At ACTIIV, clean isn’t just a trend — it’s our foundation.
From day one, our mission has been simple: to harness the power of plants and deliver professional-grade results without unnecessary harshness. One of the most common questions we get from stylists and clients alike is: What does it really mean that ACTIIV shampoos are SLS- and SLES-free?
Let’s break it down — and explain why that distinction matters more than most people realize.
🌿 The Basics: What Are SLS and SLES?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are synthetic surfactants — the ingredients responsible for the lathering and cleansing power in many traditional shampoos.
While effective at removing buildup, they can also strip away essential oils, disrupt scalp balance, and lead to dryness or irritation for certain hair and scalp types. That’s why many clean brands eliminate them entirely.
But here’s where the science gets interesting.
💧 The ACTIIV Difference: SLS- and SLES-Free — Not “Sulfate-Free”
At ACTIIV, we’ve chosen a smarter path. Our shampoos are free of SLS and SLES, but we use ammonium laureth sulfate, a gentler, plant-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes buildup without the harshness associated with traditional sulfates.
This ingredient allows ACTIIV to maintain the luxurious lather and deep-clean feel that professionals and clients expect — all while protecting the scalp’s natural barrier.
In other words:
✨ You get the clean you want, without compromising your hair’s health.
🌱 Why It Matters for Scalp Health
Your scalp is skin — and just like your face, it thrives on balance.
Over-cleansing or stripping can lead to dryness, sensitivity, or even more oil production as your scalp tries to compensate. By removing harsh sulfates and replacing them with plant-powered cleansers, ACTIIV formulas help maintain the scalp’s microbiome and moisture levels — the foundation for thicker, healthier-looking hair.
Every formula is enriched with cold-pressed botanical extracts, each selected to support the scalp’s natural renewal process while nourishing hair at the root.
✨ Performance Without Compromise
It’s not enough to be “clean.” For ACTIIV, efficacy is everything.
Each product is formulated to perform at a salon-professional level — meaning stylists trust it to deliver visible results, and clients see the difference in the mirror.
Whether it’s the Recover line for thickening, the Renew line for scalp balance, or the Remedy dandruff shampoo for over-the-counter relief — every formula represents the intersection of clean chemistry and advanced plant science.
🌿 In Summary
Being SLS- and SLES-free isn’t a marketing slogan — it’s a formulation choice that protects your scalp, preserves your color, and promotes the kind of healthy environment hair needs to thrive.
With ACTIIV, clean never means compromised.
It means science-backed, plant-powered, salon-proven performance — every single time.