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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo versus REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo .

Last updated on February 08, 2024. Published on February 14, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 30 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA and BHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Shampoo American Brand United States
Shampoo American Brand United States

Shampoo

Detergent or soap for cleansing the hair.

Shampoo

Detergent or soap for cleansing the hair.

Price

Shop

Buy Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo

Starts at $37.00
Shop

Buy Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (6)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (7)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 1.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Coco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.

Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 2.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 16.

3
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 3.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: Cleansing
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from the fatty acids of coconut oil. It is a surfactant and helps with cleansing the skin.

By binding to water and oil, it helps gently clean skin. It also helps the spreadability of the product.

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is also added to help create foam without drying the skin. However, this is depending on the amount of Sodium cocoyl isethionate.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 4.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is an organic salt with a naturally sweet odor.

In cosmetics, this ingredient is used to increase the volume of foam. It is also an emulsifier and cleansing agent.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate helps reduce the surface tension of dirt, oil, and other pollutants.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review found this ingredient to irritate the eyes and skin in concentrations of 0.18% and 0.7%.

Learn more about Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 5.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil. As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 6.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Glycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.

It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.

It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.

Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Glycol Distearate

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 7.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Chances 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 Chloride

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 8.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 10.

9
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Mixed

Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.

It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.

Decyl Glucoside also helps stabilize the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.

This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.

Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.

Learn more about Decyl Glucoside

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 9.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.

This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.

For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.

Learn more about Polyquaternium-10

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 10.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 11.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 14.

12
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, 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.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. 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. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

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 Parfum

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 12.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 8.

13
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Amodimethicone is a type of silicone.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 13.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 12.

14
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Ppg-5-Ceteth-20.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 14.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 13.

15
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 15.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 15.

Peg-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate isn't fungal acne safe.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 16.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 17.

17
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 17.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 19.

18
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 18.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 20.

19
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant

We don't have a description for Ci 60730.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 19.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 18.

We don't have a description for Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 20.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 21.

21
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.

The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.

In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.

The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.

Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.

Learn more about Benzoic Acid

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 23.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 22.

22
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Trideceth-6.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 26.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 25.

23
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 29.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 28.

24
What it does:

We don't have a description for Magnesium Nitrate.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 30.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 29.

25
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.

Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 34.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 31.

26
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium 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.

Sodium Benzoate 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 Benzoate

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 37.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 32.

27
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 38.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 34.

28
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

MCI is a preservative and known skin-irritant. It has anti-bacteria anti-fungal properties.

Studies spanning several decades have shown this ingredient to cause skin irritation and allergies.

MCI is commonly combined with methylisothiazolinone (MI). Other names for this mixture include Kathon CG and Euxyl K 100.

The use of this ingredient varies around the world:

Learn more about Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 40.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 33.

29
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Magnesium Chloride.

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 42.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 35.

30
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

MI is a preservative and known skin irritant. In the past, MI was used for its ability to prevent bacteria, yeast, and fungi growth in low doses.

Nowadays, you'll most likely see MI combined with Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). Trade names for this combination include Kathon CG or Euxyl K 100.

Since then, numerous studies have shown this ingredient to cause contact dermatitis, or skin irritation.

The use of this ingredient varies around the world:

Learn more about Methylisothiazolinone

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 43.

REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo contains this as ingredient number 36.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

13% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
49% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet
8% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
61% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Purple Shampoo.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to REDKEN Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo.

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