Herbal essence
Consider alternatives for Curly, Oily hair. The formula includes ingredients that may damage hair over time.
Quick Description
Herbal essence 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
Potential irritant, avoid
Milder surfactant but can still be drying
Salt - thickener, can be drying in high amounts
Preservative, generally safe in low amounts
pH adjuster, used in small amounts
Exfoliates scalp, treats dandruff
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MEA |
Potential irritant, avoid Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| 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.
|
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 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 |
| Salicylic Acid |
Exfoliates scalp, treats dandruff Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Sodium Citrate |
pH adjuster that can help maintain hair color 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 |
| Propylene Glycol |
Humectant, retains moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Caramel |
Natural colorant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 19140 |
Synthetic dye with no direct impact on hair moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 15985 |
Synthetic dye for color, no direct hair benefits 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Hexylene Glycol |
Solvent that can enhance penetration of other ingredients Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Polyquaternium 10 |
Improves hair texture and reduces frizz 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