I’m going to start bold: this is hands‑down the best sulfate‑free shampoo I’ve ever tested.
Yes, better than dozens of cult favorites. Better than the ones that promise spa gloss and fall short. Better than the “clean beauty” claims that leave limp, waxy hair. The 14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo transformed my tresses in a way that made me sit up and take note. After 100+ shampoos scrubbed, slathered, and scrutinized, this one earned a rare “must keep on shelf” status.
From the very first pump, I was struck by its sumptuous texture: a creamy, golden elixir that glides between fingers like silk. It’s richly fragrant in that signature 14th Night blend of bergamot, amber and vanilla, which is not overpowering but indulgent, like sipping an aperitif on a warm terrace. But luxury without performance is vanity, and this shampoo delivers the goods.
Pros:
Cons:
Let me just start by saying that I’ve tried my fair share of sulfate-free shampoos (obviously). Some left my hair feeling like straw, but the 14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo? Absolute game-changer.
From the moment I pumped it into my hand, I could tell it was different. The texture is silky, the scent is spa-level luxe, and it lathers — gentle, creamy bubbles that somehow make sulfate-free feel indulgent instead of disappointing.
What truly sealed the deal for me were the ingredients. This bottle is loaded with hair-loving heroes: pomegranate, argan and almond extracts, plus actual gold infused into the formula. These powerhouse ingredients hydrate, repair, and calm your scalp like a dream. My scalp didn’t feel dry or tight (praise be), and my ends looked noticeably smoother after just a couple of uses. And unlike many so-called “natural” shampoos that smell a bit too earthy, this one? It’s like a luxe tropical escape in a bottle (think five-star resort in the Caribbean vibes). My shower routine has never felt so indulgent.
The verdict? This is easily the best sulfate-free shampoo I’ve tested. It nails that elusive balance between being ultra-gentle and seriously effective — a rare combo in the haircare world. My strands feel cleaner, softer, and shinier, all without the usual harsh ingredients. If sulfate-free shampoos have let you down before, trust me: 14th Night is the comeback story your hair’s been waiting for.
Pairs well with: 14th Night The Nourishing Conditioner ($48)
Size: 8 ounces | Key ingredients: Pomegranate, Quinoa, Argan, Sweet Almond, Pea Peptides, Gold
Let me geek out for a moment on the formula. It’s formulated without sulfates, parabens or silicones. Instead of harsh detergents, it leans on milder surfactants: sodium cocoyl isethionate, decyl glucoside, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, which cleanse without stripping. The surfactants are gentle yet effective — a rarity.
Glycerin, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), and sodium hyaluronate deliver humectant moisture that my hair craves 24/7, too. And then there’s the botanical magic: pomegranate seed oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, hydrolyzed quinoa, pea seed extract, even crambe abyssinica oil — all supporting shine, strength and softness.
In practice, when I rinsed it, my hair felt (get this) plush. Not squeaky, not limp, but full of life, smoother even before I applied conditioner. It has a weightless slip to it; I’ve never felt that kind of softness right after shampoo without layering a ton of conditioner. The lather is generous (surprisingly foamy for a sulfate‑free formula), but never aggressive.
Now, I always pair this with The Nourishing Conditioner. Or, on nights when my hair is craving extra love, I swap in The Nourishing Hair Mask. Together, the shampoo and conditioner are a symbiotic duo: after rinsing the shampoo, I apply a quarter‑sized amount of conditioner (or mask, mid‑length to ends), let it sit while I luxuriate in the lingering scent, and then rinse again. The result? Strands that gleam, bounce and feel resilient.
When I’ve used the hair mask variant instead of the rinse-out, I achieve that salon‑deep softness and slip that makes detangling bliss. The mask is formulated to be ultra-nourishing, with similar botanicals but in richer, emollient ratios. Note: the formula for the mask is less public, but 14th Night says it remains silicone and sulfate-free. Either route — conditioner or mask — yields luminous, healthy-looking hair that holds style well (this is after blowouts, waves, and whatever I throw at it).
I won’t pretend this shampoo is perfect. The price point is premium, and for those used to drugstore staples, it feels steep. But I’m OK spending more when the results justify it, and after testing over a hundred shampoos, I’m stingy with my shelf space. This one earned a spot. It leaves hair cleansed but soft and glossy in a way that few shampoos do.
If your scalp is extremely oily, I might alternate with a gentle clarifying treatment now and then, because the formula leans emollient.
In my lens, the 14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo is rare: it fuses clean formulation, botanical richness, fragrance, and results. The softness and shine stick around, even through styling stress.
In short: if you’re after a sulfate-free shampoo that doesn’t feel puny, doesn’t scent dump, and actually leaves hair soft, shiny and nourished, this might be the one. Pair it with the matching conditioner when you want everyday radiance, or indulge with the mask when your hair needs deep love. After all those tests, this was one of the few that made me reach for the refill without a second thought.
more shampoos we tested
The minty scent, the fresh-to-the-touch formula, and the bounce this shampoo gives are impressive.
Think: salon vibes, Costco-sized bottle. The value is there, the formula is great, and it’s one of my favorites.
If you love the coconut-y, butter-soft feel of beauty products, this one is all of that — and more — for your hair.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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