Dr. Squatch Wood Barrel Bourbon Conditioner

A silicone-free conditioner rich in Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Hydrolyzed Oat Protein designed to deeply hydrate and strengthen hair using a robust blend of botanical extracts.

Performance Rating: 3.9

This formula relies heavily on fatty alcohols (Stearyl, Behenyl) and rich emollients (Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil) to moisturize and soften hair. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Oat Protein and Trehalose adds mild strengthening and hydration retention properties. However, the formula lacks standard cationic surfactants (like Behentrimonium Chloride) and silicones, which are the industry standard for providing ‘slip,’ instant detangling, and static control. While excellent for deep nourishment, users with easily tangled or coarse hair may find it lacks the immediate smoothing capability of conventional conditioners.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The safety profile is excellent, utilizing plant-derived ingredients and mild preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate) rather than parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It is free from harsh sulfates and silicones. The primary potential irritants are Naturally Derived Fragrance and essential oils like Orange Peel Oil and Patchouli Oil, which can be sensitizing to those with reactive skin or specific allergies.

Final Rating: 4.1

This is a high-quality natural conditioner packed with an impressive array of botanical extracts (Horsetail, Nettle, Rosemary, Aloe) that promote scalp health and hair vitality. It prioritizes long-term hydration and ingredient purity over the artificial sleekness provided by silicones. While it may not offer the extreme slip of synthetic salon brands, its nutrient density and clean formulation make it a superior choice for health-conscious consumers looking for safe, effective moisture.

Verdict

This conditioner presents an impressive formulation for those seeking a natural approach to hair care. By omitting silicones, which often provide artificial smoothness, the product relies on high-quality fatty alcohols like Stearyl Alcohol and Behenyl Alcohol. These ingredients provide excellent slip and conditioning without the potential buildup associated with synthetic alternatives. The core of its moisturizing power comes from a rich blend of Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Coconut Oil. This trio is particularly effective for penetrating the hair shaft to provide deep hydration, making it an excellent choice for hair that feels brittle or parched. Beyond simple hydration, the inclusion of Hydrolyzed Oat Protein adds a reparative element. Proteins are essential for filling in gaps in the hair cuticle, helping to retain moisture and reduce breakage. Paired with Trehalose, a sugar that helps plants survive harsh conditions, the formula is designed to lock in hydration for the long term. The humectant properties of Glycerin further ensure that moisture is drawn into the hair strands, combating frizz and dryness. One of the standout features of this ingredient list is the extensive array of botanical extracts. Ingredients like Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), and Urtica Dioica (Nettle) are traditionally revered for their ability to support scalp health and encourage stronger hair growth. This suggests that the conditioner is not just treating the ends of the hair, but provides benefits for the overall health of the follicle as well. The addition of Gluconolactone acts as a gentle exfoliant and humectant, potentially aiding in scalp clarity. However, users should be mindful of the scent profile. While the fragrance is listed as naturally derived and supported by Patchouli and Orange Peel Oil, essential oils can be sensitizing for those with reactive skin or specific allergies. Additionally, the density of oils might be heavy for very fine hair types. Overall, this is a thoughtfully constructed product that bridges the gap between effective detangling and deep, botanical nourishment.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary base for the formula.

📁 Emollients & Conditioning Agents / 润肤剂与调理剂

🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that conditions and softens hair; not drying like ethanol.

🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A long-chain fatty alcohol derived from plants (often rapeseed) that provides a smooth feel.

🧪 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter / 乳木果油

Purpose: Moisturizer, Sealant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, helps seal moisture into the hair.

🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; light texture.

🧪 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil / 氢化植物油

Purpose: Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Increases viscosity and stability of the product.

🧪 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil / 鳄梨油

Purpose: Conditioning Oil

Concerns: None

Notes: Penetrating oil rich in oleic acid and vitamins.

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

Purpose: Conditioning Oil

Concerns: None

Notes: Actually a liquid wax; closely mimics natural sebum.

🧪 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil / 椰子油

Purpose: Conditioning Oil

Concerns: Comedogenic for some skin types

Notes: Penetrates the hair shaft to prevent protein loss.

🧪 Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Oil / 印度楝籽油

Purpose: Conditioning, Antimicrobial

Concerns: Strong odor (usually masked)

Notes: Used for scalp health and soothing irritation.

📁 Emulsifiers & Stabilizers / 乳化剂与稳定剂

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived polymer used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps blend water and oil phases.

🧪 Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate / 硬脂酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, Mild Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Amino acid-derived; helps maintain the emulsion.

📁 Humectants & Actives / 保湿剂与活性成分

🧪 Gluconolactone / 葡萄糖酸内酯

Purpose: Humectant, Chelator

Concerns: None

Notes: A Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that hydrates; often part of a preservative blend.

🧪 Trehalose / 海藻糖

Purpose: Humectant, Protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A sugar that helps hair retain moisture and withstand environmental stress.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture from the air into the hair.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Oat Protein / 水解燕麦蛋白

Purpose: Strengthening, Volume

Concerns: Gluten sensitivity (rare in topical use)

Notes: Adds shine and manageability; coats the hair shaft.

🧪 Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Soothing, Moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Great for soothing the scalp.

📁 Botanical Extracts / 植物提取物

🧪 Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract / 金盏花提取物

Purpose: Soothing

Concerns: Ragweed allergy cross-reaction

Notes: Gentle and calming for the scalp.

🧪 Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract / 问荆提取物

Purpose: Strengthening

Concerns: None

Notes: High in silica, which supports hair strength.

🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Scalp Stimulation

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to support hair growth and scalp health.

🧪 Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract / 聚合草叶提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains allantoin, which heals and soothes.

🧪 Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract / 异株荨麻叶提取物

Purpose: Oil Control, Strengthening

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in vitamins and minerals.

📁 Fragrance / 香精香料

🧪 Naturally Derived Fragrance / 天然香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Potential sensitivity

Notes: Specific composition is undisclosed.

🧪 Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil / 广藿香叶油

Purpose: Fragrance, Essential Oil

Concerns: Sensitizing for some

Notes: Provides an earthy scent.

🧪 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil / 甜橙皮油

Purpose: Fragrance, Essential Oil

Concerns: Photosensitivity (less concern in rinse-off)

Notes: Provides a citrus scent and shine.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None in low concentrations

Notes: Food-grade preservative effective against fungi.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None in low concentrations

Notes: Often used in conjunction with Sodium Benzoate.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to balance the pH to be skin/hair friendly.