EO Grapefruit Mint Shampoo

A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo formulated with mild surfactants, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, and Sodium Hyaluronate to cleanse fine to normal hair without stripping natural oils.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula utilizes a sophisticated sulfate-free surfactant blend (including Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) that offers a luxurious lather and effective cleansing without stripping the hair. The inclusion of high-performance conditioning agents like Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Panthenol ensures the hair remains hydrated and strong. Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride aids significantly in detangling and reducing static.

Safety Rating: 4.2

The product scores highly for excluding harsh chemicals such as SLS/SLES, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. It relies on mild preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Potassium Sorbate. However, the presence of Grapefruit, Orange, and Peppermint essential oils creates a risk of contact dermatitis or irritation for users with highly sensitive scalps or specific fragrance allergies.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a premium clean beauty formulation that excels in balancing gentle cleansing with deep hydration via organic botanicals and amino acids. It is ideal for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. The rating is slightly tempered only by the use of essential oils, which, while natural, are not universally tolerated by all skin types.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated approach to modern haircare, prioritizing scalp health without sacrificing cleansing efficacy. The foundation of this shampoo rests on a complex blend of sulfate-free surfactants, including Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. Unlike harsh detergents found in many commercial brands, these cleaning agents effectively remove dirt and buildup while maintaining the integrity of the hair’s lipid barrier. This makes the product an excellent choice for those wishing to move away from stripping cleansers while still achieving a satisfying lather.

Beyond simple cleansing, the inclusion of Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein is a standout feature. As a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids, quinoa is well-regarded for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, providing repair and protection. This creates a scaffolding effect that can add noticeable volume and body to limp strands. Complementing this is Sodium Hyaluronate, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the scalp and hair fiber, ensuring that the protein treatment does not leave the hair feeling brittle or stiff.

The sensory experience is driven by a trio of essential oils: Grapefruit, Orange, and Peppermint. These provide a refreshing, invigorating aroma and can help stimulate circulation in the scalp, creating a cooling sensation. However, their presence is a double-edged sword; while pleasant for most, citrus and mint oils can be potential irritants for those with compromised skin barriers or extreme fragrance sensitivities. To counteract this, the formula includes a soothing cocktail of Organic Aloe, Chamomile, and Calendula, agents famous for their anti-inflammatory properties.

From a safety and preservation standpoint, the product uses a standard, safe system including Phenoxyethanol and Potassium Sorbate, avoiding parabens completely. The addition of Panthenol (Vitamin B5) further cements this as a conditioning wash that promotes shine and manageability. Overall, this is a well-balanced, color-safe shampoo that bridges the gap between gentle natural care and high-performance volumizing, making it suitable for daily use on fine to medium hair textures.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most shampoos.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant used to cleanse and boost foam.

Concerns: None; generally considered very mild.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant used for cleansing and foaming.

Concerns: Low risk; enhances the penetration of other ingredients.

Notes: Amino-acid based mild surfactant.

🧪 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Mild anionic surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Leaves hair soft; often used in sulfate-free formulas.

🧪 Caprylyl/ Capryl Glucoside / 辛基/癸基葡糖苷

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Very mild, derived from sugar.

🧪 Coco-Glucoside / 椰油基葡糖苷

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Gentle cleanser suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate / 月桂酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Amino acid-based surfactant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Hypoallergenic and gentle.

📁 Conditioning & Moisturizing Agents / 调理与保湿剂

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5原)

Purpose: Humectant and strengthener.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Improves hair elasticity and moisture retention.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein / 水解藜麦蛋白

Purpose: Protein source for repair and protection.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps with color retention and conditioning.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Potent humectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Draws moisture into the hair and scalp.

🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Conditioning agent and anti-static.

Concerns: buildup potential if used in excess, though generally safe.

Notes: Derived from guar beans; helps with detangling.

📁 Botanicals & Essential Oils / 植物提取物与精油

🧪 Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil / 葡萄柚果皮油

Purpose: Fragrance and astringent.

Concerns: Possible skin sensitization/irritation.

Notes: Provides a citrus scent.

🧪 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil / 甜橙皮油

Purpose: Fragrance.

Concerns: Possible allergen (Limonene).

Notes: Provides a sweet citrus scent.

🧪 Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil / 辣薄荷油

Purpose: Fragrance and cooling sensation.

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin or eyes.

Notes: Stimulates scalp circulation.

🧪 Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice / 有机库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Soothing and moisturizing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Excellent for calming scalp irritation.

🧪 Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract / 有机母菊(洋甘菊)花提取物

Purpose: Soothing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Anti-inflammatory properties.

🧪 Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract / 有机金盏花提取物

Purpose: Soothing and healing agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Good for sensitive scalps.

🧪 Organic Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract / 有机茶(绿茶)叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Protects hair and scalp from environmental stress.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Ensures the shampoo pH is skin-friendly.

🧪 Sodium Phytate / 植酸钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Stabilizes the formula and boosts preservative efficacy.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Can be an irritant in high concentrations or for very sensitive skin.

Notes: Widely used alternative to parabens.

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative and solvent.

Concerns: Known allergen for some individuals.

Notes: Naturally occurring in some essential oils.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Low risk; rare skin irritation.

Notes: Effective against fungi and yeast.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Prevents oils in the formula from going rancid.