A robust, cosmetic-forward shampoo utilizing sulfates, silicones, and keratin to deliver strong cleansing and immediate surface smoothing.
This formula is designed for high efficacy in a standard consumer context. The primary surfactant, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, combined with Cocamidopropyl Betaine, provides a rich lather and strong cleansing power. The inclusion of conditioning agents like Dimethiconol (a silicone), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, and Hydrolyzed Keratin creates a system that will effectively detangle, smooth frizz, and provide a ‘repaired’ feel to damaged hair immediately after washing.
The rating is impacted by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’), which are effective preservatives but are known skin sensitizers and common allergens. Additionally, Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be drying or irritating to sensitive scalps, and generic Fragrance is listed without specific allergen disclosure. Tetrasodium EDTA is also present, which enhances penetration of other ingredients.
This is a quintessential mass-market formulation (likely similar to Dove or TRESemmé). It scores high on cosmetic elegance—meaning it will make hair look and feel good (shiny, soft, clean). However, from an ingredient quality standpoint, it relies on older, harsher preservative technologies and sulfates rather than modern, gentle alternatives. It is effective but not hypoallergenic or ‘clean’ by modern standards.
This formulation relies on the industry-standard cleansing base of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) paired with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This combination ensures a rich, foamy lather that effectively cuts through grease, styling product residue, and environmental dirt. While SLES is generally less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it remains a potent detergent that provides a “squeaky clean” feeling, making it highly effective for those with oily scalps or significant buildup.
To counteract the stripping nature of the surfactants, the formula heavily incorporates conditioning agents. Dimethiconol serves as the primary silicone, coating the hair shaft to smooth down the cuticle, lock in moisture, and provide that desirable “slip” that makes detangling easier. This smoothing effect is reinforced by Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, a cationic polymer that combats static and improves wet combability. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Keratin is a key feature, suggesting a target demographic looking for repair; this protein helps temporarily fill in microscopic gaps in damaged hair strands to improve texture and resilience.
The sensory experience is clearly a priority in this product’s design. Ingredients like Glycol Distearate, Mica, and Titanium Dioxide are added solely to give the liquid a pearlescent, shimmering appearance, which consumers often associate with luxury and hydration. Glycerin is also present as a humectant, helping to attract moisture to the hair, although its effect is often secondary to the coating action of the silicones in rinse-off products.
However, consumers should be aware of the preservation system. The formula uses Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, often referred to as the “itchy Ms.” These are effective preservatives but are well-documented sensitizers that can cause allergic contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin. Additionally, the reliance on silicones means that while the hair will look shiny immediately, it may be prone to buildup over time, eventually requiring a clarifying wash to reset the hair’s volume.
🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水
Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients; forms the base of the product.
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid shampoos.
🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary cleanser and foaming agent.
Concerns: Can be drying; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
Notes: SLES is generally milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster, and thickener.
Concerns: Low risk; impurities can cause irritation.
Notes: Often used to reduce the irritation potential of ionic surfactants like SLES.
🧪 TEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE / 三乙醇胺十二烷基苯磺酸盐
Purpose: Cleansing agent and emulsifier.
Concerns: None significant in rinse-off products.
Notes: Helps suspend oil and dirt.
🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant that attracts moisture to hair and scalp.
Concerns: None
Notes: Classic moisturizing ingredient.
🧪 DIMETHICONOL / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇
Purpose: Silicone based conditioner; smooths hair cuticle and adds shine.
Concerns: Potential for buildup if not washed out properly.
Notes: Often works with anionic surfactants to remain on hair after rinsing.
🧪 GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Antistatic agent and conditioner; helps detangling.
Concerns: None
Notes: A cationic polymer derived from guar beans.
🧪 HYDROLYZED KERATIN / 水解角蛋白
Purpose: Protein that helps strengthen hair and repair damage.
Concerns: None
Notes: Mimics the natural protein structure of hair.
🧪 PPG-9 / PPG-9
Purpose: Emollient and skin conditioning agent.
Concerns: None
Notes: Polypropylene glycol ether.
🧪 POTASSIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钾
Purpose: Increases viscosity (thickness) of the formula.
Concerns: None
Notes: Works by interacting with surfactants to thicken the liquid.
🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer.
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps create a gel-like consistency.
🧪 STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER / 苯乙烯/丙烯酸（酯）类共聚物
Purpose: Opacifier and film former.
Concerns: None
Notes: Makes the formula look creamy and opaque.
🧪 GLYCOL DISTEARATE / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Pearlizing agent.
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent, shiny appearance.
🧪 PEG-45M / PEG-45M
Purpose: Binder, viscosity controller, and lubricant.
Concerns: Ethoxylation byproducts concern (impurities).
Notes: High molecular weight polyethylene glycol.
🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Prevents bacteria and mold growth.
Concerns: Known sensitizer and allergen.
Notes: Often paired with Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI blend).
🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Prevents bacteria and mold growth.
Concerns: Known sensitizer and allergen; can cause contact dermatitis.
Notes: Often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone.
🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸
Purpose: Adjusts the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits or fermentation.
🧪 TETRASODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent; binds to metal ions in water.
Concerns: None
Notes: Improves stability and efficacy in hard water.
🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精
Purpose: Provides scent.
Concerns: Common cause of allergic reactions; specific components usually undisclosed.
Notes: Added for sensory appeal.
🧪 MICA / 云母
Purpose: Adds shimmer or glitter effect.
Concerns: Ethical sourcing concerns in some supply chains.
Notes: A mineral powder.
🧪 TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) / 二氧化钛
Purpose: White pigment and opacifier.
Concerns: None in wash-off applications.
Notes: Often used with Mica for pearlescent effects.