From banned substances to clever marketing, here’s what your hairdresser wants you to know.
I’m a hairdresser. I’ve been behind the chair long enough to spot a shampoo marketing gimmick from a mile away—and trust me, there are many.
You’re told it’s for “volume,” “shine,” or “deep hydration,” but behind the beautifully branded bottle is often a long list of ingredients that sound more like a chemistry experiment than self-care.
Let’s turn the bottle around and see what’s really inside.
🔍 What’s Actually Inside Big-Brand Bottled Shampoos?
Here’s a real ingredient list from a popular “hydrating” shampoo:
Aqua / Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Taurine, Cocamide MIPA, Sodium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicylic Acid, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Limonene, Creatine, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum / Fragrance.
That’s not hydration—that’s chemical chaos.
And here’s the kicker: Most commercial bottles are 70–90% water. You’re buying bulk, not benefit.
⚠️ Ingredients Still Used Today (But Banned or Restricted Elsewhere)
Let’s break it down:
- DMDM Hydantoin — Banned in the EU in certain uses; releases formaldehyde.
- Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) — Banned in children’s cosmetics in many countries.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate — Harsh surfactant; restricted in Japan for skin contact.
- Phthalates — Often hidden in “fragrance.” Banned in the EU, Canada, and California Prop 65.
- Triclosan — Banned in US antibacterial soaps; still used in some shampoos.
These aren’t minor irritants. They’re potential hormone disruptors, allergens, and pollutants—and they’re still being sold in plastic bottles that end up in landfills. Yikes.
🌿 What Makes Shampoo Bars Different?
Let’s talk clean. Here’s what you’ll find in Cooper Delivered bars:
Detox Shampoo Bar
- Sodium Coco-Sulfate — Gentle surfactant from coconut.
- Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine — Moisture and lather boosters.
- Shea Butter & Olive Oil — Nourishment without heaviness.
- Bamboo Charcoal — Deep detox without stripping.
Moisture Shampoo Bar
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — Creamy, coconut-derived cleanser.
- Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Sunflower Oil — Real hydration for real hair.
- Cedarwood Oil — Natural calming, balancing effect for scalp.
And the best part? No plastic. No fillers. Just the good stuff your hair and scalp actually need.
Plus, our bars aren’t 90% water. You’re getting pure product—not a diluted solution that ends up down the drain.
🧘 Empowerment, Not Shame
If the shampoo you’re using right now makes you feel amazing, keep using it. Empowerment comes before perfection.
But as a hairdresser who’s seen it all, I just want you to feel confident flipping over that bottle and asking: “Is this real care, or just clever marketing?”
Because your beauty routine should align with your values and give your hair what it truly deserves.
Ready to Flip the Script on Your Haircare?
💬 Want help decoding your current shampoo label? Or a free ingredient guide to spot the sneaky stuff?
Drop a comment or hit reply—let’s chat.
👇 Would you want us to create a “Know Your Shampoo” guide?
✨ In the meantime, explore our Detox and Hydration Shampoo Bars. No plastic. No gimmicks. Just real ingredients, real care.
