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  2. Sulfate Free

Sulfate Free Shampoo & Cosmetics

Navigating the beauty aisle can be overwhelming to say the least. Warning signs tell us to avoid ingredients such as parabens, phthalates and sulfates, often leaving us confused and full of questions. Is my toothpaste safe? What do all these fancy stamps mean? Why should I start using sulfate free shampoo? Fear not, as we fill you in with all that you need to know.

If you want to know more about sulfate free cosmetics and ingredients, read up on SLS and SLES free beauty products.

See our sulfate free guide to answer your questions like what is sulfate free and should I go sulfate free.

Sulfate Free Beauty Brands

  • First Aid Beauty
  • The Ordinary
  • Emma Hardie
  • REN
  • Paula's Choice
  • OUAI
  • Florence by Mills
  • Milk Makeup

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720 products found
Emma Hardie Moringa Light Cleansing Gel
Emma Hardie Moringa Light Cleansing Gel
$42.06
REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream
REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream
$60.42
Dr. PAWPAW Everybody Hair & Body Conditioner
Dr. PAWPAW Everybody Hair & Body Conditioner
$15.06
-13%
Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment
Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment
$28.00 $31.86
Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil
Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil
$47.52
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil
$29.10
-27%
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
$7.50 $10.26
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
$89.00
-22%
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
$5.75 $7.29
-13%
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
$28.00 $31.86
-2%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$6.43 $6.50
Paula's Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Paula's Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
$30.18
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
$13.77
Paula's Choice Resist Ultra Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Paula's Choice Resist Ultra Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
$45.30
STARSKIN Pro Micro-Filler Mask Pack
STARSKIN Pro Micro-Filler Mask Pack
$31.26
-22%
Paula's Choice Peptide Booster
Paula's Choice Peptide Booster
$16.14 $20.46
Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream
Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream
$59.34
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
$29.10
Milk Makeup KUSH Waterproof Mascara
Milk Makeup KUSH Waterproof Mascara
$14.00
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask
$31.26
-38%
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
$9.25 $14.85
-13%
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
$13.25 $15.06
-33%
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
$7.25 $10.75
Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Omega+ Complex Serum
Paula's Choice Resist Anti-aging Omega+ Complex Serum
$44.22
-23%
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
$8.00 $10.26
Paula's Choice Omega + Complex Cleansing Balm
Paula's Choice Omega + Complex Cleansing Balm
$31.26
Augustinus Bader The Cream
Augustinus Bader The Cream
$89.00
-13%
Paula's Choice Resist Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
Paula's Choice Resist Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
$13.25 $15.06
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
$31.86
Paula's Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish
Paula's Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish
$35.58
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$23.70
Emma Hardie Protect & Prime Moisturizer SPF 30
Emma Hardie Protect & Prime Moisturizer SPF 30
$56.10
Spotlight Toothpaste For Gum Health
Spotlight Toothpaste For Gum Health
$8.59
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant
$37.74
Bondi Sands Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Bondi Sands Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
$8.59
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation
$7.00
Embryolisse Moisturizing Lait-Creme Sensitive
Embryolisse Moisturizing Lait-Creme Sensitive
$28.02
-36%
Bondi Sands Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Bondi Sands Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
$9.67 $15.00
-36%
TAN-LUXE Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
TAN-LUXE Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
$30.18 $46.44
-30%
REN Glow & Protect Serum
REN Glow & Protect Serum
$44.57 $63.66
-24%
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
$7.90 $10.26
-21%
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
$6.80 $8.59
-3%
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
$11.50 $11.83
-1%
The Ordinary The Balance Set
The Ordinary The Balance Set
$31.59 $31.80
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Paula's Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
$59.34
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
$8.59
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer
$37.74
Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Peptide Lip Booster
Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Peptide Lip Booster
$29.10
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
$43.14
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
$60.42
Paula's Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula's Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster
$53.94
Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
$44.82
Emma Hardie Vitamin C Intense Daily Serum
Emma Hardie Vitamin C Intense Daily Serum
$64.74
REN Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser
REN Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser
$30.18
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Coconut Body Sunscreen Lotion
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Coconut Body Sunscreen Lotion
$9.67
Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow Lotion
Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow Lotion
$19.98
Olaplex No.4d Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
Olaplex No.4d Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
$31.86
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
$16.10
-13%
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer
$15.15 $17.22
-13%
Paula's Choice Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30
Paula's Choice Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30
$15.15 $17.22
Paula's Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
Paula's Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
$40.98
TIGI Bed Head Color Goddess Conditioner
TIGI Bed Head Color Goddess Conditioner
$15.39
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen Face Mist
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen Face Mist
$12.42
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
$40.98
-30%
REN Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil
REN Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil
$49.10 $70.14
-26%
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density
$18.50 $24.78
-25%
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$5.30 $7.02
-25%
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water
$20.21 $26.94
-23%
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
$6.00 $7.78
-23%
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
$10.50 $13.50
-22%
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum
$10.00 $12.69
-22%
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
$9.80 $12.42
-22%
The Ordinary B Oil
The Ordinary B Oil
$10.00 $12.69
-21%
St Tropez Self Tan Dual Sided Tanning Mitt
St Tropez Self Tan Dual Sided Tanning Mitt
$5.14 $6.43
-21%
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
$9.00 $11.34
-21%
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil
$7.70 $9.67
-21%
The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalane
The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalane
$9.00 $11.34
-21%
The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Hemi Squalane
The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Hemi Squalane
$4.50 $5.67
-21%
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
$12.00 $15.06
-21%
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% In Squalane
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% In Squalane
$7.50 $9.45
-21%
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
The Ordinary 100% Niacinamide Powder
$5.79 $7.24
-20%
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane
$14.75 $18.30
-20%
Pureology Strength Cure Conditioner
Pureology Strength Cure Conditioner
$26.74 $33.42
-13%
Paula's Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution Regular Strength
Paula's Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution Regular Strength
$11.35 $12.90
-13%
Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
$8.50 $9.67
-13%
Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Paula's Choice Resist Anti-aging Eye Cream
$16.10 $18.30
-13%
Olaplex No.4p Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Olaplex No.4p Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
$28.00 $31.86
-10%
The Ordinary No Brainer Set
The Ordinary No Brainer Set
$28.25 $31.26
-10%
Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Eyeshadow Palette
Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Eyeshadow Palette
$34.02 $37.80
Paula's Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA
Paula's Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA
$43.14
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Sulphate Free

