Why You Should Be Using a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This sulfate-free post was created in partnership with Formulate. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!

After work, the only thing you probably want to do is to kick back in a nice bath. Here’s the thing, though — have you ever wondered how the bubbles like those in your shampoo are formed?

Most likely, sulfates are responsible. However, recently people have been wondering if they’re essential for beauty products. Here in this article, we look at why you’ll want to make the switch to a sulfate-free shampoo like Formulate.

What exactly is a sulfate-free shampoo?

When you read the label of most shampoo bottles, you will often find that they contain either sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium Laureth sulfate, or sodium Laureth sulfate.

These are types of detergents that lather and can help people clean themselves of oils and dirt. Sulfate-free shampoo is the non-chemical option that still conditions and cleanses in the same way as ordinary shampoos do but without the foaming effect.

You just have to scrub and massage a bit harder to get clean since you don't have bubbles doing the work for you.

Are sulfates actually bad for you?

There has been a lot of hype about shampoos that don’t have sulfates, and this starts to make you question whether sulfate-based products are harmful. The answer is a resounding no, according to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.

It's not going to give you cancer or make you infertile. It just may dry out your hair and burn your eyes.

Reasons why you should be using a sulfate-free shampoo

So you may be wondering why you should use a shampoo that is free from sulfates? There are numerous sulfate-free shampoo benefits, and we’ve outlined some of these below:

Great for colored hair

If your hair is dyed (like so many of ours are), you may notice that sulfate-based products can leave your hair somewhat faded after a while. Unlike sulfate products, sulfate-free ones are gentler and less likely to wash out your hair dye.

Color-treated hair requires extra attention to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. Dying your hair dries it out as do sulfates.

On the other hand, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can help lock in moisture, leaving your hair soft, silky, and smooth.

Gentle on sensitive scalps and skin

If your scalp is sensitive or you have a skin condition like psoriasis on your scalp (like I do), sulfates might dry out your skin even more. They can irritate your already delicate skin causing extra itching and redness.

Talk to your dermatologist to determine what is going on with your scalp.  Most likely, they’ll recommend using an alternative formula that does not contain sulfates.

No one likes stinging eyes

For those of us who can’t seem to avoid shampoo getting in our eyes, sulfate-free products are a good choice. If you ever find that your eyes sting or itch because shampoo has gotten too close to them, shampoos without sulfates can stop them from becoming irritated and red.

Research has found that sulfates simply cause more irritation in the eyes than products that do not contain them.

Conclusion

The next time you’re washing your hair, we hope you think about using a sulfate-free shampoo. It can work wonders and is something that can make a total difference to your routine.

Lately, our go-to sulfate-free hair products come from Formulate. Formulate is different (and better) than any other hair care company you've tried before.

Formulate creates top tier hair products that are customized specifically for you. Using a handy ‘hair wizard' and the answers you give, it comes up with the perfect formula for your hair.

It not only matches the most beneficial ingredients to improve your current hair; if you don't like something, they'll tweak the formula until it's perfect.

Seriously, Formulate's customer service is impeccable!

For example, I found my first customized formula to be drying and the second to have a residue feeling. I simply gave Formulate my feedback (the good and bad), and then they worked with their chemists to dial in on my perfect blend.

The third formula was the charm!

When I first started using Formulate, my scalp had tight, itchy patches, but after regular use, I saw a lot of improvement in this area. My scalp is now not nearly as tight feeling, it still itches occasionally because of my psoriasis, but it feels so much better!

Also, after using my specialized Formulate shampoo and conditioner for several weeks, my hair became more manageable directly out of the shower. Meaning I didn't feel like I had to style my hair for it to look good.

It just naturally seemed to look better! With all the benefits, what’s not to love?

Have you ever used a sulfate-free shampoo? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section.