Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Shine Enhancing Hair Conditioner, Moisturizing, Color Safe, Vegan + Sulfate Free - 10 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This conditioner features a range of beneficial ingredients such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and aloe vera, which provide nourishment and hydration to the hair. It is free from sulfates and silicones, enhancing its appeal for those seeking gentle hair care. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation for some, slightly impacts its overall rating.
Key ingredients 23
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilVery Good
Sweet Almond Oil is a natural oil rich in vitamins and fatty acids. It helps to nourish and moisturize the hair. It is highly beneficial for improving hair health and shine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution.
Benefits
It provides deep nourishment and enhances the shine and softness of hair.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilVery Good
Avocado Oil is a nutrient-rich oil that provides deep conditioning and nourishment to the hair. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, promoting healthy hair growth. It is highly beneficial for dry and damaged hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may be too heavy for very fine hair.
Benefits
It deeply moisturizes and strengthens hair, improving elasticity and shine.
Brassica AlcoholGood
Brassica Alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from plants, used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften and smooth the hair. It is considered gentle and beneficial for hair conditioning.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Brassica Alcohol as it is non-drying and generally safe.
Benefits
It provides moisture and improves the texture of hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceGood
Aloe Vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps to moisturize the hair and scalp, reducing dryness and irritation. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides hydration and soothes the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Hydrolyzed Corn ProteinGood
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein is a protein derivative that helps to strengthen and repair hair. It improves the elasticity and resilience of hair strands. It is beneficial for damaged and weak hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though excessive protein can lead to stiffness in hair.
Benefits
It strengthens hair and reduces breakage, enhancing overall hair health.
Hydrolyzed Wheat ProteinGood
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is a protein that helps to strengthen and repair hair. It improves the texture and appearance of hair, making it smoother and shinier. It is beneficial for damaged and weak hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though excessive protein can lead to stiffness in hair.
Benefits
It strengthens hair and reduces breakage, enhancing overall hair health.
Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinGood
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is a protein that helps to strengthen and repair hair. It improves the texture and appearance of hair, making it smoother and shinier. It is beneficial for damaged and weak hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though excessive protein can lead to stiffness in hair.
Benefits
It strengthens hair and reduces breakage, enhancing overall hair health.
PanthenolGood
Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5 used for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It helps to improve the texture and appearance of hair, making it smoother and shinier. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides hydration and improves the elasticity and shine of hair.
Water (Aqua/Eau)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in many cosmetic products. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the formulation. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in hair care products.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in hair care products.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the hair and scalp by providing moisture.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks as it is non-irritating and safe for most hair types.
Benefits
It enhances the softness and manageability of hair, providing a smooth feel.
Stearyl AlcoholNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Stearyl Alcohol as it is non-drying.
Benefits
It provides moisture and improves the texture of hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Propanediol, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It helps to retain moisture in the hair, improving hydration.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks as it is non-irritating and safe for most hair types.
Benefits
It enhances the softness and manageability of hair, providing a smooth feel.
Brassicyl Isoleucinate EsylateNeutral
Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate is a conditioning agent derived from plant sources. It helps to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It is considered safe and effective for hair care.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient as it is generally non-irritating.
Benefits
It provides conditioning benefits, making hair easier to comb and style.
IsododecaneNeutral
Isododecane is a lightweight hydrocarbon used to improve the spreadability of products. It provides a silky feel without leaving a greasy residue. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Isododecane as it is non-irritating.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and application of products, providing a smooth finish.
Cetyl EstersNeutral
Cetyl Esters are used as emollients and thickeners in cosmetic formulations. They help to improve the texture and feel of products. They are generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Cetyl Esters as they are non-irritating.
Benefits
They enhance the texture and application of products, providing a smooth finish.
Behentrimonium ChlorideNeutral
Behentrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent used to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It helps to reduce static and frizz. It is generally considered safe and effective for hair care.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides conditioning benefits, making hair easier to comb and style.
Isopropyl MyristateNeutral
Isopropyl Myristate is an ester used to enhance the texture and absorption of products. It provides a silky feel without leaving a greasy residue. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Isopropyl Myristate as it is non-irritating.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and application of products, providing a smooth finish.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideNeutral
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum. It helps to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It is generally considered safe and effective for hair care.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides conditioning benefits, making hair easier to comb and style.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of products by adjusting pH levels.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateNeutral
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative derived from fermented radish root. It helps to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe and effective.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient as it is non-irritating.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It is effective in extending the shelf life of products. However, it can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.
Cetrimonium ChlorideBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides conditioning benefits, making hair easier to comb and style.
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