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  4. 10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed
  • 10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 5

10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

A wide range of beauty products contain silicone. While this protective material is completely safe and beneficial for many hair types, some find that it weighs their hair down, making it appear dull and lifeless. Silicone-free hair products are a convenient alternative and can keep your hair nourished and soft without adding weight to your hair.


Whether your hair's curly, straight, greasy or dry, you'll find everything you need to pick the perfect silicone-free conditioner in our buying guide. We've searched sites such as Amazon and John Lewis to compile a list of ten recommendations for affordable, nourishing conditioners  - and there's not an ounce of silicone in sight! To ensure our info is extra informative, we've teamed up with Dermatologist Felipe Patarreiu.

Last updated 21/03/2024
Felipe Partarrieu
Expert
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

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Fact-Checked & Approved by Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Fact-Checked & Approved by Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

What Are Silicones and Who Should Avoid Them?

What Are Silicones and Who Should Avoid Them?
You may have heard that silicone is terrible, but what is it, and which hair types could benefit most from a break? Well, silicones are polymers which can be found everywhere in daily life, from sealants and adhesives to lubricants and the weave of our fabrics.

In hair conditioner, silicones (which end in 'conol' or 'cone' - e.g. 'dimethicone') help the hair shaft retain moisture by coating it in a fine layer that smoothes frizz and imperfections. However, the silicone layer also prevents moisture from penetrating the hair, sometimes attracting dirt and build-up that can leave some hair feeling heavy and potentially cause damage.


The key to deciding whether silicone-free hair care is for you depends on your hair type. Thick, coarse hair types may find silicone works well to smooth rough tresses, but fine hair can be weighed down and become limp, making silicone-free conditioners a much better option.

How to Choose a Silicone-Free Conditioner in the UK – Buying Guide

Key Points to Consider
  1. Ensure Your Conditioner's Consistency Suits Your Hair Type
  2. Replace Silicone With Alternative Ingredients That Are Beneficial to Your Hair
  3. When Possible, Consider a Vegan and Cruelty-Free Conditioner
1

Pick a Silicone-Free Conditioner With a Consistency That Suits Your Hair Type

Pick a Silicone-Free Conditioner With a Consistency That Suits Your Hair Type
Everyone’s hair is different. A conditioner that leaves your best friend’s afro bouncy and soft may not work on your long, straight hair. Figure out your hair type and stick to products designed specifically for those needs.

Conditioners with a thick, heavy consistency can feel great on damaged and frizzy hair, but can weigh fine hair down, leaving it heavy and floppy after over-use. Conditioners and masks with a lighter consistency work well for greasier hair types as they nourish the ends without any excess oils.

2

Select Nourishing Ingredients to Replace Silicones Based on Your Hair’s Needs

Select Nourishing Ingredients to Replace Silicones Based on Your Hair’s Needs

For Dry Hair in Need of Moisture, Try Plant Oils Like Jojoba, Coconut and Macademia or Fatty Alcohols

Natural plant oils can be a wonderful alternative to silicones in the process of softening and smoothing out your hair shaft. Jojoba oil is popular in silicone-free conditioners as it is rich in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper and vitamins C, B and E that nourish tired locks. The high fat content in coconut and macadamia oils plumps and helps to strengthen weakened hairs.


Unlike silicone, these two oils have a molecular structure that allows them to fully penetrate the hair, repairing damage from within rather than (literally) glossing over the problem. The trick with conditioners heavy in plant and fruit oils is only to apply the product to the ends of your hair if it tends to be oily at the root.


Though the word alcohol can be alarming in cosmetics, two other beneficial ingredients are cetyl and cetearyl alcohol. These are actually fatty alcohols derived from plant oils which act as an emollient; providing moisture for hair and skin too. They can also lubricate the strands of your hair extra deep, making light of de-tangling post shower, helping you avoid knots tugging at your comb.

To Strengthen Damaged Locks, Look for Proteins, Amino Acids or Sea Kelp

Conditioners that contain proteins can transform limp, lifeless locks with a nutrient boost that reinforces weak strands of hair. Wheat protein, for example, stays hydrated longer. Amino acid conditioners can also benefit hair, as they bind to the cuticle filling in the gaps and aid in creating a shiny look because they lock in moisture. Also, hair contains up to 18 different types of amino acids.

Silk proteins can also reinforce hair as they contain cysteine; one of four amino acids involved in keratin production. Silk amino acids in turn have a jelly-like structure which fuses hair fibre together to provide both elasticity and strength. It is worth noting that protein-rich conditioners can cause brittleness in hair with low porosity (meaning the hair doesn’t absorb water quickly).


Sea kelp is also packed with nutrients damaged hair loves, from potassium, iron, and magnesium to vitamins A, B1 and 2, C, D, and E. It contains more natural calcium than any other food – a mineral of great importance for hair strength. So opt for conditioners with a high concentration of sea kelp if your hair is weak.

