Best Sulfate-Free Scalp Treatments of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Sulfate-free scalp treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their gentle and nourishing properties. These treatments are free from harsh sulfates which can strip the scalp of its natural oils and cause irritation. Instead, they contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender that soothe and hydrate the scalp. Sulfate-free scalp treatments are perfect for those with sensitive scalps or those who have undergone chemical treatments like coloring or relaxing. They promote healthy hair growth and leave the scalp feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nexxus Sulfate-Free Hair Scrub Cover #TOP 1
Nexxus Sulfate-Free Hair Scrub
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MG217 Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis Cover #TOP 2
MG217 Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Soapbox Tea Tree Scalp Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid Cover #TOP 3
Soapbox Tea Tree Scalp Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sulfate-Free Scalp Treatments

Nexxus Sulfate-Free Hair Scrub

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Nexxus Sulfate-Free Hair Scrub Cover
Nexxus Sulfate-Free Hair Scrub Exfoliating Scalp Scrub To Nourish & Clarify Silicone, Dye, & Paraben Free Hair Scrub 10 oz

The Nexxus Hair Scrub is designed to gently exfoliate your scalp, removing residue and impurities for a refreshed and nourished feel. It features a powerful protein infusion that helps repair visible signs of hair damage, enhancing strength, elasticity, shine, and moisture. This scrub works effectively to detoxify your hair, eliminating product and oil buildup for a balanced scalp. You can use it daily or as a pre-treatment before your clarifying shampoo, making it a versatile addition to your hair care routine.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Repairs hair damage
Detoxifies scalp
Daily use convenience
#TOP 2

MG217 Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis

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MG217 Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis Cover
MG217 Deep Conditioning Salicylic Acid Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis, Exfoliates, Heals, Moisturizes, Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Oils, Plant Extracts, Sulfate free, Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, 6 floz

MG217 Psoriasis Scalp Treatment is a deep conditioning solution that exfoliates, heals, and moisturizes your scalp. By massaging it in and rinsing out, you can soothe your skin and improve its health. This treatment leaves your hair clean, soft, and manageable while nourishing your scalp. Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, it is formulated with healing hyaluronic acid, natural oils, and plant extracts. The fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free formula ensures a gentle yet effective cleanse.

What We Like
Exfoliates and heals scalp
Moisturizes skin health
Sulfate, paraben, fragrance free
#TOP 3

Soapbox Tea Tree Scalp Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid

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Soapbox Tea Tree Scalp Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
Soapbox Scalp Treatment, Soothing Treatment with Tea Tree Oil & Hyaluronic Acid to Sooth Irritated, Itchy, Sensitive Scalp and Hydrate Hair Vegan, Cruelty, Paraben, Gluten and Sulfate Free, 5oz

Give your scalp a fresh start with this pre-shampoo soothing tea tree scalp treatment. The purifying properties of tea tree oil, shea butter, vitamins B5, A, E, and hyaluronic acid deeply cleanse and balance your scalp, promoting healthy, hydrated hair. The natural and clean scent adds a luxurious touch to your hair care routine. This vegan and cruelty-free hair and scalp treatment is sulfate, paraben, and silicone-free, and never tested on animals. Feel the difference and make a difference through everyday quality purchases, as your purchase also donates 3 bars of soap to someone in need.

What We Like
Purifying properties of tea tree oil soothe irritation and remove build up
Nourishing ingredients like shea butter and hyaluronic acid deeply cleanse and balance the scalp for healthy, hydrated hair
Natural and clean scent adds a luxurious touch to your hair care routine
Free from harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
With every purchase, 3 bars of soap are donated to someone in need

AROMATICA Rosemary Root Enhancer 100ml

S0590890
AROMATICA Rosemary Root Enhancer 100ml Cover
AROMATICA Rosemary Root Enhancer 3.38oz / 100ml – Scalp Nourishing with Food-graded Rosemary Oil – Relieves Itchy, Dry, Flaky Scalp - Free from Sulfate, Silicone, and Paraben

