This is a medicated, ceramide-protecting scalp shampoo formulated with Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate to soothe itching, combat dandruff, and maintain a healthy scalp barrier.
The performance rating of 8.1/10 is driven by a highly effective blend of surfactants and conditioning agents. Sodium Laureth Sulfate provides robust cleansing and rich lathering, which is balanced by milder co-surfactants like Lauryl Hydroxysultaine and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate to prevent over-stripping. Exceptional hair conditioning, detangling, and smoothness are achieved through the inclusion of Trimethylammonio Hydroxypropyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Chloride, Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, and POE/POP Dimethicone Copolymer, while Orange Oil and Eucalyptus Oil offer a refreshing sensory experience.
The safety rating of 7.3/10 reflects a moderate risk profile. The formulation contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can be potentially irritating to sensitive scalps, alongside Ethanol, which may cause dryness. Additionally, natural essential oils like Orange Oil and Eucalyptus Oil carry risks of contact allergenicity. However, safety is improved by the addition of the anti-inflammatory soothing agent Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and gentle, amino acid-based cleansers like Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, which help mitigate irritation.
A final rating of 7.7/10 marks this shampoo as a well-rounded product that successfully balances superior cleansing and conditioning performance with reasonable ingredient safety. It delivers a satisfying wash and excellent hair texture but may not be ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin or eczema due to the inclusion of sulfates, alcohol, and fragrant essential oils.
This formulation is a classic example of a Japanese medicated scalp shampoo, designed to target scalp irritation, dandruff, and dryness while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The star active ingredient here is Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, a plant-derived anti-inflammatory agent extracted from licorice root. It is highly effective at calming itchy scalps, reducing redness, and preventing flaky buildup, making it an excellent choice for individuals suffering from mild seborrheic dermatitis, sensitive scalps, or seasonal flakiness.
To cleanse, the shampoo utilizes a combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) balanced with ultra-mild surfactants like Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Alkyl Glycoside, and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate. While some hair care enthusiasts shy away from sulfates, SLES is highly effective at thoroughly removing stubborn sebum, product buildup, and dirt without the extreme stripping associated with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). By blending SLES with gentler, amino acid-derived co-surfactants, this shampoo manages to deliver a rich, satisfying lather that cleanses deep down while striving to protect the scalp’s essential ceramide levels.
For hair conditioning and texture, the formula includes Polyquaternium-10 (Trimethylammonio Hydroxypropyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Chloride) and Polyquaternium-7 (Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer). These polymers coat the hair shaft, reducing friction and tangles during washing, which is crucial for preventing mechanical breakage in delicate hair. The inclusion of a water-soluble silicone copolymer (POE/POP Dimethicone Copolymer) provides a lightweight, smooth finish and a boost of shine without leaving a heavy, suffocating buildup on the scalp.
However, there are a few ingredients that sensitive or dry-haired users should keep in mind. The presence of Ethanol helps dissolve certain ingredients and provides a weightless feel, but it may cause mild dryness if your scalp is already severely depleted of moisture. Furthermore, while the product is free from synthetic perfumes, it contains Orange Oil and Eucalyptus Oil for a subtle, natural, and refreshing scent. While these essential oils offer mild antimicrobial and soothing properties, they can occasionally trigger contact sensitivity in individuals with extremely reactive skin or active eczema. Overall, this is an excellent, scientifically balanced daily shampoo for those seeking to rebalance a troubled scalp without leaving their hair feeling like straw.
🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary cleansing and foaming agent.
Concerns: May cause dryness or scalp irritation for sensitive skin due to its strong degreasing properties.
Notes: A highly effective and common surfactant, but can be harsh if used alone.
🧪 Lauryl Hydroxysultaine Solution / 月桂酰羟基磺基甜菜碱溶液
Purpose: Amphoteric co-surfactant and foam booster.
Concerns: Very low irritation and high safety profile.
Notes: Helps reduce the potential irritation of anionic surfactants like SLES while enhancing foam.
🧪 Alkyl Glycoside / 烷基糖苷
Purpose: Mild non-ionic surfactant.
Concerns: Excellent skin compatibility, biodegradable, with virtually no concerns.
