A soothing formula that balances Colloidal Oatmeal for scalp health with Vinegar to clarify strands and enhance natural shine.
This formula features a high-performance conditioning system led by Behentrimonium Chloride and Amodimethicone, which are excellent for slip, detangling, and targeted repair without excessive heaviness. The star ingredient, Colloidal Oatmeal Extract, provides unique scalp-soothing benefits, while Vinegar (Acetum) serves to balance pH and seal the hair cuticle for enhanced shine. The addition of Glycerin and fatty alcohols ensures adequate moisture retention.
The formulation is generally safe, avoiding harsh preservatives like parabens in favor of Sodium Benzoate. Colloidal Oatmeal is highly beneficial for sensitive skin. However, the presence of generic Fragrance (Parfum) acts as a potential allergen for sensitive individuals. Additionally, ethoxylated ingredients like Steareth-20 carry theoretical contamination risks, though they are standard in the industry.
This is a well-balanced conditioner that effectively bridges the gap between scalp care and hair aesthetics. The combination of soothing oatmeal and shine-enhancing vinegar with modern conditioning polymers makes it versatile for dry or dull hair. It loses points only slightly for the inclusion of fragrance, but otherwise represents a robust and effective formulation.
This conditioner presents a specialized formulation that attempts to bridge the gap between medicinal scalp care and cosmetic hair aesthetics. At the forefront of the ingredient list is Colloidal Oatmeal Extract, a powerhouse ingredient traditionally used in skincare to soothe itchy, dry, or sensitive skin. This suggests that the product is designed not just for the hair strands, but also to maintain a healthy foundation on the scalp, potentially alleviating irritation caused by environmental stressors. Paired with this is Vinegar (Acetum), a classic remedy often used to lower the pH of the hair. By balancing the pH, vinegar helps seal the hair cuticle, which allows strands to reflect more light for high shine and reduces friction between hairs. For detangling and softness, the formulation relies on Behentrimonium Chloride, a highly effective cationic surfactant that reduces static and improves manageability without the excessive heaviness associated with oils. This is supported by Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol, fatty alcohols that provide slip and a creamy, emollient texture. The inclusion of Amodimethicone is significant; this is an amino-modified silicone that selectively binds to damaged areas of the hair shaft. While it provides excellent protection, thermal defense, and smoothness, it creates a film that locks in moisture and prevents frizz. Texture and volume management are handled by Polyquaternium-47 and Polyquaternium-37, conditioning polymers that help in smoothing the hair surface and adding a slight substance to the hair body. Glycerin is present as a humectant to draw moisture into the hair, helping to offset the potentially stripping nature of clarifying agents. However, the product is not without potential drawbacks for specific users. The presence of Amodimethicone means this is not suitable for those strictly following silicone-free regimens, such as the Curly Girl Method, as silicones can build up over time if not washed out properly. Additionally, the inclusion of Isopropyl Alcohol—likely a carrier for other ingredients—can be drying, though it appears lower on the list. Finally, the inclusion of Fragrance (Parfum) and Sodium Benzoate ensures the product smells pleasant and remains shelf-stable, but these can be triggers for those with hyper-sensitive skin allergies, arguably countering the soothing properties of the oatmeal for a small minority of users.
🧪 Colloidal Oatmeal Extract / 胶态燕麦提取物
Purpose: Scalp soothing, moisturizing
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps to soothe itchy or dry scalp.
🧪 Vinegar (Acetum) / 醋
Purpose: pH adjuster, clarifying agent, shine enhancer
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps flatten the hair cuticle for increased shine and balances pH.
🧪 Behentrimonium Chloride / 山嵛基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Anti-static, detangling, conditioning
Concerns: Potential skin irritation in high concentrations
Notes: A potent cationic surfactant that provides slip and softness.
🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient, thickener, stabilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: A ‘fatty alcohol’ that is moisturizing, not drying.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient, thickening agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Adds a creamy texture and helps smooth the hair.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: Can cause frizz in very high humidity if not sealed
Notes: Draws moisture into the hair.
🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Silicone conditioning agent, heat protection
Concerns: Potential for buildup, requires shampoo to remove
Notes: Targeted conditioning that binds selectively to damaged areas of the hair.
🧪 Polyquaternium-47 / 聚季铵盐-47
Purpose: Conditioning polymer, detangler
Concerns: None
Notes: Improves wet and dry combing.
🧪 Polyquaternium-37 / 聚季铵盐-37
Purpose: Anti-static, thickening agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Provides volume and conditioning.
🧪 PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate / PPG-3 苄基醚肉豆蔻酸酯
Purpose: Emollient, shine enhancer
Concerns: None
Notes: Often used as a silicone alternative to provide gloss.
🧪 Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate / 丙二醇二辛酸酯/二癸酸酯
Purpose: Skin conditioning agent, emollient
Concerns: None
Notes: Provides a silky feel.
🧪 Steareth-20 / 硬脂醇聚醚-20
Purpose: Emulsifier, surfactant
Concerns: Contamination risk (Ethylene Oxide) depending on purity
Notes: Helps mix oil and water components.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 二硬脂酸乙二醇酯
Purpose: Opacifier, pearlizing agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Gives the conditioner its pearlescent appearance.
🧪 PPG-1 Trideceth-6 / PPG-1 十三烷醇聚醚-6
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Often paired with Polyquaternium-37 in rheology modifiers.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base carrier for the formula.
🧪 Isopropyl Alcohol / 异丙醇
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: Drying to hair
Notes: Usually present in very small amounts as a solvent for other conditioning agents.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: None
Notes: Derived from citrus, used to lower pH.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: Irritant in raw form, safe in formulated product
Notes: Used to neutralize acidity and achieve target pH.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds metal ions from water to maintain stability.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: None
Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scenting agent
Concerns: Potential allergen for sensitive skin
Notes: Provides the sensory smell experience.