Equate Beauty Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

A volumizing shampoo formulated with strong cleansers, Biotin, and Collagen to remove build-up and create the appearance of fuller, thicker strands.

Performance Rating: 4.0

This formula offers strong cleansing performance due to the primary surfactant, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, which creates a rich lather. This is balanced by milder surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Biotin supports marketing claims for thickening and strengthening, while Dimethicone and Polyquaternium-10 provide excellent slip, detangling, and smoothing properties. It is likely very effective for volumizing and general cleansing.

Safety Rating: 2.6

The safety rating is significantly impacted by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’), which are potent preservatives known to be strong allergens and skin sensitizers. While permitted in rinse-off products, they are best avoided by those with sensitive skin. Additionally, Fragrance (Parfum) is listed without specific allergen disclosure, and the primary surfactant can be drying/irritating for some users compared to true sulfate-free alternatives.

Final Rating: 3.3

This is a functional drugstore-grade shampoo (likely marketed as a thickening formula) that will perform well for users with oily to normal hair looking for volume and smoothness. However, the formulation relies on a harsher preservation system and synthetic dyes, making it a poor choice for individuals with sensitive scalps or those seeking ‘clean beauty’ standards. It cleanses effectively but lacks the finesse of higher-end, gentler formulations.

Verdict

This shampoo is clearly designed to create volume and is widely recognized as a drugstore staple for fine hair. It relies heavily on Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a primary surfactant that, while technically sulfate-free, is quite powerful and deep-cleansing. This makes the product excellent for removing heavy product buildup, environmental grime, and excess sebum that weigh hair down. By thoroughly stripping away these impurities, the hair naturally sits lighter at the root and looks fuller. However, this high cleaning power comes with a trade-off; it can be potentially drying for hair that is already brittle, porous, or dehydrated.

To balance the intensity of the primary cleanser, the formula includes Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate. These are milder secondary surfactants known for creating a creamy, rich lather that improves the sensory experience of the shower. The marketing highlights Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Hydrolyzed Collagen. While Biotin is often touted for hair growth, in a rinse-off product, its main function is conditioning the surface rather than changing internal growth patterns. The Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is a functional addition, as these protein molecules can penetrate the hair shaft to provide temporary reinforcement and moisture retention. These ingredients work together to plump the hair strand, contributing to that thick and full feeling immediately after washing.

Texture-wise, the inclusion of Dimethicone is significant. This is a non-water-soluble silicone that coats the hair shaft to lock in moisture, provide slip, and enhance shine. While this creates a smooth finish and reduces frizz, it can lead to buildup over time if not washed out properly—though the strong surfactants in this specific formula are capable of removing it during the next wash.

A major point of caution regards the preservative system. The formula contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, often referred to as the “Itchy Ms.” These are known sensitizers that can cause scalp irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the presence of Fragrance and dyes creates additional risk for reactive skin. Ultimately, this product provides a significant cosmetic thickening effect and a very thorough clean, making it ideal for oily, flat hair, but likely too harsh for dry or sensitive types.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary liquid base for the shampoo.

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

🧪 SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠

Purpose: Primary Surfactant

Concerns: Can be drying/irritating to sensitive skin

Notes: A strong cleanser often used as an alternative to sulfates, creates rich foam.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Co-surfactant/Foam Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps improve foam quality and mildness.

🧪 SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE / 椰油酰羟乙磺酸钠

Purpose: Mild Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A very gentle, creamy surfactant derived from coconut oil.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Co-surfactant

Concerns: Potential allergen (usually due to impurities)

Notes: Mild cleansing agent that reduces irritation from stronger surfactants.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Actives / 调理剂与活性成分

🧪 BIOTIN / 生物素 (维生素B7)

Purpose: Hair Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often marketed for strengthening hair.

🧪 HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN / 水解胶原

Purpose: Antistatic/Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Adds shine and body to hair.

🧪 HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN / 水解小麦蛋白

Purpose: Hair Repair/Conditioning

Concerns: Gluten sensitivity (rare in topical use)

Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to retain moisture and add strength.

🧪 POLYQUATERNIUM-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Antistatic/Detangling

Concerns: Potential for buildup

Notes: Cationic polymer that improves hair manageability.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone/Conditioning

Concerns: Buildup on hair over time; hard to wash off

Notes: Provides slip, shine, and smooths the cuticle.

📁 Thickeners, Stabilizers & Texture Enhancers / 增稠剂、稳定剂与质地改良剂

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickening Agent

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 GLYCOL STEARATE / 硬脂酸乙二醇酯

Purpose: Pearlizing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent, opaque appearance.

🧪 PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: PEG contamination risk (Ethylene Oxide)

Notes: Effective thickener that reduces irritation from surfactants.

🧪 LAURETH-4 / 月桂醇聚醚-4

Purpose: Emulsifier/Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water soluble ingredients.

🧪 LAURETH-23 / 月桂醇聚醚-23

Purpose: Emulsifier/Solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps solubilize fragrance and other oils.

🧪 PROPYLENE GLYCOL / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant/Solvent

Concerns: Skin irritation in some individuals

Notes: Helps retain moisture and dissolve ingredients.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与pH调节剂

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product.

🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong allergen/sensitizer

Notes: Part of the ‘Kathon CG’ blend, known to cause contact dermatitis in some users.

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Strong allergen/sensitizer

Notes: Often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone; restricted concentration in leave-on products.

🧪 IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE / 碘丙炔醇丁基氨基甲酸酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Contact allergen; inhalation toxicity

Notes: Effective fungicide.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精与色素

🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of allergic reactions

Notes: Synthetic or natural aroma blend.

🧪 EXT. VIOLET 2 (CI 60730) / 萃取紫2号 (CI 60730)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Purple dye, often used to neutralize yellow tones in blonde/gray hair.

🧪 RED 33 (CI 17200) / 红33 (CI 17200)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetic red dye.