12 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos in Malaysia 2023

We've been asked the following questions frequently: What shampoos are sulfate free? What happens when you switch to sulfate free shampoo? Is sulfate free shampoo really better for your hair? 

Do you know that most drugstore shampoos have sulfates as part of their ingredients? Sulfates are the foaming agents found in traditional shampoos. These foaming agents can have negative effects when they prove too harsh for your hair, stripping it off its natural oils and drying it to the point where it’s brittle and limp. One sulfate commonly used in shampoos is called SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate). 

That’s why people reach for sulfate-free formulas or 'shampoo tanpa SLS' (in malay). They’re thought to keep hair color and curls preserved more effectively and for longer than shampoos with these foaming agents. Although they might not lather up like you’re used to, know that your hair is still getting clean while becoming healthier at the same time.

Note: Sulfates are listed under the Hazard List of MadeSafe.org under the 'surfactants'  category.

There are many shampoos in the market and it's not easy to choose the right one for yourself. Below, our picks of the best sulfate-free shampoos or 'shampoo tanpa SLS' (in malay) that you can buy from your nearest retail stores like Watsons or Guardian Malaysia or online from Lazada Malaysia.


1. Spaklean Amazing Collagen Scalp Shampoo





> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Hair Fall in Malaysia

Price - RM83.30

This functional and hypoallergenic scalp shampoo from Korea relieves the symptoms of hair loss. 
It does this with hydrolyzed collagen, organic raw materials and patented natural ingredients for scalp care. It also has a 14 amino acid complex and 7 natural protectors for healthier hair. It has a lemon-grass scent.

Finally, you can be assured that its contents are safe as it is registered with Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia.
- EWG green scored ingredients 
- 20 harmful ingredients free such as silicon and paraben
- Rich with natural ingredients 

RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO..
☑ worry about hair loss
☑ care for cleaning scalp
☑ have thinner hair
☑ have dandruff
☑ look for a shampoo for family
☑  have oily scalp
☑ dye or perm hair
☑ look for a mild and good shampoo


2. SMIB Herbs Essential Anti-hair Loss Shampoo, 500ml - Vegan and Sulphate Free



What makes the SMiB Natural Herb Essential Shampoo This Effective?



This breakthrough product is a combination of anti-aging ingredients for the scalp and hair.
Using an “SP-3 complex” that refills collagen that has escaped from the scalp, it is able to improve the health and condition of your hair. 

No matter how good the ingredients, these can't be effective unless absorbed by your scalp. The Herb Spa Shampoo contains black beans, beer yeast and white tea which help to increase scalp absorption. 

There’s also a trio of power ingredients: 
- Panthenol for strengthening hair elasticity and improving gloss
- Salicylic Acid for removing dead skin cells and dandruff from the scalp 
- Niacinamide for strengthening the scalp barrier. 


Shampoo Without Harmful Chemicals

The formula contains naturally derived herb essential oils to nourish your scalp and hair and is free of 12 hazardous chemical ingredients. The shampoo has been developed to exclude 12 chemical toxins such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Sulfate, Artificial dyes, Silicon, Mineral oil, Methylparaben, and others so your scalp and hair get only the best of quality hair care. Due to the shampoo’s mildly acidic nature, it allows for an optimal PH balance on the scalp and minimizes irritation, leaving your scalp healthy.

And, because it does not include sulfates, you can easily use the SMiB Natural Herb Essential Shampoo after your hair colour at a salon, and also after any hair treatments such as rebonding that require you to use only a sulfate-free shampoo. 

Does this mean that the SMiB Natural Herb Essential Shampoo does not foam up? Unlike traditional Sulfate-free shampoos that are hard to wash with due to their non-foaming formulas, SMiB’s Natural Herb Essential Shampoo features naturally-derived surfactants. Made from Sugarcane and Coconut, these give you optimal foam that gently washes away any waste from the scalp or hair. 


What Do The Results Say About SMiB’s Natural Herb Essential Shampoo?

Are you tired of trying hair and scalp products that don’t deliver on their promises? SMiB, wanted to develop a product that could prevent hair loss. They conducted trials on those who were worried about scalp and hair, for over 2 weeks to see if the Natural Herb Essential Shampoo made a difference.

The results of these 13 clinical trials speak for themselves. The Natural Herb Essential Shampoo showcases the following: 
  •     Reduced scalp oil (sebum) by 54.2%
  •     Increased scalp moisture by 142%
  •     Improve scalp soothing (redness)
  •     Improved hair root volume Reduced scalp redness by 39.88%
  •     44% increase in hair root volume
  •     Improving scalp moisture lossReduce scalp moisture loss by 88%
  •     Improved scalp elasticity
  •     Increased scalp elasticity by 31.02%

SMIB Shampoo Ingredients


3. Ivy Tress Hair Sulphate Free Shampoo with Argan Oil





> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Dry Hair in Malaysia

Price - RM10+

This hydrating shampoo nourishes the hair, leaving the hair healthy. It is free from sulphates, parabens, silicones and formaldehyde.


4. Eucapro SLS Paraben Sulphate Free Hair Shampoo (For All Hair Types)





> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Weave in Malaysia

Price - RM25+

Eucapro Family Hair Shampoo cleanses the hair while helping to maintain its moisture and shine. An Australian formulation specially formulated with natural ingredients to provide a gentle refreshing hair shampoo for the whole family.

