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Looking to venture into Japanese hair care but don’t know where to start? It’s no secret that Asian and Japanese hair care formulations tend to differ from their Western counterparts, but one ingredient that many people might be curious about is sulfates. Do Japanese shampoos tend to include them? Or are sulfate-free shampoo options also available? In this article, we’ll cover 14 of the best sulfate-free Japanese shampoos on the market. We’ll also briefly discuss what sulfates are and who should avoid them.
What Are Sulfates?
Sulfates are surfactant chemicals used as cleansing agents in shampoos, cleansers, and body washes. Specifically for hair products, two main types of sulfates are often used – sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Derived from sulfuric acid, sulfates can sometimes be found in shampoo for their cleansing and foaming abilities.
While sulfates are super effective at cleansing, they do have some drawbacks. Their powerful cleansing ability causes them to be quite drying, stripping the hair of its natural oils. Sulfates may also strip away hair color, causing dyed hair to fade faster, which is definitely not ideal.
Who Should Avoid Sulfates?
Some people may not find shampoos containing sulfates to be harmful, but if you have any of the following hair types or concerns, you may want to look for a sulfate-free shampoo.
- Dry or Damaged Hair: sulfates can strip hair of their natural oils leading to damage.
- Sensitive Scalp: sulfates are sometimes linked to scalp irritation, itching, and flaking.
- Color Treated Hair: sulfates strip away color, leading it to fade faster.
- Curly Hair: sulfates can be a bit harsh on curly hair, leading it to become dry and more prone to frizz and breakage. This is obviously unhelpful, especially when it comes to keeping curl definition.
Now that you’re a bit more familiar with sulfates and who may benefit from avoiding them, let’s move on to the best sulfate-free Japanese shampoos.
How we decided
- Hair Type & ConcernTailored for dry, damaged, curly, dull, or aging hair
- Moisturizing & RepairingContains nourishing ingredients like honey, argan oil, and kerati
- Sulfate-Free & SafeFree of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and harsh chemicals
- Special FeaturesPleasant scent, plant-based, salon-quality, or 2-in-1 formulas
1. &honey Deep Moist Shampoo 1.0 (Japanese Honey Shampoo)
Starting with arguably the most viral Japanese sulfate-free shampoo on this list is the &honey Deep Moist Shampoo. We love this shampoo because it’s super moisturizing and smells great since it contains an abundant amount of real honey. It also contains Moroccan argan oil, royal jelly extract, and other moisturizing ingredients to ensure that your hair doesn’t dry out.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes hair with honeys, argan oil
- Free from sulfates, parabens; cruelty-free
- Pleasant honey-peony scent
Cons
- May be too heavy for fine hair
- Not ideal for oily scalp
2. Botanist Botanical Hair Shampoo Moist Apricot & Jasmine 460ml
If you’ve been on the hunt for a sulfate-free shampoo that’s also paraben-free, then the Botanist Botanical Hair Shampoo Moist in Apricot & Jasmine is your best bet. This Japanese shampoo brings together botanical hair care and cutting-edge beauty technology to moisturize the hair. It’s a great shampoo option for hair that is craving intense moisture.
In addition to being paraben and sulfate-free, this Japanese shampoo is also free of silicones and artificial colorants. The best part of this shampoo is, of course, its scent. Who could go wrong with apricot and jasmine scented shampoo?
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing plant-based ingredients
- Silicone-, sulfate-, and paraben-free
- Pleasant apricot-jasmine scent
Cons
- May not lather as much as conventional shampoos
- Takes longer to rinse for thick hair
3. Nature Lab Tokyo Perfect Repair Shampoo For Damaged Hair 340ml
The Perfect Repair Shampoo from Nature Lab Tokyo may just be the best bet for damaged hair, especially that caused by excessive coloring or perms. This Japanese shampoo contains hydrolyzed keratin, which penetrates deep into the hair strands, moisturizing while repairing them at the same time. It’s also cruelty-free and smells like matcha and forests. Need we say more?
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes, repairs damaged hair
- Calming scent of matcha and cypress
- No silicones, parabens, or sulfates
Cons
- May be expensive vs standard shampoos
- Scent may not appeal to everyone
4. Kracie Ichikami The Premium Shiny Moist Shampoo For Dry Hair 480ml
Those with dry hair should definitely check out The Premium Shiny Moist Shampoo from Kracie. This shampoo belongs to Kracie’s Ichikami line and features a rice-based formula to moisturize and give dry hair a glossy finish. The more you use this Japanese shampoo, the glossier your hair will become.
Pros
- Rice-based moisturizing formula
- Glossy finish
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Scent of yaezakura may not suit everyone
- Might feel less cleansing for very oily hair
5. &honey Melty Moist Repair Shampoo 1.0
&honey Melty Moist Repair Shampoo 1.0 is a Japanese shampoo that gently cleanses wavy and curly hair while locking in moisture. Enriched with real rose honey and Bulgarian rose water, it nourishes, softens, and leaves hair shiny with a subtle floral scent. Its natural shea and honey lather provides a gentle yet effective cleansing experience, making hair feel revitalized, smooth, and luxuriously fragrant after every wash.
Pros
- Gently cleanses while moisturizing
- Nourishes with real rose honey and Bulgarian rose water
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and fragrant
Cons
- Floral scent may not appeal to everyone
- May require repeat washes for heavy buildup
6. Allna Organic Shampoo Salon Exclusive Hair Smoothing Shampoo 500ml
Consumers looking for salon-quality hair care products at a fraction of the price should not miss out on the Allna Organic Shampoo. Allna Organic is a well known beauty brand that specializes in high end hair and beauty products. This shampoo is thought to be their flagship product.
