All Shampoos Are Not Created Equal: A Comparison of 28 Brands
Have you ever wondered why a bottle of generic shampoo costs 99 cents at the drug store while a bottle of salon shampoo can cost $20 or more? The price range is so extreme, that it would be easy to assume that cheap shampoos are bad for your hair, and expensive shampoos are good for your hair. Does a higher price equal higher quality? Let's find out! Before exploring the specifics of each brand of shampoo, here's a little background information on shampoo ingredients.
Shampoo Ingredients 101
Water is the main ingredient in all shampoos. Detergent is the second ingredient listed on a shampoo label. The remaining ingredients are typically moisturizers, thickeners, conditioners, fragrances, extracts, and dyes. These are washed away by the detergent when you rinse the shampoo out of your hair. There are six major types of detergents commonly used to make shampoo, and each has a different effect on your hair. Some are mild while others are more abrasive.
Common Detergents Used in Shampoo:
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - very harsh
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - harsh
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - slightly less harsh
Sodium Laureth Sulfate - mild
TEA or MEA Lauryl Sulfate - gentle
TEA or MEA Laureth Sulfate - gentle
All of these detergents are FDA approved, but the mild and gentle detergents are obviously a better choice for your hair. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a great choice for adult hair. The gentler TEA detergents are not used commonly in shampoos made for adults.
I decided to do some research to find out which brands of Shampoo are best for my hair. I chose 28 popular shampoo brands that can be purchased at most drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, or salons. Each entry below contains a shampoo name, the detergent it contains, and the price of a specific sized bottle. I referenced prices at CVS pharmacy because their drug stores are accessible nationwide in the United States. The prices listed are the regular prices before tax. One or two types of shampoo are listed for each brand with a few exceptions. Make sure to note the differences in detergents among brands as you read.
N-Z
Neutrogena Clean Shampoo Replenishing
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl and Sodium Laureth
Price: $5.19 for 10.1 oz.
Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo Original Formula
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $9.69 for 8.5 oz.
Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $8.79 for 13.5 oz.
Pantene Pro-V Full and Thick Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl
Price: $4.99 for 12.6 oz.
Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $4.99 for 12.6 oz.
Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl
Price: $4.99 for 12.6 oz.
Pantene Pro-V Always Smooth 2in1
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $4.99 for 12.6 oz.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo One Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $7.29 for 8.5 oz.
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Myreth (uncommon-very similar to Sodium Laureth )
Price: $7.99 for 8.5 oz.
Pert Plus Happy Medium 2 in 1
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $3.69 for 13.5 oz.
Selsun Blue Daily Dandruff Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl and Ammonium Laureth
Price: $9.69 for 11 oz.
Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $1.79 for 22.5 oz.
Suave Professionals 2 in 1 Plus
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $2.69 for 14.5 oz.
Sunsilk Anti-Poof Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price $4.29 for 12 oz.
Tresemme Moisture Shampoo with Vitamin E
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $4.69 for 32 oz.
Ultra Swim Chlorine Removing Shampoo Moisturizing Formula
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $5.49 for 7 oz.
VO5 Extra Body Volumizing Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Lauryl
Price: 99 cents for 15 oz.
White Rain Shampoo Extra Body
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $1.99 for 33.8 oz.
Buy Tresemme Shampoo on Ebay
|
(10) 55¢ off ANY TRESemme Shampoo Conditioner COUPONS Exp.5/31 *DOUBLES/TRIPLES*
Current Bid: $2.99
|
|
HUGE LOT TRESEMME FLAWLESS CURLS CURL MOISTURIZING
Current Bid: $13.99
|
|
TRESemme Shampoo & Conditioner Value Pack - Moisture Rich - 44 oz. each
Current Bid: $14.99
|
|
TRESemme ColorThrive Shampoo, Blonde 25 fl oz (739 ml)
Current Bid: $5.99
|
|
NEW LARGE TRESEMME LUXURIOUS MOISTURE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER TWINPACK 2 X 500ml
Current Bid: $23.68
|
28 Brands of Shampoo in Alphabetical Order
A-M
Aussie Moisturizing Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl and Ammonium Laureth
Price: $3.99 for 13.5 oz.
