System 3 Cleanser

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.

Oily scalps and routines that need a strong, clarifying wash.

Can be more cleansing than gentler surfactants. Many people use it happily, while others prefer milder options for everyday washing.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

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.

Anyone using products designed to stay within a specific pH range, such as colour‑treated or chemically treated hair.

It also has mild chelating abilities, helping formulas remain stable in the presence of minerals found in water. Its use supports the consistency and performance of many shampoos and conditioners.

People using shampoos or cleansers that need a consistent texture and even distribution.

It is commonly used as a hydrotrope, meaning it helps surfactants blend smoothly and maintain the right viscosity. It does not typically contribute strong cleansing on its own.

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

People dealing with flaky scalps, congestion or product buildup.

It is widely used in scalp-care formulas because it breaks down excess oils and debris without needing physical scrubbing. Often found in dandruff-control products.

Those who enjoy invigorating, minty formulas or products designed to refresh the scalp.

Peppermint oil is commonly used in small amounts for its sensory benefits and perceived scalp‑refreshing qualities. As with many essential oils, sensitivity varies between individuals.

People who enjoy a cooling effect or want products that help soothe a tired or congested scalp.

Menthol is often included in shampoos and scalp treatments for its sensory feel and refreshing aroma. It can enhance the perception of cleanliness and comfort during use.

Those who enjoy refreshing, minty sensations or products designed to invigorate the scalp.

It is commonly used in haircare for its characteristic aroma and cooling effect. Essential oils are typically included at low levels to support sensory benefits.

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 wanting smoother, easier-to-manage hair.

Widely used in shampoos and conditioners for slip and softness.

Anyone who wants products to stay fresh and stable over time.

Parabens like methylparaben are widely used because they are effective in very small amounts and have a long history of use in cosmetics. They help maintain product quality, especially in water-based formulas.

Most hair types as part of a moisturising formula.

A widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.

Those interested in soothing or antioxidant-rich botanical ingredients.

It is commonly used in haircare for its calming and conditioning properties. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for a wide range of formulations.

Those looking for support with hair strength, manageability or damage care.

This ingredient combines a cystine derivative with a silane structure to help improve hair feel and resilience. It is commonly used in modern strengthening and smoothing formulas.

Those seeking added softness, moisture support or smoother-feeling hair.

It is a phospholipid commonly derived from soy or sunflower and is valued for its ability to enhance spreadability and moisture retention. It can also help stabilise certain formulations.

People who prefer plant-derived ingredients, those seeking natural fragrances or antioxidant-rich extracts, and users interested in scalp-supporting botanicals.

Composition and activity vary with plant source and extraction method, so effects depend on concentration and formulation. As with many botanicals, some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Fennel fruit extracts contain components such as anethole, fenchone, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds; small amounts of volatile oils can contribute to scent. In cosmetics they are commonly used for fragrance, antioxidant activity and as a supportive scalp/conditioning ingredient rather than as a primary treatment. Formulators select an extract type (aqueous, hydroalcoholic or essential oil fraction) based on the desired functional and sensory properties.

Those looking for gentle scalp-supporting or conditioning ingredients.

Fermented mineral complexes are commonly used in haircare for their lightweight conditioning and scalp-refreshing benefits. They are typically well tolerated and add a subtle moisturising boost.

Those looking for gentle, nutrient-rich plant-derived extracts in their haircare.

It contains naturally occurring amino acids and polysaccharides that can support hydration and scalp comfort. It is widely used in both hair and skin formulations.

People looking for formulas that include fermented ingredients or mineral-enriched conditioning agents.

Fermentation can help make minerals more bioavailable, which is why these blends are sometimes included in premium haircare formulations. It is typically used in small amounts to complement other conditioning ingredients.

Those looking for lightweight conditioning ingredients that may support hair strength and resilience.

Fermented mineral ingredients are valued for providing trace elements in a form that is easy for formulations to incorporate. They are commonly included in premium haircare for their supportive, conditioning benefits.

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.

Those looking for lightweight conditioning or formulas featuring fermented actives.

Fermented ingredients are often used to enhance absorption or provide a smoother sensory feel in haircare formulas. Silicon in ferment form is used for its supportive, conditioning benefits rather than as a silicone.

Those looking for gentle scalp-supporting ingredients or products aimed at maintaining scalp freshness.

Fermented mineral complexes can enhance ingredient absorption and are commonly used in soothing or balancing scalp treatments. They are generally included at low levels to complement broader scalp-care formulas.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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