The base liquid for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Dissolving other ingredients
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths hair, also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Softening hair, improving texture
Attracts moisture to the hair, helping to hydrate and condition.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Conditioning Agent
Dimethicone
A silicone that provides slip, shine, and helps to smooth the hair cuticle. Can build up over time.
Usually helps with
Shine, smoothness, detangling
Watch for
Potential buildup on very fine hair
A fatty alcohol that softens and conditions hair, similar to stearyl alcohol.
Usually helps with
Softening, conditioning
Emollient
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, known for its moisturizing and hair-strengthening properties.
Usually helps with
Moisture, shine, strength
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
Adds scent to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Pleasant scent
Watch for
Sensitivity, potential irritation
Conditioning Agent
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
A conditioning agent derived from guar gum that improves combability and reduces static.
Usually helps with
Detangling, anti-static
Conditioning Agent
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
A modified version of guar gum that enhances conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, detangling
Conditioning Agent
Panthenol
A form of Vitamin B5 that moisturizes and improves hair elasticity.
Usually helps with
Moisture, elasticity
A sugar that helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to blend oil and water components, also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, smoothing
Film Former
Acrylates Copolymer
Forms a film on the hair, providing hold and smoothness. Can contribute to buildup.
Usually helps with
Styling, smoothness
Watch for
Potential buildup
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and conditions hair, similar to cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Usually helps with
Softening, conditioning
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from plant sugars and fatty alcohols.
Usually helps with
Blending ingredients
Emulsifier
Peg-100 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water. Some concerns exist regarding purity and potential for irritation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritation
Conditioning Agent
Polyquaternium-37
A conditioning agent that improves combability and reduces static.
Usually helps with
Detangling, anti-static
Emulsifier
Ppg-1 Trideceth-6
An emulsifier that can also act as a surfactant. Some concerns about potential irritation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritation
An emulsifier that can be ethoxylated, raising some concerns about purity and potential irritation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritation
A skin-conditioning agent that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, preservation
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
A humectant that can help draw moisture into the hair. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Potential irritation
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the hair.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Used to adjust the pH of the product, which can help with cuticle sealing.
Usually helps with
pH balancing
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions. Can be a skin irritant.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential irritation
A solvent that can be drying to the hair if used in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Drying potential
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Conditioning Agent
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
A conditioning agent that helps to detangle and soften hair.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, detangling
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth. Can be a skin irritant.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritation
Conditioning Agent
Behentrimonium Chloride
A quaternary ammonium compound that provides excellent conditioning and detangling properties.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, detangling
Conditioning Agent
Cetrimonium Chloride
A conditioning agent that helps to reduce static and improve combability.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, anti-static
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative. Concerns exist regarding potential irritation and toxicity.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritation
Colorant
Ci 15985 (Yellow 6)
Artificial colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial dyes.
Usually helps with
Coloring the product
Watch for
Potential sensitivity
Colorant
Ci 19140 (Yellow 5)
Artificial colorant (tartrazine). Known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Coloring the product
Watch for
Allergic reactions, sensitivity
Fragrance Ingredient
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergic reactions
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring compound found in many flowers and plants, used for its fragrance. Can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergic reactions