Sulfate-free products, checked against the full list

Sulfate-free means a product leaves out strong foaming cleansers such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates clean hard, so gentler cleansers often suit dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin.

Yes. Dry, curly, and color-treated hair often feels better with gentler cleansers. Sulfate-free products leave out the strong foaming cleansers that clean hard, so they suit those hair types well. Check the full ingredient list to confirm a product is sulfate-free.

Yes. Sensitive skin often feels better with gentler cleansers, which makes sulfate-free cleansers a fit to consider. Before using anything new all over, patch test it: apply a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days.

Read the full ingredient list on the label, called INCI, the standard list. Ingredients appear from highest amount to lowest down to about 1%; below that, the order is free. If sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate appears, the product is not sulfate-free.

Products are picked by code from their full ingredient lists (INCI). Each must pass every rule, including sulfate-free. Products with more helpful ingredients rank higher, and at most two per brand make the list. Each list is sourced from the brand's own page or Open Beauty Facts and dated.