When considering a beauty product for the first time, you may read the outside packaging to learn the product's benefits by spotlighting specific ingredients; however, reading the full ingredients list can help you know exactly what you're putting on your body. Cantu's Moisturizing Cream Shampoo is a hair care product with pure shea butter, but that's not all the shampoo is made of.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)
Shea butter comes from shea tree seed oils and has a high fat content--yielding significant moisturizing properties. Shea butter also naturally contains vitamin E and vitamin A, according to a Britannica Online beauty article. The effectiveness of shea butter on hair is influenced by hair type and the degree of dryness in the hair and scalp. Dry hair types tend to benefit more from shea butter shampoos than oily hair types.
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey
Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey is derived from the honey comb and serves as a hair product enhancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, "Honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidants activities and has high nutrient value." According to a study documented in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, crude honey may help patients suffering from hair loss or seborrheic dermatitis.
Panthenol
Panthenol, also called pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, is another moisturizing ingredient in Cantu Shampoo. According to DSM Nutritional Products, panthenol is used by hair care products to improve the hair's quality by adding shine and reducing split ends.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cantu shampoo contains cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)--an ingredient synthesized using coconut oils. CAPB became popular in product formulas, and as its usage increased, numerous allergic reactions to the ingredient occurred. In 2004, the American Contact Dermatitis Society named CAPB the "Allergen of the Year."
Other Ingredients
The other ingredients found in Cantu Shampoo include: water, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, lauramide dea, lauryl glucoside, sodium laureth sulfate, laureth-10, cocamide mea, glycol distearate, C14-16 alpha olefin sulfonate, acrylates copolymer, dimethicone, Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, disodium EDTA, Dmdm hydantoin and triethanolamine. Many of these are chemicals and soaps that may cause allergies or potential irritation to the scalp. Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and fragrance are also on the ingredients list. People who are allergic to these yellow dyes or who are sensitive to fragrances should exercise caution.
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