A clarifying shampoo featuring Tea Tree Water and Menthol for a refreshing sensation, though formulated with strong surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that provide a deep clean.
This formulation offers high cleansing power driven by a potent surfactant blend of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This combination makes it highly effective for removing heavy oil and product buildup (clarifying), but it risks being stripping or drying for curly, color-treated, or damaged hair. The inclusion of Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, and Tea Tree Water provides a strong sensory experience, offering a cooling and tingling sensation that stimulates the scalp. Panthenol and Polyquaternium-7 provide basic conditioning and slip, but likely not enough to counteract the harshness of the detergents for daily use on dry hair types.
The safety rating is lowered by the presence of several potential irritants and sensitizers. Most notably, it contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, preservatives known for a high risk of contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. The primary surfactant, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), is a known irritant that can strip the skin barrier. Furthermore, the product contains a long list of fragrance allergens (e.g., Linalool, Limonene, Coumarin, Geraniol) and synthetic dyes (Yellow 5, Blue 1), which may cause reactions in users with sensitive skin or scalp conditions.
This is a functional, heavy-duty shampoo best suited for very oily scalps or infrequent use as a clarifying treatment. While it succeeds in creating a refreshing, cooling wash experience thanks to the mint and tea tree components, the formulation relies on dated and harsh chemistry. The combination of aggressive sulfates and allergenic preservatives makes it a poor choice for those prioritizing hair health, moisture retention, or clean ingredients. It effectively cleans, but lacks the sophistication and gentleness expected of top-tier modern haircare.
This shampoo presents itself as a refreshing option for scalp care, primarily driven by the inclusion of Tea Tree Leaf Water and Menthol. These ingredients provide a noticeable cooling sensation and are often sought after for their soothing and antimicrobial properties, making the product appealing for those who enjoy a sensory shower experience. However, looking closely at the cleansing agents, this formula is undoubtedly heavy-duty. It utilizes a combination of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Both are potent surfactants known for their ability to strip oils effectively. While this ensures a deep clean, it creates a high potential for dryness and frizz, particularly if used daily or on fragile hair strands. The cleaning power here is aggressive rather than gentle.
Beyond the surfactants, the ingredient list reveals some controversial preservatives known as the “Itchy Ms”—Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone. These are effective at preventing bacterial growth but are statistically significant contact allergens. If you have a history of scalp eczema or sensitive skin, these specific preservatives are major red flags. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrance along with specific scent components like Linalool and Limonene adds to the potential allergen load, which could trigger reactions in sensitive users.
On a positive note, the addition of Panthenol offers some moisture retention, and Polyquaternium-7 helps with detangling and static control to counteract some of the harshness. Ultimately, this product is best viewed as an occasional clarifying treatment for those with very hardy, oily hair. It is likely too harsh for regular use on dry types and creates a significant risk of fading for those with color-treated hair due to the strong sulfates and stripping agents.
🧪 Water (Aqua, Eau) / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary base of the formula.
🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠
Purpose: Primary Surfactant
Concerns: Can be drying to hair and scalp if not well formulated.
Notes: A strong anionic surfactant, often used as an alternative to sulfates, but still provides high foaming and stripping power.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠 (SLS)
Purpose: Primary Surfactant
Concerns: High potential for irritation; stripping of natural oils and hair color.
Notes: A very strong cleanser. Generally considered harsher than SLES or Olefin Sulfonate.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Co-surfactant
Concerns: Low concern, though impurities can cause irritation.
Notes: Mild amphoteric surfactant used to boost foam and reduce the irritation of stronger surfactants.
🧪 Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water / 互生叶白千层（茶树）叶水
Purpose: Soothing / Antimicrobial
Concerns: None
Notes: Beneficial for scalp health, often used for dandruff or oily scalps.
🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5)
Purpose: Moisturizer / Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Penetrates hair shaft to improve moisture retention.
🧪 Polyquaternium-7 / 聚季铵盐-7
Purpose: Antistatic / Conditioning
Concerns: Buildup potential over time.
Notes: Synthetic polymer that helps detangle and smooth hair.
🧪 Lavandula Oil/Extract / 薰衣草油/提取物
Purpose: Soothing / Fragrance
Concerns: Essential oils can be sensitizing to some.
Notes: Natural extract.
🧪 Menthol / 薄荷醇
Purpose: Cooling Agent
Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin or eyes.
Notes: Provides a tingling sensation.
🧪 Menthyl Lactate / 乳酸薄荷酯
Purpose: Cooling Agent
Concerns: None generally.
Notes: A derivative of menthol that provides a milder, longer-lasting cooling effect.
🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸（酯）类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物
Purpose: Texture Enhancer / Stabilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Synthetic thickener.
🧪 Glycol Stearate / 硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Opacifier / Pearlizing Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the shampoo a pearlescent appearance.
🧪 PEG-150 Distearate / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Thickener / Emulsifier
Concerns: PEG compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (manufacturing impurity).
Notes: Effective thickener for surfactant systems.
🧪 Magnesium Chloride / 氯化镁
Purpose: Viscosity Control
Concerns: None
Notes: Used to thicken salt-responsive surfactant systems.
🧪 Methylchloroisothiazolinone / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮 (CMIT)
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: High sensitization risk; known allergen.
Notes: Part of the ‘Kathon CG’ blend. Often causes contact dermatitis.
🧪 Methylisothiazolinone / 甲基异噻唑啉酮 (MIT)
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: High sensitization risk; known allergen.
Notes: Usually paired with CMIT.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Generally safe; pH dependent.
Notes: Food-grade preservative.
🧪 Tetrasodium EDTA / EDTA 四钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None for skin, environmental persistence concerns.
Notes: Binds metal ions to improve stability and foam.
🧪 Magnesium Nitrate / 硝酸镁
Purpose: Stabilizer
Concerns: None in this context.
Notes: Stabilizer for the isothiazolinone preservatives.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Lowers pH to match the scalp.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Corrosive in raw form, but neutralized in final product.
Notes: Raises pH.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common cause of scalp sensitivity.
Notes: Proprietary blend.
🧪 Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Limonene, Geraniol, Coumarin, Citronellol / 芳樟醇, 乙酸芳樟酯, 柠檬烯, 香叶醇, 香豆素, 香茅醇
Purpose: Fragrance Components
Concerns: Known EU 26 Allergens.
Notes: Naturally occurring in essential oils or synthetic. Required to be listed due to allergy potential.
🧪 Terpineol, Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Turpentine / 松油醇, 蒎烯, β-石竹烯, 萜品油烯, 松节油
Purpose: Fragrance / Solvent
Concerns: Potential skin irritation.
Notes: Components likely derived from the Tea Tree or Lavender oils or added for scent.
🧪 Yellow 5 (CI 19140) / CI 19140 (黄 5)
Purpose: Colorant
Concerns: Potential allergen (azo dye).
Notes: Synthetic yellow dye.
🧪 Blue 1 (CI 42090) / CI 42090 (蓝 1)
Purpose: Colorant
Concerns: Generally safe.
Notes: Synthetic blue dye.