10 Best Drugstore Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoos

If you tend to use a anti-dandruff shampoo often, make sure you get your hands on the best drugstore sulfate free dandruff shampoo. Most shampoos meant to work on clearing the dandruff have sulfates in them. While sulfates are surfactants that help cleansing your scalp of dirt and impurities, they also strip your hair off its natural oils and moisture. This might lead to rough, dry hair with itch and irritation. To make sure your shampoo does the work while being gentle on your scalp, you need to get yourself one of the 10 best drugstore sulfate-free dandruff shampoo. Scroll down to pick one for yourself.

Reasons To Use Sulfate-free Dandruff Shampoos

Some of the reasons to switch to sulfate-free shampoos are:

• Prevent frizz
• Reduce split ends
• Don’t strip natural oils
• Protect hair color
• Prevent the development of warmer tones on highlighted or cool-toned hair

Now that you are convinced of the absolute wonders of an anti-dandruff shampoo without the dangers of sulfates, check out the listed products ruling the hair care market.

10 Best Drugstore Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoos

1. Best Volume-Boosting Formula:MAPLE HOLISTICSSage Special Formula Shampoo

4.3

Image: Maple Holistics

BUY ON AMAZON | $23.95

The Sage Special Formula Shampoo from MAPLE HOLISTICS offers a therapeutic solution to treat dandruff and improve hair health. This is one of the top-rated drugstore dandruff shampoos that gently cleanses the flaky scalp by removing dirt and oil from the clogged follicles, while providing relief from itching and dryness. Moroccan argan oil, jojoba oil, and peach kernel oil replenish moisture, restore vibrancy, improve elasticity, and provide shine to each strand.

This scalp nourishment shampoo reduces static or frizz while boosting volume to make your hair smooth, soft, and bouncy. It contains all-natural and potent ingredients, such as tea tree essential oils, sage rosemary oil, and botanical keratin. The nourishing plant moisturizers seal moisture and revive dull, lifeless, and undernourished hair. This dandruff shampoo for the sensitive scalp is suitable for all hair types.

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Cruelty-free
• Color-safe
• Suitable for sensitive scalp
• Non-irritating

Cons

• May dry out the hair

Pro Tip

Post shampooing your hair, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply this mix to your damp hair and keep for 15 minutes before rinsing with plain water. This will help balance the pH of your scalp to reduce dandruff.

2. Best Color-Safe:puriyaScalp Therapy Shampoo

4.1

Image: Puriya

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.29

The puriya Scalp Therapy Shampoo deeply hydrates the scalp to prevent dandruff and dryness. It is a doctor-approved formula packed with clinically examined and confirmed ingredients. This clarifying shampoo contains a blend nourishing ingredients like sage, rosemary, tea tree, and arnica oil that moisturize the scalp. The gentle formula of this sulfate-free hair treatment removes buildup effectively, leaving your hair silky and shiny. This pH-balancing shampoo is rich in plant-based ingredients and rejuvenates even the driest of scalps and the most brittle hair. This drugstore anti-dandruff option contains no artificial scents, parabens, sulfates, or sodium chloride and is safe to use on all hair types. Numerous positive reviews reflect how much users love this gentle and color-safe formula.

Pros

• Gentle
• Sodium-chloride-free
• Paraben-free
• Color-safe
• Suitable for pets

Cons

• Unpleasant smell

3. Best For Softness:Max Green Alchemy Vegan Hair Shampoo

4.3

Image: Max Green Alchemy

BUY ON AMAZON | $23.7

The Max Green Alchemy Vegan Hair Shampoo is a great remedy for scalp rejuvenation. This gentle dandruff shampoo contains a unique blend of gentle herbs, namely lemon, coconut, calendula, and tea tree, enriched with essential oils, treat scalp problems like eczema, dermatitis, dryness, and dandruff. The hydrolyzed soy protein and omega 3 and 6-rich ingredients have proven efficacy in nourishing the hair with every wash, offering shine, smoothness, and replenishing hair damage. This drugstore dandruff shampoo balances scalp pH levels, significantly reducing cuticle damage and hair breakage.

