Are you someone who has a very sensitive skin and scalp? Does it itch or break out into a rash easily? Hate strong scents because it gives you a headache? Then this post is for you!
To help those with a hyperactive immune system, cosmetic companies started adding ‘Hypoallergenic’ to their labels more than 70 years ago.
What does Hypoallergenic mean, you ask?
It means that that product is less likely to cause a reaction as it doesn’t have as many potential allergens as other products in the market.
(Less likely doesn’t mean- never. There is no way to ensure a product is completely allergy causing free but there are ways you can try your best to.)
Because consumers place a lot of importance in the fragrance and ‘feel’ of a product, especially hair products, finding ‘Hypoallergenic Shampoo or Conditioner’ isn’t easy. Especially in India!
Also, no, ‘natural’ products does not mean they can’t cause an allergy. In fact, many natural products use essential oils for scent, which are one of the most irritating ingredients for skin ever.
Which is why I was surprised to notice that Cantu’s sensitive Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Conditioner don’t have many reviews online. And which is why I took my sweet time testing and reviewing it for you.
In this post, you’ll learn about its ingredients, what I like and I didn’t like (this will surprise you) and who should try it on their hair.
Ps- If you’re new here and are unsure of how to start your curly hair journey, please check this post- START HERE
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
This post is sponsored by Naturally You N Me who sent me the shampoo and conditioner to review more than 2 months ago. I have been testing and comparing it with other products patiently to write this review for you. As always, I write them with honesty because I do not want to lose your trust. Thank you for your support!
Cantu Sensitive Hypoallergenic Shampoo Review
Description
Cantu Hypoallergenic Shampoo’s proprietary fragrance-free formula designed to gently cleanse sensitive scalps with ease. Made with pure shea butter and formulated for all textures.
- Fragrance-Free Formula
- Dermatologist Reviewed
- Made with pure Shea Butter
Details
- Quantity: 227 gm
- Texture: Very runny and thin.
- Price: Rs. 1350
- Fragrance: None
- Cg Friendly: Yes
- Protein Free: Yes (Wheat amino acids are not protein)
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, (Oat) Beta-Glucan, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract (Saw Palmetto), Arctium Lappa Root Extract (Burdock Root), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Rosamarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Wheat Amino Acids, Panthenol (ProVitamin B5), Allantoin, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Hydroxyproline, Lactic Acid, Laureth-4, Lauryl Glucoside, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polyacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium PCA, Sodium Xylensulfonate.
Pros
- Even with Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, which can be slightly drying, but the shampoo is not.
- It has other gentle cleansing agents like Cocamidopropyl Betaine & Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate to remove build up and dirt
- No chemical based fragrance to cause burning or itching
- Softens hair
- Wheat Amino Acids is great for heat protection and reducing breakage
- Many natural extracts to enrich the scalp
- Cg Friendly
Cons
- Since it has no fragrance, the natural scent of this is not my favourite
- It is EXTREMELY runny. Like its difficult to open the tube since it immediately spills out. Cantu definitely needs to redo the packaging
- Since its gentle, it did not help my dandruff prone scalp , as in it didn’t reduce it. (Not a con for those who don’t suffer from this)
Verdict
It does what it claims- gentle scalp cleansing without a strong scent. I personally won’t buy it again for myself since my scalp needs slightly more harsher cleansing. I would think this is a safer product for children who have allergies too.
Buy it Online in India
Cantu Sensitive Hypoallergenic Conditioner Review
Description
Cantu Hypoallergenic Conditioner’s proprietary fragrance-free formula designed to gently condition sensitive scalps with ease. Made with pure shea butter and formulated for all textures.
- Fragrance-Free Formula
- Dermatologist Reviewed
- Made with pure Shea Butter
Details
- Quantity: 227 gm
- Texture: Creamy, has moderate slip
- Price: Rs. 1350
- Fragrance: None
- Cg Friendly: Yes
- Protein Free
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glyceryl Stearate, (Oat) Beta-Glucan, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract (Saw Palmetto), Arctium Lappa Root Extract (Burdock Root), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris ((Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panthenol (ProVitamin B-5), Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Polyester-11, Sodium Citrate.
Pros
- Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Shea butter, Coconut Oil, Radish Seed Extract all help leave curls soft and hydrated
- It’s easy to detangle hair (if its not very very tangled)
- No irritants and no fragrance so great for sensitive noses
- CG Friendly
- One palmful is all that I need for my hair
Cons
- I would love it have more slip for the days my hair is very tangled
Verdict
A good conditioner for wavy and curly hair peeps with very very sensitive scalps in India
Buy it in India
I hope these products help your scalp – especially since good scalp health leads to faster growing hair and lesser hair fall.
There might be times in our lives where we need such products so bookmark them for then, or if you have someone you know who suffers from a sensitive scalp, share the link with them or gift it to them. 🙂
Looking for more products in your range? Check out this epic list of all curly girl friendly products in India or this list of affordable ones for beginners.
Don’t leave without seeing my tutorial videos on my Youtube channel to see exactly how I take care of my curls and in case you have any doubts, drop me a DM on Instagram @thecuriousjalebi or on my FB group Ask Jalebi!
Jalebi out!
2 Comments
Riya K
atI have a dry and itchy scalp (not dandruff), do you think the shampoo will suit me? Thanks.
Pallavi Juneja
atIt won’t help reduce your dandruff unless your scalp is reacting to a product and getting itchy. This is great for sensitive scalps.