Formulated with seven organic ingredients and four beauty components, this salon-quality shampoo will revitalize your hair without being overly harsh. In addition to being sulfate-free, the Allna Organic Shampoo is also free from synthetic aromatics, colorants, paraben, UV absorbers, mineral oils, and alcohol.
Pros
- Gentle, amino acid-based formula
- Free from harsh additives
- Pleasant natural scent
Cons
- Salon-exclusive, may be pricey
- May not remove heavy styling products fully
7. Koh Gen Do Scalp Aging Repair Japanese Shampoo 200ml
This luxurious shampoo from Koh Gen Do takes care of your scalp and is also great for those with aging hair. Its plant-based cleansing formula and addition of collagen remove dirt while keeping your scalp and hair hydrated. Regular use of this shampoo also leads to more voluminous hair. One Japanese Taste customer even noted that this shampoo was effective and moisturizing enough that it does not need to be followed up by conditioner or a hair mask.
Pros
- Moisturizes both scalp and hair
- Free from harsh chemicals and additives
- Enhances volume and softness
Cons
- May not remove heavy styling products
- Higher price point
8. Kracie Ichikami Japanese Plant Based Moisturizing Shampoo 480ml
The Ichikami Moisturizing Shampoo is a plant-based, sulfate-free shampoo that's intended to provide intense moisture to the scalp and hair. It features ingredients like rice bran and camellia oil to provide intense hydration. It’s also a great shampoo option for those with low-porosity hair.
Pros
- Rice bran & camellia oil
- Great for low-porosity hair
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May not lather well
- Can feel heavy
9. Botanist Scalp Cleansing Botanical Shampoo Lime & Green Leaf 460ml
While it's essential to use a shampoo that cleanses and moisturizes the hair, paying attention to scalp care is equally important. Incorporating a scalp care shampoo, such as this one from Botanist, into your routine from time to time will leave your scalp feeling healthy, clean, and relieved from buildup.
Pros
- Moisturizes & repairs with botanical ingredients
- Free from harsh chemicals; pleasant natural scent
- Eco-friendly; sustainably packaged
Cons
- Mild cleansing may not suit very oily hair
- Slightly higher price
10. Kracie Himawari Dear Beauté Oil In Shampoo Rich & Repair 500ml
The Himawari Dear Beauté Oil In Shampoo Rich & Repair from Kracie will help keep your hair moisturized and manageable. It contains sunflower oil to help repair and restore damaged hair. This Japanese shampoo is a great option for those who experience dry, wavy, frizzy, or unmanageable hair.
Pros
- Reduces frizz and smooths hair
- Repairs dryness and strengthens hair
- Non-silicone, sulfate-free, gentle formula
Cons
- Best results may require consistent use
- May be less effective for coarse hair
11. Moist Diane Shampoo Extra Damage Repair Organic Argan Oil & Keratin 450ml
If you have curly hair but are looking for something that will revitalize your dry and/or damaged hair, then the Extra Damage Shampoo by Moist Diane is for you. This Japanese shampoo specifically contains organic argan oil, cactus oil, and mango oil to moisturize the hair strands from the inside out. If you are someone who often colors or perms your hair, you can safely use this shampoo as it is not only free of sulfates, but also silicones.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes & repairs damaged hair
- Safe for color-treated or permed hair
- Silicone- and sulfate-free, hypoallergenic
Cons
- May require repeated washes for heavy styling residues
- Slightly higher price point
12. Kracie Ichikami Smooth Care Shampoo For Silky Hair 480ml
This is another sulfate-free shampoo from the Ichikami line, which is a great option for achieving silky hair. Containing red rice, tsubaki oil, and other moisturizing ingredients, this Japanese shampoo transforms even the most tangled, dry, and brittle hair into silky, smooth, manageable hair. Plus, it’s cherry blossom-scented!
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and repairs hair
- Free from harsh surfactants
- Pleasant cherry blossom scent
Cons
- Slightly heavier formula for very fine hair
- Results may require consistent use
13. Moist Diane Shampoo Extra Shine Glossy Hair Organic Argan Oil & Keratin 450ml
If you're struggling with dull, lackluster hair and can't seem to achieve the desired shine, consider trying the Moist Diane Extra Shine Glossy Shampoo. It might just be the solution you're looking for. Formulated with organic argan oil, coconut oil, and malura oil, these natural ingredients deeply penetrate the hair strands, revitalizing them from the inside out for a glossier shine and softer, smoother texture. With regular use, you can expect hair that's shinier and more moisturized.
Pros
- Restores shine and smoothness
- Deeply moisturizes with oils, keratin
- Silicone- and sulfate-free, hypoallergenic
Cons
- May require repeated use for very damaged hair
- Slightly premium price point
14. Kracie Ma & Me Latte 2-in-1 Rinse In Conditioning Shampoo 490ml
For people who just don’t want to bother with shampooing and conditioning their hair, then check out the Ma & Me 2-In-1 Rinse In Conditioning Shampoo. This sulfate-free shampoo cleanses and conditions in one job without stripping the hair of its natural oils. It’s gentle enough for kids to use, and can also be used on the body.
Remember, sulfates are not harmful ingredients though, and they have strong cleansing properties. If you find yourself to have overly greasy hair or dandruff, you might find sulfate-containing shampoos to work well for you.
Pros
- Gentle, family-safe formula
- Moisturizes, smooths, and prevents tangles
- Multi-use for hair, face, and body
Cons
- Light cleansing may not suit very oily hair
- Less suitable for specialized hair treatments
If you’re looking for more helpful haircare articles, consider this one about silicone-free Japanese shampoos, or this one about the best Japanese hair care brands. You can also find all of these shampoos on the Japanese Taste website.
At the end of the day, everyone’s hair is different and it may take a bit of trial and error to find a shampoo that suits your hair best. That being said, which of these Japanese shampoos will you try?
