compare and contrast the chemicals and ingradients in the clariol
renewel 5x "revitalize" shampoo to the nexxus botan oil shampoo. i
need to know which is the most mild and has least harh chemicals.
which will be better for very very dry hair. i need mositure and
gentle. i dont color my hair but i use alot of rogaine. my hair breaks
off because my scalpe is so dry!! which one will woork bet for haie
and scalpe?

---

Clarification of Question by anonymous777-ga on 21 Jan 2003 17:33 PST

thanks for ur time and effort but can i get an answer soon??

---

Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 21 Jan 2003 18:16 PST

Hi there!

I'm working on your question and hope to be done soon.  Looking up all
of the chemicals to find out what they do is somewhat time consuming.

From a quick comparison, it appears that both shampoos contain some
ingredients which might cause some scalp irritation, but the Nexxus
Botanoil contains more moisturizing and softening agents (safflower,
sunflower, avocado, sesame, soybean and corn oils chief among them).

On the surface, it would appear that the Botanoil shampoo would be the
better choice, but I'm double-checking the ingredients to be certain. 
Please bear with me, I want to make sure your answer is well
researched and complete.

--Missy

---

Clarification of Question by anonymous777-ga on 21 Jan 2003 20:22 PST

ok thats fine but let me know which ingredients are harsh and
moistuirzing. remember i use alot of rogaine and i need somthing that
will  help my scalpe.

thanks

---

Clarification of Question by anonymous777-ga on 21 Jan 2003 20:54 PST

and can u tell me what shampoo will have a better cleaning on my hair and scalpe

Hi there!

To get started on your query, I looked up the ingredients for the two
shampoos:

Clairol Renewal 5x Shampoo, Revitalizing for Color/Permed Hair:

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl
Betaine, Fragrance, Panthenol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract, Saccharum
Oficinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Citrus
Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon)
Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Retinyl Palmitate, Acer Saccharinum
(Sugar Maple) Extract, Linoleic Acid, Dihydroxypropyl Peg 5
Linoleammonium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Glycol Distearate, Laureth 7,
Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
Citric Acid, PEG 35 Castor Oil, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate,
Polysorbate 20, Phytantriol, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium
PCA, DMDM Hydantoin, Methyl Paraben

Clairol Renewal 5x Shampoo, Revitalizing for Color/Permed Hair
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=69055&catid=20&brand=20270&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=20&trxp2=69055&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND

Nexxus Botanoil Botanical Treatment Shampoo:

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,
Wheat Flour Lipids, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Alpha Glucan
Oligosaccharide, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Witch Hazel, Panthenol,
Tocopherol Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Corn
Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, L-Cystine, Biotin, Cysteine,
Lecithin, Avocado Oil, Soybean Sterol, Ceramide 3, Butyl
Methoxydibenzoyl Methane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Myristic Acid,
Palamitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl 3 Distearate, Polysorbate
60, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Niacin, Inositol, Folic
Acid, Styrene/PVP Copolymer, Acrylates/Palmeth 25 Acrylate Copolymer,
Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, BHA, Citric Acid,
Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, Yellow 6, Red 4

Nexxus Botanoil Botanical Treatment Shampoo
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=58754&catid=11936&trx=PLST-0-SRCH&trxp2=58754&trxp3=1&btrx=BUY-PD-PLST-0-SRCH


My next step was to determine which ingredients the shampoos had in
common, and determine the purpose of each one.  The shampoos have the
following ingredients in common:

**Water - the prime ingredient in most, if not all, shampoos and
conditioners.  This keeps the other ingredients from gelling or
becoming too thick, and serves to keep the shampoo smooth and liquid.

**Sodium Laureth Sulfate - a mild detergent and water softening agent,
often used in baby shampoo.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate
http://www.totalskincare.com/library/totalskincare_s_sodium-laureth-sulfate.html

**Fragrance - both shampoos listed contain unnamed fragrances.  These
are what give the products their own distinctive scents.  It's not
unusual for these ingredients to irritate dry scalps, however.  You
might want to consider looking for a shampoo that contains no
fragrances:

"Conventional shampoos contain synthetic fragrances and a wide range
of preservatives. Both have been shown to be the leading causes of
cosmetic-related allergies and irritation today."

