Amazon Basics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for Hair, with Peppermint

An invigorating, deeply clarifying shampoo formulated with a refreshing blend of tea tree oil and peppermint that delivers a signature cooling tingle while thoroughly cleansing the hair and scalp.

Performance Rating: 8.1

The high performance rating of 8.1/10 is driven by an effective combination of deep-cleansing surfactants and refreshing scalp-care agents. The presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, boosted by Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Cocamide MIPA, ensures rich lathering and powerful dirt and oil removal. For conditioning and smoothness, the formula incorporates Polyquaternium-7 along with silicones like Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone and PEG-12 Dimethicone to detangle and add shine. Active botanicals such as Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Menthol deliver a highly refreshing, cooling sensation that stimulates the scalp, while humectants like Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, and Panthenol help to prevent total moisture depletion.

Safety Rating: 5.1

The moderate safety rating of 5.1/10 is primarily due to several known irritants and sensitizers. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a harsh surfactant that can strip the scalp’s natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. More importantly, the formulation includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, which are potent contact allergens and preservatives known for triggering contact dermatitis. Additionally, the inclusion of synthetic Fragrance and artificial dyes like Blue 1 and Yellow 5 poses potential risks for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

Final Rating: 6.5

The overall rating of 6.5/10 reflects a compromise between excellent cleansing efficacy and a relatively high potential for scalp irritation. While the shampoo offers superb clarifying power, a tingling sensation from Menthol and Tea Tree Oil, and excellent hair-softening benefits, it relies on older, harsher preservative systems like Methylisothiazolinone and stripping surfactants like SLS. It is a strong performer for those with normal to oily scalps, but individuals prone to eczema, allergies, or dry scalp should approach this formulation with caution.

Verdict

This product is a classic salon-staple formulation that centers around a highly therapeutic and refreshing sensory experience. The backbone of its cleansing system relies on a robust combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), supported by secondary surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Cocamide MIPA. This potent blend creates an incredibly rich, dense lather that effectively cuts through heavy oil, stubborn styling products, and environmental debris on the scalp. However, because it contains these strong primary anionic surfactants, it delivers a very intense wash that can strip the hair of its natural lipids if used too frequently or on inherently dry hair types. To balance this heavy-duty cleansing power and protect the strands, the formula incorporates lightweight conditioning polymers like Polyquaternium-7 alongside advanced water-soluble silicones such as Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone and PEG-12 Dimethicone. These silicones selectively target damaged areas of the hair cuticle to provide slip, detangling, and shine without leaving a heavy, suffocating buildup. The true highlight of this shampoo lies in its signature scalp-stimulating botanical blend. Infused with Menthol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, it provides an immediate, intense cooling tingle that stimulates blood circulation in the hair follicles. This sensory action is highly refreshing, offering an invigorating morning wake-up call or a revitalizing post-workout cleanse. Tea tree oil brings natural antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to the table, helping to control mild dandruff, soothe itchy conditions, and regulate excess sebum production. It is paired with calming extracts of Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis and Chamomilla Recutita) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice to pacify irritated skin. Nourishing ingredients like Wheat Germ Oil and mineral-rich Seaweed Extract further condition the hair shaft, ensuring that the scalp feels clean without leaving the hair completely dehydrated. Despite its many benefits, there are several formulation choices to keep in mind before purchasing. The inclusion of strong sulfates makes it less ideal for color-treated or highly damaged, dry, and brittle hair types, as it can accelerate color fading and exacerbate overall moisture loss over time. Furthermore, the presence of the preservatives Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone can act as contact allergens for individuals with severe eczema, scalp psoriasis, or heightened skin sensitivities. Additionally, the formula contains artificial colorants Blue 1 and Yellow 5 to achieve its aesthetic green hue, which some ingredient-conscious consumers prefer to avoid. Ultimately, for anyone seeking a deep, purifying cleanse that leaves the scalp feeling exceptionally fresh, clean, and awake, this iconic formulation remains an outstanding therapeutic choice.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary surfactant and foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying and potentially irritating to sensitive scalps.

Notes: Provides effective cleansing and a rich lather.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric co-surfactant

Concerns: Mild, but may cause contact allergy in rare cases.

Notes: Helps reduce irritation from harsh surfactants and stabilizes lather.

🧪 COCAMIDE MIPA / 椰油酰胺 MIPA

Purpose: Co-surfactant and foam booster

Concerns: Generally safe, but has a slight risk of sensitization.

Notes: Used as an alternative to Cocamide DEA to build viscosity and improve foam.

🧪 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Strong surfactant and cleansing agent

Concerns: High potential for skin irritation and drying.

Notes: Stronger and harsher than SLES, often minimized in modern mild formulas.

📁 Solvents & Carriers / 溶剂与载体

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Primary solvent and product base

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to dissolve other ingredients and form the liquid base of the shampoo.

🧪 PROPYLENE GLYCOL / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant and solvent

Concerns: Can cause mild irritation in high concentrations on extremely sensitive skin.

Notes: Helps the formula retain moisture and enhances ingredient penetration.

📁 Hair Conditioning & Moisturizing Agents / 头发调理与保湿剂

🧪 POLYQUATERNIUM-7 / 聚季铵盐-7

Purpose: Cationic conditioning polymer

Concerns: None under normal cosmetic use.

