Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo

A sulfate-free yet powerful cleanser enriched with a dense blend of natural oils, honey, and shea butter to target dryness and damage.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formulation features a robust blend of conditioning agents tailored for dry, damaged, or textured hair. The primary surfactant, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, provides a deep clean, which is effectively counterbalanced by an impressive array of lipids including Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Castor Oil. The inclusion of Amodimethicone is excellent for hair repair, as it selectively adheres to damaged cuticles to provide slip without heavy buildup. Biotin and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein offer additional strengthening benefits. However, the heavy oil content might weigh down fine or thin hair types.

Safety Rating: 3.8

The product is sulfate-free (utilizing Olefin Sulfonate instead of SLS/SLES) and free from parabens. However, it is not hypoallergenic. It contains Parfum (Fragrance) and Linalool, which are common sensitizers for those with reactive skin. Additionally, the presence of PEGs (PEG-150, PEG-1M) may be a concern for users strictly following ‘clean beauty’ standards due to potential contamination risks during manufacturing, though they are generally considered safe in cosmetic concentrations.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a high-performing ‘drugstore premium’ formulation. It strikes a good balance between effective cleansing and intense moisturization. The sheer volume of beneficial natural extracts (Tea Tree, Olive, Avocado, Jojoba) combined with scientifically proven conditioners like Amodimethicone makes it a potent choice for hydration and detangling. While the surfactant system is slightly aggressive, the heavy lipid load compensates well, resulting in a product that likely leaves hair feeling soft and manageable.

Verdict

This formula represents a heavy-hitting approach to moisture retention, specifically engineered for those battling chronic dryness and breakage. At its core, the surfactant system relies on Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a clarifying agent that is technically sulfate-free but provides a very deep clean. While this ensures that heavy product buildup and environmental grime are effectively stripped away, it can be stripping on its own. However, the formulators have counterbalanced this strength with an impressive cocktail of lipid-rich emollients. The inclusion of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Castor Oil suggests a product that aims to deposit moisture back into the hair shaft immediately after cleansing. The addition of Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture from the environment into the hair, which pairs synergistically with the occlusive properties of the oils to lock hydration in.

Beyond simple hydration, the ingredient list boasts a comprehensive array of strengthening and reparative agents. The presence of Biotin and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein indicates a focus on structural integrity, making this a solid choice for hair that feels brittle or weak. Furthermore, Amodimethicone serves a crucial role here; this smart silicone selectively targets damaged areas of the cuticle, providing significant slip and smoothing frizz without necessarily creating the heavy buildup associated with older silicones. This makes the detangling process much smoother, which is vital for preventing mechanical breakage in textured hair.

However, the sheer density of oils—ranging from Argan and Olive to Avocado and Jojoba—makes this formula potentially problematic for certain hair types. Users with fine, low-density, or easily weighed-down hair will likely find this product too heavy, leaving their strands looking greasy or flat rather than voluminous. The formula is dense and rich, intended to coat the hair, which is exactly what high-porosity hair needs but is detrimental to low-porosity, fine hair that gets overwhelmed easily. Additionally, while the inclusion of Tea Tree Oil adds soothing properties for the scalp, the presence of synthetic fragrance and strong surfactants might irritate very sensitive skins. Ultimately, this shampoo is a powerhouse for thick, coarse, or curly hair types that require a rigorous clean followed immediately by intense conditioning, but it lacks the lightweight touch needed for finer textures.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Surfactants / 溶剂与表面活性剂

🧪 Aqua (Water, Eau) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula.

🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠

Purpose: Primary Surfactant (Cleansing Agent)

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin if not formulated with sufficient conditioning agents.

Notes: A strong cleansing agent often used in sulfate-free shampoos; provides high foam.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary Surfactant

Concerns: Low risk, generally mild.

Notes: An amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil; helps boost foam and reduce irritation from stronger surfactants.

📁 Natural Oils & Butters / 天然油脂与油膏

🧪 Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil / 刺阿干树仁油 (阿甘油)

Purpose: Emollient/Conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, adds shine and softness.