Shampoo Savvy
http://www.aubrey-organics.com/about/articles/healthy11.cfm

**Cocamidopropyl Betaine - a surfactant.  A foaming agent and foam
liquid stabilizer.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
http://www.chemistrystore.com/cocamidopropyl_betaine.htm

Cocamidopropyl Betaine appears to be linked to some cases of "shampoo
dermatitis", a condition in which the scalp becomes dry and irritated:

"The dermatitis cleared up after she changed to another shampoo. We
diagnosed her condition as an allergic contact dermatitis from
cocoamidopropyl betaine and lauryl dimethyl aminoacetic acid betaine."

Case report:  Shampoo dermatitis due to cocamidopropyl betaine and
lauryl dimethyl aminoacetic acid betaine
http://www.med.nagoya-u.ac.jp/Environderm/edj/vol7/71-1600.htm

Wait a minute.  What's a surfactant?

"SURFACTANT - Abbreviation of the term, ‘surface-active-agent’. Reduce
the surface tension of oils, greases and other substances, allowing
them to be broken into smaller particles or globules to facilitate
cleansing."

Ingredient Glossary
http://onthewingsofsuccess.com/IngredientsGlossary.htm

**Citric Acid - a stabilizer and alpha-hydroxy acid, derived from the
fermentaion of cane sugar.  Also used as an astringent to help tighten
pores.  This is what makes your scalp feel tingly.

Citric Acid
http://www.chemistrystore.com/Citric_Acid.htm  

"ASTRINGENT - A member of the toner family effective on oily and
blemished complexions. Performs a tightening action on the skin and
pores."

Ingredient Glossary
http://onthewingsofsuccess.com/IngredientsGlossary.htm

**Panthenol - a "pro-vitamin" moisturizing agent related to Vitamin E.

"D-Panthenol is the most used pro-vitamin in the cosmetics
industry.  Because of its physical properties it is easily
incorporated
into all normal cosmetic formulations. It is penetrates the
skin, hair and nails and generally fulfills all the expectations
of both the producer and consumer."

Panthenol
http://www.roche.com/vitamins/pdf/dpanth.pdf

**Cocamide MEA, Cocomide DEA - surfactants and foaming agents, derived
from coconut.  Makes your shampoo rich and lathery.

Specialty Surfactants
http://www.alzointernational.com/surfactants.htm

"Cocamide MEA (from coconut)"

Skin and Hair Care
http://www.greatplainsgifts.com/Skin_zg_Hair_Care.html

"Cocamide DEA
Shampoo thickener and foam stabilizer derived from coconut fatty
acids. It gives lather and cleans the skin and hair. It also assists
in removal of fatty soils."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/03_glossary_c.html

**PEG-5 Dihydroxpropyl Linoleamonium Chloride (Colaquat, Propylene
Glycol) - an "anti-static" and conditioning additive, derived from
safflower oil.

" [...]powerful cationic conditioning agent. A biomimetic phospholipid
derived from safflower oil that is highly enriched with essential
fatty acids is combined with a linoleic acid that has been quaternized
to enhance substantively. This synergistic combination yields a
product that can greatly improve wet and dry comb out with flyaway
control when the hair is dry. Colaquat L-35 is based on fatty acids
that have been identified as essential to the maintenance of healthy
skin and hair, suggesting its use as an additive in liquid soaps and
lotions. It is quickly absorbed into the skin and hair matrix and can
provide sustained benefits long after use."

Shampoo Additives
http://www.chemistrystore.com/shampoo_additives.htm

**Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride - an anti-static and viscosity
control agent.  Also has some moisturizing properties.

Inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products
http://dg3.eudra.org/F3/inci/inciagu.htm#2268

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/07_glossary_g.html

**Retinyl Palmitate - a Vitamin A derivative and skin softener. 
Included to improve suppleness of the scalp and ease dryness.

