Equate Beauty Smoothing Keratin Conditioner

A silicone-rich conditioning formula fortified with Hydrolyzed Keratin to smooth frizz and repair surface damage, best suited for thick or chemically treated hair.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula features a robust combination of cationic surfactants (Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine) and silicones (Dimethicone, Amodimethicone). Amodimethicone is particularly effective as it selectively targets damaged areas of the hair cuticle without causing heavy buildup. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Keratin provides protein for temporary strengthening and repair. It is highly effective for detangling, frizz control, and smoothing.

Safety Rating: 3.0

The product relies on the preservative blend of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (often called the ‘Itchy Ms’). While safe for most in rinse-off products, these are known skin sensitizers and allergens that can irritate sensitive scalps. Additionally, the presence of Fragrance (Parfum) is a common trigger for allergies. PEG compounds are present, which are generally safe but scrutinized in clean beauty standards.

Final Rating: 3.7

This is a high-efficacy commercial conditioner designed to deliver immediate softness and slip. The ingredient profile guarantees excellent detangling and manageability for most hair types, particularly dry or damaged hair. However, the use of strong synthetic preservatives limits its safety score for individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking ‘cleaner’ formulations.

Verdict

This formulation represents a classic, heavy-duty approach to hair conditioning, designed specifically to provide immediate manageability and cosmetic repair. The base of the product relies on Cetearyl Alcohol and Behentrimonium Chloride, a highly effective duo that provides excellent slip, neutralizing static and making detangling wet hair significantly easier. This is crucial for preventing mechanical breakage during combing. The inclusion of Hydrolyzed Keratin is the standout active ingredient; this protein penetrates the hair shaft to reinforce structural integrity, making it an excellent choice for hair that has been weakened by bleaching, coloring, or excessive heat styling. However, the performance of this conditioner is largely driven by its silicone content, specifically Dimethicone and Amodimethicone. These ingredients create a microscopic film over the hair strands, sealing the cuticle to lock in moisture and reflect light for a shiny finish. Amodimethicone is particularly sophisticated as it selectively binds to damaged areas of the hair, resisting wash-off to provide long-lasting smoothness. While these occlusives are fantastic for taming frizz and unruly textures, they come with a caveat: they are not water-soluble. This means they can lead to product buildup over time, leaving hair feeling heavy or lank if not removed regularly with a clarifying shampoo. Furthermore, consumers should be aware of the preservation system. The formula uses Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, often called the ‘Itchy Ms’. While effective against bacteria, these are potent sensitizers and are a common cause of contact dermatitis. Individuals with a sensitive scalp or conditions like eczema may find this product irritating. In summary, this is a high-performance detangler and smoother for hardy, thick, or damaged hair types. It excels at masking damage and creating a ‘glass hair’ effect but requires a routine that includes sulfates to prevent build-up and is not suitable for those strictly avoiding silicones.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Base & Solvents / 基质与溶剂

🧪 WATER (AQUA) / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for the formula.

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

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

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

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

Purpose: Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Potential mild irritation

Notes: A cationic surfactant replacement that binds to hair to smooth the cuticle.

🧪 BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 山嵛基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: An excellent detangler that reduces static and softens hair.

🧪 CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE / 鲸蜡基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Preservative, Surfactant, Antistatic Agent

Concerns: Skin sensitization in high concentrations

Notes: Helps smooth hair and prevent flyaways.

📁 Silicones / 硅油类

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Product buildup

Notes: Forms a protective barrier on the hair shaft to lock in moisture and add shine.

🧪 AMODIMETHICONE / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Hair Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Product buildup

Notes: A chemically modified silicone that selectively bonds to damaged areas of the hair cuticle.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 HYDROLYZED KERATIN / 水解角蛋白

Purpose: Hair Conditioning Agent, Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protein fragments that penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen structure and retain moisture.

📁 Texture Modifiers & Adjuncts / 质地调节剂与辅助剂

🧪 DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL / 双丙甘醇

Purpose: Solvent, Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and improve formula texture.

🧪 LACTIC ACID / 乳酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Humectant

Concerns: Sensitivity (in high concentrations on skin)

Notes: Used to balance the pH of the conditioner to flatten the hair cuticle.

🧪 POTASSIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钾

Purpose: Viscosity Increasing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to thicken the product.

🧪 PEG-7 PROPYLHEPTYL ETHER / PEG-7 丙基庚基醚

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: Contamination concerns (1,4-dioxane)

Notes: Often used alongside silicones to help disperse them.

🧪 PEG-150 DISTEARATE / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: Contamination concerns (1,4-dioxane)

Notes: Adds body and thickness to the formulation.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Enhanced penetration of other chemicals

Notes: Binds to metal ions to maintain product stability and efficacy.

🧪 METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基氯异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High sensitization potential, contact dermatitis

Notes: Often used in combination with Methylisothiazolinone; strong allergen potential.

🧪 METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE / 甲基异噻唑啉酮

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: High sensitization potential, contact dermatitis

Notes: Part of the ‘Itchy Ms’ group of preservatives; effective against bacteria but can irritate sensitive skin.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) / 香精

Purpose: Deodorant, Masking

Concerns: Allergic reactions, sensitization

Notes: A blend of aromatic compounds to provide scent.