Ultimate Repair Shampoo

All hair and skin types.

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

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.

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 who like creamy, luxurious-feeling shampoo or conditioner textures.

It also provides a mild conditioning feel, helping formulas spread smoothly through the hair. Its use is common in many everyday cleansing products.

Frizz-prone, coarse or dry hair wanting a smooth, glossy finish.

Some people prefer silicone-free formulas, especially for certain curl routines. It is widely used and helpful in many smoothing products.

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.

Most hair types, especially dry or dull hair.

A versatile, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient.

All products that need a preservative system.

Often paired with other preservatives for broad protection.

Those interested in products formulated to support cuticle smoothness through balanced pH.

Malic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can also contribute mild chelating or exfoliating benefits depending on the formula. In haircare it is primarily included at low levels to help stabilise products and support their intended performance.

Those looking for softer, easier-to-detangle hair.

It is derived from guar gum and is commonly used to enhance conditioning in shampoos and conditioners. It can also reduce static and improve manageability.

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 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.

Most hair types as part of a balanced formula.

Usually present in small amounts to balance the formula.

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 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 in hard‑water areas who want products that rinse cleanly and maintain consistent results.

It supports formula stability and can help prevent mineral build‑up that may affect how products feel or work on the hair.

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

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

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.

Those looking for formulas that help reinforce hair structure or support colour-treated or weakened hair.

Amino acids like histidine can complement protein-based routines by helping maintain the hair’s natural building blocks. It is often included in small amounts to support overall formula performance.

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 interested in how a product’s pH is balanced, especially for colour‑treated or chemically processed hair.

It is used in very small, controlled amounts to fine‑tune a product’s acidity during manufacturing. The final product’s pH is carefully set for safe, everyday use.

Those looking for nourishment or softness, particularly for dry or coarse hair types.

It is naturally found in many plant oils and is commonly used to support hair softness and flexibility.

Those seeking added softness, shine and frizz control without a heavy or greasy feel.

It is often derived from plant sources such as sugarcane and is valued for its stability and non-greasy texture. It is suitable for most hair types, including fine hair, due to its lightness.

Those looking for added softness, slip or reduced frizz in conditioners and shampoos.

It is an ester of glycerin and oleic acid and is commonly used to boost conditioning performance in cleansing products. It can also help reduce the stripping feel of some surfactants.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 antioxidant support or colour maintenance may appreciate its inclusion.

It is commonly used to help stabilise cosmetic formulations and support the longevity of other ingredients. Its oil‑soluble nature allows it to work well in richer or emollient hair products.

Those wanting added nourishment or antioxidant support in their haircare routine.

Tocopherol is commonly included to help protect oils in a formula from oxidising and to offer light conditioning benefits. It is widely used in both skincare and haircare products.