This sulfate-free hair shampoo delivers a nutrient-rich blend of natural essential oils - Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Olive Oil, and Eucalyptus Oil to quench and invigorate dry hair and scalp and help preserve natural moisture leaving hair feeling soft and hydrated. An invigorating infusion of Eucalyptus Oil helps calm and soothe scalp irritation commonly caused by dryness or tension from protective styles such as braids and weaves.


5. Shea Moisture, Strength + Color Care Shampoo, Purple Rice Water, 13.5 fl oz (399 ml)

shea strength color care shampoo sulfate free 399ml



> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Colored Hair Malaysia

Price - RM50+

All color-treated hair needs extra TLC no matter the texture, but the stakes definitely go up when you have kinky, coily, or tightly curled hair. Not only will the purple tint prevent brassy tones, but the rice water is just what you need to grow your hair healthier and stronger. It also has plenty of slip, so you can safely detangle your tresses.


6. Palmer's Coconut Oil Shampoo 400 ml


> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Dry Hair in Malaysia

Price - RM20+

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula products contain ethically and sustainably sourced Coconut Oil and Tahitian Monoï, infused with Tiaré flower petals. These raw, natural ingredients deeply hydrate, repair damage and give hair incredible shine. Palmer's Coconut Oil Formla Coconut Oil Conditioning Shampoo is a rich, creamy shampoo, free of sulfates and harsh detergents, that gently cleanses and removes buildup without stripping hair or interrupting its delicate moisture balance.

Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten and dyes

Palmer's Coconut Oil Shampoo Reviews Malaysia: 5.0/5 (Lazada)


7. Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo




> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Colored Hair in Malaysia

Price - RM30+

Every day, there are people out there embracing their natural, beautiful, textured hair and owning their unique style. Our collection of award-winning products made just for textured hair is all you need to achieve any look or style you want.

This award winning formula made with pure Shea butter to gently cleans, moisturizes, and prevents breakage. It is suitable for color treated hair.


8. Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oat Milk Blend Shampoo, 12 Ounce

aveeno scalp soothing oat milk shampoo sulfate free 12 ounce


> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Colored Hair in Malaysia

Price - RM90+

No longer reserved for your iced latte, oat milk is taking over your shampoo too. Oats are the first ingredient in this nourishing formula, which is free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes.

The oats are sourced from a quiet mill located along the rolling hills of the Mississippi River Valley, in a small town where pride and quality go hand-in-hand.



9. Ogx Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

> Sulfate Free Shampoo for All Hair Types in Malaysia

Price - RM70+

This drugstore gem is made with gentle sulfate-free surfactants to cleanse your oily scalp, as well as organic coconut milk and coconut oils that smell amazing and add a big dose of moisture.


10. Pureology Nanoworks Gold Shampoo 200ml

pureology nanoworks gold shampoo sulfate free 200ml

Price - RM80+

Pureology Nanoworks Gold is a sulfate free shampoo for both dry hair and coloured hair. In contains not only a gentle and deeply nourishing formula, but also a blend of jasmine, vanille, rose and amber for an aromatherapeutic experience. This gentle, sulfate free shampoo is also 100% vegan and made with 95% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging.

Its rich, transforming formulas also recaptures what the hair has lost from colouring for renewed softness, manageability and shine with extraordinary color protection. Keravis strengthens hair and antioxidant rich Golden Marula Oil intensely nourishes to restore youthful movement, suppleness and shine.


11. Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo 250ml

aveda rosemary mint shampoo 250ml sulfate free



Price - RM90+

Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo is a sulfate free and silicone free shampoo. It is formulated with an uplifting rosemary, peppermint and spearmint scent.

This 97% naturally derived shampoo clarifies hair, leaving it feeling refreshed, shiny and clean. It contains micelles, which gently remove product build-up and other impurities without disrupting the natural balance of the scalp and hair. It also contains white vinegar which gently helps purify the hair.


12. Maui Moisture Shea Butter Shampoo, 385ml
Maui Moisture


> Sulfate Free Shampoo for Split Ends

Price - RM65+

This sulfate free shampoo is a unique blend of Shea Butter, aloe vera juice, coconut oil and macadamia oils that is formulated to moisturise hair. It can also help to mend split ends and provide a healthy glow after each use.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different types of sulfates?

There are many types of Sulfates and some of the common ones are; Alkylbenzene sulfonate, Ammonium laureth or lauryl sulfate, Ammonium or Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sodium laureth sulfate, Sodium myreth sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, TEA- dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Ethyl PEG-15 cocamine sulfate, and Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.

If your shampoo has any of the above then it has Sulfates. If it states that it is “Sulfate free”, then it doesn’t contain Sulfates. There are many great Sulfate-free alternatives currently available.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) have over 150 different names so it can be very difficult to determine whether your shampoo contains Sulfates. Here is a list of some of the different names used:
  • Sodium dodecyl Sulfate
  • Sulphuric Acid
  • Sodium salt sulfuric acid
  • Sodium salt

2. The shampoo states that it's 'sulfate free' but contains SLS in the ingredients?

SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a type of sulfate. If the shampoo contains SLS, then it's not 'sulfate-free'. Most people are confused due to the various types of sulfates available.


3. What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

Personal care products such as shampoos, hair sprays, makeup and deodorant often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phenols, parabens and phthalates. Endocrine disruptors can increase the risk of infertility and interfere with fetal development.

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