13 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bars Of 2023
Ditch those plastic shampoo bottles and pick the bars to keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist
Expertise: Hairstylist
Experience: 20 years
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her l... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after re... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
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 edito... more
Image: Shutterstock
You are part of the green and clean revolution if you are actively looking for the best sulfate-free shampoo bar. This serves two important purposes: one, with a shampoo bar, you don’t generate or consume plastic bottles, and two, you ditch one of the most harmful preservatives that go into beauty products. Sulfates are bad for the environment as they find their way to the water bodies and disrupt hormone production in women.
Look for SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) when going through the ingredients listed on the labels of haircare products and keep them back on the shelf. This is one way to go about choosing sulfate-free shampoos. You can explore our list of the 13 top sulfate-free shampoos available as bars on the market, right here!
In This Article
Top 13 Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bars
1. Best For All Hair Types:J.R.LIGGETT’S All-Natural Shampoo Bar
Image: J.r.liggett's J.R.LIGGETT’S All-Natural Shampoo Bar is made from rich oils of olives, coconut, jojoba, and castor that nourish your hair with their antioxidant properties. All while the vitamins A, B, and E present in the soap help rejuvenate dull hair. This vegan shampoo bar also helps clear sebum that clogs and damages hair follicles. With regular use, it gives a radiant and healthy shine to your hair without leaving any greasy hair feeling. It promotes healthy and clean hair without affecting the production of natural oils. Click this video to learn more about the product from this reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Mild and clean peppermint fragrance
- Free of synthetic oils and preservatives
- Handmade and hand-cut, ensuring safety and quality control
Cons
- May cause post-wash waxiness on your hair
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,159 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Gentle Formula:The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar
Image: The Yellow Bird This Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar is a block of gentle cleansing bar soap formulated with ingredients like kaolin clay and sea salt that removes unwanted build-up on the scalp. What’s more? This bar is a multipurpose product meaning it can be used as a body and hair washing bar. Containing trace elements of vitamins and minerals, it is suitable for all hair types; be it dry, oily, or even thin hair. This bar is a perfect alternative to cure psoriasis and is cruelty-free and vegan. Learn more about the product in this video from this tester’s experience.
Pros
- Can be used by men and women
- Doesn’t contain harsh detergents
- Silicone and paraben-free product
- Gently cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural protective oils
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might leave some residue
3. Best Travel-Friendly Packaging:Aspen Kay Naturals Solid Shampoo Bar
Image: Aspen Kay Naturals Aspen Kay Naturals Solid Shampoo Bar is made from organic and hair-loving herbs such as organic hibiscus, horsetail, chamomile, organic calendula, and turmeric. Being paraben and sulfate-free, this environmentally-friendly shampoo contains no harsh detergents and does not require any transition period as well. The organic herbs help repair damaged hair and eventually stimulate growth in a couple of washes.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Soothes the scalp
- Restores hair’s natural luster
- Can be used on the face and body
- Mildly scented with sweet orange and lemongrass
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Quick Tip| J.R.LIGGETT'S All-Natural Shampoo Bar Best For All Hair Types | The Yellow Bird Peppermint Shampoo Bar Best Gentle Formula | Aspen Kay Naturals Solid Shampoo Bar Best Travel-Friendly Packaging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Oily | Oily, Dry, Curly, Normal, Textured | All, Oily, Dry, Normal, Damaged |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 1.25 x 2 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 3.2 Ounces | 3.2 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces |
| Package Dimensions | - | 4.29 x 3.27 x 1.38 inches | 3.19 x 3.19 x 1.26 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,159 | 1,686 | 1,151 |
| Price | $11.49 | $10.0 | $14.99 |
4. Best Color-Safe Formula:Soapbox Argan Oil Shampoo Bar
Image: Soapbox Soapbox Argan Oil Shampoo Bar is infused with the light scent of vanilla and freesia that leave your smelling fresh. Upon daily use, it softens your tresses and controls hair fall. This product is enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and argan oil that helps lock in the shine, giving your hair a lush and gorgeous look. The argan oil also helps tame unruly and frizzy hair. Despite being sulfate-free, this soap-free shampoo bar creates a rich lather that rinses completely, leaving your hair residue-free.
