Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Shampoo Versus Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, PHA and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and sulfates
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
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Shampoo 26 ingredients
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Shampoo 26 ingredients
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protection Conditioner 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
PPG-9
Skin ConditioningAcrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingTrehalose
HumectantPolyquaternium-10
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Citric Acid, Coconut Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Carbomer, Gluconolactone, PPG-9, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBehentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingAmodimethicone
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Trehalose
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
PEG-7 Propylheptyl Ether
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Preservative
C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein
Skin ConditioningMethylisothiazolinone
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behentrimonium Chloride, Parfum, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Lactic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Gluconolactone, Sodium Chloride, Trehalose, Disodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-7 Propylheptyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideParfum 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 ParfumGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneWe don't have a description for Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer yet.
We don't have a description for Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine yet.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateC10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate is a type of sulfate.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein yet.
Hydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinJasmine flower extract is a fragrance. The flower also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant activity in Jasmine comes from flavonoids - a compound found in many plants. While antioxidants are great - Jasmine flowers also contain coumarin, a known EU allergen.
This ingredient can also help mask unpleasant scents from other ingredients.
Learn more about Jasminum Officinale Flower ExtractBenzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholBenzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
