Biolage Color Last Shampoo

A sulfate-based cleansing shampoo formulated with dimethicone and soybean oil to provide a smooth, sleek finish while offering UV protection.

Performance Rating: 3.8

The formula provides excellent cleansing power through Sodium laureth sulfate, balanced by Coco-betaine for a richer lather. The inclusion of Dimethicone and Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride ensures significant smoothing and detangling effects. Salicylic acid contributes to scalp health by providing mild exfoliation, while Glycine soja oil offers light nourishment to the hair shaft.

Safety Rating: 3.1

While generally safe for the general population, the product contains Sodium laureth sulfate, which can be drying or irritating for sensitive scalps. There is a high concentration of fragrance allergens including Limonene, Hexyl cinnamal, Coumarin, Linalool, and Amyl cinnamal, which increases the risk of contact dermatitis for sensitized individuals.

Final Rating: 3.5

This is a high-performing, standard commercial shampoo that effectively balances cleansing with conditioning. It is ideal for users looking for manageability and shine, but may not be suitable for those with sulfate sensitivities or high fragrance allergies. The addition of UV protection via Ethylhexyl salicylate is a beneficial touch for color-treated hair.

Verdict

This shampoo formula represents a traditional, high-performance cleansing system designed to deliver immediate cosmetic results, specifically focusing on smoothness, shine, and manageable texture. At its core, the use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) provides a robust and effective lather that efficiently breaks down sebum, environmental pollutants, and heavy styling resins. To balance this powerful detergent, the formulators have included Coco-betaine, a milder amphoteric surfactant that helps reduce potential irritation and prevents the hair from feeling overly stripped. The inclusion of Dimethicone is a key functional choice; this heavy-duty silicone forms a protective, light-reflecting film over the hair cuticle, which significantly reduces friction during combing and provides that signature silky feel often associated with professional salon products. Beyond basic cleansing and conditioning, the formula integrates Salicylic acid, which serves a dual purpose as a scalp clarifier. By gently breaking down dead skin cell accumulation, it helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, which is essential for consistent hair health. The addition of Glycine soja oil (soybean oil) offers a source of fatty acids to replenish some of the lipids lost during the washing process. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ethylhexyl salicylate acts as a chemical UV filter, a thoughtful addition for users who spend time outdoors and want to protect their hair fibers from the degrading effects of solar radiation. However, the presence of Sodium chloride as a viscosity builder makes this product a poor choice for those with chemical smoothing treatments like keratin services, as salt can accelerate the degradation of those treatments. Additionally, the fragrance profile is quite complex, containing numerous known allergens such as Limonene, Hexyl cinnamal, and Linalool, which may trigger reactions in those with sensitive scalps. For those who prefer a minimalist approach, the presence of sulfates and silicones might be a deterrent. Nonetheless, for the consumer looking for a reliable, detangling, and smoothing shampoo that leaves the hair smelling fresh and looking polished, this formula is highly effective. It is particularly well-suited for those with coarse or unruly hair that requires the weight of silicones to remain sleek throughout the day.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Cleansing Agents / 清洁成分

🧪 Sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary surfactant for cleansing

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating for sensitive scalps

Notes: Commonly known as SLES

🧪 Coco-betaine / 椰油甜菜碱

Purpose: Mild surfactant and foam booster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Reduces the irritation of harsher surfactants

🧪 Cocamide MIPA / 单异丙醇椰油酰胺

Purpose: Surfactant and thickener

Concerns: Low

Notes: Enhances foam stability

📁 Conditioning and Emollients / 调理与润肤成分

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Hair conditioning and smoothing

Concerns: Potential for build-up over time

Notes: A common silicone

🧪 Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic and hair conditioning agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Cationic polymer that improves combability

🧪 Glycine soja oil / soybean oil / 大豆油

Purpose: Emollient and nourishing oil

Concerns: Low

Notes: Provides natural fatty acids

📁 Texture and Viscosity Modifiers / 质地与黏度调节剂

🧪 Aqua / water / eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation

🧪 Sodium chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity increasing agent

Concerns: Can be drying to the hair fiber in high concentrations

Notes: Common salt used to thicken surfactants

🧪 Glycol distearate / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Pearlizing agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance

🧪 Hexylene glycol / 己二醇

Purpose: Solvent and humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps blend ingredients and retain moisture

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickening agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps stabilize the emulsion

📁 Preservatives and pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Balances product acidity

🧪 Sodium benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low

Notes: Prevents microbial growth

🧪 Sodium hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Can be irritating if not neutralized

Notes: Used to stabilize the formula pH

🧪 Salicylic acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant and preservative

Concerns: Potential sensitivity for some users

Notes: Often used for scalp health and dandruff control

🧪 Ethylhexyl salicylate / 水杨酸乙基己酯

Purpose: UV absorber

Concerns: Low

Notes: Protects the product and hair from UV degradation

🧪 Fumaric acid / 延胡索酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Used in small amounts to maintain acidity

📁 Fragrance and Allergens / 香精与过敏原

🧪 Parfum / fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent

Concerns: Potential for allergic reaction

Notes: Complex mixture of aromatic chemicals

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring in citrus oils

🧪 Hexyl cinnamal / 己基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Provides a jasmine-like scent

🧪 Coumarin / 香豆素

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Provides a sweet, hay-like scent

🧪 Benzyl alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative and fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Can also act as a solvent

🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Found in lavender and citrus

🧪 Amyl cinnamal / 戊基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Known allergen

Notes: Provides a floral scent