Dr. Squatch Wood Barrel Bourbon Shampoo

A sulfate-free, botanical-rich cleanser featuring gentle glucosides and hydrolyzed oat protein designed to nourish dry hair without stripping natural oils.

Performance Rating: 4.0

This formulation relies on Decyl Glucoside and Coco-Glucoside as primary surfactants. These are extremely gentle, non-ionic cleansers that will not strip the hair of natural oils, but they often lack the satisfying foam and heavy-duty degreasing power of traditional sulfates. The addition of Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Honey, and Trehalose provides excellent moisture retention and volume support. Jojoba Oil acts as a light emollient to prevent tangling. It is a high-performing formula for dry or sensitive hair, but may struggle to remove heavy styling product buildup.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The ingredient list is exceptionally clean. It avoids common irritants like SLS/SLES, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, opting for food-grade preservatives like Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate. The primary safety concern is the inclusion of Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil and Naturally Derived Fragrance, which contain potential allergens (like Limonene) that can sensitize reactive scalps. However, for the general population, this is a low-toxicity formula.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a superior natural shampoo ideal for daily use on normal to dry hair types. The blend of botanical extracts (Calendula, Horsetail, Rosemary, Nettle) suggests a focus on scalp health and soothing properties. While it may require a double-cleanse for oily hair due to the mild surfactant system, the quality of ingredients justifies a high rating.

Verdict

This shampoo formulation is a standout example of clean beauty chemistry, prioritizing scalp health and moisture retention over aggressive degreasing. The foundation of this product lies in its choice of surfactants: Decyl Glucoside and Coco-Glucoside. Unlike traditional sulfates that can strip the hair cuticle and irritate the skin, these non-ionic cleansers derived from sugars and coconut are incredibly mild. This makes the product an excellent choice for those who wash their hair frequently or suffer from barrier compromise, as it cleanses without disrupting the scalp’s natural lipid balance. Beyond the cleansing agents, the formula is packed with powerful humectants. Glycerin, Trehalose, and Honey work synergistically to draw moisture into the hair shaft, combating the drying effects often associated with washing. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Oat Protein is particularly beneficial; oats are well-known for their ability to soothe irritation and provide structural support to the hair fiber, adding a degree of softness and manageability. The botanical profile is equally impressive, utilizing a blend that reads like a holistic apothecary list. Calendula, Horsetail, Rosemary, Comfrey, and Nettle are traditionally used to stimulate the scalp, reduce inflammation, and strengthen hair follicles. Furthermore, the addition of Jojoba Seed Oil is a smart formulation choice, as Jojoba closely mimics human sebum, providing conditioning without the heaviness or buildup potential of silicones. However, users should be aware of the sensory experience. The scent is derived from Patchouli and Orange Peel Oil, offering an earthy, citrusy aroma. While natural, essential oils can be potential allergens for hyper-sensitive individuals. Additionally, because the formula relies on gentle glucosides and Xanthan Gum for texture, it will not produce the thick, explosive lather found in conventional drugstore shampoos. It offers a subtle, creamy foam that requires mechanical agitation to work effectively. In conclusion, this is a top-tier option for anyone seeking a low-poo or gentle daily shampoo. It is ideally suited for dry, curly, or color-treated hair types that require moisture preservation. While it may not possess the heavy-duty degreasing power needed to remove stubborn silicone styling products, its nutrient-dense profile makes it a nourishing treat for the hair and scalp.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base Solvents / 基础溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for the other ingredients.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁剂)

🧪 Decyl Glucoside / 癸基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle, biodegradable non-ionic surfactant derived from plants (often corn and coconut).

🧪 Coco-Glucoside / 椰油基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild Surfactant/Foaming Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A very gentle cleansing agent suitable for sensitive skin.

📁 Moisturizers & Conditioners / 保湿剂与调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the hair and scalp.

🧪 Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate / 硬脂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier/Conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water; adds a soft feel to hair.

🧪 Trehalose / 海藻糖

Purpose: Humectant/Protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A sugar found in plants that helps retain moisture and protect against dehydration.

🧪 Honey / 蜂蜜

Purpose: Humectant/Emollient

Concerns: None (unless allergic to bee products)

Notes: Natural humectant with antibacterial properties.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Oat Protein / 水解燕麦蛋白

Purpose: Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None (unless gluten/oat allergy)

Notes: Forms a coating on hair to retain moisture and add shine.

🧪 Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil / 霍霍巴籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Closely mimics human sebum; moisturizes without being greasy.

📁 Thickeners & Stabilizers / 增稠剂与稳定剂

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener/Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived gum used to adjust texture.

📁 Botanical Extracts / 植物提取物

🧪 Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract / 金盏花提取物

Purpose: Soothing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Known for calming irritated scalps.

🧪 Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract / 问荆提取物

Purpose: Strengthening Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in silica, which may help strengthen hair strands.

🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant/Scalp Stimulant

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to support scalp health and circulation.

🧪 Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract / 聚合草叶提取物

Purpose: Soothing/Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Contains allantoin which soothes the skin.

🧪 Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract / 异株荨麻叶提取物

Purpose: Sebum Control/Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Traditionally used to combat oily scalp and dandruff.

📁 Preservatives, pH Adjusters & Antioxidants / 防腐剂、pH调节剂与抗氧化剂

🧪 Gluconolactone / 葡糖酸内酯

Purpose: Chelator/Preservative Booster/PHA

Concerns: Low

Notes: A polyhydroxy acid that hydrates and helps preserve the formula.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low (potential sensitization in rare cases)

Notes: Food-grade preservative often used in natural products.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low

Notes: Prevents mold and yeast growth; often paired with Sodium Benzoate.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Vitamin E; prevents oils in the formula from going rancid.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Ensures the shampoo pH is skin-friendly.

📁 Fragrance / 香精香料

🧪 Naturally Derived Fragrance / 天然香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Specific composition unknown, but derived from natural sources.

🧪 Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil / 广藿香叶油

Purpose: Fragrance/Essential Oil

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Provides an earthy scent.

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

Purpose: Fragrance/Essential Oil

Concerns: Potential allergen/Photosensitivity

Notes: Provides a citrus scent.