Apparently, Everyone’s Going Back to Drugstore Shampoo in 2025 – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

Have you noticed the trend of people moving away from drugstore hair care products?

You’re not alone if you’ve thought about this shift! The primary reasons are the presence of sulfates and silicones, ingredients that have come under scrutiny thanks to the rise of the clean beauty movement that took off in the early 2010s.

What sparked the clean beauty movement?

The clean beauty movement aimed to help consumers steer clear of potentially harmful components. While the concerns that sulfates and silicones might lead to cancer and other health issues have been largely disproven, many individuals still choose to avoid them for various reasons. For instance, silicones can accumulate on the scalp, leading to heavy and lifeless hair when used excessively. Meanwhile, sulfates can be quite drying, may strip hair color, and can irritate sensitive scalps.

How have brands responded to these concerns?

In light of the clean beauty trend, numerous hair-care brands, particularly those in the mid-range and luxury sectors, began to eliminate sulfates and silicones from their products. Some opted for more natural cleansing agents, often derived from coconut oil. Eventually, even drugstore brands got on board, with lines such as Pantene’s sulfate-free Gold Series and Herbal Essences proudly advertising their silicone-free formulations.

Are drugstore shampoos really that different from their mid-range or luxury counterparts?

According to AJ Addae, a cosmetic chemist and the CEO of Sula Labs, the answer is both yes and no. At the core, all shampoos, regardless of their price point, share a common goal: to cleanse the hair. High-end sulfate-free shampoos frequently utilize coconut oil derivatives as their cleansing agents, enhanced with sensory elements like foam boosters and fragrances that contribute to their higher price tags.

What about budget-friendly options?

On the flip side, budget shampoos may forgo fancy ingredients and rely on traditional surfactants like sulfates to keep costs down. These surfactants, which are found in all shampoos, effectively bind oil and water, allowing dirt and grime to be washed away.

So, what’s the bottom line?

While there are distinctions in terms of ingredients and pricing, at the end of the day, all shampoos serve the same purpose: to cleanse your hair. Whether you lean towards drugstore deals or prefer to indulge in luxury products, the choice ultimately lies with you!