Retinyl Palmitate
http://www.lamasbeauty.com/store/key_retinyl_palmitate.html

**Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60 - Emulsifiers and stabilizers.

"A viscous, oily, water-soluble, non-ionic emulsifier enabling water &
oil to mix (effect increased when combined with cetyl alcohol or
sorbitan stearate), dispersing agent, thickener, antistat, solubilizer
& stabilizer of essential oils used to stabilize perfumes in
water-based preparations and act as a modifier and stabilizer of
shampoos, liquid soaps and conditioners."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/16_glossary_p.html

Those are the ingredients contained in both shampoos.  Next, I tracked
down the ingredients remaining for each:

Clairol Renewal 5x
------------------

**Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - a detergent and foaming agent naturally
derived from coconut oil.  SLS is what helps get your hair clean.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/toms/ifs/sls.asp

**Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract - also known as Bilberry Exctract.  An
antioxidant vitamin.

Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract
http://www.vitaminproshop.com/033984041103.html

**Saccharum Oficinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract - sugar.  A mild
exfoliant, used primarily to help slough off dead skin cells.

**Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - a moisturizer, derived from wheat.  Used
to improve hair's resilience:

"Hydrolyzed wheat protein penetrates the hair shaft to repair damage
and help promote body [...]"

Amazing Products Store
http://www.pacwestserv.com/haircare04.htm

**Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica
Limonum (Lemon)
Fruit Extract - fruit extracts employed for fragrance, mild
exfoliating and astringent properties.  (See "Citric Acid")

**Hydrolyzed Elastin - a moisturizing agent, derived from elastin, a
protein.  Used to improve moisture and elasticity.

**Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract - sugar.  A gentle exfoliant,
used to slough off dead skin cells and encourage healthy skin.  (See
Sugar Cane Extract)

**Linoleic Acid - a fatty acid derived from safflower or flaxseed oil,
commonly used to help combat hair loss.

"Linoleic Acid  is considered the most important EFA. It is a
necessity for hair health and growth. Without it, humans suffer from
hair loss and dry scaly scalp and skin."

Healthy Hair
http://www.beautynewsletter.gq.nu/articles/H_hair1.html

**Glycol Distearate - related to Glycol Stearate.  Emollient and
emulsifiers known for "pearling" quality, and are added to shampoo to
impart a pearlescent effect.

"Glycol Stearate - The monoester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid.
An emollient and an emulsifier used in lotions and shampoos to achieve
a pearling effect."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/07_glossary_g.html

**Laureth 7 - a surfactant and emulsifier

Inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products
http://dg3.eudra.org/F3/inci/inciala.htm

**Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate - an emulsifier and surfactant.  Also
has some conditioning properties.

Inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products
http://dg3.eudra.org/F3/inci/inciaso.htm#5508

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/19_glossary_s.html

**PEG 35 Castor Oil - a "solubizer" and emulsifier.  Enables other
ingredients to blend together.

"PEG 35 Castor Oil, Solubilising agent for essential oils"
http://www.amchem.com.ph/Product%20List/CIDProductlist.html

**Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate - a mild cleaner, typically used in baby
shampoo.

Cleaners
http://www.purist.com.au/ingredients_clean.htm

**Phytantriol - a moisturizing agent

"Phytantriol helps to retain the moisture of the hair by reducing the
loss of water from the hair, it protects the hair from mechanical
damage through
combing, it increases the penetration of Panthenol and amino acids
into the shaft of the hair it lends gloss to dull and damaged hair"

Phyantriol
http://www.roche.com/vitamins/pdf/phyt.pdf

**Sodium Chloride - salt.  Used as a thickener.

"...this is a cheap and easy way of thickening the product."

SHAMPOO CHEMISTRY 
http://www.hairscientists.org/article7.htm

**Tetrasodium EDTA - a water softening agent

" Same as sodium EDTA. It's a chelating agent (sequestrant – a
remover/separator) that reacts with sodium, calcium and magnesium
salts found in hard water and makes them water-soluble. Water
softener. A bonding agent that links with minerals to prevent them
from causing microbial growth."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/20_glossary_t.html

**Sodium PCA - a humectant or moisture absorbing and retaining agent.

" Occurs naturally in human skin and is responsible for binding
moisture to the cells. Highly water-absorbent, holding several times
its weight in water, which makes it an excellent humectant."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/19_glossary_s.html

**DMDM Hydantoin - a preservative.  Releases formaldehyde, which may
cause minor irritation.

"DMDM (Dimethylol Dimethyl)
Used with hydantoin to form a preservative. Slowly releases
formaldehyde to give bactericidal properties to lotions.

DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative, antimicrobial to fight bacteria."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/04_glossary_d.html

**Methyl Paraben - a preservative

"Methylparaben/Propylparaben
Food grade preservatives used to ensure shelf life, hygienic stability
of all Dermalogica products; non-irritating, non-sensitizing and
non-toxic. It's non - toxic and approved for use in foods. It is
effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/13_glossary_m.html



Nexxus Botanoil Botanical Treatment Shampoo
-------------------------------------------

Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil,
Avocado Oil - vegetable oils known for their moisturizing and
conditioning properties.  Lend hair smoothness and elasticity.  Rich
in vitamins.

"Avocado Oil
Also called the alligator pear. The oil from the seed and the pulp of
an avocado can be used in creams, lotions, and hair preparations
because of its nourishing and conditioning effects on dry skin and
hair. It has been found to significantly increase the water-soluble
collagen content in the dermis skin layer. The oil contains protein,
vitamins A, D, and E, and some amino acids."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/01_glossary_a.html

"Safflower
An unsaturated vegetable oil derived from safflower. It is used for
its moisturizing and softening properties. The flowers are used in
decoctions for skin eruptions, acne and skin blemishes."

"Sesame Oil
Emollient oil with anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial
properties. Also used as a base in preservative-free skincare products
because it won't turn rancid when stored at room temperature."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/19_glossary_s.html

**Aloe Barbadensis Gel - derived from Aloe Vera.  A soothing and
softening agent, used to relieve skin irritation.

**Wheat Flour Lipids- a fatty substance derived from wheat, used to
help retain skin suppleness and moisture.

**Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate - stabilized, time-released vitamin C.  An
antioxidant, would encourage growth of healthy skin cells.

Triple C & E Complex
http://www.beautypros.com/Products/PowerPlexes/triple_c__e_complex.htm

**Witch Hazel - an astringent, used to treat very dry skin

Herbal Remedies - Witch Hazel
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Herb/Witch_Hazel.htm

**Alpha  Glucan  Oligosaccharide - an anti-microbial agent.  A
preservative.

http://www.arbonnonlinestore.com/clearadvantage_ingredients.asp

**Tocopherol Acetate - Vitamin E.  Helps retain moisture and heal dry
skin

" Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
Used in skincare products. Accumulates in the epidermis and forms a
barrier against moisture evaporation from the skin. An anti-oxidant,
Vitamin E helps prevent free radical damage in the skin tissues. Major
anti-oxidant nutrient; retards cellular aging due to oxidation; aids
in bringing nourishment to cells; strengthens the capillary walls
prevents the red blood cells from destructive poisons. Aids against
dry skin. See Vitamin E."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/20_glossary_t.html

**BHA - a synthetic antioxidant, used as a preservative.  Has been
known to cause allergic reactions.

"BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Used to prevent oxidation of oils in cosmetics. As a synthetic
anti-oxidant, use has been limited by the FDA. Some allergic reactions
have been reported."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/02_glossary_b.html

**Yellow 6, Red 4 - dyes.  Only purpose is to lend color to the
product.

**Niacin, Folic Acid - vitamins, said to encourage healthy skin and
strong hair.

**L-Cystine - an amino acid (a component of protein).  Purpose
unspecified.

L-cystine
http://home.att.net/~seberhard/micro/cystine.htm

**Biotin - Vitamin H.  Beneficial for hair and prevention of hair
loss.

"There are suggestions that biotin is also capable of curing baldness,
alleviating muscle pain and depression, and functions as a cure for
dermatitis, although there is no substantial evidence for any of these
claims. Biotin deficiency results in fatigue, depression, nausea,
muscle pains, hair loss, and anemia."

Biotin
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/vitamins/pages/biotin.html

**Lecithin - a natural emulsifier and antioxidant

Lecithin
http://www.1001herbs.com/lecithin/

**Cysteine - an amino acid.  Beneficial for supple hair.

"Cysteine is required for your skin, as well as detoxification of your
body, requires cysteine. It is found in beta-keratin, the main protein
in nails, skin as well as hair. It not only is important in collagen
production but also assists in skin elasticity and texture."

Cysteine
http://www.anyvitamins.com/cysteine-info.htm

**Soybean Sterol - an emollient and moisturizer with stabilizing
properties.  Derived from the soybean.

**Stearic Acid - a moisturizer

"Stearic Acid
Used for its emollient properties and as a moisturizing ingredient."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/19_glossary_s.html

**Ceramide 3 - a lipid which helps retain moisture

**Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl Methane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate -
Sunscreens

http://www.collabo.com/sunpro.htm

**Polyglyceryl 3 Distearate - an emulsifier

Inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products
http://dg3.eudra.org/F3/inci/inciapo.htm

**Inositol - helps prevent thinning hair

"Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems,
depression, panic disorder, and diabetes. It also aids in the
breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood cholesterol, and
helps to prevent thinning hair"

Inositol 
http://www.healthandfitnessforums.com/inositol.html

**Myristic Acid - a fatty acid, used as an emulsifier

Myristic Acid
http://www.bartleby.com/61/14/M0511400.html

**Styrene/PVP Copolymer - an Opacifier - a chemical additive to make
the product opaque.

http://www.fredonline.co.uk/ingredientslist2.htm

**Acrylates/Palmeth 25 Acrylate Copolymer - a "film former".  Makes
hair shiny.

http://www.fredonline.co.uk/ingredientslist2.htm

**Palamitic Acid - a surfactant

Palmitic Acid 
http://www.acme-hardesty.com/ShowProduct.cfm?PID=22&CatID=4

**Methylchloroisothiazolinone,Methylisothiazolinone - preservatives

"Methylchloroisthiazolinone
A preservative used in personal care products."

"Methylisothiazolinone
Antimicrobial, a preservative. Used only in rinse-off products."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/13_glossary_m.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Based on the descriptions of the ingredients for each shampoo, I
believe my original assessment to be correct - the Nexxus Botanoil
Treatment shampoo contains more moisturizers and conditioners, and
fewer harsh additives than the Clairol.

Additionally, the inclusion of Witch Hazel, a powerful natural
astringent, offers superior cleaning abilities (which is why it's
included in many acne medications) *and* is very useful for soothing
dry, itchy scalp.

I've been looking at your other questions on this topic, and something
that stands out for me is the fact that your scalp seems to be
bothering you quite a lot.  It sound like you're very uncomfortable. 
Would you mind terribly if I made a suggestion based on personal
experience?

Try a shampoo and conditioner which contain Tea Tree Oil.  Tea Tree
Oil is well known for it's soothing, healing properties, and is often
used to treat dry skin.  It's also very effective for mending and
protecting dry, damaged hair, without being harsh.

My own dark hair is waist length, and sorely abused - I dye parts of
it violet, which requires that those parts first get bleached, then
dyed.  As you can well imagine, this can be irritating to the scalp,
very drying to the hair, and can cause brittleness and breakage if not
properly cared for afterwards.  Using Tea Tree Oil products has solved
that - no more dry scalp, no more itching, and my hair is very shiny
and resilient.

Mind, this is just a suggestion.  If you think it might help, check in
with your local health food store for a recommendation - since you're
using minoxidil, you'll want something with as few chemicals as
possible, so as not to irritate your already bothered scalp.

I hope you find a shampoo that makes your scalp feel better!  If there
is anything else I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask for
clarification.  I'll be glad to help.

