10 Budget Shampoos for Soft, Silky Hair Without the Sulfates (2024)

TL;DR

Method’s Simply Nourish Moisturizing Shampoo is our favorite sulfate-free shampoo you can pick up for under $11. It works well on all hair types, including color-treated hair, and relies on ingredients like coconut, rice milk, and shea butter. Native’s Moisturizing Shampoo is another favorite of ours, as it’s made with only 10 ingredients and is very easy to find.

We can’t talk about shampoos without talking about sulfates, the ingredients responsible for creating the sudsy lather we are so accustomed to. These ingredients are essentially detergents that, yes, help clean your scalp and hair, but they can also strip away natural oils and color. “Harsher sulfates can strip the hair of hydrating and protective oils, dehydrate the scalp, and make hair brittle and weak,” says professional hairstylist Rogério Cavalcante.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend big bucks to find a great sulfate-free shampoo. Celebrity hairstylist Erinn Courtney points out that many sulfate-free formulas at the drugstore contain similar ingredients to what you’d find in their more expensive counterparts and are just as effective at gently cleansing your hair and scalp. To narrow down the best drugstore sulfate-free shampoos, we conducted hours of research and took a few top-selling options out for a spin. We evaluated each formula on cleansing ability, scent, and any extra shampoo benefits.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Very moisturizing and cleansing

  • Fresh, long-lasting scent

  • Boosts shine

What to Consider

  • Bottle tends to fall over in shower

Hair Type: All, color-treated | Key Ingredients: Coconut, rice milk, shea butter | Scent: Coconut | Size: 14 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re on the hunt for a sulfate-free shampoo that will work for all hair types, look no further than this one offered by Method. Benefits range from moisturizing to cleansing, which we adore. It works particularly well for those with color-treated hair, and with the inclusion of coconut, rice milk, and shea butter, your locks will feel softer than ever. Associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn thinks the bottle is adorable, although it tends to fall over in the shower.

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Caitlyn, tester with fine hair: “I love using this shampoo; it feels lightweight yet nourishing, and it never contributes to oiliness. In fact, it gently washes away days' worth of oil without stripping my scalp.”

What We Like

  • Strengthens fine hair

  • Tames frizz

  • Mitigates shedding

What to Consider

  • Only works for straight hair

Hair Type: Straight | Key Ingredients: Aloe juice, proprietary peptide blend | Scent: Floral | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have fine, straight hair, this shampoo from V+Co is going to do wonders for your hair from root to tip. “This shampoo is designed to care for straight hair and contains peptides, amino acids, and proteins that all help to support healthy hair function, strengthen the hair, and support less shedding,” says Cavalcante. And while this only works for straight hair, the brand offers other shampoos for all hair types.

Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “I found this shampoo to be very moisturizing, and my hair felt squeaky clean. The formula offers lightweight hydration, which never felt heavy or overpowering. Another bonus: It does a great job at reducing frizz.”

What We Like

  • Nourishing and moisturizing

  • Pump-top dispenser

  • Only made with 10 ingredients

What to Consider

  • Can leave a greasy residue on the hair

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Citric acid | Scent: Coconut, vanilla | Size: 16.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We’ve been using Native’s body wash for years, and when we found out they offered our favorite scent in shampoo form, we had to give it a try. Made with only 10 quality ingredients, this drugstore find is easy to use and will transform dry hair in no time. Some users claim it leaves behind a greasy residue, but we haven’t experienced that.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “This shampoo lives up to its name. I could feel the moisture being revived in my hair, and it immediately softened each strand, even in a pre-conditioned state. This shampoo had the best lather out of the ones I tried, which is a relief to those who enjoy a sudsy wash.”

What We Like

  • Moisturizes without weighing the hair down

  • Lathers well

  • Gentle formula

What to Consider

  • Might feel a bit drying

Hair Type:All |Key Ingredients:Pro vitamin B5, antioxidants, rose water |Scent:Floral |Size:3, 9.6 oz | Cruelty-Free:Yes

If you’re sick of having to wash your hair every day or use way too much dry shampoo, we suggest giving this shampoo from Pantene a try. It moisturizes without any of the heavy ingredients that can further exacerbate oily strands or weigh the hair down. “I like that this product is free of surfactants and is also silicone, dye and paraben free,” says Cavalcante. “You’ll still get that clean feeling with plant-based surfactants; I am a fan of coconut ingredients (sodium cocoyl isethionate, for example) for creating a hydrating, lathering sensation without the damage.” It is worth noting, however, that this shampoo can be a bit drying, so it is important to follow-up with a good leave-in conditioner.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “This shampoo smells really good; it’s rosy, fresh, and calming. It lathers well, and it does not take much scrubbing to create a rich foam. I used this shampoo on hair that was in desperate need of a wash, and it handled the grease effortlessly well. As an added bonus, the packaging is really pretty and it looks aesthetically pleasing in my shower.”

