Absolute Volume Shampoo

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.

People looking for gentle or low-foaming cleansing options.

It is commonly used in sulphate-free formulas due to its mildness and compatibility with sensitive scalps. It can also help improve the spreadability of a formula.

Hair wanting added body, smoothness or temporary strength.

A common protein in repair and volumising formulas.

Those looking for light, gentle cleansing or improved rinse-off in haircare formulas.

It is often used alongside other surfactants to adjust foam and improve product texture. It also helps blend oil- and water-based ingredients for consistent formulas.

Most hair types, including those wanting a gentler wash.

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

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 looking for gentle cleansing or well‑blended lightweight formulas.

It is often used to support mild cleansing systems and to help oil‑based components mix evenly into water‑based products. Its high PEG number indicates strong solubility in water.

Useful for those who prefer haircare products with clear, consistent textures or evenly dispersed fragrance and oils.

It is widely used in shampoos, conditioners and styling products to keep formulations stable and smooth. It also offers mild surfactant properties that support product rinse-off.

Most hair types as part of a moisturising formula.

A widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.

Those who want products with reliable, widely used preservation systems.

It is commonly used in rinse-off and leave-in formulations to support product longevity. It is included at low levels and is one of several preservative options used in modern formulations.

Those looking for gentle cleansing or lightweight formulations.

It is commonly used to stabilise formulas and support soft, conditioned feel in hair products. It is considered a gentle option compared with stronger cleansing agents.

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.

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

Widely used in shampoos and conditioners for slip and softness.

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.

People who enjoy a scented product.

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

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.

People looking for gentle cleansing that helps support softness and manageability.

It is derived from wheat protein, which can contribute to a smoother feel on the hair. Its mild nature makes it common in gentle or moisturising formulations.

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

Anyone using products that benefit from a long, reliable shelf life.

Propylparaben is a widely used preservative that helps maintain product quality and freshness. It is used at very low levels and is well studied for its role in keeping formulations stable.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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

Those interested in how product pH affects scalp comfort or hair cuticle behaviour.

It is used in very small amounts to bring a formula to the desired pH range. Once adjusted, it does not act as a strong alkaline agent in the finished product.

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.

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 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.

Anyone who enjoys visually distinctive or colour-themed haircare products.

It is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners and styling products to create consistent, appealing colour. The colour does not affect hair performance and is primarily for product appearance.

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 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 who want products with reliable preservation, including professionals who need consistent shelf stability.

Ethylparaben is part of the paraben family, which has been widely used for many years due to its effectiveness in small amounts. It is often combined with other preservatives to create a broad‑spectrum system.

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.