Sulfates are present in almost all hair care products, but in small quantities.
It is noted that the component, due to its structure, cannot penetrate the skin or curls, since it is quite large in size.
The function of the molecules is to remove impurities from the surface of the head and curls.
Sulfates are intense cleansers that wash out color pigments, styling products and fats/impurities (harm is determined by the ability to wash away healthy fats from the surface of the skin).
The central factor of sulfate-free products is the gentle cleansing of hair. Moreover, if styling or contamination is excessive, then this shampoo will be powerless.
Mostly these shampoos are suitable:
- For colored hair. Since, unlike products containing sulfates, they do not wash out the paint.
- After keratin hair straightening.
- If your scalp is prone to dryness.
They emphasize that sulfate-free products are not recommended for those who have oily scalp. Because the hair will not be properly cleansed of fat deposits.
Shampoos without cleansing agents are represented mainly by European brands. But domestically produced sulfate-free products are also noted.
Sulfate-free hair shampoos - a list of products recommended by experts:
- Shampoo COCOCHOCO.
- Helen Seward Soothing Shampoo 9/S.
- Teknia Gentle Balance.
- BC Color Save Shampoo.
Shampoo COCOCHOCO
Israeli-made COCOCHOCO sulfate-free shampoo is designed specifically for hair that has undergone keratin straightening. The product is made on the basis of soy protein, cactus juice, tree bark extracts and other components, without irritants and soap components. All ingredients are aimed solely at maintaining styling.
Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner COCOCHOCO Professional
Helen Seward Shampoo 9/S
Helen Seward Shampoo 9/S is a highly specialized shampoo designed for those with sensitive scalps and hair of all types. The product is aimed at neutralizing toxins and chemicals. Soothing Shampoo 9/S moisturizes the scalp. The product is based on a formula of marine extracts, provitamin B5 and a trichological complex (Calm-Complex).
Teknia Gentle Balance
Spanish Teknia Gentle Balance shampoo from the Lakme brand is developed on the basis of plant amino acids, acai extract, beetroot and other ingredients. An exceptional indicator of the product is the prevention of moisture loss and dehydration through a film coating of algae. This composition gives the product moisturizing and restorative properties.
BC Color Save
Shampoo from the German brand Schwarzkopf is created specifically for colored hair. The product prevents the washing out of coloring pigments even after 30 times of washing. It also protects curls from exposure to sunlight. The composition contains 9 different amino acids and keratin.
If you have thin or weak hair, then you need to select shampoos for hair growth. intensively nourishes hair, thereby stimulating new hair growth. Read reviews about the effectiveness of the product on our website.
Read the article about positive and negative experiences with using Sulsen anti-dandruff shampoo.
Video on the topic
To see which shampoos are dangerous, just go to any supermarket, where the cheapest, advertised brands belonging to cosmetic giants - L'Oreal, Dove, Garnier, Nivea, Clean Line and others - are on the shelves.
All these shampoos, which we see every day in commercials with models and actresses, contain one common component - the so-called SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
You can verify this by turning the shampoo over and reading the ingredients on the label:
Why are SLS in shampoo harmful?
SLS is the cheapest and easiest cleaning agent and foaming agent to use on a production scale. It is thanks to him that a drop of shampoo turns into lush white foam, and it is thanks to him that fat and impurities are removed from hair so well.
These amazing properties of SLS are used not only in the production of hair products. SLS is also used to make car wash liquid, glass cleaner, and many other compounds for fighting dirt on inanimate objects.
In human shampoos, SLS is simply mixed with emollients, so on the surface its effect does not appear aggressive. However, there are things that remain behind the scenes.
Constant use of such shampoos is fraught with disruption of blood supply to the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss and deterioration of the general condition of the hair. According to recent studies, SLSs have a strong carcinogenic potential, i.e. their toxicity can contribute to the formation of cancer.