Aveda Brilliant Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl (third on ingredient list after water and extracts)
Price: $13.99 for 8.5 oz.
Bed Head Dumb Blonde Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $11.99 for 13.5 oz.
Bed Head Self Absorbed Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $10.99 for 13.5 oz.
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $25.49 for 8 oz.
Christophe Beverly Hills Volumizing Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $7.99 for 10 oz.
Dove Shine Therapy Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $4.99 for 12 oz.
Finesse Moisturizing Shampoo
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl and Ammonium Laureth
Price: $5.39 for 25.4 oz.
Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $3.99 for 13 oz.
Garnier Fructis Fortifying 2 in 1
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $3.99 for 13 oz.
Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Dandruff Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Lauryl and Sodium Laureth
Price: $5.69 for 14.2 oz.
Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Classic Clean Dandruff
Detergent: Sodium Lauryl and Sodium Laureth
Price: $5.69 for 14.2 oz.
Herbal Essences Body Envy Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl
Price: $3.99 for 12 oz.
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration 2 in1
Detergent: Ammonium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $3.99 for 12 oz.
Infusium 23 Repair Ologie Shampoo Step 1
Detergent: Ammonium Lauryl and Ammonium Laureth
Price: $7.29 for 16 oz.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth and Ammonium Lauryl
Price: $6.79 for 8.45 oz.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Around Style-Starting Daily Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl
Price: $5.89 for 10 oz.
L'oreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Shampoo for damaged hair
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $4.99 for 13 oz.
L'oreal Vive Pro for Men Daily Thickening 2 in 1
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $4.99 for 13 oz.
Mane N Tail Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Lauryl
Price: $6.99 for 32 oz.
Marc Anthony Instantly Thick Hair Thickening Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $7.99 for 12.9 oz.
Matrix Biolage Fortifying Shampoo
Detergent: TEA Lauryl
Price: $17.49 for 16.9 oz.
Matrix Biolage Hydrating Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth
Price: $17.49 for 16.9 oz.
Matrix Biolage Color Care Shampoo
Detergent: Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl
Price $17.49 for 16.9 oz.
I know that's a lot of information to process, so let me sum it up for you. My conclusions are based solely on the detergents and the price per ounce of the shampoos on this list. I have not used most of these shampoos, so I can't tell you what they smell like or how they make your hair feel after washing and drying.
Buy Matrix Biolage Fortifying Shampoo on Ebay
|
Matrix Biolage fortifying Shampoo 16.9 fl oz - 500mL
Current Bid: $15.99
|
|
BIOLAGE MATRIX Fortifying Shampoo & Conditioner
Current Bid: $34.99
|
|
Matrix Biolage Fortifying Shampoo 8.5 oz & Conditioner 16.9 oz
Current Bid: $26.95
|
|
2 Matrix Biolage fortetherapie Fortifying Shampoo 8.5oz
Current Bid: $14.95
|
And the Winner Is...
Gentlest Shampoo
Matrix Biolage Fortifying Shampoo gets the award for being the gentlest shampoo. It was the only shampoo on the list that contained TEA Lauryl Sulfate, one of the gentlest detergents. The gentleness comes with a high price tag though, costing more than $1 per ounce.
Overly Priced Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo is the winner (or loser) in this category. At over $3 per ounce, this shampoo is definitely over priced. It contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a good mild detergent, but so do many other shampoos on the list with much lower price tags. I'd give some of the cheaper mild options a try before buying Bumble and Bumble.
Harshest Shampoo
I'm not sure if it is worse for a shampoo to contain just one harsh detergent or multiple harsh detergents. That being said, one shampoo on the list solely contained ammonium lauryl sulfate, the harshest detergent of all. Bed Head Dumb Blonde Shampoo receives the award for harshest shampoo. In addition to being very harsh, this particular shampoo is on the pricey side. It doesn't make sense to pay big bucks for a shampoo that treats your hair so harshly.
Best Buy All Around
The Best Buy award goes to a shampoo that is a great price but also contains the mild detergent sodium laureth sulfate. First place goes to Tresemme Moisture Shampoo with Vitamin E with a price tag of only 15 cents per ounce. What a deal! Second place is a tie between the two Garnier Fructis shampoos on the list. They both contained mild detergent and cost 31 cents per ounce.