The AROMATICA Rosemary Scalp Spray is designed to provide deep hydration and soothing relief for oily scalps. You will appreciate its ability to promote hair regrowth and combat concerns about hair loss. This treatment effectively addresses issues like scalp buildup and dandruff, giving you a cleaner, healthier scalp. Additionally, the product features a blend of plant-based ingredients, including six types of Black Food Complex, which work together to nourish and treat your scalp, ensuring a refreshing experience.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Promotes hair regrowth
Targets dandruff and buildup
Plant-based ingredients

Bablabear Scalp Exfoliator Scrub

Bablabear
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Bablabear Scalp Exfoliator Scrub Cover
Bablabear Scalp Exfoliator Scrub,Itchy Scalp Treatment for Dandruff,Hair Scrub, No Sulfate Hair Scrub To Soothe a Dry, Flaky,Scalp,Removes Buildup,Clarifying Shampoo With Scrubber

The Bablabear Scalp Scrub is a sulfate-free hair scrub designed to soothe and detoxify the scalp. It is formulated with nutrient-rich coconut oil, charcoal, and probiotic sake shampoo, which gently exfoliate the scalp and remove product buildup and environmental impurities. This scalp scrub is suitable for those with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, as well as for individuals with color treated, keratin treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair. The unique fragrance of rosemary, lemon, and jasmine adds a pleasant aroma to the hair. With regular use, this scalp scrub helps balance and soothe the scalp, promoting long-term scalp and hair health. To use, simply wet your hair, take an appropriate amount of the product, and massage it onto your scalp to create a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly with water. It is recommended to use this scalp scrub 1-2 times a week for best results.

What We Like
Sulfate-free
Effective exfoliation
Safe for color treated hair

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream

77948
Scalp Cream
5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream Cover
Head & Shoulders Scalp Cream Treatment, Daily Moisture, Anti Dandruff, Royal Oils Collection with Coconut Oil, Scalp Care for Natural and Curly Hair, 5.0 fl oz

Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream is a leave-in hair treatment to prevent flakes, itch, and dryness. The no-rinse formula moisturizes hair and scalp, restores scalp health, and provides 24-hour scalp protection. Specifically designed for natural, relaxed, kinky, and coily hair types, the sulfate-free cream contains coconut oil and is dye and mineral oil-free. Developed by Black scientists for Black hair, it balances natural moisture levels for a healthy scalp and hair. Use daily to nourish and protect scalp.

What We Like
Prevents flakes, itch, and dryness
Moisturizes hair and scalp, restores scalp health, and provides 24-hour scalp protection
Sulfate-free, dye-free, and mineral oil-free, specifically designed for natural, relaxed, kinky, and coily hair types

Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir Treatment

77947
Scalp Elixir
Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir Treatment Cover
Head & Shoulders Scalp Elixir Treatment, Instant Soothe, Anti Dandruff, Royal Oils Collection with Cooling Menthol and Peppermint oil, 4.2 fl oz

Head & Shoulders Elixir is a leave-in scalp treatment from the Royal Oils Collection. It helps balance and restore scalp health with regular use, providing instant relief without rinsing. The formula includes cooling menthol and peppermint oil, which invigorates and soothes the scalp. This product is great for protective styles, twists, and locs. It offers 24-hour scalp protection when used as directed and is free of alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and dyes. Head & Shoulders Elixir is a convenient solution for those looking to maintain a healthy scalp and reduce dandruff.

What We Like
Instant scalp relief
24-hour protection
Cooling menthol and peppermint oil
#TOP 8

Apple Cider & Sea Salt Scalp Scrub by Rida

Apple Cider & Sea Salt Scalp Scrub by Rida Cover
Apple Cider & Sea Salt Green Scalp Scrub Sulfate-Free | 10% AHA & BHA | Exfoliating Hair & Scalp Treatment for Detox, Dandruff & Build-Up | Scalp Exfoliator Hair Scalp Scrub | Refreshing ( 16 Fl Oz )

The Rida Scalp Scrub is an exfoliating treatment designed to rejuvenate your hair and scalp. With its powerful blend of apple cider and sea salt, it helps remove dead skin cells and build-up, promoting a healthier scalp. This sulfate-free formula is enriched with 10% AHA and BHA, which work together to detoxify your scalp, reducing dandruff and leaving your hair feeling fresh and clean. By using this scrub, you can easily enhance your hair care routine, ensuring your scalp remains nourished and revitalized.

