SheaMoisture Curl Stretch Shampoo Kalahari Melon Oil & Marula Oil Infused with Hyaluronic Serum for Type 4 Hair - 13 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like shea butter, marula oil, and glycerin, which provide hydration and nourishment to the hair. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance and sodium chloride, which can cause irritation and dryness, slightly detracts from its overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also influences its rating.
Key ingredients 18
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterVery Good
Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties, making it beneficial for dry and damaged hair. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish the hair.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and conditions the hair, improving softness and manageability.
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilVery Good
Marula Oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It provides deep hydration and nourishment to the hair, making it softer and more manageable. It is beneficial for dry and damaged hair.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Deeply hydrates and nourishes the hair, improving softness and manageability.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilVery Good
Watermelon Seed Oil is lightweight and rich in essential fatty acids. It helps to moisturize and condition the hair without weighing it down. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy, shiny hair.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Moisturizes and conditions the hair, enhancing shine and softness.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and scalp. It helps to keep the hair hydrated and can improve the overall texture and appearance. It is widely used in hair care products for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally safe, but excessive use may lead to a sticky feeling.
Benefits
Attracts moisture, helping to keep hair hydrated and improving texture.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps to retain moisture in the hair. It is known for its hydrating properties and can improve the elasticity and texture of the hair. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair.
Risks
Generally considered safe with no significant risks.
Benefits
Enhances moisture retention, improving hair elasticity and texture.
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 risks or benefits in this context.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the hair and scalp by providing moisture.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateNeutral
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is effective in removing dirt and oil from the hair. However, it can be harsh and may strip natural oils if used excessively.
Risks
Potential to cause dryness or irritation if used frequently.
Benefits
Provides effective cleansing by removing dirt and oil from the hair.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances foam and reduces irritation, making the shampoo gentler on the hair and scalp.
Sodium GluconateNeutral
Sodium Gluconate is a chelating agent that helps to stabilize the formulation. It binds metal ions, preventing them from affecting the product's stability and efficacy. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Helps to stabilize the formulation by binding metal ions.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of the product. It is generally safe for use in hair care products.
Risks
May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps to maintain the pH balance of the product, ensuring stability.
Polyquaternium-10Neutral
Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture and manageability of the hair. It forms a film on the hair, reducing static and enhancing smoothness. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.
Risks
May cause buildup on the hair if not rinsed thoroughly.
Benefits
Improves hair texture and manageability by reducing static and enhancing smoothness.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Can cause dryness and irritation to the scalp and hair.
Benefits
Used to thicken the shampoo, improving its texture.
Polyester-11Neutral
Polyester-11 is a film-forming agent used to improve the texture and feel of the product. It helps to provide a smooth application and enhances the product's performance. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves the texture and feel of the product, enhancing application.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent texture in the product. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.
Benefits
Provides a smooth and consistent texture to the product.
PPG-9Neutral
PPG-9 is used as an emollient and conditioning agent in hair care products. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the hair. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves the texture and feel of the hair, enhancing manageability.
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, extending the product's shelf life.
Potassium SorbateBad
Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Inhibits mold and yeast growth, maintaining product freshness.
Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product. However, synthetic fragrances can contain a variety of undisclosed chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its lack of transparency.
Risks
Potential to cause irritation or allergic reactions due to undisclosed chemicals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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