Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Hair Smoothing Shampoo

A deep-cleansing shampoo driven by strong sulfates to effectively strip grease and buildup, containing trace amounts of Jojoba Oil and Rose Extract.

Performance Rating: 3.7

This formula relies on a dual-surfactant system using Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This combination guarantees a rich lather and excellent removal of oil and product buildup, making it highly effective for greasy hair. However, this strong cleaning power can be stripping on dry or curly hair types. The inclusion of Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Jojoba Oil helps to provide slip and detangling, mitigating some of the roughness caused by the surfactants.

Safety Rating: 2.4

The safety rating is lowered significantly by the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These preservatives are known contact allergens and skin sensitizers, often referred to as the ‘Itchy Ms’. Additionally, the high concentration of sulfates (SLS and SLES) can be irritating to sensitive scalps and drying to the skin. The formula also includes synthetic dyes (Red 33, Yellow 5, Blue 1) and unspecified Fragrance, which are potential irritants.

Final Rating: 3.0

This is a typical mass-market ‘drugstore’ shampoo. While it gets a high score for functional cleaning—it will absolutely get your hair clean—it loses points for formulation elegance and safety profile. It is likely too harsh for daily use on damaged, color-treated, or dry hair, and the inclusion of allergenic preservatives makes it unsuitable for those with sensitive skin.

Verdict

This formulation is characterized by a classic, high-powered surfactant system utilizing both Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. These ingredients are exceptionally efficient at removing excess sebum, dirt, and heavy styling silicones, ensuring a squeaky-clean feeling and a voluminous lather. It is an ideal choice for a clarifying wash when your hair feels weighed down. However, this cleaning power can be aggressive. The stripping nature of these sulfates makes the product potentially dehydrating for dry or porous hair types. While the inclusion of Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil and Rosa Canina Fruit Extract suggests a conditioning element, these are likely present in low concentrations and may not fully offset the drying effects of the detergents. Of particular note is the preservative system, which uses Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. Often referred to as the “itchy Ms,” these are potent allergens associated with contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. When combined with added Fragrance and synthetic dyes like Red 33, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, the formula poses a significant risk for those with reactive skin. Consequently, this product is best viewed as a utilitarian cleanser for resilient, oily hair rather than a nourishing treatment for fragile strands.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The primary component of most shampoos.

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

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Cleanses hair and produces foam.

Concerns: Can be stripping to natural oils; often confused with SLS but generally milder.

Notes: Ethoxylated version of SLS.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Strong cleanser and foaming agent.

Concerns: High potential for irritation and drying out hair/skin.

Notes: A very effective degreaser.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary surfactant, foam booster, and mild thickener.

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil; reduces irritation from stronger sulfates.

🧪 Sodium Xylenesulfonate / 二甲苯磺酸钠

Purpose: Hydrotrope; helps maintain clarity and viscosity of the formula.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients.

🧪 Cocamide MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Foam stabilizer and thickener.

Concerns: Can contain trace amines.

Notes: Enhances the creaminess of the lather.

📁 pH Adjusters & Salts / pH调节剂和盐类

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: Adjusts the pH level to match the scalp.

Concerns: None usually; very safe.

Notes: Derived from citrus fruits.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Buffer; maintains pH stability.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works with citric acid.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener.

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations.

Notes: Common table salt; thickens surfactant systems.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Active Ingredients / 调理剂和活性成分

🧪 Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil / 霍霍巴籽油

Purpose: Moisturizes and conditions hair.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Chemically similar to human sebum.

🧪 Rosa Canina Fruit Extract / 狗牙蔷薇果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant and conditioner.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Rich in vitamins.

🧪 PEG-60 Almond Glycerides / PEG-60 杏仁甘油酯类

Purpose: Emollient and surfactant.

Concerns: PEG compounds can sometimes be contaminated during manufacturing.

Notes: Provides softness.

🧪 Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate / 亚油酰胺丙基 PG-二甲基氯化铵磷酸酯

Purpose: Antistatic agent and conditioner.

Concerns: Low concern.

Notes: Helps repair damaged hair cuticles.

🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Cationic conditioner; detangles and smooths hair.

Concerns: Buildup potential if used in excess.

Notes: Derived from guar gum.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin E derivative).

Concerns: None.

Notes: Stable form of Vitamin E.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚

Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin E).

Concerns: None.

Notes: Pure Vitamin E.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂和稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative; prevents bacterial growth.

Concerns: Safe in cosmetic concentrations.

Notes: Food-grade preservative.

🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent; binds metal ions to prevent spoilage.

Concerns: Low concern for external use.

Notes: Helps preservatives work better.

🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Strong preservative against bacteria and fungi.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone (Kathon CG).

🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative.

Concerns: Known skin sensitizer/allergen.

Notes: Often causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精和色素

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides scent.

Concerns: Common cause of allergic reactions; specific components usually undisclosed.

Notes: Proprietary blend.

🧪 Red 33 / CI 17200 (红 33)

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: None generally.

Notes: Synthetic dye.

🧪 Yellow 5 / CI 19140 (黄 5)

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Possible allergen for some individuals.

Notes: Tartrazine.

🧪 Blue 1 / CI 42090 (蓝 1)

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Safe for cosmetic use.

Notes: Brilliant Blue FCF.