Best Buy Salon Style
There were many salon style shampoos that contained the mild detergent sodium laureth sulfate and were reasonably priced. At 62 cents per ounce, Marc Anothony's Instantly Thick Hair Thickening Shampoo wins first place for being a best buy that's also good for your hair. At 65 cents per ounce, second place goes to Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo.
Buy Nexxus Shampoo on Ebay
|
Nexxus Therappe Shampoo 2 / 44 oz.Pump Bottle = 88oz.
Current Bid: $39.97
|
|
Nexxus THERAPPE' Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo 350ml
Current Bid: $4.99
|
Buy Marc Anthony Shampoo on Ebay
|
Marc Anthony Instantly Thick Hair Thickening Shampoo
Current Bid: $7.99
|
|
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Shampoo, Conditioner, Defining Lotion, Booster Spray
Current Bid: $32.99
|
Make Your Own Shampoo
 | Amazon Price: $8.71 List Price: $14.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $168.99 List Price: $19.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.49 List Price: $19.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.78 List Price: $17.95 |
How to Save Money on Shampoo
If you plan on buying shampoo at a salon, look for coupons in the newspaper or online. Ulta, for example, regularly offers $3.50 off of a $10 purchase in store or online. That's 35% off. You can usually find manufacturers coupons in the newspaper for brands that are sold at drug stores and discount stores, such as Garnier Fructis, Dove, and L'oreal Vive Pro. Buy your shampoo when it is on sale to save even more on top of your coupons. By combining coupons with sales, I often pay $1 or less per bottle of shampoo and conditioner. Stock up at a low price so you won't have to pay full price later.
If you use salon shampoo, try finding it for less on Ebay or Craigslist. You might be able to get a great deal if you buy multiple bottles at once. Making your own shampoo at home might save money. I haven't ever done this, so I can't tell you how much money it would save. I imagine that homemade shampoos are gentler on your hair and scalp than store bought shampoos. Making your own shampoo is better for the environment than buying shampoo at the store because it eliminates the plastic bottle. Making shampoo sounds like a fun Saturday project, so give it a try. Click on one of the links below to find shampoo recipes.
How to Make Your Own Natural Shampoo
Spa At Home: Easy Home Recipes for Natural Shampoo
Using your shampoo wisely also saves money. Many shampoo bottles instruct the user to lather, rinse, and repeat if desired. The repeat is not necessary. Manufacturers encourage a repeat lather because it uses more shampoo, resulting in higher sales. By lathering only once, your shampoo will last twice as long. You'll buy less shampoo, and therefore save money.
What now?
Take a look at the label on the bottle of shampoo in your shower. Are you surprised at what type of detergent it contains? I was! Prior to writing this article, I was using a Pantene Pro-V 2 in 1 shampoo. Before learning about shampoo detergents, I always assumed Pantene was a great choice. It was moderately priced, and the television and magazine ads had me convinced that the shampoo was good for my hair. I was shocked to find ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate, the harshest detergents, on the ingredient label.
I'm going to pay more attention to the shampoo I buy from now on. Just because it is a well known and highly advertised brand doesn't mean it's good for your hair. If you're disappointed with the findings on your shampoo bottle, try a new brand that contains a milder detergent. You might even be able to save some money by switching to a different brand. Enjoy pampering your hair with a new shampoo!
Comments
Ms Sooz-Wow, what a flattering comment! I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks :)
Hmm very interesting-- I've been with one you mentiond using for a long time, too-- but may reconsider.
The Dumb Blonde one is apparently, at least, named well.
I appreciate the work that went into this.
Haha-You're right about the Dumb Blonde one Rochelle! How funny :) Thanks for reading.
You might want to look into the question of contaminiation for the -eth ingredients (1,4 dioxane) and TEA compounds (nitrosamines). That may help you make a better decision about what shampoo you'd like to use on your hair. :)
Shawna,
Very well written hub. In the past I underestimated the importance of shampoo, and just bought the cheapest I could find. I found the results were not good at all. I don't pay top dollar, but the cheapest aren't the answer!
