This sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo is specially formulated with amino acids and jojoba oil to repair, strengthen, and define damaged curly and coily hair.
This shampoo earns a strong 8.2/10 for performance due to its highly effective cleansing and conditioning system. The combination of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine ensures a deep, satisfying lather that thoroughly removes buildup. Hair elasticity, strength, and moisture are heavily supported by an impressive blend of amino acids (Serine, Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Histidine HCl) and nourishing vitamins (Biotin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid). Furthermore, Polyquaternium-10 and Jojoba Seed Oil work together to provide excellent detangling, smoothness, and frizz control.
The safety rating of 7.3/10 is solid but reflects a few potential sensitizers. On the positive side, it is sulfate-free and utilizes safer preservatives like Sodium Benzoate. However, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate can sometimes be stripping or mildly irritating to compromised scalp barriers. Additionally, the formula contains synthetic Fragrance and a long list of known fragrance allergens such as Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Linalool, which pose a risk of contact dermatitis for users with sensitive skin.
At a final rating of 7.8/10, this product is an outstanding option for those seeking a high-performing shampoo that delivers noticeable volume, shine, and structural support. It leverages a rich cocktail of antioxidants, vitamins, and plant-derived emollients to elevate the hair washing experience. However, because of the strong cleansing agents and the high presence of fragrance allergens, it may not be the ideal choice for those with extremely sensitive scalps or ultra-dry, damaged hair.
This sulfate-free formulation is designed as a restorative cleanser, specifically targeting the unique needs of damaged curly and coily hair (Type 3 and Type 4). At its core, the cleansing system relies on Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. While Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is technically sulfate-free and produces a satisfyingly rich lather, it is a relatively strong surfactant. When paired with the milder Cocamidopropyl Betaine, it effectively removes dirt, oil, and heavy product buildup without completely stripping the scalp’s natural moisture barrier. However, individuals with extremely dry hair might still find it slightly strong if used daily, so alternating with a co-wash or moisturizing cleanser is recommended. What makes this formula stand out is its robust blend of hair-identical nutrients and restructuring agents. Infused with Bio-Protein Care technology, it delivers essential amino acids including Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Serine, and Histidine HCl. These amino acids penetrate the hair shaft to repair inner damage and replenish proteins typically lost through heat styling, coloring, or mechanical manipulation. Additionally, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Glycerin act as powerful humectants to lock in moisture, while Polyquaternium-10 provides excellent conditioning, reducing friction and assisting with detangling to prevent breakage during washing. The inclusion of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract ensures the hair fibers receive a protective, lightweight emollient coating that locks in hydration and enhances natural curl definition without weighing down the hair. Furthermore, a nourishing cocktail of Biotin, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) supports overall scalp health, fighting oxidative stress, soothing dryness, and creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth. Because the shampoo is silicone-free, it prevents unwanted buildup, ensuring curls remain bouncy, airy, and responsive to subsequent conditioning treatments. However, users should be mindful of the heavy presence of added Fragrance (Parfum) and potential allergens like Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Linalool. While these ingredients give the shampoo a pleasant, fresh, and luxurious scent, they pose a risk of irritation or contact dermatitis for those with highly sensitive scalps, eczema, or known allergies. In conclusion, this shampoo is an exceptional, budget-friendly choice for individuals looking to breathe life back into tired, damaged curls by restoring their natural structure, strength, elasticity, and shine.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Solvent and vehicle for other ingredients.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Typically makes up 70-90% of a shampoo formula.
🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠
Purpose: Primary cleansing and foaming agent.
Concerns: Can be drying or stripping for sensitive scalps or dry hair.
Notes: Provides strong lather and effective cleansing.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Mild co-surfactant, foam booster, and viscosity builder.
Concerns: Low risk of contact allergy, usually from manufacturing impurities.
Notes: Helps reduce irritation potential of stronger anionic surfactants.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant (moisturizer).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Draws moisture into the hair and scalp.
🧪 Serine / 丝氨酸
Purpose: Hair conditioning agent (amino acid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps temporarily replenish lost protein structures and improve hair strength.
