Curel Shampoo

A refreshing, scalp-focused shampoo combining anti-inflammatory agents with strong cleansers like SLES and aromatic botanical oils.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula is designed as a robust scalp-care shampoo (likely a Japanese quasi-drug formulation given the lead ingredient). Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is a star ingredient for soothing inflammation and reducing itching. The surfactant system is a mix of high-cleansing Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) balanced by milder Alkyl Glycoside and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, ensuring effective oil removal without excessive stripping. The addition of Polyquaternium-10 and POE/POP Dimethicone Copolymer provides light conditioning and slip without weighing hair down, making it excellent for fine or oily hair types.

Safety Rating: 3.6

The product relies on Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which is safe for most but can be irritating or drying for sensitive skin or color-treated hair. It contains Ethanol, which can be drying, though likely used as a solvent. The inclusion of Orange Oil and Eucalyptus Oil adds natural fragrance and antimicrobial benefits but introduces potential allergens for sensitive individuals. Standard preservatives (Benzoate) and stabilizers are used.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a highly effective formulation for its specific target: oily, itchy, or dandruff-prone scalps. The inclusion of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate elevates it above generic drugstore shampoos by actively treating scalp irritation. While it is not ‘sulfate-free’ or ‘natural’ (due to SLES and silicones), the chemistry is sound for deep cleansing and refreshing the scalp with Eucalyptus and Orange oils. It is a functional, results-driven product.

Verdict

This shampoo formulation clearly positions itself as a medicinal or therapeutic scalp care product, primarily anchored by the inclusion of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate. This key ingredient is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, suggesting that the formulation is specifically targeted at individuals suffering from scalp irritation, itchiness, or mild dandruff. If you are struggling with an inflamed scalp environment, this active agent serves as the primary justification for choosing this product, as it works to calm redness and sensitivity at the root.

However, regarding the cleansing experience, the foundation relies heavily on Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). While SLES is the industry standard for creating a rich, satisfying lather and removing sebum effectively, it is a relatively strong surfactant that can strip natural oils. The formulation attempts to balance this harshness with milder co-surfactants like Lauryl Hydroxysultaine and Alkyl Glycoside, as well as the amino-acid-based Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate. Despite these gentler additions, the overall cleaning power remains high. This makes the product an excellent choice for removing heavy product buildup or managing excessive oil production, but it is potentially problematic for those with naturally dry or fragile hair shafts.

The conditioning system involves a mix of cationic polymers and a silicone copolymer (POE/POP Dimethicone Copolymer). This specific type of silicone derivative is generally lighter and more water-soluble than standard dimethicone, providing slip and manageability without weighing hair down significantly. This aligns well with the likely lightweight and refreshing theme of the product. The inclusion of Orange Oil and Eucalyptus Oil further reinforces this sensory experience, likely providing a cooling sensation and a fresh, citrus-herbaceous scent that wakes up the senses.

Users should be wary of the inclusion of Ethanol. While alcohol contributes to a quick-drying finish and a cooling sensation on the scalp, it can be drying with repeated use. Combined with strong sulfates and essential oils, this creates a potential cocktail for irritation if you have highly sensitive skin or eczema. Ultimately, this is a utilitarian cleanser designed for scalp hygiene rather than hair repair. It excels at degreasing and soothing an itchy scalp but lacks the rich emollients needed to nourish dry ends.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 有效成分

🧪 Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate / 甘草酸二钾

Purpose: Anti-inflammatory and scalp soothing agent

Concerns: Generally safe, rarely causes irritation

Notes: Often used in medicated shampoos (quasi-drugs in Japan) to treat dandruff or itching.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary cleansing agent and foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying to the scalp and hair; potential irritant for sensitive skin

Notes: A very common sulfate surfactant effective at removing oil.

🧪 Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Solution / 月桂基羟基磺基甜菜碱液

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster, and thickener

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Helps improve the mildness of the formula.

🧪 Alkyl Glycoside / 烷基糖苷

Purpose: Gentle non-ionic surfactant

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Biodegradable and mild.

🧪 POE (16) Lauryl Ether / POE (16) 月桂基醚

Purpose: Emulsifier and cleansing agent

Concerns: Potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane if not purified properly

Notes: Also known as Laureth-16.

🧪 Coconut Oil Fatty Acid Ethanolamide / 椰油脂肪酸乙醇酰胺

Purpose: Foam stabilizer and thickener

Concerns: None significant when used in rinse-off products

Notes: Likely Cocamide MEA.

🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Amino acid-based gentle surfactant

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Provides conditioning benefits and is mild on the skin.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Polymers / 调理剂与聚合物

🧪 Trimethylammonio Hydroxypropyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Chloride / 三甲基氨基羟丙基羟乙基纤维素氯化物

Purpose: Cationic polymer for hair conditioning and anti-static

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Commonly known as Polyquaternium-10.

🧪 Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer Solution / 二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵/丙烯酰胺共聚物液

Purpose: Antistatic agent and film former

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Commonly known as Polyquaternium-7.

🧪 POE/POP Dimethicone Copolymer / POE/POP 聚二甲基硅氧烷共聚物

Purpose: Silicone-based conditioning agent

Concerns: Buildup potential if not washed thoroughly

Notes: Provides slip and shine.

🧪 PPG / 聚丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant and solvent

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Helps retain moisture.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Base solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for other ingredients.

🧪 Ethanol / 乙醇

Purpose: Solvent, astringent, and penetration enhancer

Concerns: Can be drying to hair and scalp

Notes: Provides a cooling sensation and helps ingredients penetrate.

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

🧪 Benzoate / 苯甲酸盐

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Some individuals may be sensitive

Notes: Prevents microbial growth.

🧪 Anhydrous Citric Acid / 无水柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Used to lower pH.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide Solution / 氢氧化钠溶液

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form, safe in formulated amounts

Notes: Used to neutralize acidity.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form, safe in formulated amounts

Notes: Solid form of the adjuster.

🧪 Edetate / 依地酸盐

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None significant

Notes: Binds metal ions to improve stability and foam performance (EDTA).

📁 Fragrances & Essential Oils / 香精与精油

🧪 Orange Oil / 橙油

Purpose: Fragrance and scalp refreshing

Concerns: Potential allergen (Limonene)

Notes: Also has mild degreasing properties.

🧪 Eucalyptus Oil / 桉叶油

Purpose: Fragrance and antimicrobial

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.