Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

A primary cleansing surfactant similar in strength to sodium laureth sulfate, used in many "sulfate-lite" shampoos even though it is itself a sulfonate detergent. CIR concluded it is safe in rinse-off products; it can be drying or irritating for already-sensitized scalps at higher use levels, same as most anionic surfactants.

A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used to boost foam and mildness in cleansers and shampoos. CIR has reviewed it as safe as used, but it is one of the more established contact-allergy triggers in personal care, usually traced to manufacturing impurities such as amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) rather than the betaine itself. People with a history of eyelid or scalp dermatitis are more likely to react.

A positively charged conditioning polymer used in shampoos and conditioners to reduce frizz and improve manageability. It is well tolerated and has been safely used in cosmetics for decades.

A coconut-derived fatty acid amide used as a foam booster and thickener in shampoos and washes. It is a recognized, if uncommon, contact sensitizer, and because it belongs to the same ethanolamine family reviewed alongside cocamide DEA, formulators are advised to keep it free of nitrosamine-forming contaminants; well-made products with controlled impurity levels are considered acceptable for rinse-off use.

A wax-like ester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used purely to thicken shampoo/conditioner and give it a pearly opaque look; it has no cleansing or active role. CIR found it non-sensitizing and non-irritating even at high test concentrations, and decades of manufacturer exposure data show no reported health effects.

A polymer of quaternary ammonium compounds widely used as a conditioning and antistatic agent in hair products. It is well established in cosmetic formulations with a strong safety record in rinse-off applications.

A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.

A small humectant and solvent molecule that helps other ingredients dissolve and helps skin hold water. It is one of the most studied cosmetic ingredients and is considered safe at the concentrations used in personal care products.

An essential oil rich in menthol and other terpenes. It adds a cooling, fresh note to products but is a known skin irritant and contact allergen, especially in leave-on products or for people with sensitive or inflamed skin. The oil oxidizes over time, increasing allergenicity.

An aromatic plant extract rich in natural antioxidants, valued in skincare formulations for its protective properties. Published cosmetic assessments indicate it is generally well tolerated, though the botanical origin means some sensitive individuals may react.

A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.

A plant oil from the Babassu palm kernel, similar in fatty acid profile to coconut oil. It is well tolerated as a skin emollient at standard cosmetic concentrations, with no documented safety concerns in published literature.

A warming root extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some individuals report mild warming or tingling sensations; those with sensitive skin should start with lower concentrations or patch test first.

A rich, solid-at-room-temperature oil that deeply softens dry skin and hair. It is well tolerated overall, but its high lauric acid content is considered comedogenic by many dermatologists, so it can trigger breakouts in people who are acne-prone.

A silica-rich botanical extract traditionally used in skincare formulations for its potential antioxidant and mineralizing properties. Limited clinical data are available; use caution if you have a sensitivity to plant extracts.

Roman chamomile flower extract, traditionally valued for soothing skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is rare but documented; those with known sensitivities to Asteraceae plants like ragweed or chrysanthemum should patch test first.

A botanical extract from stinging nettle leaves with reported mineral and phytonutrient content. While used historically in skincare, published safety or efficacy data for cosmetic use are limited; patch test if you have known sensitivities to plant extracts.

A natural humectant and emollient derived from bee activity, prized for hydrating and soothing properties in skin care. Widely used with a low incidence of adverse reactions, though those with bee pollen sensitivity may experience contact reactions.

A B vitamin (B7) included in cosmetics for skin and hair conditioning effects. It is graded with no known concerns in cosmetic assessments and is well tolerated across skin types.

A plant-derived emollient oil rich in ricinoleic acid, used in skincare for decades. Contact allergy has been reported but is uncommon relative to how widely it is used in leave-on products.

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

A naturally occurring acid used to preserve and adjust pH in cosmetic formulas. It is generally recognized as safe at cosmetic use levels, with mild irritation possible on broken or very sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.