Paul Mitchell Sheer Hydration 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.

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.

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

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

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.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

Hair wanting added body, smoothness or temporary strength.

A common protein in repair and volumising formulas.

Most hair and scalp types, including those wanting a gentle feel.

A popular botanical used across many gentle and moisturising products.

Those who prefer products with a smoother, creamier consistency.

It is often used to create uniform, easy-to-spread formulations and can also contribute mild surfactant properties. It is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

All products, especially in hard-water areas.

Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

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 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.

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.

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.