A refreshing and invigorating shampoo combining Tea Tree Oil with strong cleansers and silicones, designed to purify oily scalps while smoothing the hair cuticle.
This formula offers robust cleansing capabilities primarily through the use of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a strong anionic surfactant that effectively removes oil and buildup without using traditional sulfates (SLS/SLES). The inclusion of Tea Tree Oil provides excellent benefits for scalp health, potentially helping with dandruff or oiliness. The product also features a significant conditioning complex, including Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Panthenol, and multiple Polyquaterniums. This combination ensures the hair remains detangled, smooth, and moisturized after washing, making it high-performing for users seeking both deep cleaning and manageability.
While the product avoids sulfates, it relies on Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone as preservatives. These are known sensitizers and common triggers for contact dermatitis, making them less ideal for users with sensitive skin or compromised scalp barriers. Additionally, the presence of generic Fragrance and artificial dyes (Yellow 5, Blue 1) adds potential allergen risks. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, while not a sulfate, can still be drying or irritating to some skin types compared to milder alternatives like glucoside-based cleansers.
This is a highly effective commercial shampoo for individuals with normal to oily hair who do not suffer from skin sensitivities. It strikes a good balance between deep cleansing and silicone-based conditioning, ensuring the hair looks cosmetic and polished. However, the safety rating is dragged down by the use of isothiazolinone preservatives and synthetic dyes, which prevents it from being considered a ‘clean’ or hypoallergenic option. It is a solid choice for performance but requires caution for those with reactive skin.
This product presents itself as a robust clarifying option, primarily anchored by Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate. While technically classified as a sulfate-free surfactant, this ingredient is a powerhouse cleanser that behaves very similarly to strong sulfates. It excels at breaking down heavy oils, sebum, and environmental dirt, making it a highly effective choice for those dealing with excessive oiliness or significant product buildup. However, due to its potency, it poses a risk of stripping natural moisture if used too frequently, suggesting it may be better suited as a weekly reset wash rather than a daily staple for fragile hair types.
To mitigate the drying potential of the surfactants, the formula incorporates a sophisticated conditioning system heavily reliant on silicones, specifically Dimethicone and Amodimethicone. Dimethicone coats the hair shaft to lock in hydration and provide immediate slip, while Amodimethicone is chemically attracted to damaged areas of the cuticle, offering targeted smoothing. This combination ensures that despite the deep cleanse, the hair remains detangled and boasts a high-shine finish. The addition of Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) further aids in elasticity and moisture retention, attempting to balance the harshness of the detergents.
The standout feature of this formulation is the Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf Oil. Renowned for its natural antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, Tea Tree Oil provides a distinct cooling sensation that is excellent for soothing a dry, itchy scalp or addressing mild dandruff. This medicated feel, combined with the rich texture provided by Glycol Distearate, creates a luxurious and refreshing sensory experience in the shower.
However, consumers should be wary of the preservative system, which utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Often called the “itchy Ms,” these are known contact allergens that can cause dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin. Additionally, the presence of synthetic dyes (Yellow 5, Blue 1) and fragrance may further irritate reactive scalps. While the inclusion of Tetrasodium EDTA helps the product function in hard water, those following the Curly Girl Method should avoid this due to the non-water-soluble silicones and drying cleansers. Overall, this is a heavy-duty product ideal for oily, hardy hair types needing deep purification and smoothing.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The base of the formulation.
🧪 Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠
Purpose: Primary cleansing agent, creates foam.
Concerns: Can be drying to the scalp and hair if not balanced with conditioning agents.
Notes: A strong anionic surfactant, often used as a sulfate-free alternative to SLS/SLES.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱
Purpose: Mild cleansing and foam boosting.
Concerns: Generally safe, low irritation.
Notes: Amphoteric surfactant that helps reduce irritation from stronger surfactants.
🧪 Sodium cocoyl isethionate / 椰油酰羟乙磺酸钠
Purpose: Mild cleansing agent.
Concerns: None typically.
Notes: Known as ‘baby foam’ due to its mildness.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Cleansing and lathering agent.
Concerns: Can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals (often due to impurities).
Notes: derived from coconut oil.
🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5原)
Purpose: Moisturizing and strengthening.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to improve hydration.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Smoothens hair, adds shine, reduces frizz.
Concerns: Can cause buildup on hair if not washed out properly.
Notes: Forms a protective film.
🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Conditions damaged hair selectively.
Concerns: Harder to wash out than some other silicones without sulfate shampoos.
Notes: Attracts specifically to damaged areas of the cuticle.
🧪 Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Anti-static and detangling.
Concerns: Can contribute to buildup.
Notes: Derived from guar beans.
🧪 Polyquaternium – 6 / 聚季铵盐-6
Purpose: Anti-static, film-forming.
Concerns: None specific.
Notes: Helps hair feel smooth.
🧪 Polyquaternium – 10 / 聚季铵盐-10
Purpose: Conditioning and anti-static.
Concerns: None specific.
Notes: Cellulose derivative.
🧪 Cetrimonium chloride / 鲸蜡三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Anti-static and conditioning.
Concerns: Restricted concentration in leave-on products, safe in rinse-off.
Notes: Prevents flyaways.
🧪 Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) leaf oil / 互叶白千层（茶树）叶油
Purpose: Soothing, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal.
Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin in high concentrations.
Notes: Often used for dandruff or itchy scalps.
🧪 PPG-2 hydroxyethyl coco / isostearamide / PPG-2 羟乙基椰油/异硬脂酰胺
Purpose: Thickener and foam stabilizer.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps texture.
🧪 Glycol distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Pearlizing agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance.
🧪 PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯
Purpose: Thickener.
Concerns: PEG compounds can have contamination concerns (dioxane) if not purified.
Notes: Efficient thickener for surfactant systems.
🧪 Laureth – 4 / 月桂醇聚醚-4
Purpose: Emulsifier and surfactant.
Concerns: Potential for irritation in some.
Notes: Helps mix oil and water.
🧪 Laureth – 23 / 月桂醇聚醚-23
Purpose: Emulsifier.
Concerns: None specific.
Notes: Solubilizer.
🧪 Trideceth – 12 / 十三烷醇聚醚-12
Purpose: Emulsifier.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used to emulsify Amodimethicone.
🧪 Sodium chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickening agent.
Concerns: Can be drying in extremely high concentrations.
Notes: Common table salt.
🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: None in wash-off products.
Notes: Binds to metal ions to stabilize the formula and boost preservatives.
🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Keeps the shampoo pH balanced with the scalp.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Strong sensitizer; can cause allergic reactions.
Notes: Part of the ‘Kathon CG’ blend, usually restricted to rinse-off products.
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen.
Notes: Often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent.
Concerns: Common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Notes: Proprietary blend of scent chemicals.
🧪 Yellow 5 (CI 19140) / CI 19140 (黄 5)
Purpose: Colorant.
Concerns: Possible allergen for some.
Notes: Synthetic yellow dye.
🧪 Blue 1 (CI 42090) / CI 42090 (蓝 1)
Purpose: Colorant.
Concerns: Generally safe.
Notes: Synthetic blue dye.