Wow Shampoos: Are they really Chemical-free ?
August 13, 2021 2024-11-19 5:36Wow Shampoos: Are they really Chemical-free ?
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Wow Shampoos: Are they really Chemical-free ?
The Dermatocare team has thoroughly analyzed the ingredients list of Wow Shampoos, assessing their safety and efficacy. Despite claims of being “chemical-free,” Wow Shampoos do contain chemicals in the form of surfactants, preservatives, and conditioning agents. Only the active ingredients are natural, a common trait among 90% of so-called organic or natural brands.
While Wow Shampoos are safe to use, their mild surfactants may not be sufficient for thoroughly cleansing thick or oily hair.
Is Wow Shampoo Really Chemical-Free?
After reviewing all Wow Shampoo variants, here’s what we found:
1. Mild Surfactants
Most shampoos rely on surfactants for cleansing, with 90% using sulfate-based options (like SLS, SLES, ALS), which can be harsh. Wow Shampoos use milder, baby shampoo-grade surfactants like sodium lauryl sarcosinate, decyl glucoside, disodium cocoamphoacetate, and cocamidopropyl betaine. This is especially beneficial for hair fall, premature greying, and damaged hair.
2. Safe Preservatives
No shampoo can be preservative-free, but Wow uses safer options like citric acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate. This contrasts with preservatives in some other brands linked to potential health risks, such as parabens, DMDM hydantoin, and diazolidinyl urea.
3. De-Frizzing Agents
Anti-static agents like Polyquaternium-7 and Polyquaternium-43 are present in Wow Shampoos, helping to control frizz and maintain smooth hair.
4. Nourishing Ingredients
Wow Shampoos contain nourishing components like argan oil, almond protein, shea butter, soy protein, and almond protein, which hydrate the scalp and reduce dryness.
What Are the Disadvantages of Wow Shampoos?
While Wow Shampoos offer gentle care, here are some limitations:
1. Mild Cleansing Power
The gentle surfactants used result in limited foaming and a less “squeaky-clean” feel. This may not be ideal for thick or oily hair types. For example, the Wow 10 in 1 Shampoo left our hair feeling frizzy and dull. In a blind test with three clinic nurses, the shampoo struggled to lather and rinse thoroughly. The Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo may be a better option for thicker, oily hair.
2. Requires More Product
Due to the mild lathering, you may need to use double the usual amount for a thorough cleanse.
3. Contains Colors and Fragrances
Although Wow uses generally safe ingredients, every variant contains colors and fragrances. Avoid using Wow Shampoos if you are sensitive to fragrance.
Wow shampoo variants
Wow Hair Strengthening Shampoo: For dry, dull, lusterless hair
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Almond oil, Argan oil, Olive oil, Shea butter, Vitamin E, Rosemary oil, Tea tree oil, D-Panthenol, Soya and Almond protein
COMPANY CLAIMS: WOW claims that Wow Hair Strengthening Shampoo helps repair weak, thin, and damaged hair and improves bounce and shine (wow website).
OUR INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Yes, Wow hair strengthening shampoo helps in:
- NOURISHING AND MOISTURISING with the help of various emollients and oils. Therefore, it is not for oily or thick hair.
- REDUCING DANDRUFF with the help of tea tree oil.
- REDUCE SCALP ITCHING with the help of rosemary oil and tea tree oil.
FULL REVIEW: Wow Hair Strengthening Shampoo Reviews
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo: for silky hair
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Natural Apple cider Vinegar, Almond oil, Argan oil, Dimethicone
COMPANY CLAIMS: WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo brings silkiness, strength, and gloss to hair, according to the company.
OUR INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo has the following benefits:
- SHINE AND SILKY APPEARANCE: Apple cider vinegar might help make your hair shiny and silky. Can be used for thick or oil hair.
- NOURISHES HAIR: with the help of Argan oil and almond oil.
FULL REVIEW: WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Review
WOW Anti-dandruff Shampoo: for dandruff
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Undecylenamidoproplyl PEG- 2-Dimonium undecylenate, Tea tree oil
COMPANY CLAIMS: Best anti-dandruff shampoo for severe dandruff and hair fall
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: Wow anti-dandruff shampoo has anti-dandruff action with the help of tea tree oil and Undecylenamidoproplyl PEG- 2-Dimonium undecylenate.
