A common misconception when it comes to hair cleansers is that the more it lathers, the better. On the contrary, SLS (the chemical that creates lather in shampoos) can cause quite a bit of damage to your hair. To help you make better hair care decisions, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 SLS-free shampoos available in India. But first, let’s look at what SLS is and why it is bad for your hair.
Why Is SLS Bad For Your Hair?
SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is a surfactant that is present in most shampoos which helps create lather. A lot of popular shampoo brands use SLS in their products as the surfactant is cheap and helps create a lot of lather. This harsh chemical, also present in household detergents no doubt eliminates dirt from your hair, but it also strips away nourishment and moisture from your hair shafts. It dries out your scalp and hair leading to issues such as split-ends and hair breakage. Not only does the chemical damage your hair, but prolonged exposure to it can also irritate your skin. While most shampoos are loaded with harsh chemicals, it can safely be said that SLS is among the worst of them. If your hair has been feeling dead lately, it is high time you ditch your harsh SLS-loaded shampoos to make room for these SLS-free shampoos.
Best SLS-Free Shampoos Available In India
1. Soultree Triphala Revitalizing Shampoo With Henna And Shikakai
Product Description Soultree’s Triphala Revitalizing Shampoo With Henna And Shikakai is 100% natural and organic. The shampoo is enriched with extracts of Triphala, Amla, Bibhitaki, Haritaki, Shikakai, and Henna to help nourish your hair while efficiently cleansing it.Pros
Not animal tested. Paraben-free. Sulfate-free. Certified BDIH Germany. Leaves your hair feeling clean. Hair feels healthier with regular use. Lathers well. Adds volume.
Cons
It can be drying. It only suits people with oily hair.
2. Mamaearth Onion Shampoo For Hair Fall Control
Product Description Cleanse and strengthen your hair with the Mamaearth Onion Shampoo For Hair Fall Control. This shampoo prevents the damage caused due to excessive washing and forms a protective shield on each hair strand. The plant keratin infused in the shampoo prevents dryness, repairs split-ends to reduce breakage, while vitamin E infuses shine and makes your hair flexible. The key ingredient, onion oil, improves the blood supply and stimulates the hair follicle to promote hair growth. Pros
Paraben-free Dermatologist-tested Suitable for all hair types No toxins Cruelty-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Dye-free
Con
None
3. Biotique Bio Green Apple Fresh Daily Purifying Shampoo And Conditioner
Product Description Biotique’s Bio Green Apple Fresh Daily Purifying Shampoo And Conditioner is enriched with sea algae and centella. The shampoo helps maintain your scalp’s pH level while nourishing your hair and scalp with its natural minerals and proteins. The shampoo gently yet effectively cleanses your hair of dirt and excess oils while leaving your locks feeling conditioned. Pros
The shampoo does not dry out your hair. Not tested on animals. Improves hair texture. Budget-friendly. Mild cleansing action.
Cons
The broad nozzle might dispense more product than required.
4. Himalaya Herbals Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo
Product Description Himalaya’s Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo claims to be a breakthrough 2-in-1 formula. The shampoo helps reduce hair fall while nourishing your hair shafts. It helps condition your hair, improving its texture and curbing hair fall caused by breakage. Enriched with Butea Frondosa and Bhringraj, Himalaya’s shampoo helps nourish your scalp and strengthen your hair follicles. Pros
Has a pleasant fragrance. Budget-friendly. Does not contain silicones or parabens. A little goes a long way. Efficiently cleanses hair. Not tested on animals.
Cons
Does not lather much which might lead you to use more product than necessary. Not for dry hair.
5. Khadi Natural Herbal Shikakai Shampoo
Product Description Khadi Natural’s Herbal Shikakai Shampoo helps gently cleanse your hair while soothing damage and conditioning hair. Shikakai is a natural hair cleanser that leaves your hair feeling clean without stripping away essential oils. This shampoo is ideal for people with dry or damaged hair types. Pros
Improves hair texture. Boosts scalp health. Easily available. Budget-friendly. It has a pleasant fragrance. Cleanses efficiently.
