Passes all four red flags. 5 ingredients to watch.
Grade
AYour red flags
BConsumer Reports strict
AEvidence only
−12 from evidence · +3 bonus
Passes all four red flags. No fragrance, sulfates, silicones or contested preservatives.
Ingredients, in label order
Explain every ingredient
- Water (Aqua) — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate — Watch, Sulfate look-alike. Not technically a sulfate, but a similarly strong detergent. Lets a label say 'sulfate-free'. Evidence: mixed.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine — Watch, Betaine surfactant. A common mild surfactant. Allergy cases are usually traced to manufacturing impurities. Evidence: weak.
- Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice — Good, Moisturizer / soother. Hydrates or calms the scalp.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract — Watch, Plant extract. A botanical extract. Some, such as lavender, chamomile, calendula and holy basil, are aromatic or known allergens even in 'unscented' products. Evidence: weak.
- Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract — Watch, Plant extract. A botanical extract. Some, such as lavender, chamomile, calendula and holy basil, are aromatic or known allergens even in 'unscented' products. Evidence: weak.
- Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour — Good, Moisturizer / soother. Hydrates or calms the scalp.
- Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride — Watch, Quat conditioner. A conditioning agent that breaks down slowly in water. Consumer Reports' stricter list flags quats. Evidence: weak.
- Coco-Glucoside — Good, Mild cleanser. A gentle surfactant. Cleans without stripping the scalp.
- Glycol Distearate — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Glycerin — Good, Moisturizer / soother. Hydrates or calms the scalp.
- Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Sodium Chloride — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Citric Acid — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Sodium Hydroxide — Neutral, pH adjuster / lye. Adjusts pH. In soap-based products it reacts with the oils to make soap and does not remain free.
- Sodium Benzoate — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
- Potassium Sorbate — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
Watch-outs
- LoopholeSold as sulfate-free, but it uses olefin sulfonate, a similarly strong detergent.
- May be discontinuedThe brand site ran a 'Farewell Sale' and a reviewer says it's discontinued, but it's still listed for sale. Stock may run out.
Score breakdown
| Starting score | 100 |
| Sulfate look-alike (olefin sulfonate) | −6 |
| Betaine surfactant | −3 |
| Plant extracts | −3 |
| National Eczema Association seal | +3 |
| Score | 91 → A |
|---|
Where to buy
| Store | Size | Price | Per wash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand site | 18 oz | $11.99 | $0.20/wash |