L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo

A potent purple shampoo formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Ultra-Violet Neutralizers to deeply cleanse and banish brassy tones in blonde and grey hair.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formulation is designed for high efficacy cleansing and cosmetic appeal. The dual-surfactant system (Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) ensures a rich foam and deep clean. The presence of CI 60730 / Ext. Violet 2 suggests this is a purple/toning shampoo, excellent for neutralizing brassiness in blonde hair. Performance is boosted by a sophisticated conditioning blend including Amodimethicone (targets damaged hair), Dimethicone (smoothness), and Sodium Hyaluronate (moisture retention).

Safety Rating: 3.2

While safe for general use, the ingredient profile is aggressive. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong detergent that can strip natural oils and irritate sensitive scalps. The product contains Parfum/Fragrance and Limonene, which are common sensitizers. Additionally, preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate are used, which are standard but chemically derived. It is not suitable for those strictly following ‘clean beauty’ or ‘sulfate-free’ regimens.

Final Rating: 3.8

This appears to be a professional-grade toning shampoo (likely L’Oreal or Redken). It receives a high score for its ability to deliver results: clean, smooth, and cool-toned hair. However, the rating is tempered by the harsh surfactant profile, making it potentially drying if used daily. It is best utilized as a specialized treatment product rather than a daily wash.

Verdict

Upon analyzing this formula, it is clear that this is a high-performance purple shampoo designed specifically for the maintenance of blonde, bleached, and gray hair. The defining ingredient is CI 60730 / Ext. Violet 2, a deep purple pigment that works to optically neutralize unwanted yellow and brassy undertones that develop over time in lightened hair. This suggests the product is not just a cleanser, but a color-correcting treatment intended for occasional use alongside a regular routine. The cleansing base is built on a robust combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These are powerful anionic surfactants that provide a rich, foamy lather and effectively strip away sebum and product buildup. While highly effective at cleaning, they can be drying, which is a critical consideration for hair that has already been compromised by bleaching agents. To mitigate this dryness, the formulation includes Sodium Hyaluronate, a powerhouse humectant that attracts moisture to the hair fiber, helping to restore elasticity and softness. Furthermore, the inclusion of silicones like Dimethicone and Amodimethicone is strategic. Amodimethicone, in particular, is known for its ability to selectively bind to damaged areas of the hair cuticle, providing targeted conditioning without weighing down the roots. These silicones create a protective film that smoothes the hair surface, adds shine, and aids in detangling wet hair. The formula also utilizes Salicylic Acid, likely acting as both a preservative and a scalp exfoliant to ensure a clean foundation. However, the presence of Fragrance and potential allergens like Limonene, combined with the strong sulfates, suggests that this product might be irritating to those with very sensitive skin. Overall, this is an effective, heavy-duty toning shampoo that balances strong cleansing and color correction with synthetic conditioning agents to mask damage, but it should be followed with a deep conditioner to maintain lipid balance.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua / Water / Eau / 水

Purpose: Base solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for all other ingredients.

🧪 Hexylene Glycol / 己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, viscosity decreasing agent

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps to thin the texture of the shampoo.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁剂)

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary surfactant, foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying, though less so than SLS

Notes: Effective for removing oil and dirt.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Strong surfactant, foaming agent

Concerns: High potential for irritation and stripping natural oils; color-fading

Notes: Provides a very deep clean.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster

Concerns: None (generally mild)

Notes: Helps reduce irritation from sulfates.

🧪 Coco-Betaine / 椰油基甜菜碱

Purpose: Mild surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil, improves foam quality.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Silicones / 调理剂与硅油

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Conditioning agent, occlusive

Concerns: Can cause build-up on hair over time; difficult to wash out without sulfates

Notes: Provides slip and smoothness.

🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Selective conditioning agent

Concerns: Build-up (though less than dimethicone)

Notes: Targets damaged areas of the hair specifically.

🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜尔胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic agent, conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps detangle hair.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, moisturizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the scalp and hair.

📁 Thickeners, Emulsifiers & Stabilizers / 增稠剂、乳化剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: Can be drying in extremely high concentrations

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the surfactant system.

🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Pearlizing agent, opacifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 Cocamide Mea / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Thickener, foam stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Enhances the creaminess of the foam.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickening agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the formula structure.

🧪 Trideceth-10 / 十三烷醇聚醚-10

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix silicones into the water base.

🧪 Peg-100 Stearate / PEG-100 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Keeps oil and water components mixed.

🧪 Steareth-6 / 硬脂醇聚醚-6

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Surfactant cleansing aid.

🧪 Trideceth-3 / 十三烷醇聚醚-3

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helper ingredient for emulsions.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Ensures the shampoo is slightly acidic to match hair pH.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Caustic in pure form, but safe as used to neutralize acid

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to balance pH.

🧪 Fumaric Acid / 富马酸

Purpose: pH adjuster, antimicrobial

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 Acetic Acid / 乙酸

Purpose: pH adjuster, clarifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Main component of vinegar, adds shine.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.

🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: Preservative, exfoliant

Concerns: Can be drying; caution for those with aspirin allergies

Notes: Also helps clear scalp buildup.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for very sensitive skin

Notes: Common alternative to parabens.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Parfum / Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: High potential for allergic reaction or sensitivity

Notes: Synthetic or natural scent blend.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Citrus scent component.

📁 Colorants / 着色剂

🧪 Ci 60730 / Ext. Violet 2 / CI 60730 / 外用紫 2

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: A violet dye commonly used in ‘purple shampoos’ to neutralize brassy yellow tones in blonde or grey hair.