Another wonderful article! Thanks for all of the great information, I know I'll put it to use next time I go shampoo shopping!
In additon to a good gentle shampoo, I've been taking emulsified cod liver oil. My hair is starting to look rich and shiney. The cod liver oil is flavored, so it tastes really good. I use TwinLab. There are probably others.
The best to you.
Kelley Eidem
Thanks for educating me on what to look for in a shampoo!
Junjie-Thanks for the tip...I will look into those ingredients further.
02SmithA-Like you, I used to just buy whatever was on sale...now I'll pay more attention. Thanks for reading.
Anata65-Two very different articles about the same topic. We were probably writing them at the same time :)
Kelley-thanks for the tip about cod liver oil! I've never heard of using it to make your hair shiny. Does taking cod liver oil benefit the body in other ways too? Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for the great hub. Lots of useful information. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading, LeaAnne :)
I will have to bookmark this hub, it is full of excellent reference for shampoos, thanks. I am always on the look out for one that does not dry out my hair to much. Thanks.
I'm glad you found this hub helpul, Research Analyst. Thanks for stopping by!
Im a cosemtologist and Id have to say your info is pretty good, but you also have to take into consideration where the ingredient is listed. Im a big fan of matrix and aveda products. Aveda brilliant may contain als but it listed above # 10. Any ingredients thats not in the top 10 doesnt do much damage to your hair or good. This is why is a product has vitamin E or jojoba oil you look to see if its listed within the top 5 and not at 15. The farther the ingredient is away from Water (being #1 always) the less effect it will have on your hair.
And id have to say patene is the WORSE shampoo out there. You are correct when you say you thought it was good because of marketing and tv commerical. Thats all it is is a gimmick to make you believe patene has the best shampoo and conditioners. Dont let these tv commercials fool you, do your research, and if a product has a bunch of name listed that you cant pronounce its probably because its not good for your tresses.
Thanks for your feedback, Monique. When I did my research, I only referenced the detergents that were listed at #2 on the ingredient list (second to #1 which is always water). An additional detergent was only included if it was #3. Other detergents further down the list were not included in my analysis because I figured they were in such small amounts that it didn't make much of a difference. So I think the info is pretty accurate. I appreciate your comments!
This is a pretty exhaustive list. Will try to make use of this info when buying shampoo.
Thanks for reading, countrywomen. I'm glad you found the information helpful.
if you have the patience for it, you can eliminate shampoo and conditioner all together. It takes a while to detox your hair, but you can wash your hair using a baking soda paste and apple cider vinegar. It was tough for me because i have curly hair, but there are various essential oils you can add to the ACV rinse that can do different things for your hair. It ends up being a lot cheaper and everyone I know that has stuck with it has hair that is MUCH healthier looking and a lot more manageable. Not to mention most people who stick with it don't have to wash their hair as often either.
Thanks for the tips Maysa! I didn't know you were doing this.
Great Hub!! Lots of good information!
Thanks for reading tourmaline :)
Thanks for that information. I've been really wondering lately what is the true best deal. I'll have to rethink what I'm currently using.
Thanks again!
RGraf-I am always looking for bargains, and I have a whole cupboard in my laundry room full of shampoo and conditioner I got for free by combining store sales with coupons. However, I didn't realize that most of it is pretty bad for my hair. So since writing this article, I've paid much closer attention to the ingredients. It's not just about price anymore. Thanks for your comment!
That was really helpful, I need to go check out my shampoo for sure. I always knew that the price wasn't an indicator of the quality but I wasn't sure what to really consider.
Glad the information was helpful mulberry!
Very helpful lot of work and information here. I have to change one of the bottles of shampoo I bought - out it goes! Thank You!
Your'e welcome, frogyfish!
Good research Shawn.
It really helps catagorizing shampoos avaiable in market.
thanks.. keep posting
Hey this greatly helped me for some research your work is great
www.mycurls.wordpress.com
this was very interesting and informative...thank you so much., how do you find the time to do the research???
