Equate Beauty Smoothing Keratin Shampoo

A keratin-infused cleansing formula designed to provide structural repair and smoothness for damaged hair types.

Performance Rating: 3.7

The formula utilizes Sodium Laureth Sulfate for a strong lather and effective cleansing, complemented by Cocamidopropyl Betaine for mildness. The addition of Dimethiconol and Hydrolyzed Keratin provides excellent smoothing, shine, and structural support for damaged hair, while Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride acts as a powerful detangling agent.

Safety Rating: 2.6

This product contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, which are potent allergens and sensitizers, often discouraged for sensitive skin. Additionally, Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be irritating to the scalp, and TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate may pose concerns regarding skin irritation and potential contamination.

Final Rating: 3.2

While this shampoo is highly effective at cleansing and providing a silky finish typical of professional-style drugstore brands, its safety profile is marred by the use of strong preservatives and sulfates. It is a standard-performance product suitable for normal hair but may be too harsh for those with sensitive scalps or those seeking clean beauty standards.

Verdict

This shampoo is a traditional drugstore formulation that relies on Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) as its primary surfactant. SLES provides a deep, satisfying cleanse and rich lather, though it is gentler than its cousin SLS. The standout ingredient is Hydrolyzed Keratin, which helps to temporarily fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, making it an excellent choice for those experiencing brittleness from heat styling or environmental stress. To balance the cleansing power, the formula includes Dimethiconol, a silicone that provides immediate frizz control and a silky feel by coating the hair shaft. Glycerin is present to help retain moisture, while Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride helps with detangling and static reduction. Consumers should note the inclusion of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, which are effective preservatives but can be potential allergens for those with very sensitive skin or scalp conditions. The addition of Mica and Titanium Dioxide gives the liquid a pearlescent sheen, though these are purely aesthetic additions. Overall, this product is highly effective at removing oil and product buildup while leaving the hair feeling significantly smoother. It is a reliable, budget-friendly option for maintaining the appearance of healthy, shiny hair. However, because it contains silicones, it may lead to some weigh-down over time on very thin hair, requiring an occasional clarifying treatment. It is best suited for those who want a high-performance wash that mimics the softening effects of salon-grade products.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents and Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the shampoo formula.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps to retain moisture in the hair and scalp.

📁 Surfactants and Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary Surfactant

Concerns: Potential skin and eye irritation

Notes: A common foaming agent that provides deep cleansing.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric Surfactant

Concerns: Possible skin sensitivity

Notes: A milder cleanser that helps boost foam and reduce irritation from SLES.

🧪 TEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE / 十二烷基苯磺酸 TEA

Purpose: Surfactant/Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential irritation

Notes: Used to stabilize the formula and assist in cleansing.

📁 Conditioning and Strengthening Agents / 护发与调理剂

🧪 DIMETHICONOL / 二甲基硅油醇

Purpose: Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Potential buildup on hair and scalp

Notes: A silicone that provides smoothness and shine.

🧪 GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic/Conditioning agent

Concerns: Can lead to buildup over time

Notes: A cationic polymer that helps with detangling.

🧪 HYDROLYZED KERATIN / 水解角蛋白

Purpose: Hair Repair/Strengthening

Concerns: None

Notes: A protein that helps strengthen the hair shaft.

📁 Texture and Consistency Modifiers / 质地与稠度调节剂

🧪 POTASSIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钾

Purpose: Viscosity Increasing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to thicken formulas containing surfactants.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener/Emulsion Stabilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps create a gel-like consistency.

🧪 STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER / 苯乙烯/丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物

Purpose: Opacifier

Concerns: Environmental (microplastics)

Notes: Gives the shampoo a milky, opaque appearance.

🧪 GLYCOL DISTEARATE / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Pearlescent Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Provides a pearly shimmer to the product.

🧪 PEG-45M / PEG-45M

Purpose: Binder/Stabilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Enhances the texture and creaminess of the foam.

🧪 PPG-9 / PPG-9

Purpose: Skin Conditioning Agent/Solvent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps improve the spreadability of the product.

📁 Preservatives and Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Ensures the product’s pH is compatible with the scalp.

🧪 TETRASODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Prevents minerals in hard water from affecting the product’s performance.

🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High allergy potential

Notes: Often used in rinse-off products to prevent microbial growth.

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High allergy potential/Sensitizer

Notes: Known allergen; usage is strictly regulated.

📁 Aesthetics and Fragrance / 感官与香精

🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精

Purpose: Scenting

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Provides the product’s scent; may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

🧪 MICA / 云母

Purpose: Colorant/Shimmer

Concerns: Low

Notes: A mineral that adds visual sparkle.

🧪 TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) / 二氧化钛

Purpose: Colorant/Opacifier

Concerns: Low in rinse-off products

Notes: Used to provide a white, opaque color.