Classics Duo

All hair and skin types.

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

Those who prefer a deep‑cleaning or clarifying effect, especially in shampoos.

It is often used in clarifying formulas because it creates a rich lather and provides an effective cleanse. Its intensity can feel more cleansing than milder surfactants, depending on hair type and formulation.

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 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 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.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

People seeking reduced frizz, improved slip and easier detangling.

This type of silicone is often used for its ability to provide long-lasting smoothness without heavy build-up. It is commonly found in serums, conditioners and leave-ins for added manageability.

People looking for smoother, easier-to-detangle hair without a heavy silicone feel.

Because it is water-dispersible, it tends to rinse out more easily than many traditional silicones. It is commonly used in both rinse-off and leave-in formulas for added manageability.

People looking for improved manageability, reduced frizz or a smoother feel without heaviness.

Polyquaternium-44 is often used in shampoos and conditioners to enhance slip and boost softness. It can help hair feel more conditioned even in rinse-off formulas.

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

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

Those interested in gentle preservation systems or sensitive scalps may find it relevant.

It is often paired with other preservatives to improve their effectiveness while allowing for lower usage levels. It also has light moisturising and conditioning properties.

Those who prefer products with smoother, more uniform application.

It can also form a light film on the hair, contributing to softness and manageability. It is widely used in both haircare and skincare for its reliable performance.

Those interested in how a product’s preservation system is maintained.

It is commonly paired with other preserving ingredients to help keep formulas consistent over time. Its role is supportive rather than active in terms of preservation.

People using styling or leave-in products that benefit from consistent texture and performance.

Magnesium chloride can also contribute mild humectant properties, helping formulas retain moisture. It is commonly used alongside other salts to adjust product feel and stability.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

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.

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 products with robust preservation, particularly in rinse-off formulas.

It is widely used in small amounts to protect formulas from microbial growth. Some people with sensitive skin or scalps may prefer to patch test products containing isothiazolinone preservatives.

Those needing products with reliable protection against product spoilage.

It is effective in very small amounts to support product longevity. Some people with sensitive skin or scalps may prefer to patch test products containing this preservative.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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

People who enjoy a scented product.

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

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 who enjoy subtly sweet, complex fragrance profiles in their haircare products.

It is one of the fragrance components that must be listed individually when present above certain levels, as some people may prefer to monitor specific scent materials. Its presence does not indicate the overall strength of a product's fragrance.

All hair and skin types.

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

People who prefer lightweight styling or smoothing products that don’t weigh the hair down.

It evaporates quickly, which can help products spread easily without residue. It is commonly used to enhance slip and smoothness in styling formulas.

Those who prefer non-greasy formulas that detangle and spread easily.

It helps dissolve other ingredients and gives formulas a smooth, silky feel. It is commonly used in both skincare and haircare for its light, non-oily finish.

People looking for smoother, more manageable hair or richer, creamier product textures.

Despite the name, fatty alcohols are moisturising and conditioning rather than drying. They also help stabilise and thicken many haircare formulas.

People looking for smoother, easier-to-comb hair, especially in conditioners and leave-in products.

Despite the name, it is not a strong sulphate cleanser but a gentle, oil-loving conditioning compound derived from fatty alcohols.

People looking for light, non-greasy moisture or those wanting plant-based conditioning ingredients.

It is commonly used for its smooth feel and ease of absorption without weighing hair down. It can also help support shine and manageability in many hair types.

Those looking for botanical ingredients that can add a soft, hydrated feel to hair.

Seaweed extracts are often included for their natural polysaccharides and minerals, which can help support hair manageability. They are commonly found in both hair and skincare formulas.

Those seeking smoother, more manageable hair or added moisture without heaviness.

Jojoba oil is structurally similar to natural scalp oils, which makes it versatile in many haircare formulas. It is commonly used to enhance softness and shine.

Those looking for lightweight hydration or gentle scalp comfort.

Aloe extracts are widely used for their moisturising and calming properties in both hair and skin products.

Those looking for gentle, soothing formulas, particularly for a sensitive or easily irritated scalp.

Chamomile extracts are commonly included for their mild, comforting properties and their ability to support a soft, conditioned feel. They are widely used in both skincare and haircare for their gentle nature.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

Most hair types as part of a moisturising formula.

A widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.

People seeking reduced frizz, improved slip and easier detangling.

This type of silicone is often used for its ability to provide long-lasting smoothness without heavy build-up. It is commonly found in serums, conditioners and leave-ins for added manageability.

People looking for smoother, easier-to-detangle hair without a heavy silicone feel.

Because it is water-dispersible, it tends to rinse out more easily than many traditional silicones. It is commonly used in both rinse-off and leave-in formulas for added manageability.

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.

Those looking for products with robust preservation, particularly in rinse-off formulas.

It is widely used in small amounts to protect formulas from microbial growth. Some people with sensitive skin or scalps may prefer to patch test products containing isothiazolinone preservatives.

Those needing products with reliable protection against product spoilage.

It is effective in very small amounts to support product longevity. Some people with sensitive skin or scalps may prefer to patch test products containing this preservative.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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

People using styling or leave-in products that benefit from consistent texture and performance.

Magnesium chloride can also contribute mild humectant properties, helping formulas retain moisture. It is commonly used alongside other salts to adjust product feel and stability.

Those interested in how a product’s preservation system is maintained.

It is commonly paired with other preserving ingredients to help keep formulas consistent over time. Its role is supportive rather than active in terms of preservation.

People who enjoy a scented product.

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

Those who enjoy subtly floral or sweetly scented formulations.

It is commonly used in perfumery and haircare to build softer, more rounded fragrance notes. It is typically present in small amounts within finished products.

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 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 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.