Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Sulfate Free Shampoo for Balance and High Shine - 12 fl oz
Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 ExtractGood
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.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
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.
Polyquaternium-22Neutral
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 PhosphateNeutral
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-39Neutral
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 DodecenylsuccinateNeutral
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.
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl TetrastearateNeutral
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.
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl CocamideNeutral
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.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
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.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
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.
Citric AcidNeutral
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.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
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.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateBad
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.
PEG-7 AmodimethiconeBad
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.
Propylene GlycolBad
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.
Sodium BenzoateBad
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.
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.
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