CeraVe Oil Control Gentle Scalp Care Shampoo - 12 fl oz: For Coily & All Hair Types, Daily Use, Sulfate-Free

Common questions

Is CeraVe Oil Control Gentle Scalp Care Shampoo - 12 fl oz: For Coily & All Hair Types, Daily Use, Sulfate-Free healthy?

CeraVe Oil Control Gentle Scalp Care Shampoo - 12 fl oz: For Coily & All Hair Types, Daily Use, Sulfate-Free 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 beneficial for maintaining scalp health, and contains several beneficial ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide that support hair strength and moisture retention.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Oil Control Gentle Scalp Care Shampoo - 12 fl oz: For Coily & All Hair Types, Daily Use, Sulfate-Free's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP count in its favor; Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Benzoate 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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CeraVe Oil Control Gentle Scalp Care Shampoo - 12 fl oz: For Coily & All Hair Types, Daily Use, Sulfate-Free

65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$7.57 · 12 fl oz · $0.63 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 10
Harmful ingredients 7
Category Shampoo
Summary

This shampoo is sulfate-free, which is beneficial for maintaining scalp health, and contains several beneficial ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide that support hair strength and moisture retention. However, it includes sodium chloride, which can dry out the hair, and amodimethicone, a non-water-soluble silicone that may lead to buildup. The presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative with potential irritation concerns, also affects the overall ingredient safety.

Key ingredients 36

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Good

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to enhance the foaming and cleansing properties of shampoos. It is gentle on the skin and hair.

Risks

Rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Enhances foam and provides gentle cleansing.

See more about Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps restore and maintain the natural barrier of the skin and hair. It is beneficial for improving moisture retention. It supports the health and strength of hair.

Benefits

Helps restore and maintain moisture in hair.

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Ceramide AP
Good

Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps strengthen the hair's natural barrier. It aids in moisture retention and improves hair resilience. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy hair.

Benefits

Strengthens hair and improves moisture retention.

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Ceramide EOP
Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that supports the hair's natural barrier function. It helps retain moisture and improve hair texture. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair.

Benefits

Supports moisture retention and improves hair texture.

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Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple benefits for skin and hair. It helps improve the appearance of hair by enhancing shine and strength. It is also known for its soothing properties.

Benefits

Enhances hair shine and strength, and soothes the scalp.

See more about Niacinamide →
Salicylic Acid
Good

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its exfoliating properties. It helps remove dead skin cells and reduce scalp buildup. It is beneficial for maintaining a healthy scalp.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive scalps if used excessively.

Benefits

Exfoliates the scalp and reduces buildup.

See more about Salicylic Acid →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid known for its hydrating properties. It helps retain moisture in the hair and scalp. It is beneficial for improving hair texture and hydration.

Benefits

Enhances hydration and improves hair texture.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Cholesterol
Good

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps strengthen and condition hair. It aids in moisture retention and improves hair elasticity. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy, resilient hair.

Benefits

Strengthens and conditions hair, improving elasticity.

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Coco-Betaine
Good

Coco-Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to enhance the foaming and cleansing properties of shampoos. It is gentle on the skin and hair, making it suitable for sensitive scalps.

Risks

Rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Enhances foam and provides gentle cleansing.

See more about Coco-Betaine →
Phytosphingosine
Good

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps maintain the natural barrier of the skin and hair. It is beneficial for improving moisture retention and reducing inflammation. It supports the health and strength of hair.

Benefits

Helps maintain moisture and reduce inflammation.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no known risks associated with water in cosmetic products.

Benefits

Water acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients.

See more about Water →
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Neutral

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant used for cleansing. It is considered less irritating than traditional sulfates. It provides a gentle lather without stripping oils.

Risks

Generally considered safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.

Sodium Chloride
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause dryness and irritation, especially in sensitive scalps.

Benefits

Helps to thicken the shampoo formula.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Glycol Distearate
Neutral

Glycol Distearate is used to give shampoos a pearlescent appearance and improve texture. It does not have significant benefits or risks. It is primarily an aesthetic ingredient.

Benefits

Improves the visual appeal and texture of the product.

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Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Neutral

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is less irritating than traditional sulfates. It provides a good lather without being overly harsh.

Risks

Generally safe, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides effective cleansing with a gentle lather.

PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Neutral

PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is an emulsifier and surfactant used to stabilize formulations. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Stabilizes the product formulation.

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Potato Starch Modified
Neutral

Potato Starch Modified is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and consistency of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency of the product.

Cocamide Mipa
Neutral

Cocamide Mipa is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It helps improve the lather and cleansing properties of shampoos. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances foam and cleansing properties.

See more about Cocamide Mipa →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize and improve the texture of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Stabilizes and thickens the product.

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Trideceth-6
Neutral

Trideceth-6 is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Stabilizes and improves the texture of the product.

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Triethyl Citrate
Neutral

Triethyl Citrate is used as a fragrance ingredient and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the scent and stability of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves scent and stability of the product.

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Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks when used in small amounts.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations, but generally safe in small amounts.

Benefits

Maintains pH balance and stability of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

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

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and enhances hydration.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Neutral

Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate is used as a dispersing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the distribution of ingredients in the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves distribution of ingredients in the product.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks when used in small amounts.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations, but generally safe in small amounts.

Benefits

Maintains pH balance and stability of the product.

See more about Citric Acid →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster. It helps improve the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of the product.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the texture and consistency of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves texture and consistency of the product.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Polyquaternium-10
Neutral

Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent used to improve hair texture and manageability. It helps reduce static and frizz in hair. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves hair texture and reduces static.

See more about Polyquaternium-10 →
Benzoic Acid
Neutral

Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.

See more about Benzoic Acid →
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Bad

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It can be harsh and strip natural oils from the hair and scalp. It is often considered a less gentle alternative to other surfactants.

Risks

May cause dryness and irritation to sensitive scalps.

Benefits

Effective at removing dirt and oil from hair.

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

Amodimethicone is a silicone used to condition and smooth hair. It can build up on hair over time, leading to dullness and brittleness. It is not water-soluble, requiring stronger cleansers to remove.

Risks

Can cause buildup on hair, leading to dullness and potential breakage.

Benefits

Provides immediate smoothness and shine to hair.

See more about Amodimethicone →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

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

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is restricted in certain regions due to potential toxicity concerns.

Risks

May cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Retains moisture and improves product texture.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Cetrimonium Chloride
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves hair texture and reduces static.

See more about Cetrimonium Chloride →
Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Improves texture and hold of the product.

See more about Acrylates Copolymer →

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