Hi Johnny!
I went off in search of the ingredient lists for each shampoo, and
I've broken them down for you, below. The upshot is that both
shampoos appear to be well suited for use on dry or sensitive skin.
There is one small caveat, which I've explained after the ingredient
breakdowns.
DHS Clear Shampoo
================
Ingredients: Purified Water, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl
Betaine, PEG-8 Distearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Cocamide MEA,
Polyquaterinium-22, Citric Acid
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Clear+Shampoo+(16+oz)_97.htm
Let's break down the ingredients:
-- 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
-- PEG-8 Distearate - Polyethyleneglycol distearate - an emulsifier,
used to help ingredients stay together. Also used in lubricants,
contributes to "slippery" feel.
Polyethylene Glycol Esters
http://www.petroferm.com/PTF-053/pdf/msds/lambent/42-S.pdf
http://www.petroferm.com/PTF-053/pdf/tds/lambent/40-S%20&%2042-S%20L.pdf
-- Benzyl Alcohol - a clear, colorless alcohol, used as a catalyst
(something to inititate a reaction with another chemical) in the soap
industry, and as a solvent.
Benzyl Alcohol
http://www.chemicalland21.com/arokorhi/industrialchem/solalc/BENZYL%20ALCOHOL.htm
-- Cocomide MEA - a non-ionic surfactant and foaming agent, 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
-- Polyquaternium-22 - a conditioning agent
Personal and Household Products
http://www.harrisandford.com/products_personal.html
Free & Clear Shampoo
=================
Ingredients: Purified Water, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium
Cocamido MEA Sulfsosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide
DEA, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium
Sorbate, Citric Acid
http://www.dermstore.com/product_Free+&+Clear+Shampoo_1003.htm
Here is the ingredient breakdown:
-- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - a surfactant (cleansing and foaming agent)
"Laureth sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate, triethanolamine laureth
sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate) produce rich foam, provide good
cleansing, and leave hair in good condition. They also are a common
main surfactant."
eMedicine - Hair Cleansing
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic508.htm#section~hair_cleansing
-- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine - a surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
http://www.univarcanada.com/VopakCanada/products.nsf/0/1fbeef2fca953380882565da0068fdc2?OpenDocument
-- 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-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate - primarily used as a thickener,
also used as a moisturizer. This substance also reduces irritation
associated with the use of surfactants, contributing to the
"gentleness" of the product.
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
http://www.dow.com/ucc/amerchol/prod/mgp/doe_120.htm?s=o
-- Tetrasodium EDTA - a water softening and preserving 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
Both products have in common Water and Citric Acid. Citric acid is a
common organic compound present in virtually everything. In the
cosmetic industry, it's used as a preservative, a foam controller,
astringent, and an anti-oxidant. You can read a bit more about citric
acid here:
Citric Acid Information
http://www.cedarvale.net/soaps/citric.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In spite of the variance in ingredients and the number of ingredients,
there really isn't anything that stands out here as making one of
these shampoos better than the other.
Both shampoos are specifically formulated to be gentle to both hair
and scalp, both shampoos consist of a number of the more "gentle"
cleansing agents, and both shampoos contain conditioning agents.
The main difference that I've found is that DHS contains
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, an agent known to cause contact dermatitis
(dry, itchy skin) in some people after repeated use. Free & Clear not
only *excludes* this agent, it also includes PEG-120 Methyl Glucose
Dioleate, which is known to reduce the irritation caused by some
cleansing agents, possibly making this one the (slightly) milder of
the two.
If you've experienced sensitivity or adverse reactions to products
containing Cocamidopropyl Betaine in the past, you might want to steer
clear of the DHS just in case. Otherwise, the difference between the
two, with respect to gentleness, is miniscule at best. Either should
be fine for you, when used according to the package directions.
I hope that helps! Please do let me know if I can be of further assistance.
--Missy
Search terms: [ "Free & Clear" shampoo ], [ DHS Clear shampoo ] , and
on the chemical names |
Request for Answer Clarification by
anonymous777-ga
on
26 Dec 2003 10:39 PST
hi!! merry christmas! can u do another search for harsh ingredients
and the head and shoulders : dry scalp care" formula? i heard its
supposed to help with a dry scalp but every time i use it it makes my
scalp very flaky and dry?? can u to a break down of chemicls and tell
me whats what. i five another 75!
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
anonymous777-ga
on
26 Dec 2003 11:55 PST
missy, are you working today??
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
26 Dec 2003 13:20 PST
Hi Johnny!
Happy Yule! Did you have a relaxing holiday?
I was away from my desk for most of the day, but I'm back now. Did
you want to post this as a separate question?
--Missy
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
anonymous777-ga
on
26 Dec 2003 14:15 PST
no just post it here and i ill add it to the tip. i think thats is quicker?
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
26 Dec 2003 14:20 PST
OkeeDokee! I'll hop right on it!
--M
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
26 Dec 2003 19:07 PST
Hello Johnny,
How often are you using the Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care shampoo?
It would seem to me, from the ingredients list, that if you're using
it more than once a day, you're probably drying your scalp out a bit.
As with any soap or shampoo product, it's really important to follow
the package instructions carefully, and not over do things. Keep in
mind that these products contain detergents that are designed to strip
oils away from your hair and scalp. While this is a good thing in
moderation (to keep your hair and scalp clean), it's important to
remember that your hair and scalp do need * some * natural oils to
protect them and keep moisture in. (Drying out your hair will cause
it to become brittle and it will break. Drying out your scalp will
make it cracked, itchy, and sore.)
