Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Sulfate Free Shampoo for Balance and High Shine - 12 fl oz

Common questions

Is Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Sulfate Free Shampoo for Balance and High Shine - 12 fl oz healthy?

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Sulfate Free Shampoo for Balance and High Shine - 12 fl oz scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shampoo is sulfate-free, which is a positive aspect for maintaining scalp health.

Which ingredients drive Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Sulfate Free Shampoo for Balance and High Shine - 12 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Vinegar (Acetum), Colloidal Oatmeal Extract count in its favor; Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, PEG-7 Amodimethicone, Propylene Glycol 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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Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Sulfate Free Shampoo for Balance and High Shine - 12 fl oz

65 Fair

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

$8.57 · 12 fl oz · $0.71 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 5
Category Shampoo
Summary

This shampoo is sulfate-free, which is a positive aspect for maintaining scalp health. However, it contains Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a harsh surfactant, and PEG-7 Amodimethicone, a non-water-soluble silicone that can lead to buildup. The presence of synthetic fragrance also raises concerns due to potential irritation and lack of transparency. Despite these issues, the inclusion of beneficial ingredients like vinegar and colloidal oatmeal extract provides some redeeming qualities.

Key ingredients 19

Vinegar (Acetum)
Good

Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, is known for its ability to balance the scalp's pH and add shine to the hair. It can help to remove product buildup and enhance hair's natural luster. It is a natural ingredient with minimal processing.

Risks

Overuse can lead to dryness or irritation due to its acidic nature.

Benefits

Balances scalp pH and adds shine to hair, making it look healthier.

Colloidal Oatmeal Extract
Good

Colloidal Oatmeal Extract is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provides hydration to the scalp and hair. It is a natural ingredient with minimal processing.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Soothes and moisturizes the scalp, providing relief from irritation and dryness.

Water (Aqua)
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a medium for them to be applied to the hair. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in shampoos.

Risks

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

Benefits

Water helps to hydrate the hair and scalp by providing moisture.

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Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to reduce irritation potential of other surfactants and improve the foam quality. It is generally considered safe but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Risks

Potential allergen for some individuals, leading to skin irritation.

Benefits

Provides mild cleansing and helps to stabilize foam, enhancing the user experience.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Polyquaternium-22
Neutral

Polyquaternium-22 is a conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It forms a film on the hair shaft, providing a smooth feel. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use, leading to a weighed-down feeling.

Benefits

Improves hair manageability and provides a smooth, conditioned feel.

Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a conditioning agent in hair care products. It helps to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use.

Benefits

Enhances hair texture and manageability, making it easier to style.

Polyquaternium-39
Neutral

Polyquaternium-39 is a film-forming agent that provides conditioning benefits to hair. It helps to improve hair's texture and manageability. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

Potential for buildup on hair, which can weigh it down over time.

Benefits

Improves hair texture and manageability, providing a smooth feel.

Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a thickening and conditioning agent in hair care products. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Enhances the texture and feel of hair care products, providing a better user experience.

See more about Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate →
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Neutral

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability, enhancing the user experience.

See more about PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate →
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
Neutral

PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide is used as a foam booster and thickener in shampoos. It helps to enhance the lather and texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Enhances foam and texture, improving the sensory experience of the product.

See more about PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability, enhancing the user experience.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the pH balance of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Helps to maintain pH balance, ensuring product stability and effectiveness.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps to maintain pH balance, ensuring product stability and effectiveness.

See more about Citric Acid →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics when used in low concentrations.

Risks

Can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps to maintain pH balance, ensuring product stability and effectiveness.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Bad

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It can be harsh on the scalp and hair, potentially stripping natural oils. It is often considered a less gentle alternative to sulfate-free surfactants.

Risks

May cause dryness and irritation to the scalp and hair due to its strong cleansing action.

Benefits

Effectively removes dirt and oil from the hair, providing a clean feeling.

See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →
PEG-7 Amodimethicone
Bad

PEG-7 Amodimethicone is a silicone-based conditioning agent that can lead to buildup on the hair over time. It is not water-soluble, which can make it difficult to remove without strong surfactants. This can result in hair becoming dull and brittle.

Risks

Can cause buildup on hair, leading to dullness and brittleness over time.

Benefits

Provides immediate smoothness and shine to hair, improving its appearance temporarily.

See more about PEG-7 Amodimethicone →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps to retain moisture in hair, improving hydration and texture.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

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

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, ensuring product safety and longevity.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Fragrance (Parfum)
Very Bad

Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. However, it can contain a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may cause allergic reactions or irritation. It is often criticized for its lack of transparency regarding the specific ingredients used.

Risks

Potential allergen and irritant, especially for sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent, enhancing the sensory experience of the product.

See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →

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