredients used to clean the hair and scalp are gentler and less likely to cause irritation. But how do you use the shampoo the right way? Check out the below infographic for more information. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The Bottom Line
Dandruff can be stubborn and can reoccur at any time. Sulfate-free shampoo can be a great addition to your hair care routine if you want to reduce dandruff and treat your scalp issues like dermatitis and psoriasis. They gently remove dandruff flakes and address the root cause to give you healthy and shiny hair. For a natural and effective approach, opt for the Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, and for a medicated yet gentle formula, choose the Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, and opt for the Majestic Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo for its clarifying and soothing properties. Most of the shampoos on our list are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and are suitable for all hair types. Even though some of them might seem a little more expensive than their sulfate-included counterparts, the results are worth the extra expense.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Medha Deb, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast who knows exactly what your hair needs and loves. Her recommendations for the best sulfate-free dandruff shampoos are based on in-depth research of the products and online user feedback. The products mentioned in this article can help make your hair dandruff-free, healthy, and shiny. These shampoos also prevent scalp dryness and relieve itchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sulfate-Free Shampoo Good for Dandruff?
Most of the sulfate-free shampoos are good for dandruff because they are milder and will not aggravate dryness, which is the root cause for dandruff. However, you should pick a sulfate free dandruff shampoo in particular for best results.
Is Any Sulfate-Free Shampoo Good for Colored Hair?
Yes, absolutely! The reason being since sulfate-free shampoos are non-drying and mild, they will not strip the color or the moisture from the hair.
Why Are Sulfates in Shampoos Frowned Upon?
Sulfates have earned the reputation of being bad for hair because they are harsh and cause irritation and dryness. Though they might make your hair feel thoroughly cleansed, they will also eliminate the natural moisture and oil that your hair needs to stay healthy and to grow. Hence, sulfate shampoos are not recommended.
How often should I wash using a sulfate-free dandruff shampoo?
You can wash your hair twice or thrice a week to ensure your scalp stays clean and healthy. However, if your lifestyle requires you to wash your hair more frequently, you can use sulfate-free shampoos as they have gentle formulas.
Does sulfate-free shampoo cause dandruff?
No. Sulfate-free shampoos do not cause dandruff. In fact, sulfate-free shampoos actually work on eliminating unnecessary build-up.
What are the benefits of sulfate-free dandruff shampoo?
Sulfate-free shampoo works wonders when it comes to eliminating dandruff from the scalp. It gently removes flakiness, build-up, or dandruff. These shampoos are formulated to address the root cause of the scalp issue to make your hair healthy, shiny, and strong.
Recommended Articles
