Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Conditioner

A reparative conditioner fortified with ceramides and peptides to restore strength to damaged hair, while smoothing frizz with silicones.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula represents a premium conditioning profile. It utilizes a dual-action approach with strong cationic surfactants (Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine) for immediate detangling and softness, alongside a sophisticated Barrier Repair Complex. The inclusion of three types of Ceramides (AP, EOP, NP), Phytosphingosine, Oat Peptides, and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein mimics the hair’s natural lipid structure, offering significant restorative benefits for damaged hair. Additionally, Lactic Acid is excellent for pH balancing to seal the cuticle and add shine.

Safety Rating: 3.9

While free from parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (using Sodium Benzoate instead), the safety score is impacted by the presence of synthetic fragrance and a high number of fragrance allergens (Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool). These are known sensitizers that can cause contact dermatitis or irritation for individuals with sensitive scalps or fragrance allergies.

Final Rating: 4.3

An excellent choice for damaged or dry hair, this conditioner distinguishes itself with high-end skincare-grade ingredients like Ceramides and Peptides. Although the presence of multiple fragrance allergens requires caution for sensitive users, the performance efficacy regarding structural repair, moisture retention, and smoothing is top-tier.

Verdict

This conditioner is an impressive formulation specifically designed to tackle the challenges of damaged, brittle, and chemically treated hair. Moving beyond simple detangling, the ingredient list reveals a sophisticated approach to hair repair and barrier restoration. The base provides a rich, creamy texture that aids significantly in slip and manageability, making it easier to work through tangles without causing further breakage to fragile strands.

The standout feature of this product is its robust repair complex. It incorporates a trio of essential Ceramides (AP, EOP, NP) alongside Phytosphingosine, lipids that are naturally found in the hair’s protective cuticle but are often stripped away by bleaching and heat styling. By replenishing these lipids, the conditioner helps to seal the cuticle and retain moisture. Complementing this is a protein blend featuring Oat Peptide, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, and sh-Polypeptide-50, which works to reinforce the structural integrity of the hair shaft, providing necessary strength to weak areas.

For texture and finish, the formula utilizes Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer and Isohexadecane. These silicones are highly effective at smoothing the hair surface, locking in hydration, and imparting a glossy shine. This makes the product particularly effective for combating frizz and rough textures. The inclusion of Coconut Oil and Glycerin further supports moisture retention, ensuring the hair remains soft and pliable after drying.

However, there are considerations for specific hair types. The presence of non-water-soluble silicones means this product is not compatible with the Curly Girl Method (CGM) and may require occasional clarifying to prevent buildup on fine hair. Additionally, the formula relies on Fragrance and contains several allergenic components like Limonene, Linalool, and Hexyl Cinnamal. Individuals with sensitive scalps or fragrance allergies should test patch or avoid this product. Overall, it is a potent choice for those needing intensive repair and smoothing.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base & Solvents / 基质与溶剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary base of the product.

🧪 DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL / 双丙甘醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and improve texture.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Emollients / 调理剂与柔润剂

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens hair and stabilizes the emulsion; not drying like simple alcohols.

🧪 STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE / 硬脂酰胺丙基二甲胺

Purpose: Antistatic, Conditioning

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: A cationic surfactant substitute that binds to hair to detangle and smooth. It usually requires an acid (like Lactic Acid) to activate.

🧪 DIMETHICONOL/SILSESQUIOXANE COPOLYMER / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇/倍半硅氧烷共聚物

Purpose: Conditioning, Smoothing

Concerns: Build-up potential

Notes: A silicone blend that provides slip, shine, and thermal protection.

🧪 BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 山嵛基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic, Detangler

Concerns: Irritation (if concentration is too high)

Notes: A potent cationic surfactant that excellent for reducing static and softening coarse hair.

🧪 ISOHEXADECANE / 异十六烷

Purpose: Emollient, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a silky, non-greasy finish.

🧪 COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL / 椰子油

Purpose: Emollient, Moisturizer

Concerns: Comedogenic (pore-clogging) if it touches skin

Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to prevent protein loss.

📁 Active Repair & Strengthening / 活性修护与强化成分

🧪 AVENA SATIVA (OAT) PEPTIDE / 燕麦肽

Purpose: Conditioning, Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: Penetrates hair to add strength and improve elasticity.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Barrier Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: Replenishes the lipid layer of the hair cuticle (CMC).

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Barrier Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides to smooth cuticles.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Barrier Repair, Moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: One of the most common ceramides for restoring hydration and protection.

🧪 HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN / 水解大豆蛋白

Purpose: Strengthening, Volumizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Temporarily repairs surface damage and adds shine.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: A precursor to ceramides, helps reinforce the hair’s protective barrier.

🧪 SH-POLYPEPTIDE-50 / 合成人多肽-50

Purpose: Hair Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: A biotechnological peptide often used to mimic keratin or hair structural proteins for damage repair.

📁 Humectants / 保湿剂

🧪 SODIUM GLUTAMATE / 谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, Hair Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: An amino acid derivative that helps hair retain moisture.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the hair.

📁 Functionals (pH, Preservatives, Stabilizers) / 功能性成分(pH调节/防腐/稳定)

🧪 LACTIC ACID / 乳酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Sensitization (low in wash-off)

Notes: Used to lower pH and activate Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine.

🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: Drying (if concentration is very high)

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to keep the formula stable.

📁 Fragrance & Allergens / 香精与致敏原

🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Potential Irritant

Notes: General term for the scent blend.

🧪 BENZYL SALICYLATE / 水杨酸苄酯

Purpose: Fragrance Component, UV Absorber

Concerns: Known Allergen

Notes: Adds a floral scent.

🧪 HEXYL CINNAMAL / 己基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Known Allergen

Notes: Jasmine-like scent.

🧪 LIMONENE / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Known Allergen

Notes: Citrus scent.

🧪 LINALOOL / 芳樟醇

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Known Allergen

Notes: Floral/Lavender scent.