Concern about the impact of SLS on human health has recently led to the emergence of the term “sulfate-free shampoos”, and of course a huge number of cosmetics brands that have begun to put a proud sign on their products
Without SLS
If you find such a mark, the shampoo is most likely safe, but not always. Many brands, abandoning sulfates and putting the “no sls” sign, continue to add other, less common, but no less dangerous substances to their shampoos, such as, for example, diethanolamine. It can be identified by letters on the label
It is also toxic and can cause skin irritation. Shampoo containing DEA can by no means be called safe, even if it says “free of sls and parabens.”
Parabens are preservatives. They are part of many cosmetics, creams, tonics and their destructive effect has not yet been proven. However, if you find a shampoo not only without SLS, DEA, but also without parabens, it is better to choose it.
Those who constantly buy sulfate-free shampoos complain that, lacking an aggressive component, they are not able to wash their hair well. This is not entirely true. Only all-natural shampoos wash your hair poorly. But there are many chemical shampoos without SLS and diethanolamines that wash perfectly and are safe.
The best sulfate-free shampoos - list of brands
Yes to Carrots and Yes to Cucumbers shampoos are very popular all over the world. They are not completely natural, but do not contain any harmful substances and are absolutely safe.
Instead of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Yes to Carrots shampoo uses the foaming agent Sodium Coco Sulphate. Its molecules are larger than SLS molecules, so much so that they are unable to penetrate human skin and act as toxins and irritants.
In Russia, the Yes to brand can be found in Rive Gauche stores, however, these will be locally bottled shampoos. If the country of origin is important to you, it is better to order these shampoos online. For example, on feelunique.com it costs £9 per bottle with free delivery to Russia. By the way, unlike many other shampoos, Yes to is available in large half-liter packages, which last for a long time.
The American Avalon is considered a very worthy organic brand all over the world. Avalon shampoos consist of 70% natural ingredients, do not contain SLS, DEA and are completely safe. They are freely sold in Russia, both on the Internet and in cosmetics stores. True, they cost twice as much here as in America.
Aubrey Organics produces a huge number of natural shampoos, as well as natural hair dyes, masks with biotin and other products for the face and body. The company uses organic natural ingredients and is highly valued all over the world among people who care about their health.
Inexpensive sulfate-free shampoos
In our country, good, safe shampoos and body products - creams, butters, liquid soaps - are produced under the Organic Shop and Organic Kitchen brands. Organic Shop shampoos can be bought in pharmacies, Rivgauches, Latoiles or Organic Shop brand stores in large shopping centers. These shampoos are not completely natural, but do not contain anything that could harm the body. Compared to imported analogues, they are very cheap.
All-natural shampoos are produced, for example, by companies such as Natuderm and Logona.
Choose a shampoo that suits your hair. The main thing is without SLS and DEA.
Over the past few years, interest in organic hair cosmetics has increased. It gently cleanses the scalp without irritating or disturbing its ph balance, and does not cause dryness, brittleness, splitting, allergic reactions. Before purchasing such products, it is advisable to find out which shampoos are worth purchasing without sulfates and parabens - the list of such products is quite large, but not all cosmetics are of equal quality.
What are the most effective sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos?
Contrary to popular belief, using organic hair products does not provide immediate, noticeable results. Moreover, at first it may seem that the curls have become worse - the shine disappears, the strands become tangled after washing, and look faded and lifeless. This is how the hair adapts to natural cosmetics, because it does not contain artificial additives and silicone, which give the curls a temporarily healthy look. Over time, the natural beauty of the strands will appear, in about 1-2 months.
But if you need accelerated results, you should choose the softest hair products with a high concentration of natural caring ingredients.