🧪 Arginine / 精氨酸
Purpose: Hair conditioning agent (amino acid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: An essential amino acid for hair keratin, helps strengthen damaged hair.
🧪 Glutamic Acid / 谷氨酸
Purpose: Hair conditioning agent (amino acid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps hydrate and condition hair strands.
🧪 Histidine HCl / 组氨酸盐酸盐
Purpose: Hair conditioning agent (amino acid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps protect the hair from environmental damage.
🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10
Purpose: Conditioning agent and anti-static agent.
Concerns: Can potentially cause buildup on hair over time if not cleansed thoroughly.
Notes: Helps untangle hair, reduce static, and improve overall texture.
🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇
Purpose: Humectant and hair conditioner (Provitamin B5).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to provide moisture and improve elasticity.
🧪 Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil / 霍霍巴籽油
Purpose: Emollient and hair conditioning agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Mimics natural sebum, providing light hydration without weighing hair down.
🧪 Biotin / 生物素
Purpose: Hair conditioning / Vitamin B7.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often marketed for hair strengthening, though topical absorption is limited.
🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin E derivative).
Concerns: Low risk of contact allergy.
Notes: Protects formulation and provides conditioning benefits.
🧪 Ascorbic Acid / 抗坏血酸
Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin C) / pH adjuster.
Concerns: Can be unstable in water-based formulations, but acts as stabilizer here.
Notes: Protects against free radicals.
🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺
Purpose: Skin and scalp conditioning (Vitamin B3).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps soothe the scalp and support healthy hair growth conditions.
🧪 Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract / 葡萄果提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant and scalp conditioning agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Contains rich polyphenols that protect hair and scalp from oxidative stress.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Viscosity builder (thickener) for surfactant systems.
Concerns: None for most; can sometimes dry out hair if present in very high concentrations.
Notes: Commonly known as table salt.
🧪 Sodium Gluconate / 葡萄糖酸钠
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: None. Safe and biodegradable.
Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent them from affecting product stability.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: Can cause mild irritation in high concentrations, but safe at neutralizing levels.
Notes: Used to lower pH to make the shampoo compatible with scalp’s natural pH.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇双硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Pearlescent agent and opacifier.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Gives the shampoo its shiny, pearly appearance.
🧪 PPG-9 / 聚丙二醇-9
Purpose: Solvent and conditioning agent.
Concerns: Minimal.
Notes: Helps with product texture and spreadability.
🧪 PEG-45M / 聚乙二醇-45M
Purpose: Binder, emulsion stabilizer, and texture enhancer.
Concerns: Potential presence of trace impurities (ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane) during manufacturing.
Notes: Imparts a smooth, silky feel to the lather.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Safe in cosmetic formulations; rare cases of irritation.
Notes: Prevents the growth of yeast, mold, and bacteria.
🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇
Purpose: Preservative and fragrance ingredient.
Concerns: Can cause skin sensitization or irritation in sensitive skin.
Notes: Naturally occurring in some plants but usually synthetically produced.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Provides scent to the product.
Concerns: Potential skin sensitizer and allergen for sensitive individuals.
Notes: Often a proprietary blend of multiple aromatic components.
🧪 Benzyl Salicylate / 水杨酸苄酯
Purpose: Fragrance ingredient and UV absorber.
Concerns: Known allergen.
Notes: Provides a sweet, floral scent.
🧪 Citronellol / 香茅醇
Purpose: Fragrance compound.
Concerns: Known allergen that can trigger skin sensitization.
Notes: Found naturally in rose and geranium oils.
🧪 Hexyl Cinnamal / 己基肉桂醛
Purpose: Fragrance compound.
Concerns: Known allergen.
Notes: Provides a jasmine-like floral scent.
🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯
Purpose: Fragrance compound and solvent.
Concerns: Known allergen; can oxidize upon exposure to air and become more sensitizing.
Notes: Naturally occurring in citrus fruits.
🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇
Purpose: Fragrance compound.
Concerns: Known allergen; can oxidize upon exposure to air and become more sensitizing.
Notes: Naturally occurring in lavender and other flowers.