sulfate-free

Without harsh cleansers

Sulfate-free describes products, especially shampoos and cleansers, formulated without sulfates—detergent compounds that create lather but can strip natural oils from hair and skin.

The term appears prominently in marketing to consumers with color-treated hair, sensitive skin, or curly hair: I switched to a sulfate-free shampoo and my curls are much less frizzy.

haircare

shampoo

Liquid hair cleanser

conditionerHair-smoothing product
cleanserSubstance for removing grime
gentleSoft and kind

curly · natural hair · moisturizing · clarifying · co-wash · lather · scalp · hydrating · wash day · detangling

formulation

surfactant

Surface tension lowering compound

detergentChemical cleaning agent
foaming agentSubstance that generates bubbles
mildModerate in intensity

plant-based · glucoside · betaine · amphoteric · biodegradable · ingredient list · emulsifier

skincare

face wash

Skin-cleaning soap product

cleanserSubstance for removing grime
body washLiquid skin cleanser
sensitive skinEasily irritated epidermis

dermatologist · hypoallergenic · eczema · rosacea · barrier · stripped · dryness · gentle formula · atopic · cream cleanser

Categories

clean beautyorganic skincare, natural makeup, tinted moisturizer
Hypoallergenichypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, sensitive skin, unscented, gentle
Cosmetic Safetypatch test, allergy warning, expiration date, shelf life, preservatives

Opposites

hair care philosophy

sulfate-freeconventional

Following accepted practices

traditional · mainstream · harsh · stripping · drugstore

Family

sulfate, sulfates, sulfur, sulfurous, sulfuric, sulphate, sulphates, sulphur, sulphurous

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G