The best shampoos without sulfates and parabens:
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According to many experts, today the most conscientious manufacturer of natural cosmetics is the Mulsan Cosmetic company. The products of this company cannot be found on store shelves. Retail chains are reluctant to cooperate with manufacturers whose product shelf life is lower than generally accepted. Mulsan Cosmetic products have a shelf life of 10 months, since the composition is completely natural. Other cosmetic brands have a standard shelf life of 2-3 years, which makes you think about the naturalness of their products. Not every shampoo that says “eco” or “natural” has an impeccable composition. The mulsan manufacturer has completely abandoned harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, GMO, Sodium coco-sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide DEA, MEA, TEA, all types of laureth, silicones (dimethicones), parabens, all types of PEG (hydrogenated castor oil), dyes, magnesium laureth sulfate. Mulsan products can only be purchased in the official online store http://mulsan.ru
- Alterna Caviar. The product contains extracts of salmon caviar. Quickly restores damaged hair, eliminates split ends and fragility.
- Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure. The product gently but efficiently cleanses strands and protects them from external influences.
- Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista. The shampoo contains rice milk and pearl particles, which gives the hair shine and silkiness.
- Redken 5th Avenue NYC Cream Shampoo. Cosmetics are enriched with natural vegetable oils that restore hair.
- A'kin by Purist Lemongrass. The product is developed based on coconut oil, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium.
- The Body Shop Rainforest Shine. The shampoo is rich in nourishing oils, contains cane sugar, organic acids, and aloe vera extract.
- Moroccanoil Hydrating. The product contains vitamins E, A, red algae extract.
List of professional and inexpensive brands of shampoos without sulfates and parabens
Hairdressers and stylists advise purchasing the following hair cosmetics:
- Logona Naturkosmetik;
- Redken 5th Avenue NYC from the Nature Rescue series;
- Dessert Essence;
- L'Oreal Professional Expert;
- Aubrey Organics;
- Goldwell Dualsenses;
- TianDe;
- Crabtree & Evelyn La Source;
- Envy Professional;
- 2 Chic Giovanni;
- Macadamia Nature Oil;
- Cattier Paris Cosmetique and Nature;
- Kiehl's;
- Natura Siberica;
- Himalaya Herbals;
- Botanicus;
- Bath and Beauty;
- Joico;
- Davines Natural Tech;
- Less Is More;
- Kapous;
- Organics from the Sexy Hair series;
- Paul Mitchell Original;
- Oribe;
- Ausganica;
- Lisse Design;
- Vichy Dercos Technique.
All of these shampoos take excellent care of hair, normalize the acid-base balance of the scalp, the activity of the sebaceous glands, and prevent irritation and flaking, and the appearance of dandruff.
The only drawback of such products is the high price with uneconomical consumption, because the absence of sulfates means a deterioration in the foaming properties, accordingly, it is necessary to use a larger amount of the product.
More and more new items are appearing on the list of shampoos without sulfates and parabens, as well as without silicones, which have become very popular among many girls and women in recent years.
The reasons are clear: such shampoos are considered 100% natural, and therefore do not cause as much damage to hair as ordinary household chemicals containing ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Let's figure out what the advantages of shampoos free from these ingredients are and look at the list of leaders in this area of hair cosmetics.
ALS and SLS are the same components that are called sulfates. They are added to shampoos to produce rich foam, which makes it easier to distribute the detergent through the hair.
Thanks to them, it always seems to you that the shampoo, while creating such a soft foam, also carefully cares for your hair.
But it’s not for nothing that products without sulfates and parabens were created, since these chemical components have a harmful effect on the hair and scalp.
MULSAN Cosmetic
Leading manufacturer of natural cosmetics in Russia. Completely safe composition. Does not contain: SLS, SLES, Sodium coco-sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide DEA, MEA, TEA, silicones, parabens, all types of PEG (hydrogenated castor oil), dyes, magnesium laureth sulfate, etc. The composition contains a large number of extracts and caring oils, does not dry the skin.
