Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo

Common questions

Is Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo healthy?

Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like Decyl Glucoside, Sweet Almond Oil, and Cherry Extract, which are gentle and nourishing for the hair.

Which ingredients drive Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Decyl Glucoside, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Serrulata Flower (Cherry) Extract count in its favor; Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum) are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo

Aveda
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$21.00 · 8.5 fl oz · $2.47 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 8
Owned by Estée Lauder Companies
Category Shampoo
Summary

This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like Decyl Glucoside, Sweet Almond Oil, and Cherry Extract, which are gentle and nourishing for the hair. However, the presence of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Chloride can be harsh and drying, potentially leading to scalp irritation. Additionally, the use of synthetic fragrance introduces a risk of allergic reactions, impacting the overall ingredient safety and hair health.

Key ingredients 25

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Very Good

Sweet Almond Oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which nourish and moisturize the hair. It helps to improve hair texture and adds shine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution.

Benefits

It deeply moisturizes and conditions the hair, promoting softness and shine.

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Decyl Glucoside
Good

Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and coconut oil. It is gentle on the skin and hair, making it suitable for sensitive scalps. It effectively cleanses without stripping natural oils.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with decyl glucoside.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and is biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly.

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Prunus Serrulata Flower (Cherry) Extract
Good

Cherry Extract is known for its antioxidant properties, which help to protect hair from environmental damage. It also adds a pleasant fragrance to the product.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with cherry extract.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and a natural fragrance to the shampoo.

Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in hair care products for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin.

Benefits

It helps to maintain moisture levels in the hair, preventing dryness and frizz.

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Water\Aqua\Eau
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in the context of shampoo.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.

Benefits

Water helps in the even distribution of other ingredients in the product.

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Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and moisture retention of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with propanediol, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It helps to retain moisture in the hair and improves the overall feel of the product.

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Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a surfactant and thickener in shampoos. It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and stability of the shampoo, contributing to a better user experience.

Babassuamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Babassuamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from babassu oil. It helps to cleanse and condition the hair without causing irritation. It is suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides mild cleansing and conditioning properties, enhancing the softness of hair.

Glycol Distearate
Neutral

Glycol Distearate is used as an opacifying agent and emollient in shampoos. It helps to improve the texture and appearance of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycol distearate.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and appearance of the shampoo, providing a pearlescent look.

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Polyquaternium-10
Neutral

Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent that helps to reduce static and improve hair manageability. It is commonly used in shampoos and conditioners.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with polyquaternium-10.

Benefits

It enhances hair manageability and reduces static, making hair easier to style.

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Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is used as a solvent and conditioning agent in hair care products. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with butylene glycol.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and spreadability of the shampoo, improving user experience.

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Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Potential risks include scalp irritation and dryness due to its thickening properties.

Benefits

It helps to thicken the shampoo, improving its consistency.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with citric acid.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the pH balance of the shampoo, ensuring product stability.

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Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is used in small amounts to ensure the product is not too acidic.

Risks

There are minimal risks when used in small amounts for pH adjustment.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the pH balance of the shampoo, ensuring product stability.

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Geraniol
Neutral

Geraniol is a naturally occurring compound used for its rose-like scent. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

It provides a pleasant floral scent to the product.

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Sodium Phytate
Neutral

Sodium Phytate is used as a chelating agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product by binding metal ions.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with sodium phytate.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize the product and improve its shelf life.

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Benzoic Acid
Neutral

Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with benzoic acid.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

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Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Bad

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is a surfactant that can effectively cleanse hair by removing dirt and oil. However, it can be harsh and strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation for some users.

Risks

Potential risks include scalp irritation and dryness due to its strong cleansing properties.

Benefits

It provides effective cleansing and foaming properties, which can be beneficial for removing heavy buildup.

Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with acrylates copolymer.

Benefits

It provides styling benefits by helping to hold hair in place.

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Linalool
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

It provides a floral scent to the product, enhancing its fragrance profile.

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Limonene
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Benefits

It provides a fresh citrus scent to the product.

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Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

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Potassium Sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with potassium sorbate.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

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Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with sodium benzoate.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

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Fragrance (Parfum)
Very Bad

Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product, but it can contain a mixture of chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often not disclosed what specific chemicals are used.

Risks

Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions due to undisclosed chemical components.

Benefits

It provides a pleasant scent to the shampoo, enhancing user experience.

See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →

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