--Missy

Search terms:  Listed ingredients

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 09:29 PST

you have done a great job!! but for another 50.00$ can u compare the
nexxus botanoil shampoo to the nexxus luxuary mouitureizing shampoo???
hust compare and contarst all the same questions like u done
prevoisly. mositure,harh ingreidents, and chow well it cleans??? is
there a place where people do this for a living online?? compare and
contrast all these shampoos??

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 22 Jan 2003 09:55 PST

Good morning!

I will be glad to look up the ingredients and their uses for the
Nexxus Luxury Moisturizing shampoo for you.  I will warn you that it's
going to take a bit of time to sort it out, though considerably less
than last night since the ingredients for one shampoo are already
here.

Did you want to open a separate question for it, or just tack it on at
the end of this one? (either works just fine)  Please let me know how
you want to handle that, in the meantime, I've located the ingredients
list and will begin tearing it apart.

--Missy

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 10:16 PST

i would like to add it on. i have no problem paying the money and if
you have time today i have alot of other shampoos i need done
also.tahnks!

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 10:36 PST

i took ur advice earlier to day and i bought some paul mitchel "tea
tree oil shampoo". i have use it before and it dried the hell out of
my scalpe !! it made it feel minty and clean but after a week u could
see through the scalpe!! i will add 100.00$ to ur tip if you could do
anther comparion with the paul mitchel tea tree special shampoo.when
ur done come up with a conclusion of what shampoos were the mosy
moisturizing ,mild , and best cleaning. i do want to say that i have
been using the clariol renewl 5x revitalize shampoo and it make may
hair feel great ,thick , and strong. but my concern is that it will
dry out my hair or thats its not mild enough. thanks, please write
back and let me know when u might be done. and if the price is good
enough!!

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 22 Jan 2003 11:10 PST

Hello again!

I'm working out the list for the Nexxus product right now.  As it
happens, I am available for work pretty much all day today and well
into the night.

I don't think you can add more than $100 at the conclusion of any
given question, so you'll probably need to open a new question for the
Paul Mitchell product.  You can address it to me if you like, or leave
it open for any of our other Researchers to help you - the call is
yours.

Now, back to work on the Nexxus list!

--Missy

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 11:21 PST

ill adress to u! so ill ask it when ur done with this one. if you want
to start working on the tea tree shapoo after that would be great!!
you said before that the botaloil shampoo had fewer harsh chemicals in
it, can u tell me which chemicals in the clariol shampoo are more
harsh?? all the ingredients that are in the clariol shampoo and not in
the nexxus seemd to be moistirizers and conditoners. thanks.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 11:24 PST

when ur done comparing the 2 nexuss shampoos can u compar them both to
the clariol?? i wouldnt think that it should be problem because you
have all the chemicals found and laid out.  i have used the luxury
moisture shampoo becfor and it made my hair feel dry and hard?? i know
it shouldnt but what do u think is in it that would make it be taht
why??

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 22 Jan 2003 12:28 PST

Hello again,

Following is the ingredient list for Nexxus Therappe Luxury
Moisturizing shampoo:

Aqueous Extracts of Matricaria, Nettle, Rosemary, Quillaja Saponaria,
Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,
Tocopheryl Acetate, Keratin Amino Acids, Panthenol, Avocado Oil,
Allantoin, Glycine Soja Sterol, Honey, Ceramide 3, Triticum Vulgare
(Wheat) Flour Lipids, Polyquaternium 10, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate,
Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl
Methoxydibenzoyl Methane, Styrene/Methacrylic Acid/Itaconic Acid
Polymer, Myristic Acid, Palamitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Magnesium
Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl 3 Distearate, Polysorbate 60,
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Methylchloroisothiazolinone,
Methylisothiazolinone, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben,
Methylparaben, Fragrance

Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=58761&catid=10341&trx=PLST-0-SRCH&trxp2=58761&trxp3=1&btrx=BUY-PD-PLST-0-SRCH

