Kevin Murphy Killer.Curls Wash Versus AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Updated on January 10, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Kevin Murphy Killer.Curls Wash 27 ingredients
AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo 47 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Kevin Murphy Killer.Curls Wash 27 ingredients
AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Acrylates Copolymer
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Lauryl Lactyl Lactate
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Propanediol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Glycine Soja Sterols, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lauryl Lactyl Lactate, Glycolipids, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-150 Distearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Chloride
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSodium PCA
Humectant
Pisum Sativum Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingParfum
Masking
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citral
Perfuming
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Acetum
Linalool
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBalanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPanicum Miliaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialArnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Acetic Acid
BufferingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Chloride, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium PCA, Pisum Sativum Peptide, Caprylyl Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Propanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citral, Panthenol, Acetum, Linalool, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract, Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polysorbate 80, Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Panicum Miliaceum Seed Extract, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Sorbic Acid, Acetic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidThis ingredient is derived from guar gum.
It is a conditioning ingredient, meaning it helps soften skin and hair.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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