Giovanni Smoothing Castor Oil Shampoo For All Hair Types 13.5 fl oz (399 ml)
Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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-SulfateVery 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.
Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateVery 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.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilVery 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.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilVery 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.
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel OilVery 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.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilVery 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.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterVery 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.
Lauryl GlucosideVery 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.
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.
Hydrolyzed KeratinGood
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.
BiotinGood
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.
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.
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.
Decyl GlucosideGood
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.
Sodium CocoamphoacetateGood
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 BetaineNeutral
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.
Sodium Lauryl SulfoacetateNeutral
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 DistearateNeutral
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.
Coconut AlkanesNeutral
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.
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateNeutral
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.
Sodium Lauryl Glucose CarboxylateNeutral
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.
Polyquaternium-7Neutral
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.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideNeutral
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.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
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.
Citric AcidNeutral
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.
Dehydroacetic AcidNeutral
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.
Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateBad
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.
PhenoxyethanolBad
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.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
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.
FragranceVery 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.
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