Tough Love Bonding Leave-in Protector
Clean leave-in protector from the Tough Love line! Contains natural Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum (Tara gum) for heat protection, lightweight Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride oil, and Lactic Acid for smoothing. Good conditioning base with double humectants (Glycerin, Butylene Glycol). NO MI/MCI, NO formaldehyde releasers. Only 1 FRAGRANCE ALLERGEN - cleanest in fragrance profile! Great companion to Tough Love Shampoo (68) and Conditioner (74).
Quick Description
Tough Love Bonding Leave-in Protector is a spray crafted by Not Your Mothers 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
Fatty alcohol for conditioning
Humectant
Modified silicone with amino acids
Conditioning quaternary
Lightweight coconut-derived emollient
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 |
| Cetearyl Alcohol |
Fatty alcohol for conditioning Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Butylene Glycol |
Humectant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Bis-4-PCA Dimethicone |
Modified silicone with amino acids Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Behentrimonium Chloride |
Conditioning quaternary Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
Lightweight coconut-derived emollient Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Glycerin |
Humectant for hydration Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Cetrimonium Chloride |
Conditioning quaternary Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum |
Natural Tara gum for film-forming and protection Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Lactic Acid |
AHA for smoothing and pH balance Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylates Copolymer |
Styling and conditioning polymer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Isopropyl Alcohol |
Solvent - lower in formula 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 - only 1! Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Phenoxyethanol |
Safe preservative 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