Revitalize Your Hair With Pantene’s Sulfate Free Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Aug 24, 2023

By Allure Editors

The quest for soft, shiny, moisturized hair doesn't have to be difficult. Your first step towards your hair goals could be the Pantene Essential Botanicals Sulfate Free Apricot and Shea Butter Collection, which blends together moisturizing and shine-inducing ingredients to help restore hair's bounce. Ahead, a closer look at how this shampoo and conditioner duo — which is newly available at Costco — can upgrade your haircare routine.

Emblazoned across both bottles’ labels are the words "Sulfate Free," which might have you wondering, "So what if they don't have sulfates?" Technically, sulfates aren't bad for your hair. They’re cleansing agents, which actually do a great job of thoroughly removing dirt and excess oils from your hair and scalp. But for some — like those with dry, sensitive skin — sulfates can cause irritation. "Sulfates can strip the scalp skin barrier and hair cuticle of natural oils," says Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, who explains that both are responsible for keeping hydration locked in. "This leaves the scalp and hair susceptible to dryness, flakes, and brittleness."

If you’re looking to edit sulfates out of your routine, consider Pantene's Sulfate Free Apricot and Shea Butter Collection, which is available in value-sized bottles at Costco.

While the collections skips the sulfates, it doesn't sacrifice the luxuriousness you want from your hair routine. The brand formulated the shampoo using alternative surfactants that lather up and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King adds that sulfate-free products can be more gentle on the hair, especially for people who have color-treated strands. By opting for shampoo without sulfates, you may be able to put that color touch-up off a little longer.

In addition to being sulfate-free, both products are 96% naturally-derived (meaning, the majority of its ingredients are pulled from a natural source). Those who are especially ingredient-conscious will be happy to know that these products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates (you can learn more about why you might want to avoid these ingredients here), dyes, and phosphates.

Maybe you were relentless with heat-styling your curls this month. Perhaps your waves have just been looking a little flat. You can add luster and resilience back to your strands using the Essential Botanicals Sulfate Free Apricot and Shea Butter Collection. "Using hydrating products that strengthen and deposit moisture into the hair cuticle can help hair health," says Dr. Gohara.

The shampoo refreshes hair to its cleanest hair state. It contains polyquaternium-10, oils (orange peel and apricot kernel), and shea butter, which work together to moisturize the hair, according to King. The conditioner contains the brand's proprietary Pro-V blend, which includes panthenol (aka vitamin B5) and histidine (antioxidants) to help strengthen the hair.

While this system is already a great value ($12.99 for a 38.2 ounce-bottle at Costco), New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth offered up some tips that will help you get the most out of it. Here's how to use the Essential Botanicals Sulfate Free Apricot and Shea Butter Collection for your shiniest, most moisturized hair yet.

Trust us, you won't need to do this anyways. With this shampoo, you’ll get a lovely lather with just a gentle massage.

Pantene's newest shampoo and conditioner duo — which is now available at Costco — was formulated to moisturize and nourish hair. While the brand omitted sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, dyes, and phosphates from its ingredients lists — common additives in hair-care products — it does not sacrifice efficacy. The end result, when used with the above expert-approved tips, is softer, smoother, shinier hair.

*Natural source ingredients with limited processing & purified water create this 96% natural origin shampoo/conditioner. After processing, natural source ingredients maintain ≥50% of their natural origin material.