Head& shoulders
Not recommended for Straight, Dry, Oily, Dandruff hair. This shampoo contains several harsh or potentially harmful ingredients.
Quick Description
Head& shoulders is a shampoo crafted by the brand 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
Milder surfactant but can still be drying
Potential irritant, avoid
Harsh surfactant that can strip natural oils and cause dryness
Enhances solubility of ingredients, may cause dryness if overused
Can cause allergies or irritation
pH adjuster, gentle exfoliant
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate |
Milder surfactant but can still be drying Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| MEA |
Potential irritant, avoid Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate |
Harsh surfactant that can strip natural oils and cause dryness Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| Sodium Xylenesulfonate |
Enhances solubility of ingredients, may cause dryness if overused Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Fragrance |
Can cause allergies or irritation Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citric Acid |
pH adjuster, gentle exfoliant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Dimethiconol |
Heavy silicone for conditioning and shine, may cause buildup Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| 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 |
| Sodium Benzoate |
Preservative, generally safe in low amounts Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Sodium Salicylate |
Mild exfoliant, can help with scalp health but may dry hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Hexyl Cinnamal |
Jasmine-scented fragrance, may cause allergic reactions 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 |
| EDTA |
Chelating agent, improves stability 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 |
| Trideceth-10 |
Nonionic surfactant used for solubilizing oils, gentle on hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Acetic Acid |
pH adjuster that can enhance shine but may dry hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Benzyl Alcohol |
Preservative and solvent, may be drying in high amounts Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Triethylene Glycol |
Humectant with antimicrobial properties, potential for buildup Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Propylene Glycol |
Humectant, retains moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 42090 |
Blue dye for aesthetic purposes, no conditioning properties Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 17200 |
Red dye used for color enhancement, no conditioning benefits Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Water |
Base solvent, neutral Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Gentle cleanser, reduces irritation Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| 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 |
| Piroctone Olamine |
Anti-dandruff, gentle on scalp Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
Conditioning agent that reduces static and improves manageability Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Glycerin |
Humectant, attracts moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Niacinamide |
Vitamin B3, improves scalp health Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Panthenol |
Pro-Vitamin B5, adds shine and moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Tocopheryl acetate |
Vitamin E derivative that provides antioxidant protection and moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
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