Dry Clay

All hair and skin types.

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

Those with very dry, coarse or textured hair that benefits from richer conditioning.

Lanolin is derived from wool wax and is valued for its ability to boost softness and shine. It can feel rich, so it is typically used in small amounts in modern formulas.

People looking for lightweight oil control or added grip in styling products.

It is primarily composed of silica and is commonly used in dry shampoos and texturising formulas for its natural absorbency.

Those looking for smoother, more manageable hair textures.

It is a waxy, fatty ingredient that also supports product texture and spreadability. It is commonly used in creams, balms and conditioning formulas.

People looking for products that add gentle control, smoothness or texture.

Beeswax can help lock in moisture and give hair a soft, pliable finish. It is commonly used in balms, pomades and creams for shape and definition.

People looking for longer-lasting hold or improved definition in styling products.

It is widely used in gels, mousses and sprays because it creates flexible, brushable hold. It can also help reduce frizz by forming a lightweight coating on the hair.

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.

Those who prefer products with a creamy, uniform texture.

It is commonly used in conditioners and styling products to keep formulas consistent and easy to apply. It also supports even distribution of other ingredients through the hair.

Most hair types as part of a moisturising formula.

A widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.

People looking to reduce moisture loss, add slip, or tame frizz.

Mineral oil is a highly refined cosmetic-grade ingredient valued for its stability and ability to lock in moisture. It is commonly used in hair treatments and styling products for added softness and shine.

People who enjoy a scented product.

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

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

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

Those interested in how product pH affects hair and scalp feel may find its presence relevant.

It is commonly used at low levels to help formulas stay effective and consistent. It does not act on the hair directly but supports the overall product performance.

Those who prefer products with a rich, gel-like texture or improved spreadability.

It is widely used in gels, creams and styling products to help keep ingredients evenly dispersed. It can also support formula pH adjustment and enhance product feel.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.