BASED Conditioner
Summary
BASED Conditioner scores 96/100 -- a premium, non-toxic conditioner. Zero silicones (no dimethicone, cyclomethicone, or amodimethicone -- the ingredients that build up on hair and require sulfate shampoos to remove), zero parabens, zero phthalates, zero endocrine disruptors, no PEGs, no phenoxyethanol, no synthetic fragrance, no behentrimonium/cetrimonium chloride. Independently lab tested. The conditioning system is hydrolyzed keratin (real cortex-penetrating protein repair), coconut oil and argan oil for cuticle sealing, glycerin and sodium gluconate for humectancy, and cetearyl alcohol as a fatty (non-drying) emulsifier. Peppermint essential oil provides a single-source named scent. Food-grade potassium sorbate + sodium benzoate handle preservation. The conditioner uses guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride -- a guar-derived cationic conditioning polymer -- for slip and detangling. It's technically a quaternary ammonium compound, but it's the plant-based, biodegradable variant rated EWG 1, which is why most clean-beauty brands choose it over the petroleum-derived alternatives.
At a glance
Key ingredients 15
GlycerinVery Good
Gold-standard humectant; draws moisture into the stratum corneum and offsets any drying from cleansing or styling. Plant-derived, EWG 1.
See more about Glycerin →Hydrolyzed KeratinVery Good
Enzymatically broken-down keratin protein fragments small enough to penetrate the hair cortex and bind to damaged sites. Genuine repair activity (Wickett 1991), not just superficial coating like silicones.
See more about Hydrolyzed Keratin →Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Very Good
Lipid-soluble antioxidant that stabilizes oils in the formula and protects skin lipids from oxidative damage. Synergistic with most plant oils.
See more about Tocopherol (Vitamin E) →Coconut OilVery Good
Source of medium-chain lauric acid with documented antimicrobial activity against acne-relevant skin bacteria; clean emollient base.
See more about Coconut Oil →Argan OilVery Good
Cold-pressed from Argania spinosa kernels; rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids plus tocopherols and squalene. Penetrates the hair cuticle and reduces protein loss.
See more about Argan Oil →Cetearyl AlcoholGood
Long-chain fatty alcohol -- NOT a drying alcohol like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. The standard plant-derived emulsifier and conditioning agent in clean hair formulas; provides smooth slip without silicone buildup.
See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →Caprylyl/Capryl GlucosideGood
Sugar/coconut-derived non-ionic surfactant; same gentle class as decyl glucoside used in the cleanser and body wash.
See more about Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside →HydroxyethylcelluloseGood
Cellulose-derived non-ionic thickener; clean, well-tolerated, replaces synthetic carbomers and PEG-based thickeners.
See more about Hydroxyethylcellulose →Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideGood
Plant-derived (guar bean) cationic conditioning polymer. Technically a quaternary ammonium compound, but it's the cleanest commercially available variant -- biodegradable, EWG 1, the standard substitute for petroleum-derived behentrimonium chloride.
See more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride →Peppermint OilGood
Single-source named essential oil -- fully transparent compared to 'naturally derived fragrance' listings. Menthol provides cooling sensation and stimulates scalp circulation, with a small RCT (Oh 2014) showing increased follicle depth and density at 3% topical application.
See more about Peppermint Oil →Potassium Sorbate + Sodium BenzoateGood
Food-grade preservative pair; EWG 1-3, the cleanest broadly-effective system available. Replaces phenoxyethanol.
See more about Potassium Sorbate + Sodium Benzoate →Citric AcidGood
pH adjuster at trace levels; mild AHA precursor that helps maintain a slightly acidic pH compatible with the skin's acid mantle.
See more about Citric Acid →ArginineGood
Amino acid; functions as a buffering pH adjuster and contributes minor humectant activity. Inert at use levels.
See more about Arginine →Sodium GluconateGood
Sodium salt of gluconic acid; functions as a mild chelating agent (binds hard-water mineral ions) and a humectant. Replaces tetrasodium EDTA, which is a stronger penetration enhancer.
See more about Sodium Gluconate →Water (Aqua)Neutral
Standard solvent base.
See more about Water (Aqua) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store