Here's the ingredients list:
Active Ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc (1%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl
Sulfate, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Cetyl
Alcohol, Cocamide MEA, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Citrate,
Hydrogenated Polydecene, Sodium Benzoate, Trimethylolpropane
Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Citric Acid,
Ammonium Xylenesulfonate, Ext. D&C Violet No. 2, FD&C Blue No. 1,
Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo, Dry Scalp Care
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=27613&catid=11936&trx=PLST-0-SRCH&trxp1=11936&trxp2=27613&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SRCH
Pyrithione zinc - a zinc derivative which is an antibacterial and
antifungal agent. It reduces the itching and flaking scalp which is
usually associated with seborrheic dermatitis as well as dandruff.
Pyrithione zinc
http://www.totalskincare.com/library/totalskincare_p_pyrithione-zinc.html
We already know about water, so let's skip that.
Look at the next two ingredients:
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - these are
surfactants (detergents), whose main purpose is to thoroughly cleanse
your hair and scalp. They are also both mild irritants - they aren't
as drying as Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, but they do have a slight
irritant effect.
"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
If your scalp is already irritated (are you still using a lot of
Rogaine?), these could contribute to the irritation. They probably
won't cause it on their own, though, unless you're using this product
too often.
Now let's look at the rest of the list:
Dimethicone - a silicone derivative, used as a conditioning agent. It
coats and protects the hair shaft.
Sodium Chloride - plain salt. Used in some shampoos as an emulsifier.
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
Cetyl Alcohol - ? an emulsifier, derived from coconut. Also used for
thickening. Non-drying.
Cetyl Alcohol
http://www.spiralhaircase.com/ingredients.html
Cocamide MEA - 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
Fragrance - Mmm?smells nice! BUT! Possible irritant.
Polyquaternium-10 - a conditioning agent. Makes hair (and hands!) soft and smooth.
Functionalities of Amerchol Conditioning Polymers at a Glance
http://www.dow.com/amerchol/overview/con_poly.htm
Sodium Citrate - a salt used as a stabilizer and to reduce acidity
?Sodium citrate - This crystalline salt is used in cosmetics as a
sequestrant and an alkalizer, and in foods as a buffering agent.?
Skin Care Guide
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/cosmetics_terms_guide/cosmetics_skin_care_terms_s.htm
Hydrogenated Polydecene - an emollient, meant to lend a silky feel to
hair and skin. Non-drying, non-irritating, colorless and odorless.
"Polydecenes are non-tacky emollients with a moisturizing effect and
contribute to the easy spreading of the finished product and impart a
silky feeling to the skin."
Polydecene
http://www.dermaxime.com/hydrogenated_polydecene.htm
Sodium Benzoate - a preservative
Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate - an emollient (moisturizer)
Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate
http://pharmacos.eudra.org/F3/inci/inciatr.htm
Tocopheryl Acetate - Vitamin E
"VITAMIN E - Tocopherol Key to hair health, nail growth and supple
skin by supplying oxygen to the body and improving circulation. Helps
combat dandruff. May aid in preventing hair loss."
Jenny Lynch: Beauty Secrets
http://www.jennylynch.com/beauty.html
Niacinamide - Vitamin B3
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
Ammonium Xylenesulfonate - a thickening agent
The Route To Healthy Hair
http://www.oxfordhairfoundation.org/news/uploads/Healthyhair.PDF
Ext. D&C Violet No. 2, FD&C Blue No. 1 - purple and blue dyes. No
function except to make the product pretty.
Benzyl Alcohol - a clear, colorless alcohol, used as a catalyst
(something to inititate a reaction with another chemical) in the soap
industry, and as a solvent.
Benzyl Alcohol
http://www.chemicalland21.com/arokorhi/industrialchem/solalc/BENZYL%20ALCOHOL.htm
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So what's in there that might be drying? Both ALS cleansing agents *
may * have some drying effect, but according to sources, this would be
very minor. They could irritate your scalp if it's already unhappy
with some other product you're using, but don't typically cause
problems unless they're being overused.
Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and
Methylisothiazolinone can, on their own, in large quantities, have a
drying effect, but in this shampoo they are very minor ingredients.
You shouldn't be exhibiting any sensitivity to these at all, unless
you're overusing the product (and even then, it's doubtful that these
are the culprits).
It's also possible that you're sensitive to the fragrance used in this
shampoo. It's not uncommon for people to be allergic to certain
perfumes. If you're allergic to other fragrances, it's entirely
possible that you're allergic to the fragrance in this one.
The determining factor here would seem to depend on what other
products you're using, and how often, as well as how often you're
using this product, and whether or not you have any fragrance
sensitivities.
The bottom line: if you suffer an unpleasant reaction to * any *
product, you should immediately stop using it, and switch to something
that doesn?t cause you discomfort.
Hope that helps! Please do let me know if I can be of further assistance to you!
--Missy
Search terms: chemical names noted above
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
29 Dec 2003 15:17 PST
Hi Johnny,
You wrote:
>>no just post it here and i ill add it to the tip. i think thats is quicker?<<
Is everything in order with the second answer?
Just to let you know, I will be out of town (and thus away from my
desk) from tomorrow (12/30) until Friday evening (01/02). If you need
additional information with this answer, please let me know tonight,
otherwise I won't be able to take care of it until Friday night.
Happy New Year!
--Missy
|
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