Notes: Derived from renewable plant resources, very gentle on the skin.
🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠
Purpose: Mild amino acid-based surfactant.
Concerns: None, highly safe and gentle.
Notes: Provides a soft lather and maintains skin’s moisture barrier.
🧪 Coconut Oil Fatty Acid Ethanolamide / 椰子油脂肪酸单乙醇酰胺
Purpose: Foam stabilizer and viscosity builder.
Concerns: Potential for forming nitrosamines, though minimized in regulated cosmetic formulations.
Notes: Enhances the richness of the lather and thickens the product.
🧪 POE (16) Lauryl Ether / 聚氧乙烯 (16) 月桂醇醚
Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer.
Concerns: Ethoxylation process can sometimes lead to trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane.
Notes: Helps blend oil-soluble ingredients into the water phase.
🧪 Trimethylammonio Hydroxypropyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Chloride / 阳离子纤维素 (聚季铵盐-10)
Purpose: Cationic hair conditioning and antistatic agent.
Concerns: Overuse or continuous use can cause product buildup on the hair, making it heavy.
Notes: Improves wet and dry combability, leaving hair soft and manageable.
🧪 Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer Solution / 二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵/丙烯酰胺共聚物溶液 (聚季铵盐-7)
Purpose: Antistatic and conditioning polymer.
Concerns: Potential minor buildup over time.
Notes: Provides excellent conditioning properties, making the hair smooth.
🧪 POE/POP Dimethicone Copolymer / 聚氧乙烯/聚氧丙烯二甲基硅氧烷共聚物
Purpose: Water-soluble silicone conditioning agent and emollient.
Concerns: Far less buildup than standard dimethicone due to its water solubility.
Notes: Adds shine and silkiness to the hair without weighing it down excessively.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Primary solvent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Essential base ingredient in liquid shampoos.
🧪 PPG / 聚丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant and viscosity control agent.
Concerns: Extremely low toxicity, but can occasionally cause skin irritation in highly sensitive individuals.
Notes: Helps retain moisture on the scalp and hair shaft.
🧪 Ethanol / 乙醇
Purpose: Solvent and viscosity-reducing agent.
Concerns: Can be drying if used in high concentrations, but is generally safe in rinse-off products.
Notes: Often used to dissolve other organic ingredients or as a penetration enhancer.
🧪 Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate / 甘草酸二钾
Purpose: Soothing agent and anti-inflammatory.
Concerns: Highly safe with virtually no known adverse effects.
Notes: Derived from licorice root; highly effective in reducing scalp redness, irritation, and itchiness.
🧪 Orange Oil / 甜橙油
Purpose: Natural fragrance and essential oil.
Concerns: Contains natural allergens like Limonene, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.
Notes: Provides a fresh citrus scent and possesses mild antimicrobial properties.
🧪 Eucalyptus Oil / 尤加利叶油
Purpose: Natural fragrance, antiseptic, and scalp refreshing agent.
Concerns: Can be irritating to extremely sensitive skin or eyes due to natural terpenes.
Notes: Offers a cool, refreshing sensation and helps with scalp microcirculation.
🧪 Benzoate / 苯甲酸盐
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Generally safe, but can release benzene under specific conditions when combined with Vitamin C.
Notes: Effectively prevents the growth of yeast, mold, and bacteria.
🧪 Anhydrous Citric Acid / 无水柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster and mild chelating agent.
Concerns: May cause mild eye irritation if splashed directly into eyes.
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits; used to bring the pH level down to a skin-friendly acidic level.
🧪 Edetate / 乙二胺四乙酸盐 (EDTA)
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: Poor environmental biodegradability.
Notes: Prevents minerals in hard water from bonding with surfactants, ensuring good lather.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: Alkaline pH adjuster.
Concerns: Highly corrosive in pure form, but perfectly safe when neutralized in the product.
Notes: Used in very small quantities to adjust and stabilize the pH.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide Solution / 氢氧化钠溶液
Purpose: Alkaline pH adjuster.
Concerns: Fully neutralized in the final formulation, posing no hazard to consumers.
Notes: Used to fine-tune the formulation’s pH balance.