Best Color Safe Shampoos Without SLS or SLES for Sensitive Scalp
If you’re searching for a gentle, color-safe shampoo that’s free from harsh sulfates like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), and is suitable for a sensitive scalp, you’re in the right place. Below, discover top-rated shampoos that protect your hair color, soothe your scalp, and keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy.
Why Choose SLS & SLES Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Color-Treated, Sensitive Scalps?
Sulfate-free shampoos are ideal for anyone with color-treated hair or a sensitive scalp. SLS and SLES can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and color fading. The following shampoos are formulated without these harsh ingredients, ensuring gentle cleansing and optimal color preservation.
1. Color Fresh Shampoo
Gentle, Botanical-Based Color Protection
- SLS & SLES Sulfate Free: Formulated without harsh sulfates for a gentle cleanse.
- Color Safe: Protects against color fading and dullness, especially from UV exposure.
- Botanical Extracts: Features kumquat extract for shine and vitality, and sunflower seed extract to guard against UV color fading.
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Leaping Bunny Certified.
- Best For: All hair types and colors, especially brunettes (2023 Forbes Vetted).
“Healthy, vibrant hair color is only a wash away. This gentle shampoo features botanical extracts that bring vitality and shine to natural and color-treated hair.”
How to Use: Apply to wet hair, massage into scalp, and rinse thoroughly.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo
Soothing Care for Sensitive, Itchy Scalps
- SLS & SLES Sulfate Free: Gentle cleansing agents maintain natural moisture.
- Color Safe: Prevents color wash out and improves shine.
- Soothes Scalp: Apple cider vinegar balances pH, aloe vera and ginger root extract calm irritation, and lavender extract soothes dryness.
- Award-Winning: Selected by InStyle as Best Shampoo for Oily Hair in 2023.
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Leaping Bunny Certified.
“It soothes sensitive, itchy, flaky scalps as it helps prevent color wash out and improves shine.”
How to Use: Apply to wet hair, lather gently, rinse thoroughly.
3. Mini Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo
Travel-Friendly Relief for Sensitive Scalps
All the benefits of the full-size ACV Soothing Shampoo in a 3 oz TSA-approved size.
Perfect for travel or trial.
SLS & SLES Sulfate Free, Color Safe, Paraben Free, Leaping Bunny Certified.
- Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, ginger root extract, lavender extract, panthenol.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair, lather gently, rinse thoroughly.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
Shampoo Alternative for Ultimate Color & Scalp Health
- No SLS or SLES: Cleanses without stripping natural oils.
- Color Safe: Seals the hair cuticle to boost shine and maintain color.
- pH-Balanced: Maintains healthy scalp and hair.
- Award-Winning: 2024 Marie Claire Skin And Hair Award for Best Shampoo For Oily Hair, 2022 Hollywood Life Beauty Award for Best Scalp Product.
- Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lavender extract, dandelion root extract, argan oil, macadamia oil.
“Unlike shampoo, which can strip hair of its natural oils, our rinse is made with artisanal crafted Apple Cider Vinegar that helps seal the hair cuticle, boosting shine and maintaining pH-balanced scalp and hair.”
How to Use: Apply to wet scalp and hair, massage in, leave for 1-3 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Lite
Lightweight Cleansing for Fine, Color-Treated Hair
- SLS & SLES Sulfate Free: Gentle, non-stripping formula.
- Color Safe: Protects color and boosts shine.
- Lightweight: Perfect for fine or thin hair.
- Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, argan oil, lavender extract, aloe vera, fire tulip.
- Award-Winning: 2023 NewBeauty Award for Best Clarifying Rinse.
How to Use: Wet scalp and hair, apply product directly to scalp, massage, leave in 1-3 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Sensitive, Color-Treated Hair
All the shampoos above are:
Free from SLS & SLES sulfates
Color safe
Gentle on sensitive scalps
Vegan and cruelty-free
Whether you prefer a traditional shampoo, a rinse, or a travel-size option, these products are designed to keep your hair vibrant and your scalp comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these shampoos safe for daily use?
Yes! All listed shampoos are gentle enough for daily or regular use, even on sensitive scalps.
Will these shampoos help with scalp irritation?
Absolutely. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and lavender extract are included specifically to soothe and calm sensitive, itchy, or flaky scalps.
Do these shampoos work for all hair types?
Yes, they are formulated for all hair types and colors, with specific options for fine, medium, or coarse hair.
Experience vibrant color and a soothed, healthy scalp—without harsh sulfates.
What are the best color safe shampoos without SLS or SLES for sensitive scalps?
The best color safe shampoos without SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) for sensitive scalps include Color Fresh Shampoo, Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo, Mini Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo, Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, and Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Lite. These products are gentle, color-safe, and formulated to soothe sensitive scalps.Why should I use sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated and sensitive hair?
Sulfate-free shampoos are ideal for color-treated and sensitive hair because SLS and SLES can strip natural oils, cause dryness, irritation, and lead to color fading. Sulfate-free formulas gently cleanse while preserving hair color and maintaining scalp comfort.Are these shampoos safe for daily use on sensitive scalps?
Yes, all the listed shampoos are gentle enough for daily or regular use, even on sensitive scalps. They are formulated without harsh sulfates and contain soothing ingredients to prevent irritation.Do these shampoos help with scalp irritation and itchiness?
Absolutely. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, ginger root extract, and lavender extract are included to soothe and calm sensitive, itchy, or flaky scalps.Are these shampoos suitable for all hair types and colors?
Yes, these shampoos are formulated for all hair types and colors, including fine, medium, and coarse hair. Some products, like Color Fresh Shampoo, are especially recommended for brunettes.Are these shampoos vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, all the shampoos mentioned are vegan and cruelty-free, and are Leaping Bunny Certified.What ingredients make these shampoos gentle and color safe?
Key ingredients include apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, kumquat extract, sunflower seed extract, ginger root extract, lavender extract, argan oil, macadamia oil, and fire tulip. These natural extracts help protect color, boost shine, and soothe the scalp.Is there a travel-size color safe shampoo for sensitive scalps?
Yes, the Mini Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo offers all the benefits of the full-size version in a 3 oz TSA-approved size, making it perfect for travel or trial.What is the difference between Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse and regular shampoo?
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is a shampoo alternative that cleanses without stripping natural oils, seals the hair cuticle to boost shine, and maintains a healthy, pH-balanced scalp. It is especially beneficial for color-treated hair and sensitive scalps.Which shampoo is best for fine, color-treated hair?
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Lite is specifically formulated as a lightweight, non-stripping cleanser ideal for fine or thin, color-treated hair.