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How To Pick A Shampoo That Doesn't Strip Oils

How To Pick A Shampoo That Doesn't Strip Oils

Ideal shampoo effectively cleanses the hair without overly stripping the hair and scalp of their natural oils, and leaves hair feeling fresh, soft, and smooth. On the other hand, a shampoo formulated with potentially harsh cleansing agents can leave the hair feeling straw-like and increase the likelihood that the scalp becomes dry, flaky, and uncomfortable.


The natural oils produced by the sebaceous glands within the hair follicles play several roles in hair and scalp health. First and foremost, these oils help moisturize the hair and scalp itself. They also play a vital role in the skin barrier’s function by helping to keep irritants out and moisture in. 


Some scalps produce more oil than others, and some mistakenly believe that a shampoo must leave the hair feeling “squeaky clean” in order to be effective. No one wants to see and feel lingering oil or residue after washing, but the right shampoo shouldn’t over-strip your hair and scalp’s natural oils.


The key for finding an effective shampoo that doesn’t strip away the scalp and hairs’ natural oils is looking at ingredient lists. Sulfates are among the most popular cleansing agents used in shampoos, but they can be detrimental to scalp and hair health. These surfactant ingredients can be harsh on the hair and skin because they are designed to break up oil and wash it away. A better choice for hair and skin health is a shampoo that relies on gentle yet effective naturally-derived cleansing agents that respect these natural oils and allow them to do their job.


In addition to non-stripping cleansing ingredients, the ideal shampoo also features hair-moisturizing ingredients. Yet those with acne-prone skin risk breakouts if these hydrating shampoo ingredients have the potential to clog pores. And since haircare products can be a source of irritants and allergens, those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin may experience flare-ups simply by using the wrong shampoo.


The good news is, SEEN has a solution that keeps the hair looking healthy and the skin feeling comfortable. SEEN Shampoo ticks all the boxes for the scalp, hair, and all other skin. Safe for sensitive skin, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic (which means it won’t clog pores), SEEN’s formula features mild cleansing ingredients that effectively wash away product build-up and excess oil without stripping the hair or scalp of the natural moisture they need. 


But SEEN Shampoo doesn’t stop there. This dermatologist-developed formula also features hemisqualane (C13-15 alkane), a plant-sugar-derived alternative to silicone that helps reduce frizz, provide color and heat protection, and leave the hair feeling soft and smooth. As an added bonus for the skin, SEEN Shampoo also contains bisabolol for natural skin-soothing benefits.


SEEN Shampoo is also available fragrance free for those who may be allergic to fragrance or prefer not to add another scent into the mix. Fragrance Free SEEN Shampoo has received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™ as well as the SkinSAFE “Good for Sensitive Skin” Trusted Choice badge—and it won Elle magazine’s 2023 Editor’s Choice Award.


This shampoo gets rave reviews on its own, but when paired with SEEN Conditioner, you can get even more benefits. Independent testing has shown that after using SEEN Shampoo and Conditioner as a regimen, 70% with body acne improved and 52% with facial acne improved.* In addition, 93% saw improvement in dry, flaky scalp and 73% agree their scalp feels calmer.** Finally, when used as a regimen, SEEN Shampoo and Conditioner reduce hair breakage by up to 59%*** and reduce frizz by 57% for up to 8 hours at 80% relative humidity****.


Now are you convinced that all shampoos are not created equal? With SEEN, you get the gorgeous hair and healthy-looking skin you want just by taking care of this essential step in your haircare routine.


*In a dermatologist-graded clinical study, 27 subjects with mild to moderate acne used SEEN shampoo and conditioner as a regimen for 8 weeks. SEEN is non-medicated and can help those for whom hair products are contributing to acne.


**In a dermatologist-graded clinical study, 30 subjects with mild-to-moderate dry, flaky scalp used non-medicated SEEN shampoo and conditioner for 4 weeks. 


***Independent 3rd party lab test, repeated grooming study with 10 bleached hair tresses, compared to control.


****Independent 3rd party lab test, 8 hair tresses, compared to control washed with SLES