Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo by K18 Hair for Unisex - 8.5 oz Shampoo

Common questions

Is Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo by K18 Hair for Unisex - 8.5 oz Shampoo healthy?

Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo by K18 Hair for Unisex - 8.5 oz Shampoo scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like panthenol and glycerin, which provide moisturizing and conditioning benefits.

Which ingredients drive Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo by K18 Hair for Unisex - 8.5 oz Shampoo's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, SH-Oligopeptide-78, Panthenol, Glycerin count in its favor; Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene 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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Damage Shield PH Protective Shampoo by K18 Hair for Unisex - 8.5 oz Shampoo

K18
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$39.00 · 8.5 oz · $4.59 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Unilever
Category Shampoo
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-78
Good

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.

Panthenol
Good

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.

See more about Panthenol →
Glycerin
Good

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.

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Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil
Good

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 Oil
Good

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.

See more about Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil →
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Good

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.

See more about Water (Aqua) (Eau) →
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

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.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate
Neutral

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 Sulfoacetate
Neutral

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 Phytate
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Phytate →
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Neutral

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.

See more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride →
Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate
Neutral

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 Glycol
Neutral

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.

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Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Caprylhydroxamic Acid →
Benzoic Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Benzoic Acid →
Citric Acid
Neutral

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.

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Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Hydroxycitronellal
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydroxycitronellal →
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
Neutral

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 Sulfonate
Bad

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.

See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →
Limonene
Bad

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.

See more about Limonene →
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.

See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →

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