BASED Shampoo
Summary
BASED Shampoo scores 97/100 -- a premium, non-toxic shampoo with a clean cleansing system and a real conditioning payload. Zero sulfates (no SLS/SLES -- the surfactants that strip the scalp barrier in 95% of drugstore shampoos), zero parabens, zero phthalates, zero endocrine disruptors, no PEGs, no silicones, no quaternary ammonium 'quats', no phenoxyethanol, no synthetic fragrance. Independently lab tested. The cleansing agent is coco-glucoside, a sugar/coconut-derived non-ionic surfactant -- the gentlest broadly-effective surfactant class, EWG 1. Conditioning is provided by hydrolyzed keratin, four plant oils (avocado, coconut, argan, plus aloe vera juice), glycerin, and the Olivem 1000 plant emulsifier system. Peppermint essential oil supplies a single-source named scent and a real scalp-circulation benefit -- far more transparent than the 'naturally derived fragrance' disclosure used in many clean brands. Food-grade potassium sorbate + sodium benzoate handle preservation.
At a glance
Key ingredients 16
Coco-GlucosideVery Good
Sugar/coconut-derived non-ionic surfactant; same gentle class as decyl glucoside. The cleanest broadly-effective shampoo surfactant. Replaces SLS/SLES.
See more about Coco-Glucoside →GlycerinVery Good
Gold-standard humectant; draws moisture into the stratum corneum and offsets any drying from cleansing or styling. Plant-derived, EWG 1.
See more about Glycerin →Cetearyl OlivateVery Good
Olive-derived plant emulsifier (component of Olivem 1000); biomimetic to skin lipids, gentle on the barrier, replaces PEG and silicone-based emulsifiers.
See more about Cetearyl Olivate →Sorbitan OlivateVery Good
Olive-derived plant emulsifier (component of Olivem 1000); pairs with Cetearyl Olivate for a biomimetic emulsion. Replaces PEG and silicone-based emulsifiers.
See more about Sorbitan Olivate →Hydrolyzed KeratinVery Good
Enzymatically broken-down keratin protein fragments small enough to penetrate the hair cortex and bind to damaged sites. Genuine repair activity (Wickett 1991), not just superficial coating like silicones.
See more about Hydrolyzed Keratin →Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Very Good
Lipid-soluble antioxidant that stabilizes oils in the formula and protects skin lipids from oxidative damage. Synergistic with most plant oils.
See more about Tocopherol (Vitamin E) →Avocado OilVery Good
Source of monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), Vitamin E, and beta-sitosterol; penetrates the hair cortex (one of the few oils that does, alongside coconut and olive) and reduces protein loss during washing.
See more about Avocado Oil →Coconut OilVery Good
Source of medium-chain lauric acid with documented antimicrobial activity against acne-relevant skin bacteria; clean emollient base.
See more about Coconut Oil →Argan OilVery Good
Cold-pressed from Argania spinosa kernels; rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids plus tocopherols and squalene. Penetrates the hair cuticle and reduces protein loss.
See more about Argan Oil →Aloe VeraVery Good
Acemannan polysaccharides -- anti-inflammatory and hydrating; long clinical track record.
See more about Aloe Vera →Guar GumGood
Plant-derived polysaccharide thickener (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba); delivers slip and detangling without cationic 'quat' surfactants used in most leave-ins.
See more about Guar Gum →Citric AcidGood
pH adjuster at trace levels; mild AHA precursor that helps maintain a slightly acidic pH compatible with the skin's acid mantle.
See more about Citric Acid →Peppermint OilGood
Single-source named essential oil -- fully transparent compared to 'naturally derived fragrance' listings. Menthol provides cooling sensation and stimulates scalp circulation, with a small RCT (Oh 2014) showing increased follicle depth and density at 3% topical application.
See more about Peppermint Oil →Potassium Sorbate + Sodium BenzoateGood
Food-grade preservative pair; EWG 1-3, the cleanest broadly-effective system available. Replaces phenoxyethanol.
See more about Potassium Sorbate + Sodium Benzoate →ArginineGood
Amino acid; functions as a buffering pH adjuster and contributes minor humectant activity. Inert at use levels.
See more about Arginine →Water (Aqua)Neutral
Standard solvent base.
See more about Water (Aqua) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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