A robust, sulfate-based cleanser fortified with silicones and amino acids designed to thoroughly clean oily scalps while providing a smoothing effect for frizzy textures.
This formula utilizes a robust anionic surfactant system (Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate and/or Sodium Laureth Sulfate), ensuring exceptional cleansing power and rich lather, making it effective for removing heavy oil and product buildup. The inclusion of Dimethiconol (a silicone) and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride provides excellent slip, detangling, and frizz reduction. Furthermore, the addition of amino acids (Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Proline) offers strengthening benefits, while Glycerin aids in moisture retention. However, the strong detergents may strip natural oils from dry or curly hair types.
The product relies on sulfates, which can be irritating or drying to sensitive skin and scalps. It contains distinct fragrance allergens (Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene) and generic Fragrance, which are common sensitizers. Cocamide MEA is used as a foaming agent, which has minor contamination concerns regarding nitrosamines, though safe in rinse-off applications. On the positive side, it uses Sodium Benzoate as a preservative, avoiding controversial ingredients like parabens or methylisothiazolinone.
This is a classic ‘drugstore’ formulation designed for high efficacy and cosmetic smoothness rather than natural gentleness. It scores high on performance for normal-to-oily hair due to its strong cleaning agents and silicone-based smoothing. However, the presence of sulfates and specific fragrance allergens lowers the safety and suitability score for those with sensitive skin or compromised hair health. It is a solid utilitarian product but not suitable for ‘clean beauty’ enthusiasts or the ‘Curly Girl Method’.
This formulation represents a classic, high-performance approach to hair cleansing found in many popular drugstore brands. At its foundation, the shampoo relies on Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are powerful surfactants that excel at cutting through heavy grease, environmental pollutants, and stubborn styling product buildup. While this ensures a deeply clean and refreshed scalp, these ingredients can be somewhat stripping, removing natural oils alongside the dirt. To mitigate this harshness, Cocamidopropyl Betaine is included as a co-surfactant to boost foam creaminess and reduce potential irritation.
The product distinguishes itself from a basic detergent through its conditioning agents. Dimethiconol is a significant inclusion here; it is a silicone that coats the hair fiber to seal the cuticle, locking in moisture and creating a sleek, slippery feel that combats frizz. Because silicones can sometimes weigh hair down, the sulfates in the formula act as a necessary counterbalance, ensuring that silicone residue is washed away during the next shower to prevent buildup.
From a strengthening perspective, the ingredient list boasts a complex of amino acids: Alanine, Glutamic Acid, and Proline. As the building blocks of hair protein, these ingredients are intended to reinforce the hair structure and improve hydration, though their efficacy in a rinse-off product is generally limited compared to leave-in treatments. The addition of Glycolic Acid is an interesting touch, likely serving to adjust the pH to a hair-friendly level and smooth the cuticle surface for added shine. Meanwhile, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride acts as an anti-static agent, preventing flyaways after drying.
However, consumers should be wary of the high position of Fragrance (Parfum) and Sodium Chloride (salt) in the list. The strong fragrance profile, supported by allergens like Hexyl Cinnamal and Limonene, makes this a risky choice for those with sensitive skin or scalp conditions like eczema. Additionally, the salt used to thicken the texture can be drying for hair that is already brittle.
In summary, this is a heavy-duty daily shampoo suited for those who need strong cleansing power and frizz control. It is effective at making hair feel smooth and manageable, but it lacks the gentleness required for preserving vibrant hair color or nurturing extremely dry, fragile curls.
🧪 WATER (AQUA, EAU) / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
🧪 SODIUM C12-13 ALKETH SULFATE AND/OR SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / C12-13 烷醇聚醚硫酸酯钠 / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary Cleansing Agent, Foaming Agent
Concerns: Can be drying to skin and hair; potential stripping of natural oils.
Notes: Effective anionic surfactants that remove dirt and oil.
🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Secondary Surfactant, Foam Booster
Concerns: Low risk of irritation, generally mild.
Notes: Helps reduce the harshness of sulfates and stabilizes foam.
🧪 TEA-DODECYLBENZENE-SULFONATE / TEA-十二烷基苯磺酸盐
Purpose: Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier
Concerns: May cause irritation in high concentrations.
Notes: Often used to help suspend silicones or other insoluble ingredients.
🧪 COCAMIDE MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA
Purpose: Foam Stabilizer, Thickener
Concerns: None in wash-off products.
Notes: Derived from coconut fatty acids.
🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts moisture to the hair.
🧪 DIMETHICONOL / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇
Purpose: Conditioning Agent, Emollient
Concerns: Silicone buildup if not washed out properly.
Notes: Provides slip, shine, and smooths the hair cuticle.
🧪 GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 瓜尔胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Antistatic Agent, Conditioner
Concerns: None
Notes: Cationic polymer that helps detangle hair.
🧪 ALANINE / 丙氨酸
Purpose: Hair Conditioning, Antistatic
Concerns: None
Notes: Amino acid used to strengthen hair.
🧪 GLUTAMIC ACID / 谷氨酸
Purpose: Hair Conditioning, Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Amino acid.
🧪 PROLINE / 脯氨酸
Purpose: Hair Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Amino acid.
🧪 POLYPROPYLENE GLYCOL / 聚丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant, Delivery Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps other ingredients penetrate.
🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations.
Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken the surfactant system.
🧪 GLYCOL DISTEARATE / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Pearlizing Agent, Opacifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent, shiny appearance.
🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆
Purpose: Viscosity Controlling, Stabilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps suspend insoluble solids in the liquid.
🧪 PEG-45M / PEG-45M
Purpose: Binder, Stabilizer, Viscosity Controlling
Concerns: None
Notes: High molecular weight polymer.
🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Ensures the shampoo pH is skin-friendly.
🧪 GLYCOLIC ACID / 乙醇酸
Purpose: Exfoliant, pH Adjuster
Concerns: Can increase sun sensitivity if used on skin.
Notes: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that can help exfoliate the scalp.
🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Caustic in pure form, safe in neutralized formulation.
Notes: Used to raise pH if the formula is too acidic.
🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: None
Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.
🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds metal ions in hard water to prevent scum formation and improve stability.
🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis/allergies.
Notes: Blend of aromatic compounds.
🧪 HEXYL CINNAMAL / 己基肉桂醛
Purpose: Fragrance Component
Concerns: Potential allergen.
Notes: Adds a jasmine-like scent.
🧪 LIMONENE / 柠檬烯
Purpose: Fragrance Component
Concerns: Potential allergen.
Notes: Citrus scent derivative.