Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo
Premium sulfate-free formula with exceptional active ingredients: 6 gentle surfactants, 3 nourishing oils (Olive, Camelina, Linseed), ceramide-like lipid, Arginine, Vitamin E, and rare Astaxanthin antioxidant. Contains specialized protein-silicone complex for repair. HOWEVER, formula is significantly compromised by MI/MCI preservatives (Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone) which are known sensitizers. Would score 80+ without these preservatives. Not recommended for sensitive scalps.
Quick Description
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo is a shampoo crafted by Pureology 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
Very gentle surfactant
Mild sulfate-free surfactant
Mild cleanser
Gentle amino acid surfactant
Gentle surfactant
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Water |
Base solvent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
Very gentle surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate |
Mild sulfate-free surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate |
Mild cleanser Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate |
Gentle amino acid surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Coco-Betaine |
Gentle surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Decyl Glucoside |
Gentle sugar-based surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Glycerin |
Humectant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Tocopherol |
Vitamin E antioxidant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Olive Fruit Oil |
Nourishing oil rich in fatty acids Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Camelina Sativa Seed Oil |
Omega-3 rich oil for moisture Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Salicylic Acid |
BHA for scalp exfoliation Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sunflower Seed Extract |
Antioxidant extract Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol |
Protein bonded to silicone for repair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Arginine |
Amino acid for strengthening Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol |
Ceramide-like lipid for hair barrier Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Poly Linseed Oil |
Omega-rich linseed polymer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract |
Astaxanthin - powerful antioxidant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Polyquaternium-7 |
Conditioning polymer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Polyquaternium-10 |
Conditioning polymer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Amodimethicone |
Targeted silicone Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Fragrance |
Added scent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Hexyl Cinnamal |
Fragrance allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Linalool |
Fragrance allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Limonene |
Fragrance allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citronellol |
Fragrance allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Methylchloroisothiazolinone |
Controversial preservative, sensitizing Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| Methylisothiazolinone |
Controversial preservative, restricted in EU Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Bad |
| Red 4 |
Artificial dye Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Orange 4 |
Artificial dye Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
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