A potent, clarifying anti-dandruff shampoo formulated with strong sulfates and lemon extract to combat oil and flakes, while utilizing silicones for conditioning.
This formula offers strong cleansing power due to the combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, making it highly effective for removing oil and buildup. It specifically targets dandruff with the inclusion of Piroctone Olamine, a well-regarded anti-fungal agent. Additionally, Dimethicone and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride provide conditioning and slip to prevent hair from feeling too stripped.
The product relies on Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’) for preservation, which are known skin sensitizers and allergens. The high concentration of Fragrance and harsh sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) may irritate sensitive scalps or cause dryness. It is not suitable for those seeking ‘clean’ or hypoallergenic formulations.
This is a standard mass-market anti-dandruff shampoo designed for oily hair types. While it is likely very effective at cleaning and controlling flake production, the harsh surfactant system and allergenic preservatives limit its suitability for daily use on dry, damaged, or sensitive hair.
This shampoo formulation presents a robust, heavy-duty profile primarily designed for deep cleansing and dandruff control. At the very top of the ingredient list, we find a combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This dual-sulfate approach creates a very strong surfactant system. While this ensures a rich lather and the complete removal of heavy grease, dirt, and stubborn styling product buildup, it is an aggressive approach to cleaning. For many hair types, specifically those that are dry, porous, or chemically treated, this level of detergency can strip away essential natural oils, potentially leading to straw-like texture and dehydration over time. To mitigate the stripping effects of the sulfates, the formula relies heavily on Dimethicone. This is a non-water-soluble silicone that coats the hair shaft. While it creates an immediate sensation of smoothness and slip—making detangling easier and imparting a cosmetic shine—it can lead to buildup if not washed out properly in subsequent washes. Alongside Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and fatty alcohols like Stearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol, the product attempts to reintroduce a conditioned feel immediately after the harsh wash, creating a balance between ‘squeaky clean’ and ‘manageable.’ The functional star of this ingredient list is Piroctone Olamine. As a specific anti-dandruff active, it is excellent for targeting the fungus responsible for seborrheic dermatitis. It is generally considered less toxic than Zinc Pyrithione but remains highly effective for reducing flaking and scalp itching. The addition of Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract supports the product’s likely positioning as a ‘fresh’ or ‘clarifying’ shampoo, offering mild astringent benefits that can help tighten pores and manage excessive sebum production on the scalp. However, there are significant caveats regarding the preservative system. The formulation utilizes Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These are potent preservatives that have a high rate of causing contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. Consequently, individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema should approach this product with extreme caution. Additionally, the inclusion of Fragrance and artificial dyes like CI 19140 (Yellow 5) and CI 42090 (Blue 1) serves no functional benefit for hair health and further increases the risk of irritation. Ultimately, this is a utilitarian product for oily, flaky scalps, but it lacks the gentleness required for holistic hair health maintenance.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Primary solvent base for the formula.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The main ingredient in most shampoos.
🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary cleanser and foaming agent.
Concerns: Can be drying to skin and hair; potential for 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing.
Notes: Generally milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Strong cleanser and foaming agent.
Concerns: High potential for irritation and stripping natural oils from hair.
Notes: Provides a very deep clean.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Mild co-surfactant used to boost foam and reduce irritation from stronger sulfates.
Concerns: Low risk, but impurities can cause allergic reactions.
Notes: Derived from coconut oil.
🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA
Purpose: Foam stabilizer and thickener.
Concerns: Can lead to buildup if not rinsed thoroughly.
Notes: Helps the foam creaminess.
🧪 Sodium Xylenesulfonate / 二甲苯磺酸钠
Purpose: Hydrotrope (helps other ingredients dissolve) and clarifier.
Concerns: None significant.
Notes: Ensures the formula remains uniform.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone that smooths hair, adds shine, and detangles.
Concerns: Can cause buildup on hair over time; not water-soluble.
Notes: Provides the ‘slippery’ feel.
🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Anti-static agent and conditioner.
Concerns: None significant.
Notes: Derived from guar gum; helps with wet combing.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture into the hair.
Concerns: None significant.
Notes: Common moisturizing ingredient.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
Concerns: None; unlike drying alcohols, this conditions the hair.
Notes: Adds creaminess to the texture.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used with Stearyl Alcohol.
🧪 Polyquaternium-76 / 聚季铵盐-76
Purpose: Conditioning polymer.
Concerns: None significant.
Notes: Helps improve hair manageability.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant and solvent.
Concerns: Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Notes: Helps retain moisture.
🧪 Piroctone Olamine / 吡罗克酮乙醇胺盐
Purpose: Anti-dandruff and anti-fungal agent.
Concerns: Generally considered safe and less toxic than older anti-dandruff agents.
Notes: Treats the root cause of dandruff.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Opacifier/Pearlizer.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Give the shampoo a pearlescent, shiny appearance.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Lowers pH to match the hair’s natural acidity.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: pH buffer.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Maintains the pH level.
🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: None for topical use.
Notes: Binds to metal ions in hard water to improve foaming.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: Highly caustic in raw form, but safe in small amounts to balance pH.
Notes: Used to raise pH if needed.
🧪 Hydrochloric Acid / 盐酸
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: Corrosive in raw form, but neutralized in the formula.
Notes: Used for precise pH control.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickener.
Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations.
Notes: Common table salt; thickens surfactant mixtures.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Generally safe; activity is pH dependent.
Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Known sensitizer; can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people.
Notes: Usually used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG).
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Strong allergen/sensitizer; restricted in leave-on products.
Notes: Effective against bacteria and fungi.
🧪 Magnesium Nitrate / 硝酸镁
Purpose: Stabilizer for preservatives.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often supplied with the isothiazolinone preservatives.
🧪 Magnesium Chloride / 氯化镁
Purpose: Stabilizer for preservatives.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often supplied with the isothiazolinone preservatives.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Scent.
Concerns: Can contain undisclosed allergens; common cause of irritation.
Notes: Synthetic or natural scent mixture.
🧪 Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract / 柠檬果提取物
Purpose: Botanical extract.
Concerns: Potential photosensitizer if concentration is high (unlikely in rinse-off).
Notes: Adds scent and marketing appeal; slightly acidic.
🧪 CI 19140 / CI 19140 (柠檬黄)
Purpose: Colorant (Yellow 5).
Concerns: Artificial dye.
Notes: Gives the product a yellow tint.
🧪 CI 42090 / CI 42090 (亮蓝)
Purpose: Colorant (Blue 1).
Concerns: Artificial dye.
Notes: Mixed with yellow to create a green hue.