Herbal essenses
Fair choice for Curly, Damaged, Dry, Porous hair. Some good ingredients present, but watch for potential buildup or irritation.
Quick Description
Herbal essenses is a shampoo crafted by Herbal Essences 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
Harsh surfactant stripping natural oils, causes dryness
Salt - thickener, can be drying in high amounts
Enhances solubility of ingredients, may cause dryness if overused
pH adjuster that can help maintain hair color
Can cause allergies or irritation
Acts as a mild surfactant and emulsifier
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
Harsh surfactant stripping natural oils, causes dryness Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| 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 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Laureth-4 |
Acts as a mild surfactant and emulsifier 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 |
| 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 |
| EDTA |
Chelating agent, improves stability Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Red 33 |
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 |
| YELLOW 5 |
Synthetic dye with no direct benefit for hair health Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Blue 1 |
Colorant for visual appeal, no hair benefits Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Laureth-23 |
Mild surfactant providing gentle cleansing Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Ammonium Chloride Phosphate |
pH adjuster with minimal impact on hair condition 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 |
| Rosa Canina Fruit Extract |
Rich in vitamins, provides antioxidant protection Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil |
Nourishing oil that mimics scalp sebum, adds moisture and shine 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 |
| Tocopherol |
Vitamin E, antioxidant protection 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 |
| PEG-40 Almond Glycerides |
Emollient that moisturizes and conditions hair 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