Nourishing Shampoo

All hair and skin types.

Almost always the first ingredient listed in water-based products.

Those looking for mild, low-irritation cleansing, including people with dry or sensitive scalps.

It is often paired with other surfactants to balance cleansing power and mildness. Commonly used in baby shampoos and sensitive-skin formulas due to its gentle profile.

People looking for mild, low-foaming cleansers that are generally considered suitable for sensitive or dry hair types.

It is often used as an alternative to stronger surfactants to create a softer, more conditioning lather. It can also support formula stability and mildness in blended surfactant systems.

Most hair types, including those wanting a gentler wash.

Often paired with other surfactants to make a formula feel milder.

People looking for a gentle, low-irritation cleansing option or those using sulphate-free shampoos.

It is known for being milder than many traditional surfactants and is often used in formulas designed to maintain softness after washing.

Those who like creamy, luxurious-feeling shampoo or conditioner textures.

It also provides a mild conditioning feel, helping formulas spread smoothly through the hair. Its use is common in many everyday cleansing products.

Those who prefer shampoos with a richer, creamier foam.

It is made from fatty acids derived from coconut oil and monoethanolamine and is commonly used to stabilise foam and improve texture. It can also help thicken surfactant-based formulas.

Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.

A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.

Most hair types wanting smoother, easier-to-manage hair.

Widely used in shampoos and conditioners for slip and softness.

People looking to support hair strength, smoothness or light-volume effects.

It can help improve the feel of damaged or fine hair without the weight of some heavier proteins.

Those looking to enhance manageability, reduce the feel of dryness, or support colour retention.

Hydrolysed quinoa contains smaller protein fragments that can lightly film the hair, helping it feel smoother. It is often included in colour-care and strengthening formulas.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

Those looking for added conditioning support or antioxidant benefits in their haircare.

It is commonly used because it is more stable than pure vitamin E while still offering similar benefits. It appears in many leave-in and rinse-off formulations.

Most hair and scalp types, including those wanting a gentle feel.

A popular botanical used across many gentle and moisturising products.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

Those looking for mild cleansing with a smoother, less stripped feel.

It is often included to make cleansing formulas feel more conditioning and to help solubilise oils or fragrances. It pairs well with stronger surfactants to create a more balanced wash.

Those looking for softer, easier-to-detangle hair.

It is derived from guar gum and is commonly used to enhance conditioning in shampoos and conditioners. It can also reduce static and improve manageability.

All products, especially in hard-water areas.

Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.

Those interested in how a product’s texture and lather are achieved.

It is a simple mineral salt that helps create a familiar shampoo feel and can influence how a cleanser spreads through the hair.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

A very common, well-studied preservative used at low levels.

Those interested in understanding preservative systems or identifying potential fragrance allergens.

Benzyl Alcohol is commonly used in professional haircare to support product stability and texture. It can also naturally occur in some essential oils.

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

Anyone who uses water-based products that benefit from reliable preservation.

It is commonly used alongside other preservation systems to maintain product freshness and extend shelf life. It is generally well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-in products.

People who enjoy a scented product.

Fragrance preference is personal. Some people prefer fragrance-free formulas by choice.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.

Those who enjoy subtly scented haircare products.

It is one of the fragrance components that must be listed separately when present above certain levels. People with known fragrance sensitivities may choose to monitor for it.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.