Shampoo Three

All hair and skin types.

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

Oily scalps, heavy product users and people who like a strong cleanse.

May feel too cleansing for some dry, curly, colour-treated or sensitive hair types. This depends on the full formula and your hair needs.

Most hair types, including those wanting a gentler wash.

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

People who like a rich, stable lather in their cleansing products.

It is often used alongside primary surfactants to enhance texture and mildness. Its viscosity‑boosting effect can also improve the feel of rinse‑off formulas.

People looking for a milder alternative to traditional sulphate surfactants.

It is often used in gentle or colour-care formulas because it provides effective cleansing with a softer feel. Despite the name, it is typically considered milder than many common sulphate surfactants.

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.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

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 looking for products with effective cleansing or evenly dispersed ingredients.

It is commonly used at low levels to support texture and clarity in shampoos and styling products. Despite being a surfactant, it is often included for solubilising rather than strong cleansing.

Those in hard-water areas who want shampoos and conditioners to rinse more cleanly.

Chelating agents can support formula consistency and help prevent minerals from depositing on the hair or interfering with product texture. They are widely used in many rinse-off and leave-in formulations.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

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.

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.

Those who enjoy citrus-style fragrances or want products with a fresh aromatic profile.

Citral is naturally present in several essential oils and is listed on labels because it is a recognised fragrance allergen. Only small amounts are typically used to adjust or enhance a product’s scent.

Those who enjoy subtly floral-scented haircare or are monitoring specific fragrance allergens.

It is one of the fragrance allergens that must be listed individually on product labels when present above certain levels. Its presence does not indicate product strength or quality, only that it contributes to the overall scent profile.

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.

Those interested in the appearance of their haircare products or checking for specific colour additives.

CI 19140 is widely used in cosmetics and personal care for its vibrant and stable colour. Its presence does not affect the performance of the haircare formula.

Those who prefer products with a specific colour or enjoy visually distinctive formulas.

CI 42090 is widely used in personal care for consistent, stable colour effects. It does not affect how the product performs on the hair.