A robust, heavy-duty cleanser driven by strong sulfates and smoothed over with silicones and shea butter for a polished finish.
This formula is a robust chemical engineering powerhouse designed for efficacy. It utilizes a strong surfactant system consisting of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, ensuring rich lather and effective removal of sebum and styling buildup. To counter the stripping nature of these detergents, it includes high-performance conditioners like Dimethicone (a silicone for slip and shine), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, and Polyquaternium-6. The addition of Shea Butter and Panthenol adds moisturizing properties, making this excellent for detangling and smoothing dry or frizzy hair.
While safe for use as directed, the ingredient profile contains several potential irritants. The presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’) is a significant drawback for those with sensitive skin, as these are known allergens. Furthermore, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a harsh detergent that can cause dryness or irritation of the scalp. The inclusion of unspecified Fragrance also presents a risk for those with scent sensitivities.
This is a classic, high-efficacy mass-market formulation (likely a Pantene product). It scores high on performance because it effectively cleans and conditions, leaving hair feeling smooth and manageable. However, the safety profile is dragged down by the reliance on older, harsher preservative systems and strong sulfates. It is an excellent choice for resilience and cosmetic feel but may not be suitable for the ‘clean beauty’ consumer or those with sensitive scalps.
This formulation represents a classic, high-performance drugstore approach to hair care, prioritizing a deep clean followed by cosmetic smoothing. At the forefront of the ingredient list are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are powerful anionic surfactants known for their exceptional ability to cut through grease, environmental pollutants, and heavy styling product buildup. Consequently, this shampoo is likely to provide a “squeaky clean” feeling, making it highly effective for individuals who struggle with excessive sebum production or who go several days between washes. However, the sheer strength of these cleansers means they can be drying, stripping the hair of its natural oils if used too frequently on delicate strands.
To counterbalance the stripping nature of the sulfates, the formula incorporates a significant conditioning system. Dimethicone, a widely used silicone, is included to coat the hair shaft. This creates a protective barrier that locks in hydration, reduces friction during combing, and imparts a glossy shine. This silicone coating is essential for preventing the “straw-like” texture that SLS can sometimes leave behind. The addition of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract further suggests an attempt to infuse moisture, though in a surfactant-heavy rinse-off product, these ingredients often serve more to soften the hair’s surface feel rather than provide deep structural repair. The inclusion of Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Histidine adds a layer of antioxidant protection and potential strengthening, which is a nice touch for a standard formula.
Despite its effectiveness at cleaning and smoothing, the ingredient profile poses risks for specific users. The preservative system relies on Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, frequently cited allergens known to cause contact dermatitis or scalp irritation in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the combination of sulfates and salt (Sodium Chloride) can be particularly harsh on color-treated hair, accelerating fading. Ultimately, this product is a workhorse for resilient, oily, or virgin hair types that need significant clarifying power and detangling, but it lacks the gentle touch required for dry, damaged, or sensitive scalps.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Base solvent for the formula
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary ingredient in most liquid shampoos.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠
Purpose: Strong cleansing and foaming agent
Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin and strip hair color
Notes: A very common, effective, but harsh anionic surfactant.
🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Cleansing and foaming agent
Concerns: Less irritating than SLS, but still can be drying
Notes: Ethoxylated version of SLS, gentler and widely used.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Mild co-surfactant and foam booster
Concerns: Generally safe, rare allergic reactions
Notes: Helps reduce the irritation potential of sulfates.
🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA
Purpose: Foam stabilizer and thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from coconut oil.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone coating for smoothness and shine
Concerns: Can cause buildup if not washed out properly
Notes: Provides ‘slip’ and detangling.
🧪 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract / 椰子果提取物
Purpose: Moisturizing and conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Natural extract.
🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 牛油果树果脂
Purpose: Emollient and moisturizer
Concerns: Can weigh down fine hair
Notes: Rich in fatty acids.
🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5)
Purpose: Humectant, strengthens hair shaft
Concerns: None
Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5.
🧪 Panthenyl Ethyl Ether / 泛醇基乙基醚
Purpose: Conditioning agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Derivative of Panthenol.
🧪 Histidine / 组氨酸
Purpose: Amino acid, antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Protects hair from oxidative damage.
🧪 Zea Mays (Corn) Silk Extract / 玉米须提取物
Purpose: Conditioning and soothing
Concerns: None
Notes: Botanical extract.
🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Anti-static and conditioning agent
Concerns: Buildup potential
Notes: Cationic polymer that neutralizes negative charges on hair.
🧪 Polyquaternium-6 / 聚季铵盐-6
Purpose: Anti-static and film former
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps hair lay flat.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Pearlizing agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent, shiny look.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Balances the pH to be skin-friendly.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: pH buffer
Concerns: None
Notes: Maintains pH stability.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations
Notes: Table salt, used to adjust viscosity.
🧪 Sodium Xylenesulfonate / 二甲苯磺酸钠
Purpose: Hydrotrope
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and clarify the formula.
🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds to minerals in hard water to improve efficacy.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Generally safe
Notes: Fights fungi and bacteria.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Strong preservative
Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen
Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG).
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Strong preservative
Concerns: Known skin sensitizer and allergen
Notes: Can cause itchy scalp in sensitive individuals.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Potential allergen for sensitive skin
Notes: Proprietary blend of scent compounds.