L'Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Color Spectrum Shampoo

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides amino group-mediated preferential adsorption to damaged hair for targeted conditioning.

Why It's Used: Premium hair conditioning silicone – amino groups provide substantive adsorption to hair far exceeding pdms, with automatic targeting to the most damaged areas requiring conditioning.

How It Works: Amino (nh2) groups on silicone chain provide cationic character at normal ph, electrostatic adsorption to anionic hair surface. higher charge density at damaged sites increases adsorption where conditioning is most needed. si-o-si backbone provides permanent conditioning film with heat protection.

Typically Found In: Intensive conditioners,anti-frizz products,damage repair conditioners

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – amino-functional silicone

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Amodimethicone's amino group-driven substantivity to damaged hair is dramatically greater than non-functionalized pdms. studies show amodimethicone deposits 50-200× more mass on bleach-damaged hair vs virgin hair, providing an automatic 'damage detection' conditioning system that directs the most conditioning to the hair areas that need it most.

Last Verified: Cosing database,robbins hair science,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides amino group-mediated preferential adsorption to damaged hair for targeted conditioning.

Why It's Used: Premium hair conditioning silicone – amino groups provide substantive adsorption to hair far exceeding pdms, with automatic targeting to the most damaged areas requiring conditioning.

How It Works: Amino (nh2) groups on silicone chain provide cationic character at normal ph, electrostatic adsorption to anionic hair surface. higher charge density at damaged sites increases adsorption where conditioning is most needed. si-o-si backbone provides permanent conditioning film with heat protection.

Typically Found In: Intensive conditioners,anti-frizz products,damage repair conditioners

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – amino-functional silicone

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Amodimethicone's amino group-driven substantivity to damaged hair is dramatically greater than non-functionalized pdms. studies show amodimethicone deposits 50-200× more mass on bleach-damaged hair vs virgin hair, providing an automatic 'damage detection' conditioning system that directs the most conditioning to the hair areas that need it most.

Last Verified: Cosing database,robbins hair science,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides transparent gel textures and thickening at very low concentrations via ph-responsive swelling.

Why It's Used: The most widely used gel thickener – provides crystal-clear, stable gels at concentrations as low as 0.1-0.5% with ph-controlled viscosity.

How It Works: Highly crosslinked polyacrylic acid remains tightly coiled at acidic ph. neutralization with naoh or triethanolamine ionizes carboxylic groups causing electrostatic repulsion that unfolds and swells the polymer coils, dramatically increasing viscosity. concentration-dependent thickening.

Typically Found In: Gels,serums,emulsions,sunscreens

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – polyacrylic acid thickener

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Carbomer's ph-responsive swelling mechanism provides an elegant formulation control tool: a neutralized gel can be liquefied by ph reduction (adding acid) and re-thickened by reneutralization. this reversible rheology control allows two-phase products that mix on application without the need for mechanical emulsification.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides soft, lasting rose-floral fragrance note.

Why It's Used: Essential rose fragrance monoterpene for lasting smooth floral notes in high-quality perfumery and cosmetic fragrances.

How It Works: Allylic alcohol monoterpene provides fixative property in fragrance blends. good skin substantivity for lasting scent. softer, rounder rose note vs geraniol's fresher character. natural in rose otto at 18-34%.

Typically Found In: Rose perfumes,floral fragrances,luxury skincare

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Fragrance component – monoterpene alcohol

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from rose, geranium, citronella oils

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics regulation: declared fragrance allergen. ifra guidelines apply.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Citronellol's r-enantiomer (natural) vs s-enantiomer (synthetic) provide meaningfully different scent character – a remarkable demonstration of chiral scent discrimination by olfactory receptors. the (r) form provides the characteristic rose note while the (s) form has a distinctly different, less pleasant character. this enantiomeric scent difference means that the biological handedness of naturally-sourced vs racemic synthetic citronellol produces perceptibly different fragrance quality.

Last Verified: Cosing database,ifra standards

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides documented cosmetic activity from coco-betaine.

Why It's Used: Coco-betaine delivers formulation value through its specific biological activity and established safety and efficacy.

How It Works: Source: coco-betaine. mechanism: documented in cosmetic literature. safety: cosing-reviewed. standard cosmetic use concentrations.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations,active products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Coco-betaine provides cosmetic activity through its characteristic mechanism. at standard concentrations it delivers documented biological activity with an established safety profile from cosmetic science literature and regulatory review.

Last Verified: Cosing database,coco-betaine technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Doubles vitamin c and e efficacy through synergistic stabilization, providing superior photoprotection.

Why It's Used: Essential in vitamin c serums as the c+e+ferulic acid synergistic antioxidant trio that provides exceptional photoprotection – a clinically proven combination.

How It Works: Phenolic structure provides direct free radical scavenging. also stabilizes l-ascorbic acid and tocopherol by donating hydrogen atoms to regenerate oxidized antioxidants. absorbs uv (290–330nm) providing additional photoprotection.

Typically Found In: Vitamin c serums,antioxidant complexes,sunscreens,anti-aging products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – hydroxycinnamic acid antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Vitamin c synergist,uv absorber,antioxidant stabilizer

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived (wheat, rice bran, oats)

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Extracted from ferulic acid-rich plant sources (wheat bran, rice bran, sweet corn) or synthetically produced.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pinnell et al. demonstrated that the combination of 15% vitamin c + 1% vitamin e + 0.5% ferulic acid provides 8× superior photoprotection to vitamin c alone. ferulic acid stabilizes ascorbic acid by donating electrons, preventing oxidative degradation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,pinnell et al. (2005) ce ferulic study,murray et al. antioxidant synergy

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides fresh rose-geranium floral scent with antimicrobial activity.

