A clarifying blend featuring Colloidal Oatmeal and Vinegar designed to soothe the scalp while removing heavy buildup and enhancing shine.
This formula features a strong mix of clarifying and soothing agents. Colloidal Oatmeal Extract is the lead ingredient, offering excellent scalp-soothing properties, while Vinegar helps balance pH and seal the cuticle for high shine. The primary surfactant, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, provides a deep cleanse and good foaming, making it effective for removing buildup, though it can be drying. To assume the conditioning role, the inclusion of Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-39, and PEG-7 Amodimethicone provides superior slip, detangling, and anti-static benefits without the heavy weight of traditional silicones.
The formula avoids traditional sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, and formaldehyde donors, utilizing Sodium Benzoate as a generally safer food-grade preservative. However, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong anionic surfactant that can be irritating to sensitive skin despite being sulfate-free. The presence of generic Fragrance (Parfum) introduces potential allergen risks. Additionally, the formula contains PEGs and propylene glycol, which are standard cosmetic ingredients but may be of concern to those seeking strictly natural formulations.
This is a well-balanced formula for those seeking a clarifying yet soothing wash. It effectively bridges the gap between deep cleansing (via Olefin Sulfonate and Vinegar) and scalp health (Colloidal Oatmeal). It is likely excellent for fine to normal hair types prone to oiliness or itchiness. However, it may be slightly too stripping for extremely dry or damaged hair due to the strong surfactant system, and the presence of PEG-7 Amodimethicone makes it unsuitable for strict ‘Curly Girl Method’ adherents.
This formulation represents an interesting hybrid approach to hair care, predominantly built around the heritage concept of using Vinegar to clarify and seal the hair cuticle. The primary star, Colloidal Oatmeal Extract, appears at the very top of the list, indicating a significant concentration intended to soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. This makes the product particularly appealing for those who want the “squeaky clean” feeling of a clarifying shampoo without the immediate scalp tightness that usually follows.
The cleansing engine relies on Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate. It is crucial to note that while this ingredient is technically sulfate-free, it is a potent anionic surfactant with high cleansing power. It excels at stripping away sebum, environmental pollutants, and styling product residue. If you have fine hair that gets weighed down easily, this surfactant system will provide a significant volume boost by removing heavy oils. However, this strength can be a double-edged sword; it may prove too stripping for chemically treated or naturally dry hair types if used for every wash.
To counterbalance the strong detergency, the formula incorporates Cocamidopropyl Betaine and a suite of conditioning polymers like Polyquaternium-22 and Polyquaternium-39. These ingredients help to detangle hair and reduce static. The inclusion of PEG-7 Amodimethicone, a water-soluble silicone derivative, is a strategic choice. It selectively deposits on damaged areas of the hair shaft to provide smoothness and shine without causing the heavy buildup associated with non-soluble silicones. This works synergistically with the vinegar’s acidity to flatten the cuticle, resulting in higher light reflection and glossiness.
The supporting ingredients include Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate, which serves to enhance the surfactant’s mildness and improve the foam quality. However, users with sensitivities should be aware of Propylene Glycol and Fragrance (Parfum), as these are common allergens that can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
In summary, this is a robust clarifying shampoo disguised with soothing botanical marketing. It is excellent for resetting the scalp environment and removing buildup for oily to normal hair types. It effectively bridges the gap between medicinal scalp care and cosmetic beautifying shampoos, but it lacks the heavy lipid content required for deep moisturizing and repair.
🧪 Colloidal Oatmeal Extract / 胶体燕麦提取物
Purpose: Soothing agent, skin protectant
Concerns: Generally safe
Notes: Helps soothe itchy, dry, or irritated scalp; signature ingredient for Aveeno products.
🧪 Vinegar (Acetum) / 醋
Purpose: Clarifying agent, pH adjuster
Concerns: Can be drying if concentration is too high
Notes: Used to clarify the hair, remove buildup, and add shine by sealing the cuticle.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary liquid base of the shampoo.
🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠
Purpose: Primary surfactant, cleansing agent
Concerns: Can be drying; stripping to color-treated hair
Notes: A strong cleanser often used as a sulfate-free alternative to SLS/SLES, though still quite potent.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Co-surfactant, foam booster
Concerns: Rare contact allergy
Notes: Derived from coconut oil; helps reduce irritation from stronger surfactants.
🧪 Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate / 水解马铃薯淀粉十二烯基琥珀酸钠
Purpose: Surfactant, emulsifier
Concerns: None typically
Notes: A milder, plant-derived cleaning agent.
🧪 Polyquaternium-22 / 聚季铵盐-22
Purpose: Antistatic agent, film former
Concerns: Buildup potential
Notes: Improves wet and dry combability.
🧪 PEG-7 Amodimethicone / PEG-7 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Conditioner, silicone derivative
Concerns: Modified silicone
Notes: Provides shine and conditioning; the PEG modification makes it more water-soluble than standard silicones to prevent heavy buildup.
🧪 Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate / 亚油酰胺丙基 PG-二蒙氯化磷酸酯
Purpose: Antistatic, hair conditioning
Concerns: None typically
Notes: Helps repair the lipid barrier.
🧪 Polyquaternium-39 / 聚季铵盐-39
Purpose: Antistatic agent, film former
Concerns: None typically
Notes: Provides moisture and creates a smooth feel.
🧪 PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate / PEG-150 季戊四醇四硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Viscosity increasing agent (thickener)
Concerns: PEG compounds can contain impurities
Notes: Helps create the gel-like texture of the shampoo.
🧪 PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide / PPG-2 羟乙基椰油酰胺
Purpose: Surfactant, viscosity booster
Concerns: None typically
Notes: Often used in combination with PEG-150 for thickening.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant, solvent
Concerns: Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate and retains moisture.
🧪 Hexylene Glycol / 己二醇
Purpose: Solvent, viscosity agent
Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations
Notes: Used to thin out heavy formulations.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: Buffering agent, pH adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Maintains the pH level of the product.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits; helps align hair cuticles.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: Irritant in pure form
Notes: Used in very small amounts to neutralize acidity; safe in final formulation.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: None typically in rinse-off products
Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common allergen
Notes: Provides the sensory smell; specific components are not listed.