Biolage Color Last Conditioner

A hydrating conditioner formulated with Cupuacu Butter and Soybean Oil to detangle and soften, featuring UV filters for environmental protection.

Performance Rating: 4.2

This conditioner features a robust conditioning base relying on Behentrimonium Chloride and Cetearyl Alcohol, a gold-standard duo for detangling and softening. It is enriched with Cupuaçu Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum) and Soybean Oil, which provide excellent emollient properties and moisture retention. The inclusion of Glycerin adds hydration, while Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone acts as a water-soluble silicone derivative to improve slip and shine without the heavy buildup associated with traditional silicones. The addition of a UV filter (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) suggests it is formulated to help protect hair color. It is likely effective for dry or damaged hair types.

Safety Rating: 3.7

The formula avoids controversial preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde donors, utilizing Phenoxyethanol and Chlorhexidine Digluconate instead. However, the safety rating is slightly impacted by the presence of numerous fragrance allergens, including Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Linalool, and Amyl Cinnamal, which may pose a risk of contact dermatitis for those with sensitive skin or scalps. Isopropyl Alcohol is present but likely acts as a solvent for the conditioning agents and evaporates quickly, posing minimal drying risk in this context.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a well-engineered formulation that balances effective synthetic conditioning agents with natural emollients like Cupuaçu Butter. It promises high performance in terms of smoothing, detangling, and softening the hair. While it contains a significant number of fragrance components that could irritate sensitive users, it is generally safe and highly effective for the general population, particularly those seeking moisture and manageability without heavy silicone residue.

Verdict

This formulation is a solid choice for individuals dealing with dryness or frizz. The backbone of this conditioner relies on Behentrimonium Chloride and Cetearyl Alcohol, a highly effective combination that provides excellent slip, making detangling significantly easier while reducing static. The inclusion of Glycerin ensures moisture is drawn into the hair shaft, while Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil and Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu) Seed Butter act as rich emollients to seal that moisture in and smooth the cuticle. One interesting addition is Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone. While this is a silicone derivative, it is modified to be more water-soluble than traditional dimethicone, aiming to provide shine and manageability without the same risk of heavy buildup. This makes it a good middle ground for those who want the cosmetic finish of silicones but worry about weighing their hair down. Furthermore, the presence of Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, a UV absorber, indicates that this product is designed to protect hair—specifically color-treated hair—from the damaging effects of the sun. However, users should be aware of the extensive fragrance profile. The ingredient list includes several specific fragrance components like Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, and Linalool. While these make the product smell luxurious, they are known sensitizers. Consequently, this might not be the best option for those with reactive skin or scalp sensitivities. Overall, it is a robust conditioning agent best and effectively suited for medium to thick hair textures needing hydration and protection.

Who Is This Product For?

People with dry or damaged hair
Those seeking color protection due to sun exposure
Hair that is prone to tangles and knots

Who Should Avoid This Product?

People with sensitive scalps due to multiple fragrance allergens
Those following a strict silicone-free regimen
Individuals with very fine, oily hair who may find the oils too heavy

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base & Solvents / 基质与溶剂

🧪 Aqua / water / eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for the formula.

🧪 Isopropyl alcohol / 异丙醇

Purpose: Solvent / Viscosity Control

Concerns: Drying in high concentrations

Notes: Often present as a solvent for cationic surfactants like Behentrimonium chloride; likely in low concentration.

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

🧪 Cetearyl alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Emulsifier / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens hair and stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 Behentrimonium chloride / 山嵛基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Cationic Surfactant / Antistatic Agent

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations

Notes: Excellent for detangling and smoothing hair.

🧪 Cetyl esters / 鲸蜡醇酯

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Synthetic wax that provides a smooth feel.

🧪 Isopropyl myristate / 肉豆蔻酸异丙酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Comedogenic (pore-clogging) if applied to acne-prone skin

Notes: Provides a dry, velvety feel and reduces greasiness.

🧪 Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 methicone / 月桂基 PEG/PPG-18/18 聚甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Hair Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Silicone derivative

Notes: Improves spreadability and conditioning.

🧪 Isostearyl alcohol / 异硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth feel.

🧪 Stearic acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acid used to stabilize the formula.

🧪 Palmitic acid / 棕榈酸

Purpose: Emollient / Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acid found naturally in plants and animals.

🧪 Myristic acid / 肉豆蔻酸

Purpose: Emulsifier / Opacifying Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acid used for texture.

📁 Nourishing Ingredients & Humectants / 滋养成分与保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the hair.

🧪 Glycine soja oil / soybean oil / 野大豆油

Purpose: Emollient / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.

🧪 Theobroma grandiflorum seed butter / 大花可可树籽脂

Purpose: Emollient / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Also known as Cupuaçu butter; highly moisturizing and water-retaining.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for sensitive skin

Notes: Common alternative to parabens.

🧪 Chlorhexidine digluconate / 葡萄糖酸氯己定

Purpose: Preservative / Antimicrobial

Concerns: Can cause hypersensitivity in rare cases

Notes: Helps prevent bacterial growth.

🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to ensure the product pH is skin/hair friendly.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents oils in the formula from going rancid.

📁 Fragrance & UV Protection / 香精与紫外线防护

🧪 Parfum / fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Fragrance

Concerns: Common cause of allergic contact dermatitis

Notes: Provides the product’s scent.

🧪 Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane / 丁基甲氧基二苯甲酰基甲烷

Purpose: UV Absorber

Concerns: None

Notes: Also known as Avobenzone; protects hair and product color from UV light.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient