Skin science article
Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner Versus K18 Hair PEPTIDE PREP™ Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner Versus K18 Hair PEPTIDE PREP™ Clarifying Detox Shampoo What's inside Key Ingredients Benefits Concerns Ingredients Side-by-side Salicylic Acid 3% Ascorbic Acid Cocamidopropyl Betaine Panthenol Camellia Sinensis Lea
Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner Versus K18 Hair PEPTIDE PREP™ Clarifying Detox Shampoo
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 3%
Ascorbic Acid
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Panthenol
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Phospholipids
Polyquaternium-7
Water
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Triethanolamine
Tocopheryl Acetate
Salicylic Acid 3%, Ascorbic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Phospholipids, Polyquaternium-7, Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Salicylic Acid
Charcoal Powder
Sh-Oligopeptide-78
Glycerin
Sodium Phytate
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Caprylyl Glycol
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Citric Acid
Potassium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide
Parfum
Benzyl Salicylate
Limonene
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Salicylic Acid, Charcoal Powder, Sh-Oligopeptide-78, Panthenol, Glycerin, Sodium Phytate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene
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Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant that helps water and oil mix so that dirt, sweat, sebum, and sunscreen can rinse away easily. It's not technically a sulfate, but behaves similarly in formulas.
What it does:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong cleansing surfactant and is much stronger than many mild cleansers. Because it works deeply, it can disrupt the skin's barrier. This can lead to dryness or irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Compared to gentler surfactants, it's effective but more likely to dry or irritate if not balanced with soothing ingredients.
CIR considers sodium α-olefin sulfonates (including C14-16) to be safe for use in rinse-off products when properly formulated. It is poorly absorbed through normal skin but absorption increases if the skin barrier is already damaged.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!