Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo

A robust, sulfate-based cleanser formulated with silicones and sugar-based humectants to provide deep cleaning while smoothing the hair cuticle.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula represents a high-performing, standard drugstore shampoo (likely formulated for damaged or dry hair). It utilizes Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) paired with Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a classic combination that ensures rich lather and effective cleansing without the harshness of SLS. The inclusion of Dimethiconol (a silicone) and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride provides excellent slip, detangling, and hair surface smoothing. Additionally, the presence of Trehalose and Gluconolactone suggests a focus on moisture retention and strengthening, often found in ‘repair’ lines. It effectively balances heavy-duty cleaning with cosmetic conditioning.

Safety Rating: 3.4

The formula is generally safe for daily use but contains ingredients that may trigger sensitivities. It relies on Sodium Benzoate for preservation, which is a safer alternative to parabens or formaldehyde releasers. However, it contains SLES (sulfates), which can be drying or irritating to sensitive scalps. The primary safety concern is the high number of declared fragrance allergens (Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, etc.), which pose a risk for users with fragrance contact allergies. It is free from methylisothiazolinone, a common high-risk preservative.

Final Rating: 3.8

This is a robust, well-engineered commercial shampoo. It excels in cosmetic elegance, creating a pearlescent look (Glycol Distearate, Mica) and a smooth feel on the hair. While it is not a ‘clean beauty’ product due to the presence of sulfates, silicones, and synthetic fragrances, it delivers reliable results for consumers seeking damage repair and smoothness at an accessible price point. It is best suited for normal to thick, damaged hair, rather than fine or oily hair which might be weighed down by the silicones.

Verdict

This formulation represents a classic, high-performance drugstore shampoo architecture, likely designed for damage repair or intensive smoothing. At its core, the product relies on Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) combined with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This is a standard, effective cleansing duo that ensures a rich lather and the thorough removal of sebum, dirt, and heavy styling products. While SLES is less harsh than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, it is still a potent detergent that leaves the hair feeling squeaky clean.

To allow for such strong cleansing without leaving the hair feeling like straw, the formula leans heavily on conditioning agents. Dimethiconol is a silicone included here to provide immediate slip and shine. It coats the hair shaft, effectively filling in cracks in the cuticle to reduce friction and breakage during combing. This is supported by Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, a cationic polymer that neutralizes negative static charges on the hair, further aiding in detangling and frizz control.

Interesting additions to this formula include Gluconolactone, Sodium Sulfate, and Trehalose. This specific triad is often found in formulations that claim to repair internal hair structure or strengthen bonds. Trehalose is a sugar that acts as a humectant to retain moisture, while Gluconolactone creates a protective barrier. While they won’t permanently fix split ends, they contribute to a smoother, more resilient feel while the product is in use.

However, the sensory experience comes at a cost for certain users. The product is heavily fragranced, containing specific scent compounds like Limonene, Linalool, and Hexyl Cinnamal, which are known sensitizers. Additionally, the inclusion of Mica and Titanium Dioxide serves purely aesthetic purposes to give the liquid a pearlescent look, adding to the chemical load without benefitting the hair health. Overall, this is a heavy-duty shampoo best suited for resilient hair that needs cosmetic smoothing and strong oil removal.

Who Is This Product For?

Individuals with oily scalps requiring strong degreasing.
People with straight or wavy hair looking for a sleek finish.
Those prone to mechanical breakage or tangling who need slip.
Users needing to wash out heavy styling silicones or waxes.

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Followers of the Curly Girl Method (contains sulfates and non-water-soluble silicones).
Individuals with sensitive scalps or eczema due to fragrance allergens and sulfates.
People with color-treated hair, as strong sulfates can strip dye faster.
Those with extremely dry or high-porosity hair that cannot tolerate stripping detergents.

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Eau) / 水

Purpose: Base solvent for the formula.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid shampoos.

📁 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 or irritating to sensitive skin, though milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Notes: Commonly known as SLES.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster, and thickener.

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can sometimes cause irritation.

Notes: Helps reduce the harshness of sulfate surfactants.

🧪 TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate / 十二烷基苯磺酸三乙醇胺

Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifier.

Concerns: None major in rinse-off products.

Notes: Often used specifically to help emulsify silicones.

🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Foam stabilizer and thickener.

Concerns: None major at regulated levels.

Notes: Adds creaminess to the lather.

📁 Conditioning & Moisturizing Agents / 调理剂与保湿剂

🧪 Dimethiconol / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Silicone conditioning agent.

Concerns: Potential for buildup over time.

Notes: Smooths the hair cuticle and adds shine.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant (draws moisture into hair).

Concerns: None.

Notes: Very common moisturizing ingredient.

🧪 Gluconolactone / 葡萄糖酸内酯

Purpose: Chelator and mild humectant/exfoliant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) that conditions skin and hair.

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

Purpose: Cationic polymer, anti-static agent.

Concerns: Can contribute to buildup if used in excess.

Notes: Helps with detangling and softness.

🧪 Trehalose / 海藻糖

Purpose: Moisturizer and protectant.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A sugar that helps retain moisture.

🧪 Peg-45M / PEG-45M

Purpose: Binder, stabilizer, and lubricant.

Concerns: None major.

Notes: Provides ‘slip’ to the formula.

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

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity controller (thickener).

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations.

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 Glycol Distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯

Purpose: Pearlizing agent and opacifier.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent, shiny appearance.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener and suspension agent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Sodium Sulfate / 硫酸钠

Purpose: Viscosity control.

Concerns: Can be drying.

Notes: Often a byproduct of surfactant manufacturing.

🧪 PPG-9 / PPG-9

Purpose: Emollient and solvent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps control consistency.

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

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Ensures the shampoo pH is compatible with hair and skin.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: None major.

Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent.

Concerns: None major in cosmetics.

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

📁 Fragrance & Allergens / 香精与致敏原

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent.

Concerns: Common cause of sensitization or irritation.

Notes: A blend of aromatic compounds.

🧪 Benzyl Salicylate / 水杨酸苄酯

Purpose: Fragrance ingredient.