What We Like

  • Moisturizes and softens natural hair

  • Yummy tropical smell

  • Lightweight

What to Consider

  • Packaging can be improved

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Hibiscus water, passion fruit, watermelon | Scent: Floral | Size: 13 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While this Maui Moisture shampoo is suitable for all hair types, we especially recommend it for wavy and curly hair. Thanks to ingredients such as hibiscus water, passion fruit, aloe, and watermelon, this shampoo will leave the hair feeling moisturized and soft without weighing it down. Our only gripe with this product is that the packaging can feel flimsy, so we hope to see that improved in the future.

Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “My wavy hair responded very well to this shampoo, and I could see my natural texture forming in the shower. Thanks to the lightweight, hydrating formula, my waves air-dryed nicely (more so than my normal shampoo).”

What We Like

  • Extends color for 40 washes

  • Restores shine

  • Lathers well

What to Consider

  • Works best with accompanying conditioner

Hair Type: Color-treated | Key Ingredients: Elastin protein, quinoa | Scent: Floral | Size: 13.5, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When shopping for a sulfate-free shampoo, we think this one from Nexxus is perfect for blondes. It can extend color for up to 40 washes and even replenishes nutrients in the hair since it’s packed with quinoa and elastin protein. “This is a good choice for someone with color-treated or highlighted hair,” says Cavalcante. “Sulfates can fade and dull the hair and lead to brassiness in blondes.” One thing to note is that to utilize the full power of this shampoo, it should be used with its accompanying conditioner.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “This shampoo made my hair the softest out of all the ones I tested. The formula would be especially beneficial for those with dry or brittle hair caused by bleaching since it creates such touchable softness.”

What We Like

  • Contains biotin to strengthen hair

  • Refreshing scent and sensation

  • Moisturizing

What to Consider

  • The scent is weak and not long-lasting

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Biotin, rosemary mint | Scent: Herbaceous | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtney likes that this shampoo has the addition of strengthening biotin. The “gentle tingling sensation from the rosemary and mint” feels invigorating on the scalp, she says, adding that the use of many moisturizing ingredients (coconut oil, babassu seed oil, castor oil) makes it a nice option for even those with super brittle strands. The scent is pretty mild, but that may appeal to some, as most rosemary shampoos tend to be very fragrant.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “I really enjoyed this shampoo, especially the cooling effect it has on the scalp. It lathers nicely and takes minimal scrubbing to produce a dense lather. The formula was very nourishing, and I could immediately feel a difference in the texture of my hair; smooth and shiny, what more could I ask for? In terms of strengthening, I encountered less shedding and an added bounce after using this shampoo.”

What We Like

  • Hydrates all hair types, especially curly hair

  • Lathers well

  • Boosts shine

What to Consider

  • Formula is very thick

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, rose extract | Scent: Black Vanilla | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you like shiny, bouncy hair, this shampoo will deliver—no questions asked. Formulated with aloe leaf juice and rose extract, it moisturizes each strand for a soft and silky finish. As you can guess from the product's name, the smell is absolutely divine. With warm, comforting notes of vanilla, it makes each shower feel like a relaxing retreat. Keep in mind that the formula is very thick, so it can be tough to dispense out of the bottle.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “I enjoyed this shampoo for its moisturizing qualities, and I could immediately tell a difference in the softness of my hair. This shampoo lathered very easily, and it did not take a lot of effort for my hair to feel clean. My hair was noticeably shinier after using this shampoo, and it left no trace of residue.”

What We Like

  • Highly concentrated formula is perfect for thick hair

  • Deep-cleansing

  • Strengthens brittle strands

What to Consider

  • Can weigh the hair down

Hair Type: Thick, dry, color-treated | Key Ingredients: Jojoba, green tea, sage | Scent: Lavender | Size: 9, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With its highly concentrated formula, a little goes a long way, making it perfect for those with thick hair that is hard to manage in the shower. This shampoo provides a deep cleanse and is ideal for the days when you should have washed your hair yesterday (or three days ago—we won’t tell). Formulated with jojoba oil, green tea, and sage, it provides incredible moisture and can strengthen brittle strands.It’s a great choice before a blowout, since it really cleanses the hair and scalp, ensuring there is no trace of grease or buildup. However, since the formula is so thick and concentrated, be careful not to use too much, as it can weigh the hair down.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “I enjoyed the luxe lavender fragrance and the velvety lather this shampoo offers.”