Pros
- Makes hair shiny and lush
- Color-safe and silicone-free
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free
- Formulated to be used on all hair types
Cons
- Slightly expensive
5. Best Vegan:The Right To Shower Joy Shampoo Bar
Image: The Right To Shower Give your hair and skin a fresh fragrance with this The Right To Shower Joy Shampoo Bar filled with the scent of tangerine and honeysuckle. This is an all-in-one shampoo bar suitable to be used from head to toe as a hand wash, body wash, and shampoo for your hair. Accentuated with a sweet smell, it uplifts your body and mind, giving your skin a renewed and refreshing feeling. In collaboration with various organizations, this brand supports the needy, giving them access to mobile showers so that they stay hygienic. Further, the product is free from animal testing.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free product
- Carefully handmade in small batches
- Paraben and sulfate-free formula
- Packaged in 100% recycled carton paper
Cons
- May leave residue after wash
6. Best Moisturizing Formula:HiBar Solid Shampoo Bar
Image: Hibar HiBar Solid Shampoo Bar is a 100% plastic-free product made from shea butter, coconut oil, and rice protein that helps hydrate and nourish your hair. This formula also helps volumize thin and dull hair, thanks to the addition of African dates and vitamin D5. This soap bar is ergonomically crafted for a comfortable hold and use and lasts for a long time. Due to its compact shape, it is an extremely travel-friendly product. This video gives you more information about the product from the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Moisturizes dry hair
- Works well on curly hair
- 100% safe product for colored hair
- Helps maintain normal or oily hair
- Cruelty, phthalate, and paraben-free
Cons
- Might have an unpleasant smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,603 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
7. Best Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar:Beauty And The Bees Tasmanian Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Tonic Shampoo Bar
Image: Beauty And The Bees When choosing an eco-friendly sulfate-free shampoo bar, this Beauty And The Bees product is a great pick. The shampoo bar is infused with Tasmanian apple cider vinegar tonic, which is a century-old well-kept haircare and skincare secret of European women. The apple cider vinegar in the formula encourages healthy hair growth, thereby retaining moisture that will help prevent split ends. This ingredient also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that condition your hair by removing the crusts that form around the follicles.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Eco-friendly
- Zero waste compostable packaging
- Cruelty-free and silicone-free product
- Apple cider vinegar balances ph of hair and scalp
Cons
- Slightly expensive
8. Best In Budget-Friendly:FALLS RIVER SOAP COMPANY Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bar
Image: Falls River Soap Company FALLS RIVER SOAP COMPANY Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bar is a shampoo and soap bar combined in one. Formulated with coconut oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, extra virgin olive oil, and many other natural ingredients, this handmade shampoo bar helps in healthy hair growth and stops hair loss. Rest assured, it won’t leave any residue on your hair. This travel-friendly product can be used as a body wash or for everyday cleansing of your beard. It is a perfect head-to-toe shampoo bar.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- Budget-friendly
- TSA-approved product
- Suitable for everyday use
- Reduces itchiness, dryness, and flaky scalp
- Affordable
Cons
- Might create tangles in curly hair if rubbed directly
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,239 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
9. Best Unisex Product:Valquer Laboratorios Shampoo Bar
Image: Valquer Laboratorios Valquer Shampoo Bar is a long-lasting solid bar formulated with peppermint and aloe vera. Peppermint oil has antiseptic, stimulating, and regenerative properties that are required for your precious hair. It purifies your scalp and removes excess sebum that gets collected on the hair roots. Aloe vera gel has a wide variety of medicinal purposes to treat skin disorders. Suitable for oily hair, this dermatologist-tested product moisturizes your hair, leaving it softer than before.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- 100% vegan
- Cost-effective
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for men and women
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May lead to product build-up on hair sometimes
10. Best Biodegradable Option:Addicted to Soap Natural Peppermint Shampoo Bar
Addicted to Soap Natural Shampoo Bar is formulated with natural ingredients and is therefore suitable for sensitive scalp. This shampoo bar for curly hair is free from harsh chemicals and contains a variety of oils like virgin coconut and tea tree oils that are beneficial for your hair. It will not only rinse your hair clean without leaving any residue but also leave a refreshing peppermint scent.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Coconut oil softens hair
- Does not weigh hair down
- Packed in biodegradable plastic wrap that decomposes naturally
Cons
- Some people may find the smell too strong.
11. Best Pleasant Smell:Reef Repair Shampoo Bar
Image: Reef Repair Reef Repair Shampoo Bar is a natural, solid organic bar that contains ingredients like kaolin clay, and olive fruit oil that moisturizes and nourishes your hair. Also infused with coconut, it makes your hair soft and provides a light scent. An eco-friendly and cruelty-free product, it does not have any animal derivative products like palm oil or beeswax. This reef-safe shampoo bar is ocean-friendly and coral reef-safe too. Being pH balanced, it prevents flaky scalp and itchiness.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Lathers well on wet hair
- Sulfate and gluten-free product
- Comes in an eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging
Cons
- Might smell unpleasant for some
12. Best Plant-Based Formula:Pacific Spirit Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar
Image: Pacific Spirit This Pacific Spirit Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar is made using a unique combination of natural ingredients such as fresh kiwi juice, argan oil, broccoli oil, and green clay. These ingredients lend you beautifully nourished and soft hair and strengthen thinning hair strands. This bar is suitable for colored hair and excellent for everyday use. Upon application, the air and water aid in creating rich foam that lathers well, making your hair squeaky clean. It also adds volume and luster to dull and thin hair.