Notes: Helps detangle hair, reduce static electricity, and provide a smooth feel.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant and moisturizing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the hair and scalp to maintain hydration.

🧪 PANTHENOL / 泛醇

Purpose: Pro-vitamin B5 conditioning agent

Concerns: Extremely low risk of irritation.

Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to provide deep moisture, improving elasticity and shine.

🧪 BISAMINO PEG/PPG-41/3 AMINOETHYL PG-PROPYL DIMETHICONE / 双氨基 PEG/PPG-41/3 氨乙基 PG-丙基聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone conditioning agent

Concerns: May cause buildup on hair over time if not washed thoroughly.

Notes: Provides advanced conditioning, smoothness, and thermal protection.

🧪 PEG-12 DIMETHICONE / PEG-12 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Water-soluble silicone conditioner

Concerns: Very low risk, unlikely to build up.

Notes: Offers light conditioning and shine without weighing down the hair.

📁 Botanical Extracts & Essential Oils / 植物提取物与精油

🧪 MENTHOL / 薄荷醇

Purpose: Cooling and soothing agent

Concerns: Can be sensitizing or irritating to sensitive or damaged scalps.

Notes: Provides a refreshing cooling sensation and helps stimulate scalp circulation.

🧪 MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF OIL / 互生叶白千层(茶树)叶油

Purpose: Antimicrobial and anti-dandruff agent

Concerns: May cause contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to essential oils.

Notes: Known for its purifying, soothing, and clarifying properties.

🧪 MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) OIL / 辣薄荷(薄荷)油

Purpose: Fragrance and scalp stimulant

Concerns: Essential oils can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Invigorates the scalp and imparts a pleasant minty scent.

🧪 TRITICUM VULGARE (WHEAT) GERM OIL / 小麦胚芽油

Purpose: Emollient and conditioning agent

Concerns: Low risk, but individuals with wheat allergies should exercise caution.

Notes: Rich in vitamin E, deeply nourishes dry hair and scalp.

🧪 ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER EXTRACT / 白花春黄菊花提取物

Purpose: Soothing and anti-inflammatory agent

Concerns: Rare potential for allergic reactions in individuals allergic to Asteraceae plants.

Notes: Commonly known as Roman Chamomile, helps soothe scalp irritation.

🧪 CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT / 母菊花提取物

Purpose: Soothing, conditioning, and anti-inflammatory agent

Concerns: Extremely rare risk of Asteraceae allergy.

Notes: German Chamomile, calms sensitive scalps and adds shine to hair.

🧪 ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Hydrating, soothing, and conditioning agent

Concerns: Minimal concerns, highly tolerated.

Notes: Intensely hydrates the scalp and hair while reducing irritation.

🧪 HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM ROOT EXTRACT / 姜花根提取物

Purpose: Conditioning and scalp-toning agent

Concerns: Minimal.

Notes: Also known as White Ginger Lily, helps condition the scalp and add shine.

🧪 ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant and scalp conditioning agent

Concerns: Low risk, can occasionally sensitize highly sensitive skin.

Notes: Promotes healthy hair growth and helps balance scalp oils.

🧪 FUCUS VESICULOSUS EXTRACT / 墨角藻提取物

Purpose: Humectant and scalp conditioning agent

Concerns: None.

Notes: A type of seaweed extract rich in vitamins and minerals, helping to hydrate and protect the scalp.

📁 Viscosity Control & Stabilizers / 粘度控制与稳定剂

🧪 GLYCOL STEARATE / 乙二醇硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Opacifying and pearlescent agent

Concerns: None.

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent, creamy appearance.

🧪 PEG-150 DISTEARATE / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener and emulsifier

Concerns: Ethoxylated compound with rare potential trace impurities, though strictly purified.

Notes: Used to thicken surfactant-based hair care products.

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity builder

Concerns: High concentrations can dry out the hair and scalp.

Notes: Common table salt, used to thicken anionic surfactant systems.

📁 Preservatives & Chelating Agents / 防腐剂与螯合剂

🧪 TETRASODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: Low environmental persistence, but safe for skin.

Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent formula spoilage and improve lathering in hard water.

🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High potential for contact allergy and sensitization; restricted to rinse-off products.

Notes: Commonly combined with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG) to prevent microbial growth.

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Known contact allergen; strictly regulated and allowed only in rinse-off products.

Notes: Effective antimicrobial preservative, but should be avoided by sensitive individuals.

📁 Fragrance, pH Adjusters & Colorants / 香精、pH调节剂与着色剂

🧪 FRAGRANCE / 香精

Purpose: Scenting agent

Concerns: A common allergen and skin irritant for sensitive individuals.

Notes: Enhances the user experience with scent but can be sensitizing.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Safe, but can cause mild eye irritation if contacted.

Notes: Adjusts product pH to match the naturally slightly acidic pH of the hair and scalp.

🧪 BLUE 1 / 蓝色 1 号

Purpose: Synthetic colorant

Concerns: Low risk of irritation.

Notes: Color index CI 42090, used to dye the product blue.

🧪 YELLOW 5 / 黄色 5 号

Purpose: Synthetic colorant

Concerns: Rare potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Color index CI 19140, used to dye the product yellow.