Of these ingredients, the following have already been discussed in the
answer above:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cocamide DEA
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Panthenol
Avocado Oil
Ceramide 3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Lipids
Myristic Acid
Palamitic Acid
Stearic Acid
Polyglyceryl 3 Distearate
Polysorbate 60
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Citric Acid
Propylene Glycol
Methylparaben
Fragrance
Sodium Chloride
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl Methane
Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide
Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)

Please use the "Edit --> Find in page" function of your browser to
quickly locate these definitions if you wish to double check their
purposes.  I would repeat them down here, but it is very time
consuming to do so, and I sense that you're rather in a hurry.  I'd
like to make this as straightforward as possible for you, so you don't
go cross-eyed trying to sift through the information!

The remaining list of ingredients is short:

**Aqueous Extracts of Matricaria, Nettle, Rosemary, Quillaja Saponaria
- liquid extracts of these plants.

**Matricaria is more commonly known as chamomile.  Chamomile is
included as a gentle conditioner and hair brightener.

Nettle is typically used in hair products to treat and soothe dry and
irritated scalp.

"Nettle oil. Oil extract of Nettle herb obtained with virgin olive
oil. Nettle oil (Oleum Urticae) have been used as restorative,
anti-inflammatory skin and scalp treatment for hundreds years. The oil
is an excellent treatment for hypersensitive or stressed skin and
scalp as it helps reduce irritation, and reverse inflammatory
reactions."

Traditional Herbal Remedies Featuring Nettle
http://floraleads.net/nettle/

**Rosemary - reduces flaking, soothes itching and irritation.  Said to
encourage hair growth and restoration.  Very gentle, suitable for
frequent use. Smells divine!

Rosemary Herbal
http://www.ageless.co.za/rosemary.htm

**Quillaja Saponaria - Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial. 
Tightens pores and soothes scalp irritation.

QUILLAJA
http://www.rain-tree.com/quillaja.htm

**Keratin Amino Acids - Protein building blocks for strong hair

"Keratin -The tough protein that is the major component of stratum
corneum cells, hair, hoof, horn, and nails. A surface protective agent
with film-forming and moisturizing action."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/11_glossary_k.html

**Allantoin - an herbal extract, derived from the comfrey plant. 
Comfrey is known for its soothing, anti-irritant properties.

"Allantoin is an extract of the comfrey plant and is used for its
healing, soothing, and anti-irritating properties. This extract can be
found in anti-acne products, sun care products, and clarifying lotions
because of its ability to help heal minor wounds and promote healthy
skin."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/01_glossary_a.html

**Glycine Soja Sterol - a soybean protein extract, to encourage hair
elasticity and retention of moisture

**Honey - encourages retention of moisture and shine.  A natural
laminate (gloss).

**Polyquaternium 10 - a fixative and shine enhancer.  Has some
conditioning properties.

**Octyl Methoxycinnamate - a sunscreen, to protect from UV damage

Octyl Methoxycinnamate
http://www.theeyeofnewt.com/store/html/items/SUNSCREEN_Octyl_Methoxycinnamate.asp

**Styrene/Methacrylic Acid/Itaconic Acid Polymer - a coating and
thickening agent.  A stiffener.

Styrene/Methacrylic Acid/Itaconic Acid Polymer (all the way at the
bottom)
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=176&showFR=1

**Magnesium Citrate - adds body to hair.  A hair thickener.

"Magnesium Citrate - Magnesium salt of citric acid. It is used in hair
sets or bodying agents."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/13_glossary_m.html

**Propylparaben - a preservative

"Propylparaben - Common cosmetic food grade preservative that is
anti-fungal and anti-microbial. It is less water-soluble than
methylparaben."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/16_glossary_p.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Nexxus Botanoil and Nexxus Luxury shampoos work for different
purposes.

-- Botanoil, with its half dozen or so moisturizing oils and
conditioners, is meant to condition, strengthen, and protect the hair.

-- Luxury is meant to heal, soothe and protect the scalp (inclusion of
comfrey, rosemary, chamomile bear this out, especially the proportions
of rosemary and chamomile.)