Frequently Asked Questions about Sulfate Free products

What is sulfate free?

Sulfates, or sulfates, are powerful detergents made of sulfur-containing mineral salts and are often added to self-care products and shower products to create a lather or bubbles. Sulfate free is the label given to products that do not contain sulfates.

Should I go sulfate free?

Going sulfate free is all down to personal preference. If you're worried about skin irritation and are aware that sulfates are the cause, then it might be worth giving some alternatives a try.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it might be worth scouting out sulfate free products too, as the compound can clog pores.

How do sulfates work?

Sulfates are a surfactant, or in simpler terms, a degreaser. It's a compound that works with both oil and water, with one end of the molecule attracted to oil and the other to water. They lift dirt and oil from your body before breaking them down so that they can be merrily washed away.

What are sulfate free alternatives?

Natural and organic products can be a great substitute as they often ditch the whole 'lathering up' aspect; however, you should always double check the labels for those 'sul-fakes' we mentioned.

Your best bet is to go for oil-based soaps and shampoos or switch back to solid formulas instead of liquid.

How do I know if a beauty product is sulfate free or not?

When it comes to scanning the ingredients label, the two biggies you should look out for are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

It's also good to look out for 'sul-fake' ingredients, AKA compounds that are only one or two atoms away from being the real deal. The list includes:

  • Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate
  • Sodium lauroyl isethionate
  • Sodium lauroyl taurate
  • Sodium cocoyl isethionate
  • Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
  • Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate
  • Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate

If you see any of these ingredients, the product is not sulfate free.

Why do we need sulfate free beauty products?

The fact is, sulfates are a little too good at cleaning. With constant use, they can strip the natural oil from your hair and skin, making them dry and irritable.

While many myths of cancer, infertility and development issues have surrounded sulfates in the past, the general scientific consensus is that they pose no major threat to your health. But it might be best to go sulfate free if you want to avoid minor irritants and loss of hair health.

Alex Bryson

Written by Alex Bryson, Beauty Editor

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