Nioxin Scalp + Hair Thickening Shampoo (System 2)

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, including those wanting a gentler wash.

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

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.

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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 looking to support scalp comfort, strengthen hair, or maintain a healthy-looking scalp barrier.

It is commonly used in both skincare and haircare for its soothing and barrier-supporting properties. It pairs well with many other ingredients and is generally well tolerated.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

Those looking for formulas that help maintain a healthy-feeling scalp or the appearance of stronger hair.

In topical products it is used in small amounts to complement other strengthening or scalp-care ingredients. Its effects are supportive rather than dramatic on its own.

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.

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.

Those interested in botanical ingredients or products aimed at maintaining a balanced, comfortable scalp.

Nettle leaf extract is commonly included for its traditional use in scalp and hair rituals and can complement a variety of haircare formulas. Its benefits depend on the concentration and overall product formulation.

People looking for botanical ingredients that support scalp comfort and general hair vitality.

It is commonly included to provide gentle conditioning and support a balanced scalp environment. Its benefits can vary depending on the overall formulation.

Those looking for botanical ingredients with light antioxidant or clarifying benefits.

Grapefruit peel extracts are often included for their natural aromatic and antioxidant properties. They are typically used in small amounts to complement the overall formula.

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 gentle, plant-derived ingredients that support scalp comfort and overall hair conditioning.

Botanical extracts like this one are commonly added to enhance the sensory and supportive qualities of haircare formulas. Their benefits can vary depending on concentration and the overall product type.

Those looking for plant-derived ingredients that can help maintain hydration in hair and scalp.

Sugar maple extract is often included with other botanical ingredients to boost conditioning formulas. It is typically used at low levels alongside humectants and emollients.

Those looking for gentle botanical ingredients that support moisture retention.

Sugar cane extract is commonly used in haircare for its natural humectant properties and is compatible with most formulations. It may also support overall softness and shine.

Those looking for botanical ingredients that can help invigorate the scalp or brighten the hair’s appearance.

Lemon peel extract is often included for its refreshing scent and natural antioxidant content. Its benefits can vary depending on the formulation and concentration.

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.

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.

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.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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

Those who enjoy botanically inspired formulas or lightweight, refreshing additions to cleansing and conditioning products.

Orange fruit extract is commonly included for its natural sugars, mild acids and antioxidant content. It is typically used in low levels to complement the broader formula.

Those who prefer products with visually appealing colours.

It is used at low levels to enhance the look of a formula without affecting hair performance. Colourants like this are common in shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

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 seeking lightweight hydration or improved hold in styling products.

It is a carbohydrate derived from starch and is commonly used to support texture and moisture balance in formulations.

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.

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.

Those who want products with a longer shelf life and consistent performance.

Parabens like butylparaben are widely used and well-studied preservatives that help keep products stable. They are typically present in very small amounts to maintain freshness and quality.

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.