FULL REVIEW: Wow Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Review
WOW 10 in 1 shampoo: for normal hair
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Tea tree oil, Rosemary Oil, Soya protein, Almond protein, Argan oil
COMPANY CLAIM: Best shampoo for dandruff and hair fall that prevents excessive hair fall and nourishes the hair from root to tip.
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: WOW 10 in 1 shampoo has the following benefits:
- Anti-dandruff effect: This is achieved with the help of tea tree oil.
- Nourishing effect: with the help of Rosemary Oil, Soya protein, Almond protein, and Argan oil. Therefore, it is not for oily or thick hair.
FULL REVIEW: WOW 10 In 1 Shampoo Review
WOW Coconut milk shampoo: for dry lusterless hair
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Ethylene glycol monostearate, Coconut Milk Extract, Nettle leaf Extract, Saw Palmetto Extract, Jojoba oil, Aloe vera Extract
COMPANY CLAIMS: This herbal shampoo is 100% natural, ideal for treating dry hair & scalp without stripping vital natural oils.
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: Wow coconut milk shampoo has the following benefits:
- Moisturizing: Wow coconut milk shampoo has deep nourishing ingredients like Coconut Milk Extract, Jojoba oil, Aloe vera Extract, Almond oil, Argan oil and glycerin. Therefore, it not for oily or thick hair.
- Anti-itching and soothing effect: This is achieved with the help of Nettle leaf extract and aloe vera extract.
FULL REVIEW: Wow Coconut Milk Shampoo Review
WOW Frizz Defy Shampoo: dry, frizzy, and lusterless hair.
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: D-Panthenol, Glycerin, Argan oil, Almond oil, phospholipids & Glycine Soya (soybean) Oil
COMPANY CLAIMS: Best shampoo for dry and frizzy hair ends
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: Wow Frizz Defy Luster Shampoo has similar nourishing ingredients as all other variants like D-Panthenol, Glycerin, Argan oil, and Almond oil. Wow Frizz defy shampoo has two unique ingredients Soybean Bio-lipids and Soyabean oil. Soybean Bio-lipids coat your hair strands and MIGHT reduce frizziness.
FULL REVIEW: WOW Frizz Defy Luster Shampoo Review
Wow Intensive Repair Shampoo: for damaged hair
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Almond oil, Argan oil, Phospholipids & Helianthus annus (Sunflower) seed oil, Phospholipids & Glycine soja (soyabean)oil (&) Glycolipids (&) Glycine soja (soybean) sterols
COMPANY CLAIMS: Wow Intensive Repair Shampoo revitalizes dull, damaged and degraded hair caused due to dyes, heat, chemicals, and pollutants.
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: In addition to common ingredients in all variants, It also has Sunflower & Soybean Biolipids that might help in nourishing and repairing your strands.
Overall, Wow Intensive repair shampoo might be a good option for damaged hair compared to harsh shampoos available in the market but expect a minimal change in the hair texture with this shampoo.
FULL REVIEW: Wow Intensive Repair Shampoo & Revitalize Review,
Wow Total Radiance Shampoo- for dry, damaged hair
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Argan oil, Almond oil, Phospholipids & Helianthus annus (Sunflower) seed oil
COMPANY CLAIMS: to give the hair more gloss and silkiness and reduce breakage.
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: The ingredient list of Wow Total Radiance Shampoo is similar to other variants, particularly of Wow Intensive repair shampoo
FULL REVIEW: Wow Total Radiance Shampoo Review
Wow Sunscreen shampoo: for sun-damaged hair.
UNIQUE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Polyquaternium- 68, Behentrimonium chloride, Olea europaea (olive) fruit extract, Argan oil, Almond oil
COMPANY CLAIMS: Wow Satin Sunshade sunscreen shampoo provides intensive protection for the hair against UVA and UVB radiation damages caused by sun exposure. Wow claims that Olive Fruit Extracts have natural microparticles that create a protective shield against UVA & UVB radiations that prevents dryness, dullness, split ends, breakage, hair fall & discolouration hair.
OUR INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS: Our analysis showed that Olive oil has an SPF of 7 which might not be enough to provide sun protection. Moreover, the contact time is too short for shampoo to absorb into hair.
FULL REVIEW: Wow Satin Sunshade Sunscreen Shampoo Review
The Bottom Line
WOW shampoos offer a gentler approach to hair care with their focus on natural ingredients and safe preservatives. However, it’s important to choose the right variant for your hair type and be aware of their limitations.
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