Cons
6. Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo With Extract Of Tea Tree
Product Description Vaadi Herbals’ Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo helps improve scalp health. Lemon, the active ingredient in this cleanser, helps prevent dandruff while strengthening your roots, ensuring that your hair grows out to be healthy and strong. The product claims to efficiently cleanse excess oil and dirt while adding shine and volume. The tea tree extracts help keep your scalp healthy. Pros
Extremely budget-friendly. Easily available. Mild cleansing action that suits dry hair. Herbal ingredients. Travel-friendly packaging with a tight flip cap.
Cons
It does not efficiently cleanse oily hair. Fragrance might be too strong for some.
7. Omved Hydrating Shampoo For Dry Hair
Product Description Omved’s Hydrating shampoo helps rejuvenate your hair, restoring it with moisture and strength. The shampoo is specially formulated for dry hair and claims to penetrate into the scalp to help bring about a moisture balance. Enriched with Jatamansi, Geranium, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Amalika, this product helps nourish your hair making it soft and manageable. Pros
Vegan shampoo. Not tested on animals. Free from harmful chemicals. 100% natural formula. Improves hair texture. Lathers decently. Makes hair shiny. Soothes scalp itching.
Cons
It does not efficiently cleanse oiled hair. Not budget-friendly.
8. mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Shampoo
Product Description The mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Shampoo is fortified with coffee extract, protein, argan oil, and caffeine that helps to remove accumulated impurities and dirt from the scalp and hair. The coffee-rich formula promotes hair growth, controls hair fall, and makes the hair healthy. Argan oil infused in this shampoo hydrates your hair, boosts shine, and makes it smoother. Additionally, the presence of protein nourishes your hair and strengthens the hair shaft. Pros
Dermatologist tested Made safe certified FDA approved Suitable for all hair types Vegan Silicone-free Cruelty-free
Con
May dry out the hair
9. Luxura Sciences Argan Oil Shampoo
Product Description Stimulate hair growth with the Luxura Sciences Argan Oil Shampoo that is enriched with minerals and vitamins. It gently cleanses the impurities from your hair and scalp and retains your hair’s moisture. The blend of shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera, hydrolyzed keratin, pro-vitamin B5, ginger root extract, and vitamin E restores the softness and shine of your hair while strengthening its roots. It effectively nourishes your hair, smooths the frizz, and makes your hair stronger, younger, and thicker. Pros
Lightweight Non-greasy Paraben-free Silicone-free Artificial color-free Great for color-treated hair
Con
May not be suitable for dry hair
10. StBotanica Activated Charcoal Hair Shampoo
Product Description Detoxify your scalp with the StBotanica Activated Charcoal Hair Shampoo that gently cleanses your hair of impurities, excess oil, and scalp buildup. The shampoo is fortified with the power of activated charcoal, olive oil, almond oil, oats extract, and green tea extract that help to improve the texture of your hair, making it stronger. In addition, the ingredients infused in shampoo maintain the moisture balance, protect hair from environmental damage, and promote healthy hair growth. Pros
Paraben-free Silicone-free Pure oils No harmful chemicals Color-safe Mineral oil-free Cruelty-free Toxin-free Vegan
Con
Sensitive scalp may need to do a patch test
*Subject to Availability Consider the following points before buying an SLS-free shampoo to select the most suitable product for your hair’s needs.
Things To Consider Before Buying SLS-Free Shampoo
Ingredients
Always check the ingredients list to ensure that the shampoo is sulfate-free. Avoid these sulfate-based additives:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium Lauroyl Taurate Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Instead, opt for an SLS-free shampoo that contains sulfate alternatives – like fruit sugars and coconut oil – for gentle cleansing. Some safe and mild ingredients to look for when buying a sulfate-free shampoo are:
Coco glucoside Decyl glucoside Lauryl glucoside Disodium cocoyl glutamate Caprylyl capryl glucoside Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Hair Type
Different SLS-free shampoos are formulated or specific hair types. Therefore, choose a shampoo accordingly. For thin and lifeless hair, go for a volumizing shampoo. For frizzy hair, opt for an anti-frizz shampoo that tames frizz and softens your hair.
Recommended Articles
Mild Shampoos Available In India Natural Shampoos Available In India
