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Herbal essence

Brand

Herbal essence

Shampoo Alcohol-free Contains fragrance Contains colorants
49

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Expert note

Consider alternatives for Curly, Oily hair. The formula includes ingredients that may damage hair over time.

Herbal essence by the brand — a shampoo formulated to balance and care for scalp and hair. Designed to leave hair feeling refreshed and lightweight.

Full Ingredient List

MEA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Caramel, CI 19140, CI 15985, Fragrance, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Niacinamide, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium 10

Key Ingredients

MEA

Potential irritant, avoid

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Milder surfactant but can still be drying

Sodium Chloride

Salt - thickener, can be drying in high amounts

Sodium Benzoate

Preservative, generally safe in low amounts

Sodium Hydroxide

pH adjuster, used in small amounts

Salicylic Acid

Exfoliates scalp, treats dandruff

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient Details Rating
MEA Potential irritant, avoid Bad
Sodium Laureth Sulfate Milder surfactant but can still be drying Moderate
Sodium Chloride Salt - thickener, can be drying in high amounts Moderate
Sodium Benzoate Preservative, generally safe in low amounts Moderate
Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster, used in small amounts Moderate
Salicylic Acid Exfoliates scalp, treats dandruff Moderate
Sodium Citrate pH adjuster that can help maintain hair color Moderate
Citric Acid pH adjuster, gentle exfoliant Moderate
Propylene Glycol Humectant, retains moisture Moderate
Caramel Natural colorant Moderate
CI 19140 Synthetic dye with no direct impact on hair moisture Moderate
CI 15985 Synthetic dye for color, no direct hair benefits Moderate
Fragrance Can cause allergies or irritation Moderate
Water Base solvent, neutral Good
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Gentle cleanser, reduces irritation Good
Glycol Distearate Adds pearlescent appearance and improves texture Good
Niacinamide Vitamin B3, improves scalp health Good
Hexylene Glycol Solvent that can enhance penetration of other ingredients Good
Polyquaternium 10 Improves hair texture and reduces frizz Good

Safety & Allergens

Fragrance allergens (linalool, geraniol, coumarin) may be present if fragrance is listed.

Colorants are aesthetic only — skip if you react to synthetic dyes.

Strong surfactants and fragrance can bother very sensitive scalps.

Patch test before full use if you have fragrance allergies or reactive skin.

Summary

Best suited for users seeking a clear, balanced cleanse. Effectively targets buildup while maintaining a light feel. Be mindful of surfactant strength and fragrance if you are sensitive.

Refreshing cleanse with balanced oil control Light fragrance in formula Sensitive scalps: monitor
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