A purple toning shampoo formulated with Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein to neutralize brassiness in blonde or gray hair while providing a deep cleanse.
This formula utilizes a classic and effective surfactant system based on Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, ensuring a strong lather and thorough cleanse. It is reinforced with conditioning agents like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein to aid detangling and smoothness. The inclusion of Violet 2 (CI 60730) indicates this is likely a toning or ‘purple’ shampoo designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde or gray hair, adding a specialized functional benefit.
The safety score is impacted significantly by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’). These are strong preservatives known to cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals and are often excluded from modern ‘clean’ formulations. Additionally, Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be drying or irritating to sensitive scalps, and Fragrance is a common, non-specific allergen.
From a functional standpoint, this is a robust product that will clean, condition, and likely color-correct hair effectively. However, the ingredient list relies on older technology, specifically the sensitizing isothiazolinone preservatives, which lowers its appeal compared to gentler, modern alternatives.
Upon analyzing this ingredient list, the presence of Violet 2 (CI 60730) immediately categorizes this product as a toning shampoo. It is specifically engineered to counteract unwanted yellow and brassy tones in blonde, silver, or highlighted hair, relying on color theory to brighten the overall appearance of the strands. The primary cleansing agent is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a surfactant known for its robust cleaning power and ability to produce a rich, satisfying foam. While SLES is effective at removing oil and heavy styling product buildup, it is a sulfate, which means it can be somewhat drying on hair that is already porous or compromised from bleaching services. To mitigate the potential drying effects of the sulfate base, the formula incorporates Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein. This is a standout ingredient for color-treated hair, as it helps to reinforce the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and retain moisture. The inclusion of Glycerin and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride further aids in hydration and detangling, ensuring that the hair remains manageable after washing. The formula also utilizes Glycol Distearate and Glycol Stearate, which provide a pearlescent look and a creamy texture to the product. However, users with sensitive skin should exercise caution. The product relies on a preservation system involving Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These preservatives are highly effective against bacteria but are also known sensitizers that can cause contact dermatitis or scalp irritation in some individuals. Additionally, the inclusion of Fragrance adds to the sensory experience but serves as another potential irritant. Overall, this is a standard, effective toning shampoo best suited for occasional use to maintain cool tones. It is not recommended as a daily driver due to the strength of the surfactants and the specific preservatives used, but it will serve its purpose well as a weekly treatment for maintaining vibrant blonde color.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients
Concerns: None
Notes: The base of the shampoo formula.
🧪 Sodium laureth sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Primary cleanser and foaming agent
Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin; milder than SLS.
Notes: An ethoxylated surfactant common in shampoos.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Secondary cleanser and foam booster
Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can cause allergies.
Notes: Helps reduce irritation from stronger surfactants.
🧪 Ricinoleamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate / 蓖麻油酰胺丙基乙基二甲基铵乙基硫酸盐
Purpose: Antistatic and hair conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from castor oil, helps detangle hair.
🧪 Linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate / 亚油酰胺丙基 PG-二甲基氯化铵磷酸酯
Purpose: Conditioning and antistatic agent
Concerns: None
Notes: A phospholipid complex that mimics natural hair lipids.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant (moisturizer)
Concerns: None
Notes: Draws moisture into the hair shaft.
🧪 Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Conditioning agent
Concerns: Potential for buildup if used excessively without clarifying.
Notes: A cationic polymer that smooths the hair cuticle.
🧪 Propylene glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant and solvent
Concerns: Can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.
Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the hair.
🧪 Hydrolyzed vegetable protein / 水解植物蛋白
Purpose: Strengthening and moisturizing
Concerns: None
Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to repair damage.
🧪 Glycol distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Pearlizing agent and thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance.
🧪 Glycol stearate / 硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Opacifier and emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Adds creaminess to the formula.
🧪 Stearic acid / 硬脂酸
Purpose: Emulsifier and thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: A fatty acid.
🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA
Purpose: Foam booster and thickener
Concerns: Low risk of nitrosamine formation compared to DEA.
Notes: improves the texture of the foam.
🧪 Disodium phosphate / 磷酸氢二钠
Purpose: Buffering agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps maintain the pH balance of the product.
🧪 Aminomethyl propanol / 氨甲基丙醇
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: Can be irritating at high concentrations.
Notes: Neutralizes acids to stabilize the formula.
🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from citrus fruits, lowers pH to close hair cuticles.
🧪 Tetraodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: Environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.
Notes: Binds metal ions in water to prevent scum formation.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Known contact allergen and sensitizer.
Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG).
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: High risk of skin sensitization and contact dermatitis.
Notes: Strictly regulated in leave-on products, allowed in rinse-offs.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common trigger for allergies and skin sensitivity.
Notes: Specific composition is usually trade secret.
🧪 Violet 2 (CI 60730) / CI 60730 (紫色 2 号)
Purpose: Colorant
Concerns: None
Notes: Often used in purple shampoos to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair.