Rahua Classic Shampoo
Summary
Rahua Classic Shampoo scores 88/100 -- one of the cleanest commercial shampoo formulas on the market, with a near-flawless exclusion list. Zero silicones, zero PEGs, zero parabens, zero phenoxyethanol, zero MCI/MIT, zero EDTA, zero synthetic fragrance (Palo Santo Wood Oil provides the natural aroma), zero dyes, zero acrylates/microplastics, zero formaldehyde-releasers, zero ethanolamines (DEA/MEA/TEA), zero SLS/SLES. The plant payload is exceptional: Ungurahua (Rahua) Fruit Oil -- the proprietary Amazonian palm fruit oil sustainably harvested via Rahua's Symbiotic partnerships with Quechua-Shuar communities -- plus six organic-certified plant extracts (sugar cane gentle AHA, palo santo, aloe, green tea, rosemary, raspberry leaf). Hydrolyzed Quinoa delivers complete-protein conditioning (all 9 essential amino acids, unique among hair proteins). Glycerin + Panthenol round out the humectant-vitamin layer. Capryloyl Glycine + Caprylic Acid are coconut-derived preservation boosters; Potassium Sorbate is the only traditional preservative -- a food-grade clean choice. Citric Acid replaces EDTA as the pH adjuster/chelator. The one demerit holding it back from the BASED/Boe Natural 94+ tier is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate as primary surfactant -- milder than SLS/SLES but harsher than glucosides (EWG 2-3, can be drying). Rahua Beauty is independent (founded 2008).
At a glance
Key ingredients 16
Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateBad
Anionic surfactant; milder than SLS/SLES but harsher than glucosides. EWG 2-3. The only weak link in an otherwise best-in-class clean formula. Same surfactant K18 uses.
See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →Cocamidopropyl Betaine (organic, coconut-derived)Good
Coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant; the industry-standard gentle co-surfactant. EWG 1-2.
See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine (organic, coconut-derived) →Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt)Good
Natural salt thickener; food-grade, EWG 1.
See more about Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt) →Glycerin (plant-derived)Very Good
Gold-standard humectant; plant-derived, EWG 1.
See more about Glycerin (plant-derived) →Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract (organic)Good
Natural source of glycolic acid (alpha hydroxy acid); gentle exfoliation and scalp turnover support. USDA organic certified.
See more about Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract (organic) →Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua/Rahua) Fruit OilVery Good
The proprietary Amazonian palm fruit oil; high oleic acid content with documented superfine molecular structure that penetrates the hair shaft. Sustainably harvested via Rahua's Symbiotic partnerships with Quechua-Shuar communities.
See more about Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua/Rahua) Fruit Oil →Bursera Graveolens (Palo Santo) Wood Oil (organic)Good
Single-source named aromatic wood oil; provides the product's natural aroma in place of synthetic fragrance. Organic certified.
See more about Bursera Graveolens (Palo Santo) Wood Oil (organic) →Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (organic)Very Good
Acemannan polysaccharides; anti-inflammatory and lightly hydrating. USDA organic certified.
See more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (organic) →Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (organic)Very Good
Polyphenol/EGCG-rich antioxidant; documented free-radical scavenging and scalp anti-inflammatory activity. Organic certified.
See more about Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (organic) →Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (organic)Very Good
Rosmarinic-acid-rich extract; Panahi 2015 RCT showed rosemary oil matched 2% minoxidil for hair regrowth at 6 months. Antioxidant and scalp-circulation activity.
See more about Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (organic) →Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf ExtractGood
Traditional botanical; tannin and flavonoid content provide mild astringent and antioxidant activity.
See more about Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract →Hydrolyzed QuinoaVery Good
Complete-protein hair conditioning; quinoa is one of the few plant proteins containing all 9 essential amino acids. Provides cuticle-binding peptides similar to hydrolyzed keratin but plant-derived.
See more about Hydrolyzed Quinoa →Capryloyl Glycine + Caprylic AcidGood
Coconut-derived amino-acid-based co-emulsifier and preservation booster. EWG 1.
See more about Capryloyl Glycine + Caprylic Acid →Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Very Good
Provitamin B5; penetrates the hair shaft and improves softness and elasticity (Greaves 1999).
See more about Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) →Citric AcidGood
Plant-derived pH adjuster and mild chelator; replaces EDTA. Food-grade, EWG 1.
See more about Citric Acid →Potassium SorbateGood
Food-grade preservative; among the cleanest commercial preservatives, EWG 1-3. Replaces phenoxyethanol and parabens.
See more about Potassium Sorbate →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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