Amazon Basics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for Hair, with Peppermint

A deep-cleansing and invigorating shampoo formulated with Tea Tree oil, Peppermint, and strong sulfates to remove impurities and stimulate the scalp.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This formula represents a high-performance deep cleansing and invigorating shampoo. The combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate creates a robust lather that effectively strips grease and product buildup, making it ideal for oily scalps. The inclusion of Menthol, Tea Tree Oil, and Peppermint Oil provides a strong cooling sensation and scalp stimulation. Conditioning agents like Panthenol and PEG-12 Dimethicone are present to add slip and manageability, though the strong surfactant system means it may be too drying for curly, dry, or color-treated hair.

Safety Rating: 2.6

The safety rating is compromised by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, widely recognized preservatives that are known skin sensitizers and common allergens. Additionally, the dual-sulfate formula (SLS and SLES) increases the potential for skin and eye irritation, particularly for sensitive users. The formula also contains ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs) and synthetic dyes (Blue 1, Yellow 5), which are often avoided in modern clean-beauty standards due to potential contamination and sensitivity concerns.

Final Rating: 3.4

This is a classic salon-style formula (likely a Tea Tree variant) that excels at its specific purpose: clarifying and refreshing the scalp. However, it relies on older, harsher chemical technologies. While highly effective for those needing a deep clean and the therapeutic feeling of tea tree and mint, it loses points for containing harsh sulfates and sensitizing preservatives that make it unsuitable for daily use on fragile hair or sensitive skin.

Verdict

This shampoo is a powerhouse for those seeking a deep clean and a sensory wake-up call. The formula relies heavily on strong surfactants, specifically Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These ingredients are highly effective at breaking down oils and removing product buildup, making this product an excellent choice for individuals with oily scalps or those who use heavy styling products. The inclusion of Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps to soften the blow slightly, but the overall profile is undeniably potent and clarifying. The star attractions here are undoubtedly the botanicals. Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Menthol create a famous tingle effect that stimulates circulation and provides a refreshing cooling sensation. This combination is often celebrated for its ability to soothe itchiness associated with dandruff or oily conditions, although the strong detergent base might be too harsh for dry itchiness. The addition of Panthenol and Wheat Germ Oil attempts to put some moisture back into the hair, improving texture and shine, while Dimethicone derivatives aid in detangling. However, this potency comes with caveats. The high concentration of sulfates means this shampoo can be stripping, potentially leaving dry or damaged hair feeling straw-like if used daily. Furthermore, sulfates are notorious for fading hair dye, so those with color-treated hair should proceed with caution. From a safety perspective, the inclusion of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone is worth noting. These preservatives are effective but are known allergens that can cause contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin. Combined with the potential irritation from sulfates and strong essential oils, this is not a product for delicate scalps. Ultimately, this is a fantastic reset shampoo for oily hair types or an occasional clarifying wash, but it lacks the gentleness required for fragile hair ecosystems.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent/Base

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary liquid base for the shampoo.

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

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary Cleanser/Foaming Agent

Concerns: Can be stripping to natural oils; less irritating than SLS.

Notes: A common ethoxylated sulfate surfactant.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary Surfactant/Foam Booster

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can cause irritation.

Notes: Helps reduce the harshness of sulfates.

🧪 COCAMIDE MIPA / 椰油酰胺 MIPA

Purpose: Foam Stabilizer/Thickener

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Used to improve the texture of the foam.

🧪 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Strong Cleanser

Concerns: High potential for skin irritation and drying; strips hair color.

Notes: A strong anionic surfactant, harsher than SLES.

📁 Conditioning & Moisturizing Agents / 调理与保湿剂

🧪 POLYQUATERNIUM-7 / 聚季铵盐-7

Purpose: Antistatic/Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Synthetic polymer that helps detangle and smooth hair.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the hair.

🧪 PROPYLENE GLYCOL / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant/Solvent

Concerns: Can be a skin irritant for some sensitive individuals.

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the hair shaft.

🧪 PANTHENOL / 泛醇

Purpose: Pro-Vitamin B5/Strengthening

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves 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 Conditioner

Concerns: Buildup potential if not washed out properly.

Notes: Provides slip and heat protection.

🧪 PEG-12 DIMETHICONE / PEG-12 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Water-Soluble Silicone

Concerns: Low concern compared to non-soluble silicones.

Notes: Provides conditioning without heavy buildup.

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

Purpose: Emollient/Conditioner

Concerns: Gluten sensitivity (though usually safe in topicals).

Notes: Rich in Vitamin E.

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

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

Purpose: Antiseptic/Anti-dandruff

Concerns: Can irritate sensitive skin/eyes in high concentrations.

Notes: Famous for scalp health properties.

🧪 MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) OIL / 辣薄荷油

Purpose: Stimulating/Scent

Concerns: Can cause tingling or irritation on sensitive scalps.

Notes: Stimulates blood flow to the scalp.

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

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Roman Chamomile, calms the scalp.

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

Purpose: Soothing/Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None

Notes: German Chamomile, enhances highlights in blonde hair.

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

Purpose: Hydrating/Soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Great for itchy or dry scalps.

🧪 HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM ROOT EXTRACT / 姜花根提取物

Purpose: Scalp tonic/Scent

Concerns: None

Notes: Also known as White Ginger.

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

Purpose: Antioxidant/Stimulating

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to promote hair growth.

🧪 FUCUS VESICULOSUS EXTRACT / 墨角藻提取物

Purpose: Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A type of seaweed/bladderwrack rich in minerals.

📁 Sensory & Fragrance / 感官与香精

🧪 MENTHOL / 薄荷脑

Purpose: Cooling Agent

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and sensitive skin.

Notes: Provides the cooling sensation.

🧪 FRAGRANCE / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common allergen; undisclosed composition.

Notes: Synthetic or natural scent blend.

📁 Thickeners & Stabilizers / 增稠剂与稳定剂

🧪 GLYCOL STEARATE / 硬脂酸乙二醇酯

Purpose: Pearlizing Agent/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 PEG-150 DISTEARATE / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (contamination risk rare in modern manufacturing).

Notes: Creates a thick, viscous texture.

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations.

Notes: Table salt, thickens anionic surfactant systems.

📁 Preservatives & Chelators / 防腐剂与螯合剂

🧪 TETRASODIUM EDTA / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to stabilize the formula and boost preservatives.

🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High sensitization/allergy risk; often causes contact dermatitis.

Notes: Often part of a blend called Kathon CG.

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High sensitization/allergy risk.

Notes: Known allergen, restricted concentration in leave-on products.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH 调节剂

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from citrus, used to balance pH to be skin-friendly.

📁 Colorants / 着色剂

🧪 BLUE 1 / CI 42090 (亮蓝)

Purpose: Synthetic Dye

Concerns: Artificial additive.

Notes: Adds blue color.

🧪 YELLOW 5 / CI 19140 (柠檬黄)

Purpose: Synthetic Dye

Concerns: Artificial additive; potential allergen for some.

Notes: Adds yellow color.