Why It's Used: The rose fragrance terpene – geraniol defines the fresh, sweet rose-geranium note found in more than 60 essential oils and is essential for recreating natural floral fragrance profiles.

How It Works: Monoterpene alcohol inhibits bacterial membrane integrity for antimicrobial activity. activates trpv1 for anti-nociception. inhibits nf-kb for anti-inflammatory activity. antioxidant via allylic radical scavenging.

Typically Found In: Rose-scented products,floral fragrances,natural cosmetics

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Fragrance component – acyclic monoterpene alcohol

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from rose, geranium, palmarosa oils

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics regulation: declared fragrance allergen. ifra guidelines apply.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Geraniol's isomers (geraniol, nerol, citronellol) provide subtly different scent characters despite identical molecular formulae (c10h18o): geraniol provides the sweet, fresh rose note while its z-isomer nerol has a more delicate, neroli-like character. these isomeric scent differences arise from different spatial presentation of the hydroxyl and double bond groups to the olfactory receptor – demonstrating the extraordinary structural sensitivity of olfactory perception.

Last Verified: Cosing database,ifra standards

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Glycerin pulls water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer skin layer (epidermis), boosting moisture levels and keeping skin soft, smooth, and plump.

Why It's Used: It is used in virtually every moisturizer, serum, and cleanser because it is highly effective at hydrating skin, is well-tolerated by all skin types, and enhances the texture and spreadability of formulations.

How It Works: As a humectant, glycerin forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, trapping them in the skin. it also reinforces the skin barrier by integrating into lipid structures between skin cells.

Typically Found In: Moisturizers,serums,cleansers,toners,sheet masks,sunscreens,body lotions,shampoos,conditioners

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Humectant

Secondary Functions: Skin barrier support,emollient,solvent

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30% (typical: 3–10%)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived (coconut, soy, palm) or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes – when plant-derived or synthetic; verify source with supplier

Source Notes: Derived from plant oils via hydrolysis or saponification; synthetic versions also available. palm-derived glycerin carries sustainability concerns.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; non-irritating at all standard concentrations

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Extremely rare allergic reactions; generally safe for all skin types including sensitive and baby skin

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Widely recognized as safe. ewg hazard score: 1. no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (up to 50%).

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,niacinamide,panthenol,urea,peptides,retinol,ahas/bhas

Avoid Combining With: No known incompatibilities at standard concentrations

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Glycerin is an endogenous skin component found naturally in the stratum corneum. aquaporin-3 channels in keratinocytes facilitate glycerin transport, making it integral to natural skin hydration pathways.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep,inci decoder

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides maximum aha efficacy from the smallest most penetrating alpha-hydroxy acid.

Why It's Used: The most potent aha — glycolic acid's smallest molecular size provides the deepest penetration and highest efficacy of any alpha-hydroxy acid for exfoliation and anti-aging.

How It Works: Smallest aha (mw 76) provides deepest stratum corneum penetration. disrupts corneodesmosomes reducing cohesion. stimulates fibroblast collagen i and iii synthesis. efficacy is ph-dependent — free acid fraction determines activity.

Typically Found In: Chemical peels,body lotions,anti-aging serums,exfoliating toners

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – primary aha

Secondary Functions: Brightening,collagen stimulation

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10% cosmetic; higher professional

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic or fermentation-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or synthetic. ph must be ≤4.0 for aha activity.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Photosensitizing – mandatory spf use. start at low frequency.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution – spf required

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics: max 10% leave-on, ph ≥3.5, mandatory sun protection advisory. professional peel concentrations regulated separately.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,ceramides,hyaluronic acid,spf

Avoid Combining With: Retinol in same step; multiple exfoliants simultaneously

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Glycolic acid's ph-dependent efficacy is critical: at ph 3.0 ~100% is in the free acid (membrane-permeable) form; at ph 3.5 ~70%; at ph 4.0 ~50%. the eu ph ≥3.5 requirement reduces free acid proportion, lowering efficacy but also reducing irritation — why professional peel concentrations at lower ph are far more active than equivalent cosmetic concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,eu aha guidelines,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the defining fresh citrus fragrance note alongside solvent and antimicrobial properties.

Why It's Used: The citrus industry's primary fragrance compound and the most abundant terpene in essential oils – limonene provides the clean, universally appealing fresh citrus scent character.

How It Works: D-limonene activates trpv1 mildly at high concentrations. antimicrobial via membrane disruption. solvent for oils and lipophilic compounds. cleaning via emulsification of lipid soils.

Typically Found In: Citrus-scented products,cleaning products,fragrance compounds

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Fragrance component – cyclic monoterpene

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from citrus peel essential oils

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics regulation: declared fragrance allergen. oxidises to sensitising compounds (limonene hydroperoxides) on air exposure – use with antioxidant stabilisers. ifra guidelines apply.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Limonene's sensitisation risk arises not from limonene itself but from its autooxidation products (limonene-1,2-epoxide and limonene hydroperoxides) formed on air exposure. fresh limonene has low sensitisation potential, but air-oxidised limonene's hydroperoxide products are potent skin sensitisers. this explains why oxidation-stabilised formulations (with bht or other antioxidants) are required to manage limonene safety.

Last Verified: Cosing database,ifra standards,bråred christensson et al. limonene oxidation study

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12