Pros

• Nourishing formula
• Scalp-friendly formula
• Color-safe formula
• Paraben-free
• GMO-free
• Cruelty-free
• Petrochemical-free
• Lanolin-free
• Gluten-free

Cons

None

4. Best Clinically Tested Formula:L’OREAL PARIS EVERFRESH Sulfate/Free Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.99

This sulfate-free anti-dandruff shampoo from L’Oreal is clinically tested to get rid of itching, flakiness, and irritation. This gentle scalp care contains 1% pyrithione zinc that effectively restores scalp balance and keeps dandruff away. The flake-fighting ingredients do not strip the natural hair oils or fade hair color. It is clinically tested to control scalp itchiness and reduce flaking. This dandruff control product is formulated without any harsh salts, surfactants, and parabens.

Pros

• Color-safe
• Paraben-free
• Salt-free
• Smells pleasant
• Value for money

Cons

• Does not work well for thick hair.

Pro Tip

Heat coconut oil and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Use this mix to massage your scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment to eliminate dandruff. Avoid keeping it for more than 20 minutes.

5. Best Antifungal Properties:FREE & CLEAR Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.79

The FREE & CLEAR Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo works gently to remove dandruff without irritating the scalp. It is formulated with 2% zinc pyrithione with antifungal properties that reduce seborrheic dermatitis. This sulfate-free hair care shampoo helps in balancing the pH of the scalp to leave you with problem-free hair. This affordable, dermatologist-tested dandruff treatment is free of chemical irritants, such as dyes, fragrances, gluten, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde releasers.

Pros

• Gentle
• Dermatologically-tested
• Fragrance-free
• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free
• Formaldehyde-free
• Cocamidopropyl betaine-free

Cons

• Makes the hair frizzy.

6. Best For Frizzy Hair:Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo

4.4

Image: Aveeno

Now 18% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.34

The Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo is formulated with the delightful essence of caring oats, healing rosemary, and soothing cucumbers. The first whiff of its delicate fragrance takes you to the green fields as its natural anti-dandruff ingredients gently cleanse your hair and scalp. The shampoo is clinically proven to help purify the scalp and add thickness to the hair. It gives your hair a healthy and voluminous look while rejuvenating it from the roots to the tips. Its delicate, sulfate-free formula helps treat dull and frizzy hair.

Pros

• Moisturizing formula
• Lathers well
• Safe for color-treated hair

Cons

None

7. Best Cruelty-Free:Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo

4.1

Image: Botanic Hearth

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.29

The Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo fights dandruff and reduces scalp dryness. This scalp cleansing shampoo deeply nourishes and soothes the scalp without causing any irritation or redness. The sulfate-free hair product is safe for daily use and is gentle on all hair types, including colored-treated hair. Its dandruff-fighting formulas contain essential tea tree oil that clarifies the scalp, leaving behind a refreshing scent. This shampoo is cruelty-free and helps nourish and hydrate the scalp while promoting scalp and hair health.

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Cruelty-free
• Lightweight
• Suitable for all hair types
• Smells pleasant
• Suitable for daily use

Cons

• Thin consistency

8. Best For Itchy Scalp:Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo

4.1

Image: Kamedis

BUY ON AMAZON | $38.38

The KAMEDIS Dandruff Therapy Shampoo comes with a clinically-proven formula to treat dry, and itchy scalp while getting rid of visible dandruff. The zinc pyrithione concentration allows it to fight scalp problems and seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatologist-recommended dandruff solution is suitable for all hair types. Its recommended usage is three times a week and for best scalp results, it is advised to use Kamedis control scalp lotion along with the shampoo.