Suffer With a Dry or Itchy Scalp? Swap Silicones for Anti-Inflammatory Aloe Vera

While it’s often best to focus conditioning products on the ends of your hair, balms containing aloe vera may help reduce scalp irritation when used once a week thanks to the plant’s anti inflammatory properties.


Aloe vera is high in proteolytic enzymes which are vital to the reproduction of skin cells on your scalp. The soothing plant oil is also a good ingredient to seek out if your roots are itchy or irritated, and used on the ends of hair can create a mirror-like shine.

3

For an Ethically Sound Purchase, Consider a Vegan and Cruelty-Free Formula

For an Ethically Sound Purchase, Consider a Vegan and Cruelty-Free Formula

Where possible, we highly recommend looking for silicone-free conditioners that are vegan and/or cruelty-free. Vegan conditioners are those without any animal-derived ingredients. They're usually easy to spot and will be labelled as such - often bearing a Peta or Vegan Society seal of approval - but if not, check the ingredients list for common culprits such as milk, honey, keratin and silk proteins.


Cruelty-free products are those whose ingredients have not been tested on animals. Look out for a verified logo cruelty-free logo or consult a list written by an internet authority such as this one. We're sure you agree that both vegan and cruelty-free conditioners are worth seeking out. Bear in mind, however, that not all vegan products are cruelty-free, and vice versa, though the two often intersect.

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10 Best Silicone-Free Conditioners in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Aveda

Be Curly Conditioner

Aveda Be Curly Conditioner 1

£25.24

High

Tame and Strengthen Unruly Curls

2

Roots

Double Effect Nourishing Conditioner

Roots Double Effect Nourishing Conditioner 1

£6.99

Low Mid

A Cruelty-Free Conditioner Than Can Promote Hair Growth

3

Drunk Elephant

Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner

Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner 1

£16.80

High Mid

A Nourishing Conditioner From a Dedicated Silicone-Free Brand

4

Faith in Nature

Stimulating Rosemary Conditioner

Faith in Nature  Stimulating Rosemary Conditioner 1

£6.00

Low Mid

Affordable and Gives Volume to Limp Locks

5

Kristin Ess

Moisture Rich Curl Conditioner

Kristin Ess Moisture Rich Curl Conditioner 1

£10.00

Mid

A Lightweight Hydrating Formula That Detangles and Smooths

6

Sukin

Natural Hydrating Conditioner

Sukin  Natural Hydrating Conditioner 1

£5.25

Low Mid

A Vegan Conditioner That's Completely Cruelty-Free

7

Liz Earle

Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair

Liz Earle  Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair 1

£13.00

Mid

Natural Hydration for Dry and Damaged Locks

8

Shea Moisture

Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner

Shea Moisture  Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner 1

£10.99

Mid

A Gentle Formula for Strong, Immaculate Curls

9

Kiehl’s

Amino Acid Conditioner200 ml

Kiehl’s  Amino Acid Conditioner 1

£21.70

High Mid

Protein Power from Root to Tip

10

Pantene Pro-V Miracles

Lift 'N' Volume Silicone Free Thickening Conditioner

Pantene Pro-V Miracles Lift 'N' Volume Silicone Free Thickening Conditioner 1

£5.00

Low Mid

A Nutrient-Packed Conditioner to Protect Your Hair From Styling Damage

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

AvedaBe Curly Conditioner

Be Curly Conditioner 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£25.24
High
Reference price
£25.24
High

Tame and Strengthen Unruly Curls

Adding stunning definition to curly locks can sometimes be challenging, as you need a balance between lightness and moisture. The hydrolysed wheat protein in Aveda's formula gives a much-needed boost to damaged curls – all the better if your hair has quite a high porosity level.

It also contains organic aloe vera. As well as strengthening your hair, this natural ingredient combines with the hydrolysed wheat protein to respond to your hair - expanding when it's wet and retracting when it's dry!
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No.2

RootsDouble Effect Nourishing Conditioner

Double Effect Nourishing Conditioner 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid

A Cruelty-Free Conditioner Than Can Promote Hair Growth

Roots calls its silicone-free conditioner a 'double effect' conditioner because it performs two functions. First, it strengthens and revitalises the hair and scalp. It's even been proven to help reduce hair loss when used as part of Roots' three-step system.


It also uses baobab oil, aloe vera and moringa oil to moisturise your hair, keeping it shiny, hydrated and nourished. Better yet, it's completely vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, making it a fantastic all-around choice.

No.3

Drunk ElephantCocomino Marula Cream Conditioner

Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£16.80
High Mid
Reference price
£16.80
High Mid

A Nourishing Conditioner From a Dedicated Silicone-Free Brand

Drunk Elephant is a brand committed to creating beauty products that don't use silicone or other harmful ingredients; instead, packing them with active ingredients that benefit the health of your skin. They've teamed up with world-famous hairstylist Chris McMillan for this conditioner.


