A heavy-duty drugstore formula featuring a blend of strong sulfates for deep cleansing and smoothing silicones to tame frizz and add shine.
This formula is designed for high-efficacy cleansing and smoothing. The combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate creates a rich lather that effectively removes heavy oil and product buildup. To counterbalance the strong surfactants, the inclusion of silicones like Dimethicone and Dimethiconol, along with Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Histidine, ensures the hair remains detangled and smooth. However, it may be too stripping for dry, curly, or color-treated hair.
While compliant with cosmetic regulations, this ingredient list contains several potential irritants. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong surfactant known to cause skin irritation and dryness in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the preservatives Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone are known contact allergens and sensitizers, which may cause scalp itching or dermatitis. The presence of unspecified Fragrance also introduces a risk for those with scent sensitivities.
This is a quintessential mass-market formulation (likely a Pantene product) that prioritizes cosmetic elegance and heavy-duty cleaning over gentleness. It earns a solid rating for doing exactly what it promises: cleaning thoroughly and smoothing the hair cuticle. However, it loses points for using harsh sulfates and allergenic preservatives that are increasingly avoided in modern, gentler haircare formulations.
This formulation represents a quintessential mass-market shampoo designed to provide a robust lather and immediate cosmetic smoothing. At its core, the cleansing system relies on a combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These are highly effective anionic surfactants that strip away sebum, dirt, and product buildup with ease. While this ensures the hair feels squeaky clean, the inclusion of SLS specifically can be quite drying for those with naturally parched strands or sensitive scalps.
To counterbalance the harshness of the sulfates, the formula includes a significant amount of conditioning agents. Dimethicone and Dimethiconol are non-water-soluble silicones that coat the hair shaft. This coating action is excellent for locking in moisture, reducing friction during brushing, and providing that signature slip that makes hair feel silky immediately after washing. However, because these silicones are heavy, they require the strong sulfates present here to wash them out in subsequent showers, creating a cycle that works well for some but leads to buildup for others.
The product also features a signature blend of Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Histidine. These ingredients penetrate the hair fiber to provide some level of strengthening and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. This suggests the product is marketed towards damage repair or daily moisture, aiming to patch up the hair cuticle superficially.
From a safety and sensitivity standpoint, consumers should note the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Often referred to as the “Itchy Ms,” these strong preservatives are known allergens and can cause contact dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin. Furthermore, the high salt content and sulfates make this a poor choice for keratin-treated or freshly colored hair, as it will likely strip the treatment or vibrancy faster than sulfate-free alternatives.
Ultimately, this shampoo is a workhorse for those with oily scalps and thick, durable hair who need strong degreasing power coupled with heavy cosmetic smoothing. It is less suitable for the “curly girl method” or those seeking a gentle, low-poo routine.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Base solvent used to dissolve other ingredients.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid shampoos.
🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary cleansing agent and foaming agent.
Concerns: Can be drying to the scalp; generally considered milder than SLS.
Notes: Ethoxylated surfactant.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Strong cleansing agent for removing oil and dirt.
Concerns: High potential for irritation and stripping natural oils from hair if concentration is high.
Notes: A very efficient cleanser.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Secondary surfactant; boosts foam and reduces irritation.
Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Notes: Amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.
🧪 TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate / 十二烷基苯磺酸三乙醇胺
Purpose: Cleansing agent and emulsifier.
Concerns: Can be irritating to skin and eyes.
Notes: Often used to help suspend silicones in the formula.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone that smooths the cuticle and adds shine.
Concerns: Can cause buildup on hair over time if not washed out properly.
Notes: Provides ‘slip’ to the hair.
🧪 Dimethiconol / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇
Purpose: Silicone gum used for conditioning and split end repair.
Concerns: Potential for buildup; non-water soluble.
Notes: Usually used in conjunction with other silicones.
🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Cationic polymer that reduces static and detangles.
Concerns: Buildup is possible with excessive use.
Notes: Derived from Guar gum.
🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇
Purpose: Pro-Vitamin B5; penetrates hair to provide moisture.
Concerns: None generally.
Notes: Humectant and emollient.
🧪 Panthenyl Ethyl Ether / 泛醇基乙基醚
Purpose: Conditioning agent; a derivative of Panthenol.
Concerns: None generally.
Notes: Helps improve hair texture.
🧪 Histidine / 组氨酸
Purpose: Amino acid; acts as an antioxidant and chelator.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps protect hair from oxidative damage.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Pearlizing agent; gives shampoo a pearlescent appearance.
Concerns: None generally.
Notes: Purely aesthetic, does not clean or condition.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickener; adjusts the viscosity of the product.
Concerns: Can be drying to hair in very high concentrations.
Notes: Common table salt.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol that thickens the formula and softens hair.
Concerns: None; this is a ‘good’ alcohol that is not drying.
Notes: Acts as an emollient.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol used as an opacity agent and emollient.
Concerns: None; this is a moisturizing alcohol.
Notes: Helps smooth the hair surface.
🧪 Sodium Xylenesulfonate / 二甲苯磺酸钠
Purpose: Hydrotrope; ensures ingredients stay blended and adjusts thickness.
Concerns: Can be slightly irritating to sensitive skin.
Notes: Helps solubilize other ingredients.
🧪 Trideceth-10 / 十三烷醇聚醚-10
Purpose: Emulsifier; helps mix oil and water.
Concerns: Contamination concerns related to manufacturing process (ethoxylation).
Notes: Often found in silicone blends.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: Buffer; maintains the pH balance of the product.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Salt of citric acid.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: Adjusts pH to be skin-friendly.
Concerns: Can cause stinging on open wounds.
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits.
🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent; binds metal ions in water (softens water).
Concerns: Environmental accumulation concerns.
Notes: Helps the preservative work better and prevents mineral buildup.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Antifungal and antibacterial preservative.
Concerns: Generally safe, but pH dependent.
Notes: Common food-grade preservative.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Strong preservative against bacteria and fungi.
Concerns: Known contact allergen; can cause itchy scalp in sensitive individuals.
Notes: Often referred to as CMIT.
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Known contact allergen; can cause sensitization.
Notes: Often referred to as MIT; usually paired with CMIT.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Adds scent to the product.
Concerns: Common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Notes: Exact composition is usually proprietary.