There's no such thing as 'just a shampoo'. Every time you wash your hair, substances from the shampoo enter your body via the pores on your scalp. It's therefore no surprise that more and more people are wondering what ingredients their daily shampoo contains and which chemicals their bodies come into contact with when they shower. Some shampoos seem to clean incredibly well, turning your whole head into a lather.
There's no such thing as 'just a shampoo'. Every time you wash your hair, substances from the shampoo enter your body via the pores on your scalp. It's therefore no surprise that more and more people are wondering what ingredients their daily shampoo contains and which chemicals their bodies come into contact with when they shower. Some shampoos seem to clean incredibly well, turning your whole head into a lather.
But often these very shampoos contain strong chemicals that only seem to positively enhance the effect of washing the hair. More and more people are therefore interested in a shampoo without sulphates, silicones and parabens. Conditioners without silicones and sulphates are also becoming increasingly popular. With a few tips and tricks you can immediately find the optimal shampoo without silicones, sulphates, parabens and alcohol, which not only cleans the hair optimally, but is also good for the body, your health and the environment.
When choosing a shampoo without sulfate and parabens and silicone, the choice is not easy nowadays. Chemical additives are standard in many shampoos and conditioners, as they are often good for cleaning the head and hair.
However, good for cleaning does not always mean good for the body, health and the environment. Because with a little background knowledge, a look at the ingredients list often reveals how good a shampoo really is. Organic hair care products are packed with nourishing plant-based oils, extracts, and gentle cleansers that work with your hair's natural biology, supporting different hair types and making them ideal to use alongside gentle hair treatments.
Shampoo without sulphates is becoming increasingly popular, and this despite the fact that sulphates are known to clean the hair very thoroughly and clean the scalp completely. Sulphates are also popular for shampoos because of their foaming properties.
Meanwhile, however, shampoos with sulphates are relatively controversial because they remove not only excess grease, but also an important protective film on the scalp, which is important for the body, however, to avoid dehydration, itchy scalp or dandruff. In addition to the damage to the human body, a shampoo with sulphates also has a negative impact on the environment, so sulphates in shampoo are now often replaced by surfactants.
Another good option is a clarifying shampoo. These are a type of sulfate-free shampoo designed to remove product buildup and excess oil, making it ideal for oily hair without stripping the scalp. Oily hair benefits from lightweight, clarifying shampoos that can balance excess oil while maintaining scalp health. Curly hair, coily hair, and color treated hair benefit from sulfate-free formulas that enhance definition, preserve color, and reduce frizz. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on sensitive scalps and help maintain moisture levels, supporting overall hair health. When switching to sulfate-free shampoo, hair may undergo a "detox" phase as it rebalances its natural oils.
Silicones also have a permanent place on the list of ingredients in many shampoos. Criticism is becoming louder and louder in this respect as well. Shampoos without silicones have long been said to make hair look less supple, dry and brittle, and have therefore not really been able to establish themselves in the beauty industry.
Currently, however, change is taking place here, because not only do they make hair look lax in the long run, but they end up in nature via wastewater and are harmful to the environment here. With an increasing awareness of sustainability, shampoo without silicones is therefore becoming more and more important in the beauty industry and can now also be found in many drug stores in the hair care department. Silicone-free formulas are especially beneficial for fine hair, thin hair, and straight hair, as they prevent hair from being weighed down and help maintain volume and shine. For best results, it is important to use a matching conditioner or a conditioner bundle to support hair health and hydration when using silicone free shampoos.
Parabens are also heavily criticised these days. Although they extend the shelf life of care products by inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria, they behave similarly in the human body. Parabens have an influence on various enzyme activities and should therefore rather be avoided for health reasons. Shampoo without parabens is therefore becoming increasingly popular.
Paraben free shampoos are formulated to be free from harsh chemicals, making them suitable for sensitive scalp and color treated hair. These paraben-free options often use natural ingredients and plant-based formulations, appealing to those seeking gentle and non-toxic haircare. Choosing paraben-free options reduces long-term exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system.
From a health point of view, shampoo without silicones, sulphates, parabens and alcohol is much better for the body. Especially for the head and scalp, the absence of these substances has positive effects, because the natural moisture of the hair is not lost.
The hair's own oils are not released, so that the hair can renew itself independently. In this way, itching and dryness of the scalp is prevented and a better environment for hair growth is created. At the same time, shampoo without sulphates, silicones, and parabens does less harm to the environment and is therefore becoming more popular with society's increasing awareness of sustainability.
Looking at a shampoo's ingredient list reveals important information about the ingredients and, accordingly, can tell you how good a shampoo really is. With a little practice, the terms sulphate, SLS, SLES, and ingredients ending in "-cone" or "-xane, or "-paraben" can be easily tracked down among the long list. If you want to find a shampoo without sulphates, silicones and parabens, it is best to avoid these names in the list of ingredients.
Free shampoos—those labeled as sulfate-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free—are often described as containing natural ingredients and are part of a broader trend in cosmetics and body care toward cleaner, more sustainable products. These shampoos typically use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, which help reduce environmental impact.
Shampoos without sulphates, silicones and parabens from the drugstore are often already a good step to avoid the controversial ingredients. However, if you want to find a truly high-quality shampoos without sulphates, silicones and parabens, the best way is to look at extensively tested shampoos and conditioners. We’ve rounded up our favourites to make your choice even easier.
Hairgivers has years of expert knowledge in the field of hair care and health. The following shampoos and conditioners without sulphates, silicones, and parabens have therefore been extensively tested by us.