It consists of a range of beneficial plant oils and butter that soften and smooth your hair without weighing it down while also protecting it from styling damage. It also has a naturally sweet almond oil scent. Yum!

No.4

Faith in Nature Stimulating Rosemary Conditioner

Stimulating Rosemary Conditioner 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.00
Low Mid

Affordable and Gives Volume to Limp Locks

A much lighter formula than the first three conditioners on our list, this product is formulated from almost entirely natural vegan ingredients which smell sumptuous. Recommended by users to give volume to limp locks and also to relieve an itchy scalp, this silicone-free conditioner is sensibly priced too.

Cetearyl alcohol provides a great amount of slip for your hair and the plant oil content is high, with the resin from sunflowers, tree bark and rosemary leaf all providing good fats to lubricate ends that need softening without affecting sebum production; so still a great pick for a greasy barnet.
No.5

Kristin EssMoisture Rich Curl Conditioner

Reference price
£10.00
Mid

A Lightweight Hydrating Formula That Detangles and Smooths

A conditioner that moisturises your hair without weighing it down is something of a holy grail for those with curly locks. Look no further than this lightweight, yet moisture-rich, curl conditioner from celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess.


It's fantastic for once or twice a week washes, and as well as moisturising your curls, it also boosts their shine while softening and detangling them, and isn't that what everyone wants from a silicone-free conditioner?

No.6

Sukin Natural Hydrating Conditioner

Natural Hydrating Conditioner 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.25
Low Mid

A Vegan Conditioner That's Completely Cruelty-Free

One of the best-smelling ranges on the market, Sukin also promises paraben and silicone free products that never involve cruelty or contain animal products. Superbly silky and easy to apply, this all-natural conditioner is a great antidote to synthetic, chemical-rich products that can leave our hair glossy in the short term but wrecked over time.

The shea butter, coconut and olive oils used in this product are all organic, and will give a luscious boost of good fats to plump up stringy, fraying hair. This product may be best saved for finer hair as it does not quite pack enough punch for really thick or curly manes.
No.7

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair

Reference price
£13.00
Mid

Natural Hydration for Dry and Damaged Locks

When applied from the mid-lengths to the tips of ravaged hair, this light, creamy conditioner reveals smoothed, nourished ends. A good call for dry, damaged hair or for anyone who suffers from regular tangles, this product promises easy combing after each wash.

It does contain some non-vegan ingredients, but it's bursting with revitalising additions such as aloe vera oil, sea kale and shea butter. All of this goes to make a silicone-free softener that'll give you glossy lengths and be especially effective on long, straight hair.
No.8

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner

Reference price
£10.99
Mid

A Gentle Formula for Strong, Immaculate Curls

This silicone and sulphate-free product is extra gentle on your curly locks. It's packed to the brim with natural ingredients such as hibiscus flower extract and coconut oil which guarantee great hydration, though it's worth mentioning that it also contains some non-vegan ingredients.

Relieve dry, heat-damaged curls with the strength and protection of silk proteins, the soothing properties of aloe vera and additional vitamin B5 to promote a healthy scalp and nourished hair follicles.
No.9

Kiehl’s Amino Acid Conditioner200 ml

Reference price
£21.70
High Mid

Protein Power from Root to Tip

This product not only contains super nourishing fruit oils, it also has proteins and amino acids high enough up the ingredients list to take proper effect on your hair. Cetyl alcohol is another plumping treat which gives this silicone-free conditioner potential to really breathe life into tresses in need of an overhaul.

Oils from coconut and jojoba seed give this creamy yet light conditioner a super smoothing quality that smells gorgeous too. Appropriate for any hair type, a small scoop should refresh tresses and penetrate the shaft and follicle deeply for long-lasting softness. Sadly, however, this conditioner is neither vegan nor cruelty-free, and that knocks it down a few places.
No.10

Pantene Pro-V MiraclesLift 'N' Volume Silicone Free Thickening Conditioner

Lift 'N' Volume Silicone Free Thickening Conditioner 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£5.00
Low Mid

A Nutrient-Packed Conditioner to Protect Your Hair From Styling Damage

This conditioner takes all the benefits of the reputable Pantene Pro-V brand and removes the silicone instead of combining its nourishing ingredients with Biotin and Rosewater. The former promotes hair growth, and the latter moisturises your hair while preventing excess oil.

Tested by the Swiss Vitamin Institute, this silicone-free conditioner is packed full of nutrients that protect your hair from styling damage. The only major downside is that Pantene isn't yet a cruelty-free company.

Written and researched by Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Silicone-Free Conditioners

No. 1: AvedaBe Curly Conditioner

No. 2: RootsDouble Effect Nourishing Conditioner

No. 3: Drunk ElephantCocomino Marula Cream Conditioner

No. 4: Faith in Nature Stimulating Rosemary Conditioner

No. 5: Kristin EssMoisture Rich Curl Conditioner

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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