Matrix Food For Soft
This hydrating shampoo contains excellent moisturizing ingredients like Sodium Hyaluronate, Avocado Oil, and Glycerin. However, it also contains both Sodium Laureth Sulfate AND Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can be harsh and drying. Best for normal to oily hair that needs hydration but may be too stripping for dry or damaged hair. Consider following with a good conditioner.
Quick Description
Matrix Food For Soft is a shampoo crafted by Matrix 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
Base solvent, neutral
Milder surfactant but can still be drying for some hair types
Harsh surfactant that can strip natural oils and cause dryness
Gentle cleanser derived from coconut, reduces irritation
Salt thickener, can be drying in high amounts
Adds pearlescent appearance and improves texture
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Water |
Base solvent, neutral Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate |
Milder surfactant but can still be drying for some hair types Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
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.
|
– |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Gentle cleanser derived from coconut, reduces irritation Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Hexylene Glycol |
Solvent that enhances penetration of beneficial ingredients Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Fragrance |
Can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some people Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Cocamide MEA |
Foam booster and thickener from coconut oil Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citric Acid |
pH adjuster, helps close hair cuticle 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 cosmetic 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 controlled amounts Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Dimethicone |
Silicone that provides smoothness, may cause buildup over time Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Carbomer |
Synthetic thickener, creates gel texture, safe for hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Coco-Betaine |
Mild coconut-derived surfactant, cleanses without stripping Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Salicylic Acid |
Exfoliates scalp, helps treat dandruff and buildup Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
Natural conditioning agent, reduces static and improves detangling Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Menthol |
Provides cooling sensation, can stimulate scalp but may irritate sensitive skin Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Amodimethicone |
Water-soluble silicone, conditions without heavy buildup Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Glycerin |
Excellent humectant, attracts and retains moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Avocado Oil |
Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, deeply nourishes dry hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Linalool |
Fragrance component, potential allergen for sensitive individuals Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Trideceth-10 |
Emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Benzyl Salicylate |
Fragrance ingredient with UV-absorbing properties Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Benzyl Alcohol |
Preservative and fragrance solvent, generally safe Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Coumarin |
Fragrance compound, potential sensitizer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| PEG-100 Stearate |
Emulsifier that helps blend ingredients, mildly conditioning Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Steareth-6 |
Emulsifier that stabilizes formulations Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Sodium Hyaluronate |
Hyaluronic acid form, excellent hydration for hair and scalp Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Limonene |
Citrus fragrance, may cause sensitivity in some Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Trideceth-3 |
Nonionic surfactant aiding in cleansing Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Phenoxyethanol |
Common preservative, generally safe in cosmetic amounts Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Fumaric Acid |
pH adjuster that helps balance scalp environment Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Acetic Acid |
pH adjuster, helps smooth hair cuticle Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Tocopherol |
Vitamin E, powerful antioxidant that protects hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sunflower Seed Oil |
Lightweight oil rich in vitamin E, nourishes without weighing down Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Rosemary Leaf Extract |
Antioxidant that promotes scalp health and may stimulate hair growth 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