Of all manufacturers, it has a minimum shelf life of 10 months, which confirms the naturalness of the composition. Cosmetics with a shelf life of 2-3 years no longer inspire such trust. The products can only be purchased in the official online store mulsan.ru, it’s very nice that free delivery within the Russian Federation is available. The manufacturer also makes shampoos for children. Mulsan - Cosmetics for those who read the ingredients.
With regular use of ordinary shampoo with sulfates, the protective layer of the epidermis is destroyed, and, accordingly, the scalp suffers.
From this arise other troubles, such as allergic reactions to components, too dry scalp, dandruff, itching, dermatitis and the most unpleasant thing - hair loss.
Scientists have spent a lot of time figuring out which ingredients lead to these effects.
It turned out that sulfates and parabens are to blame. Manufacturers of detergents did not hesitate for a long time, but quickly created entire lines of products for washing hair and scalp without containing these components.
Today on the market you can find sulfate-free shampoos in completely different price categories: from the cheapest to the insanely expensive. And you will find out the rating of the most popular of them further.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other hair care products, sulfate-free shampoos have a number of advantages and disadvantages over regular household shampoos.
First, check out the positive side of this product:
As previously noted, the presence of sulfates, parabens and silicones in the composition has a rather bad effect on the condition of the scalp. In addition, they are not easy to wash off.
Therefore, sulfate-free shampoo avoids these problems and does not cause allergic reactions.
All components are natural. They are washed well from the hair and scalp and do not violate the protective layer.
After using this shampoo, dyed strands remain soft and silky longer.
With regular use of sulfate-free shampoos, you will notice significant changes for the better in the appearance of your hair.
Natural ingredients can greatly make your locks healthier and shinier.
Before listing the disadvantages of such products, we should mention those for whom sulfate-free shampoos are completely unsuitable.
For example, owners of very oily hair should not expect any special results.
In this case, you first need to get rid of the problem of increased oily scalp, and only then can you start choosing a sulfate-free shampoo.
Hair styling after sulfate-free shampoo is unlikely to be successful, so just in case, you should buy an extra bottle of regular hair detergent.
Those who should try the effects of this shampoo:
- Women who constantly dye their hair;
- Who cannot live a day without washing their hair;
- Owners of sensitive scalp;
- Who is already tired of struggling with constantly split ends and brittle hair;
- Girls who have undergone keratin hair straightening treatment. Sulfate shampoos wash out all the substances that promote straightening, therefore, after 3-4 times of washing your hair, you can say goodbye to the keratinization effect;
- After the perm procedure, as well as for those who like to style their locks with an iron or curling iron.
Now that we know who should buy a fashionable shampoo and who shouldn't, let's look at the disadvantages of this product:
- Sulfate-free shampoos do not always effectively remove silicones from hair, which are most often found in styling products. Accordingly, if you are going to get your hair done, it is advisable to stock up on regular shampoo in advance, so that you can then thoroughly rinse off the styling products from your locks;
- You are unlikely to get rid of dandruff with the help of such shampoos. In this case, sulfate agents most effectively cope with this problem;
- Due to poor foam formation, two or even three times more shampoo is required for one shampoo. Conclusion: not economical consumption requires high costs;
- And lastly: for those who simply cannot live without abundant foam when washing their hair, sulfate-free shampoo will ruin their entire mood. So don't even try!
If you are not afraid of the shortcomings, and you decide to buy yourself such a detergent, then keep in mind one nuance: the first time your curls will not understand that they have been washed with a new shampoo.
Therefore, most often they begin to behave rather strangely: volume disappears, curls can become dirty faster than usual, and become electrified even in the summer. All this is just a transition period.
It will take some time for your hair to get used to the new shampoo. This usually takes from 2 weeks to a month.
If you want to use only natural products to care for your hair, then you will definitely survive this period.
How to distinguish a quality product from a scam?
Despite the fact that manufacturers try to keep up with modern trends in hair care, they do not always fulfill their duties efficiently and do not always produce good hair products.
