The Hair Lab Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Scalp Sulfate & Paraben Free 11 oz.

Common questions

Is The Hair Lab Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Scalp Sulfate & Paraben Free 11 oz. healthy?

The Hair Lab Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Scalp Sulfate & Paraben Free 11 oz. scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shampoo is free from sulfates and parabens, which is beneficial for maintaining scalp health.

Which ingredients drive The Hair Lab Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Scalp Sulfate & Paraben Free 11 oz.'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, SODIUM LAUROYL METHYL ISETHIONATE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE count in its favor; FRAGRANCE, SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, 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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The Hair Lab Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Scalp Sulfate & Paraben Free 11 oz.

70 Good

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

$17.99 · $1.12 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 3
Category Shampoo
Summary

This shampoo is free from sulfates and parabens, which is beneficial for maintaining scalp health. It includes gentle surfactants derived from coconut oil and apple cider vinegar, which help cleanse and clarify the hair without stripping natural oils. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance and the overall level of processing limit its score, as these factors can contribute to potential irritation and reduce the product's overall natural profile.

Key ingredients 17

SODIUM LAUROYL METHYL ISETHIONATE
Good

Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate is a gentle surfactant known for its mildness and ability to produce a creamy lather. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered safe for sensitive skin. It is effective in cleansing without causing dryness.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to cleanse the hair while maintaining moisture balance.

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GLYCERIN
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and scalp. It helps to keep hair hydrated and can improve the overall texture. It is widely used in hair care products for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with glycerin in hair care products.

Benefits

It helps to maintain moisture levels in the hair, preventing dryness and frizz.

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SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE
Good

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and ability to produce a rich lather. It is suitable for sensitive skin and hair.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and helps to maintain the hair's natural moisture balance.

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PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) FRUIT VINEGAR
Good

Apple fruit vinegar is known for its clarifying properties. It helps to remove buildup and balance the scalp's pH. It is a natural ingredient that can improve hair shine and manageability.

Risks

In some cases, it may cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

It helps to clarify the hair and scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.

GLUCONOLACTONE
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to maintain moisture levels in the hair, improving softness and manageability.

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WATER
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in many cosmetic products. It acts as a base for the formulation, helping to dissolve other ingredients. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in the context of a shampoo.

Risks

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

Benefits

Water helps to distribute other ingredients evenly throughout the hair.

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COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
Neutral

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

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

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

See more about COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE →
SODIUM LAURYLGLUCOSIDES HYDROXYPROPYLSULFONATE
Neutral

This ingredient is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is considered mild and effective in removing dirt and oil from the hair. It is generally safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to cleanse the hair without being overly harsh.

See more about SODIUM LAURYLGLUCOSIDES HYDROXYPROPYLSULFONATE →
ACRYLATES CROSSPOLYMER-4
Neutral

Acrylates crosspolymer-4 is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve texture. It does not have direct benefits or risks in the context of a shampoo.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to improve the texture and stability of the shampoo.

COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a surfactant and foam booster. It helps to enhance the lathering properties of the shampoo. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to improve the lather and cleansing efficacy of the shampoo.

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SODIUM BIS-HYDROXYETHYLGLYCINATE COCO-GLUCOSIDES CROSSPOLYMER
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a conditioning agent and surfactant. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the hair. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to condition the hair and improve manageability.

POLYQUATERNIUM-7
Neutral

Polyquaternium-7 is a conditioning agent that helps to improve the texture and feel of the hair. It provides a smooth and silky finish. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to condition the hair and reduce static and frizz.

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GLYCOL DISTEARATE
Neutral

Glycol distearate is used as a pearlizing agent and emollient. It helps to improve the appearance and texture of the shampoo. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to improve the visual appeal and texture of the shampoo.

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PEG-150 DISTEARATE
Neutral

PEG-150 distearate is used as a thickening agent and emulsifier. It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to improve the texture and stability of the shampoo.

SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to condition the hair and improve the texture of the shampoo.

See more about SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE →
SODIUM BENZOATE
Bad

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

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

See more about SODIUM BENZOATE →
FRAGRANCE
Very Bad

Fragrance is often a mixture of various chemicals used to impart scent. It can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. The specific composition is usually not disclosed, making it difficult to assess safety.

Risks

It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about FRAGRANCE →

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