Thanks Victoria! When I wrote this article, I only had two children, and they were both very young. Nap time was my writing/researching time :) I'm not able to do as much writing now because I have three kids and two of them don't nap anymore :( Anyway, enough of my life story! Glad you found interest here!
Hey, how about Sodium Coceth Sulfate?? And Magnesium Chloride? I've seen these in "healthy" shampoos.
What a great and informative review! I have a challenge for you Shawna. I have Celiac Disease and have to use products that are free of gluten and was shocked to learn that this does not only relate to food that I eat but also to products that I use every day - make up, toothpaste, mouthwash, soaps, shampoos and conditioners, etc. Like so many other celiacs out there, we need information on what shampoos and conditioners are free of gluten and other products that contain gluten so we know which one's to stay away from. Do you think this could be a future review???
Very helpful information.
I just bookmarked your hub to refer back to.
Superb Attempt. I loved ur article.Already bookmarked.If I may ask.ALL and I mean ALL shampoos contain SLS wch is harsh. Den arent all shampoos harmful??!!
thanks so much..i learn so many..
Biolage Fortifying Shampoo Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Tea-Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Chloride, Parfum/Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Methylparaben, Glycol Distearate, Salicylic Acid,
Sodium Laureth Sulfate,
Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, Cocamide Mea, Hexyl Cinnamal, Laureth-10, Coumarin, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus/Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol, Macrocystis Pyrifera/Macrocystis Phrifera Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Hibiscus Saboariffa/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Amyl Cinnamal, CI 42090/Blue 1, Methyl-2-Octynoate.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is still in the shampoo you named "the gentlest"
is garnier a good shampoo?
I don't know why you say the Garnier Fructis shampoo is a best buy all around and mild. I bought it after reading this article and the then found the main ingrediant after water is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate which you rate as very harsh???
Suburbs-This article was written almost three years ago, so it's quite possible the ingredients have changed in some of the shampoos on the list. Also, there are many many varieties of shampoo made by each particular brand that each contain different detergents. One Garnier may have ammonium lauryl while another has sodium laureth. For example, most 2 in 1 shampoos are harsher than regular shampoos.
UGH- Sodium Laureth is the 13th ingredient listed, so it would be in very minuscule amounts. The main detergent, listed as #2, is TEA-lauryl sulfate, one of the gentlest detergents. Still a very gentle shampoo.
Very helpful... Thank you. I am in the middle of trying to find a shampoo to use at my store. great work!!!
Actually, I hate to say this but I read this (btw, thanks for making me take a second look at my shampoo) and I have Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and they actually do put "Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate" into my shampoo. I have the "pure clean" (haha, ya right!) one and now I'm going to have to buy a new shampoo!
excellent article.I have been looking for such for such a long time-could not find-you did a fabulous job.Thank you for your research as my hair is over processed,limp,no body and I think I fell into the hype of using shampoos which are highly advertised. Thank you for helping me be a more enlightened consumer. Congratulations and again Thank you
what to do with my old shampoos that I am going to toss..can't use them on a dog...don't hsave one
Donate to homeless shelter if they're unopened?
Great article! I've been using Pureology products for a few years because I was convinced their products were better for color treated hair. My hair care budget was taking a beating between the salon and the shampoo! Now I'm armed with information I can take back to my favorite discount store and find something safe for my hair and my budget! God bless you!! :-)
Great article!!!! I've shared it with many others too :-)
i read through your article very informative. but recently i read an article saying that "Sodium lauryl sulfate is not a recognized carcinogen. However, the chemical is frequently combined with TEA (triethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine), or MEA (monnoethanolamine), which can cause the formation of the carcinogenic substances nitrosames. To be on the safe side, add antioxidant vitamins A and C to any product that contains TEA, DEA, or MEA.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sodium-lauryl-sul
"
as u mentioned TEA/MEA lauryl/laureth sulphate are gentle in your article. is it safe to use these types
hi thanks for all your hard work and research very informative, THANK YOU SO MUCH
Ms Sooz 3 years ago
I have never read your hubs before, but I have to say that this was really well done. If I had not read your profile, I would have assumed you had some type of journalism background. The research was excellent and so was the writing! I look forward to more. Thumbs Up.