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Herbal essenses

Herbal Essences

Herbal essenses

Shampoo Alcohol-free Contains fragrance Contains colorants
52

Moderate

1 scans

Expert note

Fair choice for Curly, Damaged, Dry, Porous hair. Some good ingredients present, but watch for potential buildup or irritation.

Herbal essenses by Herbal Essences — a shampoo formulated to balance and care for scalp and hair. Designed to leave hair feeling refreshed and lightweight.

Full Ingredient List

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Laureth-4, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Citric Acid, EDTA, Red 33, YELLOW 5, Blue 1, Laureth-23, Ammonium Chloride Phosphate, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopherol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-40 Almond Glycerides

Key Ingredients

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Harsh surfactant stripping natural oils, causes dryness

Sodium Chloride

Salt - thickener, can be drying in high amounts

Sodium Xylenesulfonate

Enhances solubility of ingredients, may cause dryness if overused

Sodium Citrate

pH adjuster that can help maintain hair color

Fragrance

Can cause allergies or irritation

Laureth-4

Acts as a mild surfactant and emulsifier

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient Details Rating
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Harsh surfactant stripping natural oils, causes dryness Bad
Sodium Chloride Salt - thickener, can be drying in high amounts Moderate
Sodium Xylenesulfonate Enhances solubility of ingredients, may cause dryness if overused Moderate
Sodium Citrate pH adjuster that can help maintain hair color Moderate
Fragrance Can cause allergies or irritation Moderate
Laureth-4 Acts as a mild surfactant and emulsifier Moderate
Sodium Benzoate Preservative, generally safe in low amounts Moderate
Sodium Salicylate Mild exfoliant, can help with scalp health but may dry hair Moderate
Citric Acid pH adjuster, gentle exfoliant Moderate
EDTA Chelating agent, improves stability Moderate
Red 33 Synthetic dye for color, no direct hair benefits Moderate
YELLOW 5 Synthetic dye with no direct benefit for hair health Moderate
Blue 1 Colorant for visual appeal, no hair benefits Moderate
Laureth-23 Mild surfactant providing gentle cleansing Moderate
Ammonium Chloride Phosphate pH adjuster with minimal impact on hair condition Moderate
Water Base solvent, neutral Good
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Gentle cleanser, reduces irritation Good
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract Rich in vitamins, provides antioxidant protection Good
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Nourishing oil that mimics scalp sebum, adds moisture and shine Good
Tocopheryl acetate Vitamin E derivative that provides antioxidant protection and moisture Good
Tocopherol Vitamin E, antioxidant protection Good
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Conditioning agent that reduces static and improves manageability Good
PEG-40 Almond Glycerides Emollient that moisturizes and conditions hair 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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