What We Like
Effective exfoliation
Reduces dandruff
Detoxifies scalp
Sulfate-free formula
#TOP 9

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

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8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Cover
Applebiotic Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse - Gentle Scalp Cleanser to Clarify & Remove Product Buildup - Dry, Itchy Scalp Treatment, Silicone & Sulfate Free, 8 oz

The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is a scalp cleanser and buildup remover that leaves hair feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and revitalized. This ACV detoxifying scalp and hair rinse treatment is designed to soothe away irritation, making it a preferred scalp treatment for hair growth, dandruff, psoriasis, itchiness, and more. It improves shine, strengthens, and boosts growth, while being free of sulfates, parabens, fragrance, and fillers. Made in the USA, this hair rinse is an all-natural, botanical elixir blend that gives lustrous locks you'll love showing off.

What We Like
Effectively removes buildup, dirt, and grime, leaving hair refreshed and revitalized.
Soothes irritation, making it a preferred scalp treatment for various hair and scalp conditions.
Enhances shine, softens, smooths frizz, and conditions for lustrous locks.
Free of sulfates, parabens, fragrance, and fillers, making it a pure and safe choice.
Made in the USA with an all-natural, botanical elixir blend that delivers results without risks.

SEEN Restore Scalp Serum

2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
SEEN Restore Scalp Serum Cover
SEEN Restore Scalp Serum, Fragrance-Free - Clinically Proven, Dermatologist-Developed Hydrating Serum, Promotes Healthy Scalp, Safe for Sensitive & Eczema-Prone Skin

SEEN Scalp Serum is a fragrance-free treatment that hydrates and soothes your scalp, reducing dryness, flakes, and irritation. It supports a healthy scalp barrier, absorbs quickly, and is not greasy. It is safe for all skin types, including sensitive, eczema-prone, and acne-prone skin. This non-comedogenic serum is formulated without harmful ingredients like fragrances, sulfates, and parabens, making it gentle and effective for scalp health.

What We Like
Non-comedogenic
Safe for sensitive skin
Fast absorbing
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get rid of sulfate-free dandruff?

Use green tea. Combine green tea, peppermint essential oil and white vinegar and massage it on your scalp for five minutes. Then, rinse it off with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

2. Is sulfate-free shampoo good for your scalp?

Hydrating Ingredients Using a sulfate-free shampoo is a good way to both help retain the natural moisture in your hair as well as prolong the life of your hair color, says Murray. It's also a good option for those with an easily-irritated scalp, as sulfates can cause even more dryness and itching.

3. Is sulfate-free good for dandruff?

Whether you want to reduce dandruff flakes or treat your scalp to a soothing deep treatment, a sulfate-free shampoo can be a great addition to your hair care routine. The best sulfate-free dandruff shampoos will gently remove flakes and address the root causes of your dandruff without irritating your scalp.

4. Can sulfate-free cause baldness?

Sulfate-free shampoos generally do not cause hair loss. Rather, shampoos that contain sulfates are more likely to cause thinning because they can irritate and inflame the scalp, and they break down your existing hair shafts.

Editor's Notes

During our sulfate-free scalp treatment research, we found 48 sulfate-free scalp treatment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 111,907 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sulfate-free scalp treatments list. We found that most customers choose sulfate-free scalp treatments with an average price of $15.35.

The sulfate-free scalp treatments are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sulfate-free scalp treatments, including Nexxus, MG217, Soapbox, AROMATICA, Bablabear. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.