The Honest Company Refresh Shampoo + Body Wash - Citrus Vanilla - 10 fl oz: Daily Cleansing, Dye-Free, Paraben-Free Gel
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This shampoo features a range of beneficial ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut-derived surfactants, and various plant extracts that promote scalp health and hydration. It is free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which are often associated with irritation and buildup. However, the presence of sodium chloride as a thickener, which can be drying, slightly impacts its overall rating despite its otherwise clean formulation.
Key ingredients 26
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateVery Good
This is a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil, known for its mild cleansing properties. It is effective in removing dirt and oil without stripping natural oils from the hair. It is highly regarded in hair care for its gentle nature.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while maintaining the hair's natural moisture.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit ExtractVery Good
Coconut extract is known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It helps to hydrate and nourish the hair, improving its texture and shine. It is a highly regarded ingredient in hair care for its conditioning benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
Benefits
It deeply moisturizes and conditions the hair, enhancing its texture and shine.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceGood
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps to hydrate the scalp and hair, reducing dryness and irritation. It is a plant-derived ingredient, which is generally considered beneficial in hair care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with aloe vera, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
Benefits
Aloe vera provides hydration and soothing effects, making it beneficial for dry or irritated scalps.
Disodium Cocoyl GlutamateGood
This is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps to maintain the natural moisture balance of the hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and helps to maintain moisture balance in the hair.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractGood
Chamomile extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to calm irritated scalps and add shine to the hair. It is a natural ingredient that is often used for its calming effects.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
Benefits
It soothes the scalp and enhances hair shine.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractGood
Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the hair and scalp from environmental damage. It is a beneficial addition to hair care products for its protective qualities.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and soothes the scalp.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel ExtractGood
Orange peel extract is rich in vitamin C and has antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the hair from environmental damage and adds a refreshing scent. It is a natural ingredient that is beneficial for its protective qualities.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and a refreshing scent.
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel ExtractGood
Tangerine peel extract is known for its antioxidant properties and refreshing scent. It helps to protect the hair from environmental damage and adds a pleasant aroma. It is a natural ingredient that enhances the sensory experience of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and a pleasant scent.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit ExtractGood
Vanilla extract is known for its soothing properties and pleasant aroma. It helps to calm the scalp and adds a sweet scent to the product. It is a natural ingredient that enhances the sensory experience of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It soothes the scalp and adds a sweet aroma.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and scalp. It helps to keep the hair hydrated and prevents dryness. It is a beneficial ingredient in hair care for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin.
Benefits
It provides hydration and helps to maintain moisture in the hair.
PanthenolGood
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is known for its moisturizing and strengthening properties. It helps to improve the texture of the hair and reduce breakage. It is a beneficial ingredient in hair care for its conditioning effects.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with panthenol.
Benefits
It moisturizes and strengthens the hair, reducing breakage.
Sodium PCAGood
Sodium PCA is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the hair and skin. It is derived from amino acids and is known for its moisturizing properties. It is a beneficial ingredient in hair care for its ability to maintain hydration.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium PCA.
Benefits
It provides hydration and helps to maintain moisture in the hair.
Coconut AcidGood
Coconut acid is derived from coconut oil and is used for its cleansing and conditioning properties. It helps to remove dirt and oil while conditioning the hair. It is a beneficial ingredient in hair care for its dual cleansing and conditioning effects.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It cleanses and conditions the hair, improving its texture and feel.
Water (Aqua/Eau)Neutral
Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic products. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in the context of a shampoo.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate and dissolve other beneficial ingredients in the formula.
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineNeutral
This is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to create foam and cleanse the hair. It is considered gentle and less irritating compared to harsher surfactants. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.
Risks
Some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils from the hair.
Sodium Laurylglucosides HydroxypropylsulfonateNeutral
This ingredient is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is derived from natural sources and is considered less irritating than traditional sulfates. It helps to remove dirt and oil from the hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It offers effective cleansing while being gentle on the scalp.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
It can cause dryness and irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to thicken the shampoo, improving its texture and application.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps to improve the texture of the product and extend its shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It conditions the skin and helps to preserve the product.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideNeutral
This is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum, used to improve the texture and manageability of the hair. It helps to reduce static and enhance the feel of the hair. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It conditions the hair and improves its manageability.
Caprylhydroxamic AcidNeutral
Caprylhydroxamic acid is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, extending the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It preserves the product by preventing microbial growth.
Triethyl CitrateNeutral
Triethyl citrate is used as a fragrance ingredient and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance the scent of the product and improve its stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It enhances the fragrance and stability of the product.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a chelating agent to improve the stability and efficacy of the product. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent them from affecting the product's performance. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It improves the stability and efficacy of the product.
Glutamic AcidNeutral
Glutamic acid is an amino acid used for its conditioning properties in hair care products. It helps to improve the texture and manageability of the hair. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glutamic acid.
Benefits
It conditions the hair and improves its manageability.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations and improve product stability. It helps to maintain the desired acidity level of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It stabilizes the product and adjusts its pH.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience irritation.
Benefits
It preserves the product by preventing microbial growth.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
Benefits
It provides a fresh, citrus scent to the product.
Processing
Processed Foods
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