10 Best Drugstore Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoos As Per Hairstylists – 2024
Affordable products that are safe and gentle on your skin but tough on dandruff.
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 beautici... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Experience: 7 yearsArshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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.
In This Article
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
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 both dry and oily hair.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- Suitable for sensitive scalp
- Non-irritating
Cons
- May dry out the hair
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 10,586 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
2. Best Color-Safe:puriyaScalp Therapy Shampoo
The puriya Scalp Therapy Shampoo deeply hydrates to prevent dandruff and soothe the dry skin of the scalp. 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 dead skin cell 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,266 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
3. Best For Softness:Max Green Alchemy Vegan Hair Shampoo
The Max Green Alchemy Vegan Hair Shampoo is a great remedy for scalp rejuvenation. This gentle shampoo contains a unique blend of mild herbs, namely lemon, coconut, calendula, and tea tree, and is enriched with essential oils that help 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
"This dandruff shampoo is gentle on my scalp. It soothes my hair and reduces irritation. It has a great lather that does not strip my hair of natural oil."
| MAPLE HOLISTICSSage Special Formula Shampoo Best Volume-Boosting Formula | puriyaScalp Therapy Shampoo Best Color-Safe | Max Green Alchemy Vegan Hair Shampoo Best For Softness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Oily, Dry, Curly, Normal, Straight | All, Oily, Dry, Normal, Damaged | - |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 6.24 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 1 Pounds | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | 8.15 x 2.32 x 2.28 inches | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,586 | 3,266 | - |
| Price | $23.95 | $24.29 | $23.7 |
4. Best Clinically Tested Formula:L’OREAL PARIS EVERFRESH Sulfate/Free Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
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 Tip5. Best Antifungal Properties:FREE & CLEAR Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
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 and preventing the fungal growth 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.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 5,076 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
6. Best For Frizzy Hair:Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo
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 for dandruff 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 593 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
7. Best Cruelty-Free:Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo
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 fresh scent. This shampoo for dandruff 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,282 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
8. Best For Itchy Scalp:Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo
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
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. This dandruff-fighting shampoo 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
"This shampoo tackles dandruff effectively. It softens my hair and leaves it rejuvenated. I use it carefully to make sure that it does not trigger any sensitivity issues or scalp reactions."
10. Best Non-Irritating Formula:Jupiter Dandruff Shampoo
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 hair and are efficient at treating dandruff naturally. The anti-dandruff scalp shampoo 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
The Bottom Line
The recurrence of dandruff is no less scary than the hollywood horror movies. This might happen due to regular use of shampoos that contain sulfate. These surfactants help cleanse your scalp buildup, dust, and impurities and strip off the natural oils and moisture from the hair, causing dry and rough hair. You need drugstore sulfate-free anti-dandruff shampoos that clean your scalp and retain the hair’s moisture without breaking the bank. For example, the MAPLE HOLISTICSSage Special Formula Shampoo restores vibrancy and improves the elasticity of the hair while the Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo promotes healthy and voluminous hair, and the Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Shampoo reduces scalp dryness. These shampoos are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and color-safe. However, some products may not be suitable for all hair types. Choose the shampoos that meet your requirements and promote a healthy scalp to upgrade your hair care routine. Simon Constantinou, a hairstylist with 56 years of experience, states, “It is important to remember that there are varying degrees of dandruff. Therefore, make sure to seek medical advice if dandruff worsens or if you feel discomfort despite using the shampoos.”
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.