In order for you to be able to independently distinguish a quality product from a fake, without relying only on loud promises from the shampoo packaging, you need to know several points that shampoos without components such as ammonium and sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens and silicones have.
Firstly, the sulfate-free product does not have a strong aroma, and the colors are unrealistic. All these additives are synthetic, and, therefore, the product cannot be called 100% natural.
Secondly, as already mentioned, shampoo without lauryl sulfate will not give you a lot of foam.
If the new product foams about the same as all the others before, then you have purchased a low-quality example of sulfate-free shampoo.
Thirdly, all sulfate-free shampoos are marked with a special symbol. There should also be a badge indicating that no animals were used to test the product, as in the photo below.
These marks may be completely different for each manufacturer. Their absence indicates that the product does not live up to its expectations.
To create a detergent base, manufacturers use other ingredients instead of lauryl sulfate.
In the composition list they can be recognized as Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid. In addition, various essential oils and plant extracts are required components.
Before you buy your first sulfate-free shampoo from a well-known brand, read the composition and description of the product, look at reviews on the Internet, and photos before and after using this or that product.
Manufacturers will go to great lengths to ensure that you choose their brand. So you shouldn’t trust other people’s promises.
Rating of sulfate-free shampoos
We offer you a list of shampoos that have received excellent reviews from consumers who prefer sulfate- and paraben-free products over conventional chemical products.
MULSAN Cosmetic
We wrote about this company at the beginning of the article. In our opinion, this is the most conscientious manufacturer of natural cosmetics.
Only natural base, no harmful chemicals. Products with a similar composition cannot be found on store shelves.
This shampoo can be safely purchased for any type of hair. It carefully cleanses, leaving behind a feeling of freshness.
In the composition you will not find lauryl sulfates, harmful parabens and silicones, only extracts of healing algae, antioxidants and plant extracts.
Macadamia Natural Oil Rejuvenating Shampoo
To restore severely damaged locks, you should buy this product. The brand has long established itself as the best way to get rid of split ends and dull hair color.
It contains many beneficial oils, including macadamia and argan. They are the ones who help restore curls, making them stronger and healthier.
Paul Mitchell
The collection of this brand includes several types of shampoos without lauryl sulfates and parabens. Therefore, most likely, you will be able to choose a suitable option for yourself.
There are special products for moisturizing dry locks, creating volume, restoring, and so on. All shampoos contain panthenol and natural plant extracts.
After the first use of this professional product, you will notice significant improvements in the condition of your hair.
Estel CUREX Classic
Do you want to make your hair truly beautiful and well-groomed in a short time? Then you should pay attention to the Estel brand, which has already become a favorite among many women.
Estel sulfate-free shampoo contains provitamin B5 and keratin, which actively protect hair, as well as nourish and make it stronger against harmful environmental factors.
CHI Infra
A gentle product without sulfates, parabens and silicones perfectly removes dirt from hair and scalp.
Moisturizing properties allow moisture to stay longer in the hair structure, which makes the strands elastic and strong.
Nouvelle Regular Herbs Shampoo
For those who like to wash their hair regularly, Nouvelle Regular Herbs shampoo was created. The price is quite affordable, and the quality is on par with professional products.
In the composition you will find extracts of rice, yarrow and mallow. They perfectly remove excess oil from the scalp, making hair shiny and beautiful.
Among the cheaper options for shampoos that do not contain sulfates, parabens and other chemical ingredients, the following manufacturers should be noted:
- Natura Siberica;
- Recipes of Grandmother Agafya;
- almost all baby shampoos;
- Organic shop;
- Belita.
Now, knowing how to distinguish natural products, you can easily buy shampoos without sulfates and parabens that will meet all your requirements.
The main thing to remember is that complete hair care consists not only of cleansing, but also additional nutrition and moisturizing with special products.
Therefore, take care of your locks every day, and then you will enjoy beautiful hair every day at any time of the year. 