Ingredients in our shampoo bars
What is in our shampoo bars and conditioner bars and what each ingredient does. From SCI and SLSa to plant-based keratin, cocoa butter, and mica.
What is in a bar, and why
Cosmetics feature an INCI list: all ingredients in Latin and English names, ordered from highest to lowest concentration. That list doesn't say much if you don't know what those names mean. On this page, you will find articles in which we explain what each ingredient is, where it comes from, and what it does in the bar.
Cleaning is done by detergent substances. In our bars, these are Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, derived from coconut oil, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, a fine powder from coconut oil and palm oil. The first does most of the cleaning work, the second mainly provides foam and also cleanses mildly. The latter name is often confused with SLS because the abbreviations look similar, but they are two different substances. What SLS and SLSA are exactly is explained in the article on sulfates.
In addition, it contains proteins. Our plant-based keratin is made from corn, soy, and wheat protein; on the label, these appear as Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein. Proteins form a protective layer around the hair shaft, which helps the hair retain moisture better and prevents split ends. Rice protein also provides some volume. If you happen to use too much protein, you can read the article about a protein break to see when a 0% bar might be more suitable.
The color comes from mica, a mineral also used in eyeshadow, lip balm, and foundation. We use coconut butter in refined form, so that the bar does not have a coconut scent. And we keep the pH value in the range that suits hair and scalp, between 4.5 and 5.5. Below you will find the corresponding article for each topic.
What cleans in the bar
The washing-active substances do the work. These are the names you will find on the label.
What is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)?
A mild cleanser derived from coconut oil, which foams and dissolves in water.
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA)?
A fine powder derived from coconut oil and palm oil that creates foam. Not the same as SLS.
What sulfates do to your hair
What SLS and SCS are and what they do to your hair and your scalp.
The pH level of your shampoo bar
Why 4.5 to 5.5 is the range that suits hair and scalp.
Proteins in your hair
Proteins form a coating around the hair shaft. Which ones we use and when less is more.
Plant-based keratin
Keratin based on corn, soy and wheat protein, including the INCI names.
Wheat protein and gluten
How much gluten our wheat protein contains and which standard the EU maintains for it.
When you could use a protein break
When your hair is better off without added proteins, and what the 0% bar does.
Oils, color and types of soap
The rest of the ingredient list, and the difference between a bar, a hair soap, and regular soap.
Coconut butter in shampoo and conditioner bars
Why we use refined coconut butter and what that means for the scent.
The colors in our shampoo bars
Mica is a mineral that is also used in eyeshadow and foundation.
Deodorant without aluminum salts
How deodorant without aluminum salts works and what the transition period is like.
Shampoo bar or regular soap
Why a shampoo bar is not a soap bar, despite its appearance.
Hair soap or a shampoo bar
Two solid products for your hair, with a different recipe and a different pH.
View the conditioner bars
Solid conditioners that you use on the lengths after washing.
Frequently asked questions about ingredients
What does a shampoo bar clean with?
With wash-active substances. We use Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, derived from coconut oil, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, a fine powder from coconut oil and palm oil. The former does most of the cleansing, while the latter primarily provides lather and also cleanses mildly.
Is SLSa the same as SLS?
No. The abbreviations look similar, but they are different substances. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa) is a powder made from coconut oil and palm oil that primarily provides lather. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong foaming agent found in many liquid shampoos, shower gels, detergents, and toothpastes.
What is plant-based keratin?
Keratin is a protein found in hair, skin, and nails. Classic keratin treatments use animal proteins. The keratin we use is plant-based and made from corn, soy, and wheat proteins. On the label, this is listed as Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein. It forms a layer around the hair shaft, which helps the hair retain moisture better.
Why do your bars have color?
We color our shampoo bars and conditioner bars with mica. This is a mineral found in rock that is also used in eyeshadow, lip balm, and foundation. It provides color and a slight shimmer; that is all it does.
Does a cocoa butter bar smell like cocoa?
No. We use refined coconut butter. It has been cleaned and does not impart any scent to the bar. Unrefined coconut butter does smell like coconut, and that scent is often perceived as less pleasant.
Read more
Everything about hair care
All articles about shampoo bars, your scalp and your hair type on one page.
Tips for your shampoo bar
Lathering, storage, hard water, and your seasonal routine, all on one page.
Sustainable hair care
About packaging, plastic, and the difference between a shampoo bar and a bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about ordering, shipping, returns, and the use of our products.