TRESemmé Rich Moisture Shampoo

A robust, drugstore-style formulation featuring a Mega-Vitamin Complex (B3, B5, B7, B12, C, E) and smoothing Silicones, built upon a deeply cleansing Sulfate-based surfactant system.

Performance Rating: 4.1

This formula relies on a robust surfactant system (Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which guarantees a rich lather and effective removal of oil and buildup, though it may be drying for some hair types. It is heavily fortified with a vitamin complex including Panthenol (B5), Biotin, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C & E, which supports hair health, although the contact time in a rinse-off product limits efficacy. The inclusion of Dimethiconol (a silicone) and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride ensures immediate cosmetic benefits like slip, detangling, and shine.

Safety Rating: 3.1

The profile is typical of standard commercial shampoos but contains several potential irritants. It utilizes sulfates and ethoxylated ingredients (SLES, PEGs), which can be stripping to the scalp and carry low-level contamination risks. The product contains synthetic fragrance and specific sensitizing allergens like Limonene, Linalool, and Benzyl Alcohol. Additionally, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is included; TEA-based compounds can pose nitrosamine concerns if not properly formulated.

Final Rating: 3.6

This is a high-performing commercial shampoo designed for consumers seeking a ‘salon-smooth’ finish and deep clean. The combination of strong cleansers and silicones effectively manages frizz and adds shine, while the multivitamin blend adds marketing appeal and minor conditioning benefits. However, it lacks the gentleness of sulfate-free options and is not suitable for the ‘Curly Girl Method’ or those with very sensitive scalps due to the presence of sulfates and fragrance allergens.

Verdict

This shampoo formulation represents a classic, high-performance drugstore cleanser designed to deliver immediate cosmetic results through a combination of strong detergents and effective smoothing agents. At its core, the product relies on a heavy-duty surfactant system involving Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate. These are potent anionic surfactants known for their ability to produce rich foam and strip away heavy oils, dirt, and styling product buildup. While highly effective at cleaning, this combination can be somewhat stripping, potentially drying out hair strands that are already porous or lacking moisture.

To counterbalance the harshness of the cleansers, the formula incorporates Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a mild amphoteric surfactant that improves the texture of the lather and reduces potential irritation. However, the most prominent feature on the label is the extensive Vitamin Complex. The inclusion of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Biotin (Vitamin B7) creates a compelling narrative regarding hair health. While these ingredients are superstars in skincare, their efficacy in a shampoo is often debated; since the product is rinsed off quickly, these vitamins may not have sufficient time to penetrate the scalp or hair shaft to provide deep structural repair, serving more as a marketing highlight than a functional revolution.

On the functional conditioning side, the product utilizes Dimethiconol, a silicone that provides excellent slip and lubricity. This ingredient coats the cuticle to lock in moisture—aided by Panthenol—and creates a smooth, light-reflective surface that mimics the appearance of healthy, shiny hair. This makes the shampoo particularly good at detangling and managing frizz in the short term. The aesthetic experience is further enhanced by Mica and Titanium Dioxide, which give the liquid a pearlescent, premium look.

However, potential users should be aware of the preservation and fragrance system. The product contains Amyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Linalool, which are fragrance components that can trigger reactions in those with sensitive scalps or fragrance allergies. Additionally, the high salt content (Sodium Chloride) used for thickening may be incompatible with certain professional keratin treatments. Overall, this is a solid choice for those with oily to normal hair who want a deep clean and the signature silicone smoothness of a commercial salon product.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 WATER (EAU) / 水

Purpose: Base solvent for formula

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid shampoos.

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

🧪 SODIUM C12-13 PARETH SULFATE / C12-13 链烷醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary cleanser and foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin

Notes: A synthetic surfactant.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can cause allergies

Notes: Helps reduce irritation from stronger sulfates.

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Strong cleanser and foaming agent

Concerns: Can strip natural oils; potential irritant

Notes: Commonly known as SLES.

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

Purpose: Cleansing agent and emulsifier

Concerns: Can be irritating

Notes: Often used in combination with other surfactants.

🧪 COCAMIDE MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Foam booster and thickener

Concerns: Potential for impurity formation (nitrosamines) if not pure

Notes: Adds creaminess to the lather.

📁 Vitamins & Conditioning Agents / 维生素与调理剂

🧪 CYANOCOBALAMIN / 氰钴胺 (维生素B12)

Purpose: Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetic form of Vitamin B12.

🧪 PANTHENOL / 泛醇 (维生素B5)

Purpose: Moisturizer and strengthener

Concerns: None

Notes: Penetrates hair shaft to improve hydration.

🧪 ASCORBIC ACID / 抗坏血酸 (维生素C)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Can be unstable in water formulations

Notes: Helps protect against oxidative stress.

🧪 TOCOPHERYL ACETATE / 生育酚乙酸酯 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant and conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Stable form of Vitamin E.

🧪 NIACINAMIDE / 烟酰胺 (维生素B3)

Purpose: Scalp conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves scalp barrier function.

🧪 BIOTIN / 生物素 (维生素B7)

Purpose: Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often marketed for hair strengthening.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the hair.

🧪 GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic and conditioning agent

Concerns: Buildup potential if overused

Notes: Makes hair easier to comb.

📁 Silicones / 硅油

🧪 DIMETHICONOL / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Smoothing and shine

Concerns: Can cause buildup; requires sulfate to wash out

Notes: A silicone gum often used for split ends.

📁 Texture & Viscosity Modifiers / 质地与粘度调节剂

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 GLYCOL DISTEARATE / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Pearlizing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener and suspension agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps control viscosity.

🧪 PEG-45M / PEG-45M

Purpose: Binder and stabilizer

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (contamination concerns)

Notes: High molecular weight polymer.

🧪 PPG-9 / PPG-9

Purpose: Emollient and solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Balances the alkalinity of surfactants.

🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Generally safe, limited concern regarding Vitamin C interaction under heat

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 DOSODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Typo in input (likely Disodium EDTA). Binds to metal ions in water.

📁 Fragrance & Allergens / 香精与致敏原

🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis

Notes: Proprietary blend of chemicals.

🧪 AMYL CINNAMAL / 戊基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance ingredient

Concerns: Known fragrance allergen

Notes: Smells like jasmine.

🧪 BENZYL ALCOHOL / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Fragrance and preservative

Concerns: Known allergen; can be drying

Notes: Aromatic alcohol.

🧪 LIMONENE / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance ingredient

Concerns: Known fragrance allergen

Notes: Citrus scent.

🧪 LINALOOL / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance ingredient

Concerns: Known fragrance allergen

Notes: Floral scent.

📁 Colorants / 着色剂

🧪 MICA (CI 77019) / 云母

Purpose: Aesthetic shimmer

Concerns: Ethical sourcing issues commonly associated with mica

Notes: Adds sparkle to the product.

🧪 TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) / 二氧化钛

Purpose: White pigment/Opacifier

Concerns: None in wash-off products

Notes: Makes the formula opaque.