What We Like

  • Defines waves

  • Hydrating ingredients

  • Reduces frizz

What to Consider

  • Low lather

Hair Type: Wavy | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hibiscus extract, rosemary | Scent: Fruity, floral | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Wavy hair typically gets overlooked when it comes to shampoo formulations, but this one from Rhyme and Reason is specially formulated to nourish waves for superior definition. Packed with jojoba oil and hibiscus flower extracts, it tames frizz and enhances waves. It smells fruity, floral, and sweet, and the scent lasts long after washing.

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Kayla, tester with medium-thick hair: “I love this shampoo because it defines my waves in the shower, setting my hair up for a good hair day. Packed with hydrating ingredients, it nourishes wavy hair and ensures soft strands. This shampoo is low lathering, so it does take more effort to produce bubbles, but it never compromises on cleansing.”

What to Look for in a Drugstore Sulfate-Free Shampoo

  • Labels: Be sure to carefully read the label—not all sulfate-free shampoos are totally sulfate-free. Some may be free of sodium lauryl sulfate (the most popular sulfate), but you’ll want to double-check there aren’t any others hidden in the formula. Other sulfates commonly found in shampoos include ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.
  • Your Hair Type: Not all sulfate-free shampoos are created equal, as each offers varying benefits for different hair types and textures. Depending on your hair texture and thickness, your shampoo should have certain qualities to maximize effectiveness. Those with thicker hair will benefit from a more concentrated formula, while those with thinner hair will benefit from a lighter option. Curly hair thrives with a moisturizing shampoo, while straighter hair can be weighed down. It is important to choose a shampoo that caters to the needs of your hair type.
  • Ingredients: While removing sulfates is the first step to a more naturally moisturized scalp, you’ll want to purchase a shampoo that is chock-full of hydrating or conditioning ingredients like plant oils and shea butter for the full effect. It is also important to choose the right amount of moisture for your hair type, or else the hair can easily be weighed down by heavy ingredients.

How We Tested Drugstore Sulfate-Free Shampoos

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We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings and in our NY-based Lab.

  • Shampoos Tested: 20+
  • Testing Period: 4 weeks
  • Methodology: Drugstore sulfate-free shampoos were tested at home in our everyday lives. Each shampoo was tested on a variety of hair types.
  • Factors Considered: Ingredients, efficacy, scent, and cleansing ability.

FAQ

  • What exactly are sulfates in shampoo?

    Sulfates cleansing agents that are responsible for cleansing dirt, oil, and buildup by lifting them from the hair and scalp. They also create the satisfying bubbles we all know and love.

  • How do sulfate-free shampoos work and are they as effective as shampoos with sulfates?

    Thanks to alternative, natural surfactants (like coconut and amino acid-based cleansers), sulfate-free shampoos can cleanse the hair as effectively as shampoos with sulfates. Sulfate-free formulas provide a milder cleanse but still leave the hair feeling clean. These formulations may not lather as much but will produce bubbles with some good scrubbing.

  • Are sulfates really that bad?

    If you plan on using a shampoo with sulfates every once in a while, it won’t be too damaging. However, for most of us, we go through an entire bottle, which is why we suggest avoiding them. “Clients love the foaming action that sulfates create during the cleansing experience (it feels more enjoyable and gratifying,) but sulfates can damage hair with repetitive use,” says Cavalcante. “If you have curly, chemically processed, dry or damaged hair, try to use a sulfate-free shampoo.”

Meet Our Experts

Team Byrdie interviewed the following experts to find the best drugstore sulfate-free shampoos and how to select the right one for you:

  • Rogério Cavalcante is a stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon, and spends his time traveling between New York, London, Paris, and Miami.
  • Erinn Courtney is a celebrity hairstylist with clients ranging from Trevor Noah, Ava Duvernay, Willow Smith, Eva Marcille, Questlove, Jada Pinkett Smith, and more.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites. For this story, she considered dozens of products, evaluating each formula and consulting third-party reviews. Given that she has both dry and color-treated hair, she opts for sulfate-free shampoos almost exclusively and has tried most of the products in this roundup.

Byrdie contributor Kayla Friedman, formerly Byrdie’s commerce intern, has wavy hair that benefits from a moisturizing and sulfate-free shampoo. She is constantly trying new products to boost her hair’s shine, elasticity, and moisture, so she is well-versed in what makes a shampoo formulation stand out.

10 Budget Shampoos for Soft, Silky Hair Without the Sulfates (2024)
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