Both will do a fine job of cleaning your hair and scalp, both are mild
and contain fewer irritants than the Clairol, but each is meant for a
different purpose.

You can, of course, enjoy the benefits of both products by switching
off - use them on alternating days, so you don't have to choose
between happy scalp and happy hair.

I would still choose either of these over the Clairol, because Clairol
contains more drying and irritating agents - specifically Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA and DMDM Hydantoin. 
All of these are known irritants, and have a drying effect.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is known for its corrosive properties:

"This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleansers,
hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, etc. - It is
probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care
products. In the cleaning industry SLS is used in garage floor
cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive
and readily attacks greasy surfaces.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is used throughout the world for clinical
testing as a primary skin irritant. Laboratories use it to irritate
skin on test animals and humans so that they may then test healing
agents to see how effective they are on the irritated skin."

[...]

"May cause hair loss by attacking the follicle. Classified as a drug
in bubble baths because It eats away skin protection and causes rashes
and infection to occur.

Is potentially harmful to skin and hair. Cleans by corrosion. Dries
skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so it can't
effectively regulate moisture."

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
http://www.healthy-communications.com/slsmostdangerousirritant.html

Additionally, DMDM Hydantoin releases the chemical formaldehyde.  This
is an irritant, and may exacerbate dry skin conditions or cause
allergic reactions.

The reason the Nexxus Luxury shampoo is making your hair feel stiff is
that it contains thickening and coating agents, particularly
Styrene/Methacrylic Acid/Itaconic Acid Polymer and Magnesium Citrate. 
These stick to the hair shaft - the purpose is to make your hair feel
thicker.  Depending on other products you use, it may go a little
overboard and make your hair feel a little plasticky.

Overall, if you're looking to avoid irritation, steer clear of the
Clairol because of the drying agents.  For maximum benefit from the
Nexxus Products, try switching off on alternate days for a week or so,
to see how that feels for you.


--Missy

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 13:11 PST

great job, but isnt ammonium laurel sulfate worse then sodium laurel sulfate??

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 22 Jan 2003 13:39 PST

I've checked into ammonium laurel sulfate, and would say that
according to definitions and available pages, sodium lauryl sulfate is
still the worse of the two.

Ammonium laurel sulfate, while somewhat drying, is only a mild
irritant:

"Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - Surfactant. Used as primary surfactant for
many shampoos. Low irritation."

Ingredient Directory
http://www.spiralhaircase.com/ingredients.html

"products with Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Ammonium  Laureth Sulfate
are perfectly safe. I don’t know why Ammonium is different than Sodium
but it is. Oddly enough some of the cheapest shampoos by Suave (a
division of Helen Curtis) uses Ammonium Laurel Sulfate instead of SLS.
But watch that SLS isn’t further down the line in he ingredient list
in other cases."

Tidbits Gathered Here and There - Vital To Your Health
http://www.whitedovemsg.com/messages/oct98/health.htm

Your best bet is to try to avoid as many drying agents as possible. 
When you can't do that (it's hard unless you're buying "all natural,
organic" shamppoo!), try to choose the lesser of the evils.

--Missy

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 22 Jan 2003 13:51 PST

i am very confused?? another researcher said it was not that bad and
said ammonium was worse, please look at this

www.geocities.com/hotsprings/4266/shampoo.html

i hope u like the tip!!!! please find out which is worse,ammonium or
sodium??

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 22 Jan 2003 14:07 PST

Thank you so much!  How very generous of you!

With regard to the differences between the sodium and ammonium
products, it seems there are conflicting reports on the 'Net.  When in
doubt, ask the experts!

I called Fiesta Hair Salon on Alexis Rd. in Toledo, and spoke to a
hairdresser named Kim.  I posed the question, and she consulted with
another hair dresser.  Here's what Kim said:

"Both chemicals are considered to be drying to hair.  Ammonium laurel
sulfate is considered less irritating to the scalp, but both will dry
the hair.  If your client suffers from dry or damaged hair, he should
avoid both of them."

Hope that helps!

--Missy