Kristin Ess Signature Conditioner - Sulfate Free and Color Safe - 33.8 fl oz: Moisturizing, All Hair Types, Cream
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This conditioner contains beneficial ingredients like panthenol, hydrolyzed keratin, and coco-glucoside, which support hair health and moisture retention. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, drying alcohol, and preservatives like methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, which can cause irritation and dryness, negatively impact its overall safety profile. The product is processed, which further limits its score despite the inclusion of some nourishing components.
Key ingredients 38
Salvia Hispanica Seed OilVery Good
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, derived from chia seeds, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps to nourish and protect the hair from environmental damage. It is considered highly beneficial for maintaining healthy hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides deep nourishment and protection, enhancing hair health and shine.
Coco-GlucosideVery Good
Coco-Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is used for its gentle cleansing and foaming properties. It is considered very beneficial for sensitive skin and hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with coco-glucoside.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils, making it suitable for sensitive hair and scalp.
Behentrimonium ChlorideGood
Behentrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent that helps to detangle hair and reduce static. It is effective in improving hair manageability and softness. It is considered safe and beneficial for hair care.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Benefits
It provides excellent conditioning properties, making hair smooth and easy to comb.
PanthenolGood
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a moisturizing agent that helps to improve hair elasticity and moisture retention. It penetrates the hair shaft, providing long-lasting hydration. It is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on hair health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Panthenol, though overuse may lead to buildup.
Benefits
It enhances hair moisture, shine, and strength, reducing breakage.
Hypnea Musciformis ExtractGood
Hypnea Musciformis Extract is a type of red algae known for its moisturizing properties. It helps to hydrate and condition the hair, improving its texture and appearance. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in hair care formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this extract.
Benefits
It provides hydration and conditioning, enhancing hair softness and manageability.
Sargassum Filipendula ExtractGood
Sargassum Filipendula Extract is a type of brown algae that offers moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. It helps to protect the hair from environmental stressors and improve its overall health. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in hair care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this extract.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection and hydration, enhancing hair health.
Litchi Chinensis Pericarp ExtractGood
Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract is derived from lychee fruit and is rich in antioxidants. It helps to protect the hair from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It is considered beneficial for maintaining healthy hair.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant protection, enhancing hair health and resilience.
Gelidiella Acerosa ExtractGood
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract is a type of red algae known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It helps to improve hair texture and manageability. It is considered a beneficial ingredient in hair care formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this extract.
Benefits
It provides hydration and conditioning, enhancing hair softness and manageability.
Hydrolyzed KeratinGood
Hydrolyzed Keratin is a protein that helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair. It penetrates the hair shaft, improving elasticity and reducing breakage. It is considered beneficial for enhancing hair strength and resilience.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though overuse may lead to protein buildup.
Benefits
It strengthens and repairs hair, reducing breakage and improving elasticity.
Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea ProteinGood
This ingredient is a hydrolyzed protein derived from peas, known for its strengthening and conditioning properties. It helps to repair and protect the hair from damage. It is considered beneficial for enhancing hair strength and resilience.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though overuse may lead to protein buildup.
Benefits
It strengthens and conditions hair, reducing breakage and improving resilience.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the hair. It is widely used in hair care products for its hydrating properties. It is considered beneficial for maintaining hair moisture and preventing dryness.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause buildup with excessive use.
Benefits
It provides hydration and moisture retention, enhancing hair softness and preventing dryness.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the conditioner. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known 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 associated with Cetearyl Alcohol, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides conditioning and moisturizing benefits, improving hair texture and manageability.
AlginNeutral
Algin is a natural polysaccharide derived from brown algae, used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with algin in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
SorbitolNeutral
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a humectant in cosmetic formulations. It helps to retain moisture in the hair and improve product texture. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with sorbitol in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to retain moisture, improving hair hydration.
ChitosanNeutral
Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin, used as a film-forming agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve hair texture and manageability. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with chitosan in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve hair texture and manageability.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideNeutral
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum. It helps to improve hair texture and reduce static. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with this ingredient in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve hair texture and reduce static, enhancing manageability.
Dihydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideNeutral
Dihydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent used to improve hair texture and manageability. It helps to reduce static and enhance the feel of the hair. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with this ingredient in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve hair texture and reduce static, enhancing manageability.
Silicone Quaternium-3Neutral
Silicone Quaternium-3 is a silicone-based conditioning agent that helps to smooth and protect the hair. It provides a silky feel and enhances shine. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause buildup with excessive use.
Benefits
It provides a silky feel and enhances hair shine.
PEG-14Neutral
PEG-14 is a polyethylene glycol used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with PEG-14 in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture.
PEG-33Neutral
PEG-33 is a polyethylene glycol used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with PEG-33 in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture.
PPG-1 Trideceth-6Neutral
PPG-1 Trideceth-6 is a surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with PPG-1 Trideceth-6 in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Polyquaternium-37Neutral
Polyquaternium-37 is a conditioning polymer used to improve hair texture and manageability. It helps to reduce static and enhance the feel of the hair. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with Polyquaternium-37 in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve hair texture and reduce static, enhancing manageability.
PEG-8 DimethiconeNeutral
PEG-8 Dimethicone is a water-soluble silicone used as a conditioning agent in hair care products. It helps to smooth and protect the hair, providing a silky feel. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause buildup with excessive use.
Benefits
It provides a silky feel and enhances hair shine.
Trideceth-12Neutral
Trideceth-12 is a surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with Trideceth-12 in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Cetyl Alcohol, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides conditioning and moisturizing benefits, improving hair texture and manageability.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with Xanthan Gum in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture.
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneNeutral
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a silicone-based conditioning agent used to smooth and protect the hair. It provides a silky feel and enhances shine. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause buildup with excessive use.
Benefits
It provides a silky feel and enhances hair shine.
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateNeutral
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is an emollient used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance the spreadability of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with this ingredient in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Isopropyl AlcoholNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
It can cause dryness and irritation, especially with prolonged use.
Benefits
It helps to dissolve other ingredients and improve product texture.
Isopropyl PalmitateNeutral
Isopropyl Palmitate is an emollient used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance the spreadability of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with this ingredient in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideNeutral
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic formulations. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with this ingredient in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in hair care products.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with citric acid in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.
CarrageenanBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with carrageenan in hair care products.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Cetrimonium ChlorideBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Benefits
It helps to detangle hair and reduce static, improving manageability.
MethylchloroisothiazolinoneBad
Methylchloroisothiazolinone is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is known to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some individuals. It is generally considered a negative ingredient in hair care products.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial growth.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product. However, synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions and irritation in sensitive individuals. They are often criticized for lacking transparency in ingredient disclosure.
Risks
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially for sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Fragrance enhances the sensory experience of using the product.
MethylisothiazolinoneVery Bad
Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is known to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some individuals. It is generally considered a negative ingredient in hair care products.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial growth.
Processing
Processed Foods
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