🧪 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil / 椰子油

Purpose: Emollient/Conditioner

Concerns: Can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for acne-prone skin on the back/shoulders.

Notes: Penetrates hair shaft to reduce protein loss.

🧪 Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil / 互生叶白千层叶油 (茶树油)

Purpose: Antimicrobial/Scalp Care

Concerns: Can be irritating or sensitizing in high concentrations.

Notes: Excellent for scalp health and dandruff control.

🧪 Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil / 油橄榄果油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Heavy oil, good for dry hair.

🧪 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil / 鳄梨油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in vitamins, highly moisturizing.

🧪 Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil / 蓖麻籽油

Purpose: Emollient/Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Thick oil often used for hair growth claims (strengthening).

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Actually a wax ester, very similar to human sebum.

🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 牛油果树果脂 (乳木果油)

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides intense moisture and smoothing.

🧪 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil / 甜扁桃油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Nut allergy warning.

Notes: Lightweight oil, adds shine.

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil / 野大豆油

Purpose: Emollient/Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Smoothes hair cuticle.

📁 Humectants & Moisturizers / 保湿剂与滋润剂

🧪 Propanediol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant/Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: A corn-derived alternative to propylene glycol, less irritating.

🧪 Mel (Honey, Miel) / 蜂蜜

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural humectant that draws moisture into the hair.

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

Purpose: Soothing/Hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Soothes the scalp and hydrates hair.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: Can cause frizz in very humid weather if not sealed with emollients.

Notes: Common, effective moisturizing ingredient.

📁 Conditioning & Strengthening Agents / 调理与强化成分

🧪 Biotin / 生物素 (维生素B7)

Purpose: Vitamin

Concerns: None

Notes: Often marketed for hair strengthening and growth.

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols / 大豆甾醇类

Purpose: Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps replenish lipid barrier.

🧪 Glycolipids / 糖脂

Purpose: Emollient/Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Lipids containing a carbohydrate.

🧪 Phospholipids / 磷脂

Purpose: Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps repair and protect hair structure.

🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Conditioner

Concerns: Silicone buildup potential, though less than dimethicone.

Notes: Selectively binds to damaged areas of hair; resists washing out (substantive) but repels further deposition.

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

Purpose: Antistatic/Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Can cause buildup on fine hair.

Notes: Cationic polymer that helps with detangling and softness.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol / 水解植物蛋白 PG-丙基硅烷三醇

Purpose: Hair Strengthening

Concerns: None

Notes: Penetrates hair shaft to strengthen from within.

🧪 Lauryl Lactyl Lactate / 月桂醇乳酸酯乳酸酯

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides conditioning and foam boosting.

📁 Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 增稠剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Pearlizing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the shampoo its pearlescent/milky appearance.

🧪 Hydroxyethylcellulose / 羟乙基纤维素

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived thickening agent.

🧪 PEG-150 Distearate / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: PEG compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (manufacturing impurity).

Notes: Effective thickener for surfactant systems.

🧪 Cellulose / 纤维素

Purpose: Thickener/Bulking

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant fiber.

🧪 PEG-150 Stearate / PEG-150 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier/Thickener

Concerns: PEG compounds concern.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 PEG-1M / PEG-1M (聚乙二醇-1M)

Purpose: Binder/Lubricant

Concerns: None

Notes: High molecular weight polyethylene glycol.

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acid.

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

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant/Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Soothing and helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations; generally safe at <1%.

Notes: Common alternative to parabens.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts acidity to be skin/hair friendly.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions in hard water to improve foaming and stability.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form, safe in pH-balanced product.

Notes: Used to raise pH.

🧪 Sodium Acetate / 乙酸钠

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains pH stability.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Food-grade preservative.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Effective against fungi and bacteria in acidic pH.

📁 Fragrance / 香精香料

🧪 Parfum (Fragrance) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Proprietary blend of scents.

🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: One of the EU 26 fragrance allergens.

Notes: Naturally occurring in many essential oils like lavender.