Pros
- Safe for colored hair
- Works well for dull hair
- Leaves hair feeling soft
- Has a gentle and sweet fragrance
- Utilizes plant-based foaming technology
Cons
- May make hair slightly frizzy for some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,617 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
13. Best Nourishing Formula:Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Shampoo Bar
Image: Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve This Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Shampoo Bar is a sustainably sourced shampoo bar that is sulfate and preservative-free. This bar contains organic sweet almond oil that helps condition your hair. It also hydrates damaged ends while maintaining the pH level of your hair. This lush shampoo bar is perfect for all hair types, ideal for both men and women, and has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Hydrates hair
- Preservative and cruelty-free
- Hand-cut and made in smaller batches
- Effective in treating dry scalps
Cons
- Might make hair sticky
With a wide variety of shampoo bars available in the market choosing the right one may seem like a daunting task. Worry no more! The following pointers will help you choose the best shampoo bar for yourself.
Types Of Shampoo Bars
There are 3 main types of shampoo bars
- Cold-pressed: This process of making soaps and shampoo bars is followed by many major companies manufacturing SLS-free shampoo bars. Cold-pressed bars typically contain nourishing oils that condition your hair but may cause oil build-up. Thus, users may require to rinse their hair with a clarifying agent post-use.
- Solid surfactant: These soaps lather the best due to the presence of SLS but are avoided by a vast majority of people due to irritation.
- Glycerin-based: These soaps contain natural glycerin, which has a lower pH level to keep hair and scalp moisture-balanced.
Benefits Of Using Shampoo Bars
- Shampoo bars are easy to use and are long-lasting as compared to shampoos. Shampoos are made with almost 80% water and are therefore easily perishable, while shampoo bars are more concentrated and will last you for many days.
- Shampoo bars are travel-friendly as well as eco-friendly as they eliminate the use of bulky plastic bottles.
- Most shampoo bars do not contain any artificial ingredients such as preservatives and detergents that affect the natural pH value of your hair.
Laura Dale, licensed cosmetologist, says, “Shampoo bars are a great option for those looking to reduce their plastic waste and minimize their carbon footprint. My tips for using shampoo bars are to make sure to thoroughly rinse your hair to prevent any residue that could weigh it down, and to look for bars that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil to moisturize the hair and scalp.”
How To Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bars
The following is a step by step guide to using shampoo bars:
Step 1: Wet your hair well and also wet the shampoo bar.
Step 2: Rub the shampoo bar on your scalp in the direction of your hair growth.
Step 3: Lather it using your fingers in a circular motion.
Step 4: Distribute the foam on the roots of your hair and spread out the extra lather on the lengths and tips of your hair.
Step 5: Wash out the soap from your hair with mildly lukewarm water and repeat the entire process if required.
Step 6: Towel dry your hair without using any hair dryers.
Step 7: Apply hair serum and let your hair dry naturally.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar
Sulfate-free shampoo bars work wonders in cleansing your hair without stripping it of oils. They are great healthy alternatives to regular shampoos. While there may be limited choices on the market, it’s not always obvious which one will fit your bill. So, wait no more and look at the infographic below to understand what you should expect in the shampoo bars before buying them. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Harsh shampoo bars infused with sulfates can harm your hair follicles and cause damage. Switching to sulfate-free shampoo bars for all your hair concerns will help you cleanse the dirt present in the hair shafts, wipe away the residues left by styling products, and eliminate the excess sebum produced by the scalp. Moreover, these eco-friendly shampoos are enriched with nourishing ingredients but are free from toxic ingredients and aid hair growth. They are suitable for all hair types. In addition, they nourish and hydrate your scalp and make your tresses healthy and radiant. The J.R.LIGGETT’S All-Natural Bar is a vegan and eco-friendly option that rejuvenates dull hair, while the pampering Aspen Kay Naturals Bar contains organic ingredients and repairs damaged hair. If you are looking for a preservative-free soap, try the Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve. These sulfate-free shampoo bars are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. However, some soap bars may leave product residue and cause tangles in your hair. Consider the different types of shampoo bars and the ingredients infused in them before investing in one of these products for your beauty routine. You should also make sure to choose sulfate-free shampoo bar brands that have been in business for years and have made a mark in the hair care industry.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Our writer, Kirtana Divakar, is a hair care expert and reviews products of the same category. She has conducted detailed research to list the best sulfate-free shampoo bars and briefly described why they stand out from the other products in the market. The list includes shampoo bars suitable for most hair types, made of good ingredients, and ones that nourish the scalp. In addition, Kirtana described the pros and cons of each shampoo bar to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shampoo bars better for your hair?
Shampoo bars help retain your hair’s natural oils and maintain its pH value, keeping it healthy.
Can sulfate-free shampoo bars cause hair loss?
No, sulfate-free shampoo bars are safe to use and do not cause hair loss.
How long does it take for hair to adjust to a shampoo bar?
The adjustment period depends on the amount of damage that your hair has and can vary from a few days to up to a month for a few people.
Do shampoo bars make hair greasy?
While adjusting to shampoo bars, your hair might feel greasy and heavy as it might take time to restore the natural oils lost.
Do you need a conditioner after using a shampoo bar?
A shampoo bar doesn’t typically strip the hair of its natural oils and thus doesn’t require a conditioner post use.
Does sulfate-free shampoo make a difference?
Sulfate-free shampoo is a good alternative to your regular shampoo, especially for those who are allergic to sulfate and experience an itchy scalp.
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