Aussie is a popular hair care brand known for their affordable and effective hair products. Many consumers are now looking for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners as sulfates can be harsh and drying for some hair types. So an important question is – are Aussie hair products sulfate free?
What are Sulfates?
Sulfates are cleansing agents found in many shampoos, conditioners, body washes and cleaning products. The most common sulfates used in hair products are:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
- Ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES)
These ingredients are very effective at cleansing dirt, oil, and product buildup from hair and scalp. However, some people find them overly harsh and drying.
Potential Issues with Sulfates
Here are some of the potential issues caused by sulfates in hair products:
- Dryness – Sulfates can strip away the natural oils in hair leaving it dried out and brittle.
- Frizz – Over-stripped oils can lead to lack of moisture, resulting in frizzy hair.
- Color fading – Harsh sulfates can cause color treated hair to fade faster.
- Scalp irritation – Some people experience scalp itchiness, flaking or redness from sulfates.
- Hair loss – Over time, dry and brittle hair is more prone to breakage and hair loss.
However, not everyone experiences these issues. People with oily hair or scalps may be less prone to dryness and damage from sulfates. But many people with dry, colored, or damaged hair find their hair improves when they switch to sulfate-free products.
Are Aussie Products Sulfate Free?
After reviewing the ingredients lists of Aussie’s current hair care products, here is a summary of which ones contain sulfates:
| Aussie Product Line | Sulfate Free? |
|---|---|
| Aussie Mega Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Clean Color Protect Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Fresh Start Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Clean Texture Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Clean Volume Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Scalp Care Shampoo | No |
| Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Shampoo | Yes |
| Aussie Curl Refreshing Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Smooth Vibes Shampoo | No |
| Aussie Curl Defining Oil Shampoo | No |
As you can see, almost all Aussie shampoos contain sulfates. The one sulfate-free option is the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Shampoo. This makes it a good choice for people looking to avoid sulfates.
Sulfate Free Alternatives
Here are a few sulfate free shampoo options from other brands:
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo
- Maple Holistics Natural Shampoo
- OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy Shampoo
- Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
- Desert Essence Shampoo
- Love Beauty and Planet Shampoo
There are also options like sodium cocoyl isethionate which is a milder sulfate alternative. Brands like Aveeno use this gentler surfactant instead of sulfates.
Considerations for Sulfate Free Hair Care
When switching to sulfate free products, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- May need to shampoo more frequently to remove buildup
- Rinse hair thoroughly as some natural ingredients can leave residue
- Use a clarifying shampoo periodically to remove product residue
- Give hair time to adjust to less cleansing ingredients
It can take a few weeks for hair and scalp to adapt to gentler cleansers. But many find their hair looks and feels healthier after an adjustment period.
The Bottom Line
While Aussie is an affordable hair care line, most of their products do contain sulfates. Their 3 Minute Miracle Shampoo is a notable exception. For a sulfate free option from Aussie, this moisturizing shampoo is a good choice.
People who desire completely sulfate free hair care may want to check out shampoo options from other natural brands. But Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Shampoo is a decent option for sulfate free cleansing and hydration at a budget friendly price point.
When making the switch, give your hair time to adapt and adjust cleansing frequency. With some trial and error, you can find the right sulfate free products to get clean, healthy hair.
