Giovanni Smoothing Castor Oil Shampoo  For All Hair Types  13.5 fl oz (399 ml)

Common questions

Is Giovanni Smoothing Castor Oil Shampoo For All Hair Types 13.5 fl oz (399 ml) healthy?

Giovanni Smoothing Castor Oil Shampoo For All Hair Types 13.5 fl oz (399 ml) scores 72/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shampoo contains a mix of beneficial and potentially harmful ingredients.

Which ingredients drive Giovanni Smoothing Castor Oil Shampoo For All Hair Types 13.5 fl oz (399 ml)'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin (Vegetable) count in its favor; Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol 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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Giovanni Smoothing Castor Oil Shampoo For All Hair Types 13.5 fl oz (399 ml)

Giovanni
72 Good

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

$13.10 · 13.5 fl oz · $0.97 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 15
Harmful ingredients 4
Category Shampoo
Summary

This shampoo contains a mix of beneficial and potentially harmful ingredients. It features gentle coconut-derived surfactants and nourishing oils like castor, jojoba, and argan, which are beneficial for hair health. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, sodium chloride, and phenoxyethanol, which can cause irritation, slightly detracts from its overall safety and quality.

Key ingredients 31

Sodium Coco-Sulfate
Very Good

Sodium Coco-Sulfate is a coconut-derived surfactant that is milder than traditional sulfates. It effectively cleanses the hair while being less irritating. It is a preferred alternative to harsher sulfates.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive scalps.

Benefits

Provides effective cleansing with a lower risk of irritation compared to SLS.

See more about Sodium Coco-Sulfate →
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Very Good

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. It is known for its mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin. It helps to cleanse without stripping natural oils.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Offers gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin and hair.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate →
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Very Good

Castor oil is known for its conditioning and moisturizing properties. It helps to nourish the hair and scalp. It is rich in fatty acids that promote healthy hair growth.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides deep conditioning and promotes healthy hair growth.

See more about Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil →
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Very Good

Jojoba oil is a natural emollient that closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. It helps to moisturize and protect the hair and scalp. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Moisturizes and protects the hair and scalp.

See more about Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil →
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
Very Good

Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps to nourish and condition the hair, making it soft and shiny. It is known for its ability to tame frizz and improve hair manageability.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Nourishes and conditions the hair, improving its texture and shine.

See more about Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil →
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Very Good

Coconut oil is a natural conditioner that helps to moisturize and strengthen the hair. It penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss. It is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Moisturizes and strengthens the hair, reducing protein loss.

See more about Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil →
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Very Good

Shea butter is a rich emollient that provides deep conditioning to the hair. It helps to lock in moisture and improve hair elasticity. It is rich in vitamins A and E, which support healthy hair growth.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Deeply conditions the hair and improves its elasticity.

See more about Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter →
Lauryl Glucoside
Very Good

Lauryl Glucoside is a mild surfactant derived from glucose and coconut oil. It is gentle on the skin and hair, making it suitable for sensitive scalps. It provides effective cleansing without stripping natural oils.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle and effective cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Lauryl Glucoside →
Glycerin (Vegetable)
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and skin. It helps to keep hair hydrated and soft. It is derived from vegetable sources, making it a natural ingredient.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Helps to maintain moisture balance in hair and skin.

See more about Glycerin (Vegetable) →
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Good

Hydrolyzed keratin is a protein that helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair. It penetrates the hair shaft to improve its structure. It is beneficial for restoring hair health and reducing breakage.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Strengthens and repairs damaged hair, reducing breakage.

See more about Hydrolyzed Keratin →
Biotin
Good

Biotin is a vitamin that supports healthy hair growth. It helps to strengthen the hair and improve its thickness. It is often used in hair care products to promote hair health.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Supports healthy hair growth and improves hair thickness.

See more about Biotin →
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Good

Panthenol is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the hair. It improves hair elasticity and shine. It is known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and provide long-lasting hydration.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Retains moisture and improves hair elasticity and shine.

See more about Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) →
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Good

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the hair from environmental damage. It supports healthy hair growth and improves hair texture. It is often used in hair care products for its nourishing properties.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Protects the hair from damage and supports healthy growth.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) →
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 provides effective cleansing without stripping natural oils.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle and effective cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Decyl Glucoside →
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Good

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and low irritation potential. It helps to create a rich lather and improve product performance.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and enhances lather.

Aqua (Purified Water)
Neutral

Aqua is used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients. It is a common base in many cosmetic products. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no known risks associated with purified water in cosmetic formulations.

Benefits

It acts as a carrier for other ingredients, allowing them to be applied evenly.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

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

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and helps to create a rich lather.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Neutral

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is a mild surfactant that provides good foaming properties. It is less irritating than traditional sulfates. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

Provides effective cleansing with good foaming properties.

Glycol Distearate
Neutral

Glycol Distearate is used as a pearlizing agent to give products a creamy appearance. It also acts as an emollient. It does not have significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves the texture and appearance of the product.

See more about Glycol Distearate →
Coconut Alkanes
Neutral

Coconut alkanes are used as emollients and conditioning agents. They help to improve the texture and feel of the product. They are derived from coconut oil and are considered safe for use.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Improves the texture and feel of the product.

See more about Coconut Alkanes →
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Neutral

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Improves the spreadability and feel of the product.

See more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate →
Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
Neutral

Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is derived from glucose and is considered gentle on the skin. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate →
Polyquaternium-7
Neutral

Polyquaternium-7 is a conditioning agent that helps to improve hair texture. It provides a smooth feel and reduces static. It is commonly used in hair care products for its conditioning properties.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Improves hair texture and reduces static.

See more about Polyquaternium-7 →
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Neutral

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum. It helps to improve hair manageability and reduce static. It is commonly used in hair care products for its conditioning properties.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Improves hair manageability and reduces static.

See more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

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

Risks

May cause dryness and irritation to the scalp.

Benefits

Helps to thicken the product and improve its texture.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.

See more about Citric Acid →
Dehydroacetic Acid
Neutral

Dehydroacetic Acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It is considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It helps to extend the shelf life of the product.

Risks

Generally considered safe with no significant risks.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Dehydroacetic Acid →
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and is suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is often used as an alternative to parabens.

Risks

Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Benzyl Alcohol
Bad

Benzyl Alcohol is used as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic products. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is often used to enhance the fragrance of products.

Risks

Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances fragrance.

See more about Benzyl Alcohol →
Fragrance
Very Bad

Fragrance is often a mixture of various chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. It is not always disclosed what specific chemicals are used. It can be irritating to sensitive skin and scalps.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions and irritation.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about Fragrance →

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