5 Benefits of Sulfate-Free Shampoo


We all have those days where our hair matches the way that we feel, when our hair has kinks in all the wrong places and feels dry and frizzy. These days could be long gone by something as simple as changing your shampoo!

Yes, that’s right! Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people are using the wrong shampoo for their hair type in their regular hair care routine. The wrong shampoo could make your hair dry, weak and lusterless – in short, not as beautiful as it should be.

If you feel like you are going through exactly this – it might be the perfect time for you to start using a sulfate-free shampoo that takes care of your hair.

Sulfates are a pretty standard ingredient for many shampoos (and household cleaning) products. The main types are sodium lauryl sulfate (or SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). So what is SLS in shampoo? Simply put, sulfates are the ingredients that make shampoos turn into a thick lather.

Wondering where to get started?

We’re loving Herbal Essences’ sulfate, silicon, colorant and paraben free shampoos, which are instead made with sustainably harvested Real Aloe vera authenticated by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, a world-leading botanic institution with more than 260 years of experience in plant science. Also, not to mention – they’re PETA cruelty-free certified!

Here are five reasons why sulfate-free shampoos will transform your locks to make every day a good hair day:

1. Preserving essential natural hair oils

When it comes to shampoo, sulfates produce a lathering effect that aids in removing dirt and debris from your hair and scalp. As effective as they are in ridding your hair of dirt, sulfates can also strip your hair of essential natural oils. One of the benefits of using a sulfate-free shampoo is that your strands won’t lose their natural, healthy shine.

2. Reduced irritation/ inflammation

Because sulfates are harsh chemicals, they may irritate the scalp. This may also lead to inflammation if uncontrolled. On the contrary, SLS-free hair products are mild and they gently clean your hair, without creating such problems. And even better if they have Aloe vera as it helps with soothing irritation/inflammation.

3. Protect your color

If you have colored hair, you might notice your color looking faded and lackluster after using a sulfate shampoo. Stick to a sulfate-free option to keep your color looking vibrant and glossy.

4. Efficient moisture retention

Moisture is needed in hair to prevent problems such as split ends and breakage. SLS shampoos strips away the moisture from hair fibers, causing them to turn dull and frizzy. On the other hand, sulfate-free hair cleansers help retain the natural moisture in hair, especially when they include real Aloe vera, that helps condition your hair, locking essential nutrients and keeping them moisturized.

5. Safe for environment and your scalp

sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are safe for environment thanks to their plant-based ingredients. This also means that SLS-free hair cleansers are a great alternative for those with sensitive skin. Shampoos such as Herbal Essences Aloe vera are not only sulfate-free saving the environment, they are have also been mindfully created, the bottles are 100% recyclable (except for the oil pump, discard separately), made up of 25% recycled plastics and is certified as PETA cruelty-free brand.

We’re all after the healthiest, most glamorous hair possible and sometimes we have to take a closer look at our favorite products in order to make the best choices for our strands. Just remember – although sulfate-free shampoos will not produce foam and lather to the same extent as traditional shampoos would, that doesn’t signify the efficiency of these products.

Herbal Essences’ Potent Aloe vera line with real Aloe vera that has been sustainably and responsibly harvested from Mexico, consisting of formulas boasting botanicals and plant extracts authenticated by, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a world leading plant science institution.

Understandably, many of us find the lathering part of our haircare routine to be the most satisfying – there’s nothing like a soothing head massage that surrounds your strands with bubbly goodness! The thought of this step being removed, therefore, makes those sud-inducing sulfates hard to part with.

Well, we have fabulous news for you... you can have both! The new Herbal Essences Sulfate-free Aloe Collection gives you real luscious lather for all hair types. Other sulfate-free formulas don’t always hold their consistency and can be a lather letdown.

Those with naturally curly hair may find that they are more prone to frizz or dryness, especially after washing. Switching to our sulfate-free formula will be kinder on those bouncy tresses without compromising on cleanliness, hair hydration and irresistible scents. Not to mention our formula with real Aloe vera will help your hair achieve a healthier and smoother finish!