This is a color-correcting purple shampoo designed to neutralize brassy yellow tones in blonde, silver, and gray hair while providing a thorough cleanse.
The formula uses Sodium laureth sulfate and Cocamidopropyl betaine to provide strong cleansing and rich lather. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed vegetable protein and Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride ensures that the hair remains conditioned and strengthened during the wash. Additionally, Violet 2 indicates this is an effective toning shampoo designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde or gray hair.
The presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone is a concern as these are potent contact allergens and sensitizers, often restricted in leave-on products but still potentially irritating in rinse-off formulas. Sodium laureth sulfate can be drying or irritating to those with sensitive scalps, and the inclusion of Fragrance further increases the risk of a reaction for sensitive individuals.
This is a highly functional purple shampoo that will likely deliver good aesthetic results, particularly for color-treated hair. However, its reliance on aggressive preservatives and sulfates makes it less ideal for users with sensitive skin or those seeking a more ‘clean’ beauty profile. It is a standard, commercial-grade product that balances performance with cost-effective but potentially irritating ingredients.
This formulation is a classic example of a toning shampoo aimed at maintaining the vibrancy of cool-toned hair. The inclusion of Violet 2 (CI 60730) confirms its primary function: to counteract yellow undertones through color theory. On the cleansing side, it utilizes Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) as the primary surfactant. While SLES is effective at removing oils and product buildup, it is generally considered more stripping than sulfate-free alternatives, which may be a concern for those with chemically processed or naturally dry hair. To mitigate potential dryness, the formula incorporates Cocamidopropyl betaine and Glycerin, which provide a milder touch and help retain some moisture during the wash process. The addition of Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a significant benefit for blonde hair, which is often compromised by bleach or environmental stressors. This protein helps to strengthen the hair shaft and improve elasticity, offering a level of structural support alongside the aesthetic color correction. The texture and application are enhanced by Glycol distearate and Glycol stearate, which give the shampoo a pearlescent, creamy consistency, while Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride serves as a conditioning agent to help with detangling—a crucial step for hair types prone to knotting. One potential drawback is the preservative system, which includes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients, often referred to as the ‘itchy Ms,’ are potent antimicrobials but are known sensitizers that can cause contact dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin. Furthermore, the presence of Fragrance (Parfum) and Propylene glycol may irritate those with reactive scalps. Overall, this shampoo is an effective tool for maintaining cool blonde tones, but it should be used judiciously—perhaps once or twice a week—rather than as a daily cleanser to avoid over-drying the hair or irritating the scalp. Its balance of pigment and protein makes it a solid choice for color-treated individuals looking for salon-quality maintenance at home.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary carrier for all other ingredients.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant and Solvent
Concerns: Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
Notes: Helps active ingredients penetrate the hair shaft.
🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary Surfactant
Concerns: Can be drying to the scalp and hair.
Notes: A common foaming agent that provides deep cleansing.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Secondary Surfactant
Concerns: Potential for contact allergy in some users.
Notes: A milder surfactant often used to reduce irritation from sulfates.
🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA
Purpose: Foam Booster and Thickener
Concerns: Potential contamination with nitrosamines.
Notes: Increases foam stability and product viscosity.
🧪 Ricinoleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate / 蓖麻油酰胺丙基乙基二甲基铵乙基硫酸盐
Purpose: Conditioning Agent
Concerns: Low
Notes: Antistatic agent derived from castor oil.
🧪 Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate / 亚油酰胺丙基 PG-二甲基氯化铵磷酸酯
Purpose: Conditioning Agent
Concerns: Low
Notes: Provides essential fatty acids and improves combability.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps hair retain moisture.
🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Conditioning Polymer
Concerns: Low
Notes: A cationic polymer that helps detangle hair.
🧪 Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein / 水解植物蛋白
Purpose: Hair Strengthening
Concerns: None
Notes: Proteins help repair damaged hair cuticles.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇双硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Pearlizing Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the shampoo a shiny, pearlescent appearance.
🧪 Glycol Stearate / 乙二醇硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Emulsifier and Pearlizing Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Adds opacity and thickness to the formula.
🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: Low
Notes: A fatty acid used to stabilize the emulsion.
🧪 Disodium Phosphate / 磷酸氢二钠
Purpose: Buffering Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps maintain the desired pH level.
🧪 Aminomethyl Propanol / 氨甲基丙醇
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Low
Notes: Used to neutralize acidity.
🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: Environmental accumulation
Notes: Prevents minerals in hard water from affecting the formula.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Possible eye irritation
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits to balance the pH.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scenting
Concerns: Potential allergen
Notes: Provides the product’s characteristic smell.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: High risk of skin sensitization/allergy
Notes: Commonly used in rinse-off products.
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Known contact allergen
Notes: Strong preservative often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone.
🧪 Violet 2 (CI 60730) / 外用紫 2
Purpose: Colorant
Concerns: Low
Notes: Often used in purple shampoos to neutralize yellow/brassy tones.