the search for a sls free shampoo that isn’t too stripping and has good foaming action is long and arduous!  i’m happy to report that after a year and a half of ho-hum products, i’ve finally found one to love.  enter PurePressed Essential Oil’s Marula Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner!  bonus, they’re also paraben free!

Marula Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner

first, what is marula oil?  it is pressed from the nuts of marula trees that grow in South Africa.  it’s similar to argan oil in that it’s high in antioxidants and comprised of linoleic and oleic acids.  the difference between the two is that argan oil has higher concentrations of linoleic and marula has higher oleic acids.  it does feel slightly heavier than argan oil, but it is still considered lightweight and fast absorbing.  some of the benefits are vit c, calcium, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, phosphorus, and iron.

it was love after first use with this set of shampoo and conditioner.  the shampoo produced a very luxurious foaming action, which a majority of sls free shampoos on the market fail to do.  the scent is lightly sweet and pear-like.  the conditioner was lightweight and had great slip.  it detangled my shoulder length hair with ease.  after one use, i noticed my hair was noticeably shinier and softer.  i’ve always had pretty soft hair, but with extended use, my hair has become much silkier and more pleasurable to touch.  the proof? my boyfriend has some irritable patches of skin on his shoulder and arm from eczema.  usually, he reaches for something to put in between himself and my hair after 5-10mins of cuddling.  now we can go much longer before he reaches for his barrier (about 20-30mins).

i have fine, oily hair.  the Marula set does not weigh down my hair and keeps my hair clean for about half a day longer than a majority of products i’ve tried.  while marula oil is a slightly heavier oil than argan, PurePressed Essential Oil has blended this line of products with some lighter weight oils (grapeseed and kalahari melon) to balance things out.  hair is not volumize, but it’s not weighed down either.  i also love the fact the oils used in their products are cold pressed.  produced at lower heats, cold pressed oils will retain more of their nutritional value making for a more effective product.

there’s just two tiny complaints that keep this set from being the perfect product.  one, the 1 liter bottles comes with a flip top cap.  i feel very conflicted about this.  1 liter bottles are pretty large and heavy.  it’s a bit cumbersome to handle in the shower for my tiny hands.  i kind of wish for a pump.  however, this means it will be easier to turn upside down and get the last bits of product out the bottle, so there is that silver lining.  the other thing is that the conditioner is pretty tenacious, so it takes a little longer than i’m used to rinsing it out.  however, these minor annoyances don’t prevent me from loving Marula Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner!  i recommend them wholeheartedly!  PurePressed Essential Oil also makes argan and coconut oil versions if marula oil doesn’t strike your fancy.  shampoos and conditioners come in 12oz for $8.95 or 32oz (1L) for $18.95.

if you’re interested in purchasing soon, they’re actually on sale on Hautelook until sun 2/22 8am pst.  sets of 32oz bottles are $22, or you can buy individual 32oz bottles for $12.

Readers, do you care whether or not your cleansers have sls? what’s your favorite shampoo/conditioner?