Elvive
L Oreal Elvive shampoo with a triple protein complex (Wheat, Corn, Soy) for strengthening damaged hair. Also contains beneficial Castor Seed Oil for nourishment. However, contains SLES which can be drying, two types of silicones (Dimethicone and Amodimethicone) that may build up, and a heavy load of fragrance components that could irritate sensitive scalps. Best for normal to oily hair needing protein repair. Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to prevent silicone buildup.
Quick Description
Elvive is a shampoo crafted by L Oreal to keep scalp and hair balanced. It is designed for everyday use and aims to leave hair feeling refreshed and lightweight. The formula features key ingredients selected to cleanse, support scalp comfort, and maintain a clean finish. Ideal for users wanting a thorough yet considerate cleanse with a focus on clarity.
Ingredient Overview
Highlights
Key Ingredients
Base solvent, neutral
Milder surfactant but can still be drying for some hair types
Adds pearlescent appearance and improves texture
Salt thickener, can be drying in high amounts
Gentle coconut-derived cleanser that reduces irritation
Silicone that provides smoothness, may build up over time
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Water |
Base solvent, neutral Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate |
Milder surfactant but can still be drying for some hair types Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Glycol Distearate |
Adds pearlescent appearance and improves texture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Chloride |
Salt thickener, can be drying in high amounts Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Gentle coconut-derived cleanser that reduces irritation Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Dimethicone |
Silicone that provides smoothness, may build up over time Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Fragrance |
Can cause sensitivity in some people Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
Natural conditioning agent that detangles and reduces static Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Cocamide MEA |
Foam booster and thickener from coconut oil Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Coco-Betaine |
Mild coconut-derived surfactant, cleanses without stripping Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Castor Seed Oil |
Nourishing oil that promotes hair growth and adds shine Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Benzoate |
Preservative, generally safe Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Sodium Hydroxide |
pH adjuster, used in small amounts Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Hydroxycitronellal |
Fragrance component that may cause sensitivity Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein |
Strengthens and repairs hair, adds volume Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Hydrolyzed Corn Protein |
Protein that strengthens and conditions hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Hydrolyzed Soy Protein |
Protein that adds moisture and repairs damage Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Steareth-6 |
Emulsifier that stabilizes formulations Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Phenoxyethanol |
Common preservative, generally safe Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Acetic Acid |
pH adjuster, helps smooth hair cuticle Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| PEG-100 Stearate |
Emulsifier that helps blend ingredients Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Trideceth-10 |
Emulsifier for blending ingredients Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Trideceth-3 |
Nonionic surfactant for cleansing Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Salicylic Acid |
Exfoliates scalp, helps treat dandruff and buildup Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Limonene |
Citrus fragrance, may cause sensitivity Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Fumaric Acid |
pH adjuster that helps balance scalp Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Benzyl Salicylate |
Fragrance with UV-absorbing properties Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Linalool |
Fragrance component, potential allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Benzyl Alcohol |
Preservative and fragrance solvent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Amodimethicone |
Water-soluble silicone, conditions without heavy buildup Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone |
Synthetic fragrance, potential sensitizer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Carbomer |
Thickener that creates gel texture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Geraniol |
Rose-scented fragrance, potential allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citric Acid |
pH adjuster, helps close hair cuticle Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citronellol |
Rose-scented fragrance, mild sensitizer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Coumarin |
Fragrance compound, potential sensitizer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Hexylene Glycol |
Solvent that enhances absorption of ingredients Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Hexyl Cinnamal |
Jasmine fragrance, may cause allergic reactions Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
Explanation of Key Groups
Surfactants
Primary and co-surfactants (e.g., Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco/Ampho betaines) provide the cleanse, foam, and removal of scalp oils. Mild co-surfactants help soften the feel and improve tolerance.
Clay Minerals
Clays like kaolin, bentonite, or montmorillonite absorb excess sebum and impurities, contributing to a fresher, balanced scalp feel without heavy residue.
Actives
Ingredients such as salicylic acid or zinc derivatives can support gentle exfoliation and sebum regulation, helping keep follicles clear and comfortable.
Humectants
Water-binding agents (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronate) attract moisture to reduce the stripped feel after cleansing and keep lengths softer.
Safety Notes & Allergens
- Fragrance allergens (e.g., linalool, geraniol, coumarin) may be present if fragrance is listed.
- Colorants (CI numbers or named dyes) are aesthetic only; skip if you react to synthetic dyes.
- Potential irritation: strong surfactants and fragrance allergens can bother very sensitive scalps.
- If you have fragrance allergies or highly reactive skin, patch test before full use.
Summary
Best suited for users seeking a clear, balanced cleanse. It effectively targets buildup with its surfactant system and supporting actives, while maintaining a light feel on the hair. Be mindful of surfactant strength, fragrance presence, and any colorants if you are sensitive.
Who is this product good for?
- ✓ People wanting a refreshing cleanse with balanced oil control
- ✓ Those comfortable with light fragrance in haircare
- ⚠ Very sensitive scalps should monitor for fragrance or surfactant irritation