Pros

• Combats scalp issues
• Cruelty-free
• Paraben-free
• Lathers well
• Ideal for sensitive scalp
• Suitable for color-treated hair

Cons

None

9. Best For Flakes:Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Scalp Care Shampoo

4.5

Image: Head & Shoulders

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.97

The Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Scalp Care Shampoo stays true to its name as it continues to care for your from root to tips. This soothing scalp care is rich in coconut oil and apple cider vinegar that offer adequate hydration to the tresses while treating inflammation. It gently cleanses and nourishes your scalp. It maintains the natural pH of the scalp and gives you healthy and lustrous hair. It helps you provide healthier hair in three weeks. This sulfate-free hair cleansing solution is specially developed to make your hair care for curly and unruly hair much easier than before.

Pros

• Travel-friendly
• Softens hair
• Moisturizing formula
• Lathers well
• Paraben-free
• Dye-free

Cons

• May require effort in rinsing it off properly

10. Best Non-Irritating Formula:Jupiter Dandruff Shampoo

4.1

Image: Jupiter

BUY ON AMAZON | $27

Use the Jupiter Dandruff Shampoo to reduce scalp itchiness and inflammation. It is packed with scientifically proven ingredients that help soothe the scalp and provide relief while controlling sebum production and dandruff. The zinc pyrithione formula manages irritated scalp and clary oil, vanillin, and coconut oil moisturize the damaged tresses and are efficient at treating dandruff naturally. The formula is clinically proven to reduce flakes and control hair breakage. It is sulfate and dye-free which allows it to gently cleanse the sensitive scalp while its mildly-scented essential oils offer you a spa-like experience.

Pros

• FDA-approved ingredients
• Reduces hair breakage
• Soothes the scalp
• Dye-free
• Paraben-free
• Phthalate-free
• Vegan

Cons

None

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach and hair care aficionado who believes that to treat dandruff effectively, you don’t need to dig a hole in your pocket because there are plenty of drugstore, sulfate-free options available. She herself uses drugstore, sulfate-free dandruff shampoos for her hair because it does not strip off its natural oils. She has conducted an in-depth research and carefully curated the list to help her readers make the best choice. The list includes some of her favorites too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential risks of using a sulfate shampoo?

Shampoos containing sulfates can disturb the natural pH balance of your scalp and cause scalp problems like dryness, itchiness, flakiness, etc. It can also lead to excessive secretion of sebum and cause excessive scalp oiliness. It also leads to hair fall, hair loss, breakage, frizz, etc.

How often should I wash using a sulfate-free dandruff shampoo?

Sulfate-free shampoos can be used twice a week, as directed on the packaging, or as suggested by the doctor.

Do sulfate-free shampoos help with dandruff?

Yes, sulfate-free shampoos reduce dandruff and treat scalp conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. They remove dandruff flakes and make your tresses appear healthier. However, for conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis, you may need to seek medical advice.

Do sulfates cause dandruff?

Yes, using sulfates too frequently may strip off your hair’s natural oils and cause dryness, which, in turn, causes dandruff.

Why does my hair feel like straw after using sulfate-free shampoo?

If you use shampoos excessively, even the sulfate-free ones, your hair may feel like straw since the formula may remove moisture along with dandruff and dirt to offer a squeaky clean appearance to your tresses.

What happens when you start using sulfate-free dandruff shampoos?

Sulfate-free dandruff shampoos soothe itchy scalp and keep your hair free of dandruff flakes. They also help you achieve smoother and shinier locks.

Recommended Articles

• How To Balance The pH Of Your Hair For A Healthy Look
• How To Get Rid Of Dandruff
• Dry Scalp: Causes, Natural Treatments, And Prevention Tips
• Home Remedies For An Itchy Scalp

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Simon ConstantinouHairstylist

     

Simon Constantinou is an accomplished hairstylist with over five decades of experience. He is the proprietor of an award-winning hair and beauty salon, renowned for its comfortable ambiance and a team of innovative hairdressers and beauticians who are both welcoming and supportive. His extensive experience has not deterred him from continuing to learn, as he frequently experiments with new hair...more

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Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more

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