Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo by K18 Hair for Unisex - 8.5 oz Shampoo
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like panthenol and glycerin, which provide moisturizing and conditioning benefits. However, it also includes sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, a harsher surfactant, and sodium chloride, which can dry out the scalp and hair. The presence of synthetic fragrance adds to the concerns, as it may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Key ingredients 24
SH-Oligopeptide-78Good
SH-Oligopeptide-78 is a synthetic peptide used for its potential hair-strengthening properties. It may help improve hair resilience and reduce breakage. It is often included in formulations for its conditioning benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
May enhance hair strength and reduce breakage, contributing to healthier hair.
PanthenolGood
Panthenol is a form of vitamin B5 known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It helps improve hair elasticity and shine. It is widely used in hair care products for its ability to retain moisture.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with panthenol.
Benefits
Enhances moisture retention, improves hair texture, and adds shine.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and scalp. It helps maintain hydration and prevents dryness. It is a common ingredient in hair care products for its moisturizing benefits.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with glycerin.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture, keeping hair hydrated and reducing frizz.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower OilGood
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil is an essential oil used for its fragrance and potential antimicrobial properties. It provides a natural scent and may offer some conditioning benefits. It is often included in formulations for its aromatic qualities.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a natural fragrance and may offer antimicrobial benefits.
Citrus Aurantium Peel OilGood
Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil is an essential oil used for its fragrance and potential antimicrobial properties. It provides a natural scent and may offer some conditioning benefits. It is often included in formulations for its aromatic qualities.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a natural fragrance and may offer antimicrobial benefits.
Citrus Limon Peel OilGood
Citrus Limon Peel Oil is an essential oil used for its fragrance and potential antimicrobial properties. It provides a natural scent and may offer some conditioning benefits. It is often included in formulations for its aromatic qualities.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a natural fragrance and may offer antimicrobial benefits.
Water (Aqua) (Eau)Neutral
Water is a universal solvent used as a base in many cosmetic products. It helps 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 known risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water acts as a carrier for other ingredients, allowing them to be evenly distributed.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain moisture balance in the hair.
Sodium Methyl 2-SulfolaurateNeutral
Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is considered milder than traditional sulfates. It helps in creating a lather and removing impurities.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides effective cleansing with a lower risk of irritation compared to harsher sulfates.
Sodium Lauryl SulfoacetateNeutral
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is a surfactant known for its ability to create a rich lather. It is considered milder than traditional sulfates. It helps in cleansing the hair without excessive stripping of oils.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a rich lather and effective cleansing with a milder profile than SLS.
Sodium PhytateNeutral
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent used to stabilize formulations. It helps prevent the degradation of products by binding metal ions. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with sodium phytate in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Helps maintain product stability and efficacy over time.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideNeutral
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum. It helps improve hair manageability and reduces static. It is commonly used in hair care products for its conditioning properties.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
Improves hair manageability and reduces static, making hair easier to style.
Disodium 2-SulfolaurateNeutral
Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is considered milder than traditional sulfates. It helps in creating a lather and removing impurities.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides effective cleansing with a lower risk of irritation compared to harsher sulfates.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps improve the texture of formulations and provides antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used to enhance the shelf life of products.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with caprylyl glycol.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides antimicrobial benefits, enhancing shelf life.
Caprylhydroxamic AcidNeutral
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It is often used in combination with other preservatives to enhance efficacy. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with caprylhydroxamic acid.
Benefits
Helps maintain product safety by preventing microbial contamination.
Benzoic AcidNeutral
Benzoic Acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It is commonly used in cosmetic formulations to enhance shelf life. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with benzoic acid.
Benefits
Helps maintain product safety by preventing microbial contamination.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the stability and efficacy of products. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with citric acid in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Helps maintain product stability by adjusting pH levels.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the stability and efficacy of products. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sodium hydroxide in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Helps maintain product stability by adjusting pH levels.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
May cause dryness and irritation to the scalp and hair.
Benefits
Provides thickening properties to improve product texture.
HydroxycitronellalNeutral
Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance ingredient used for its floral scent. It is commonly used in perfumes and cosmetic products. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a floral scent to enhance user experience.
Tetramethyl AcetyloctahydronaphthalenesNeutral
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes is a synthetic fragrance ingredient. It is used to impart a long-lasting scent to cosmetic products. It does not have direct benefits or risks for hair care.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a long-lasting fragrance to enhance user experience.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateBad
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It can be harsh on the scalp, potentially stripping natural oils. It is often considered a less gentle alternative to other surfactants.
Risks
May cause dryness or irritation to sensitive scalps.
Benefits
Effectively removes dirt and oil from the hair and scalp.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a fresh, citrus scent to enhance user experience.
Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Fragrance is used to impart scent to cosmetic products. It can be composed of various synthetic chemicals, some of which may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its lack of transparency in ingredient disclosure.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to enhance user experience.
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