Why is shampoo choice important? In daily hair care, shampoo is the product we reach for most often. Although its main purpose is to cleanse the scalp and hair of sebum, impurities, and styling residue, the health of the entire scalp can depend on choosing the right product.
More and more people are discovering that standard cosmetics from the drugstore do not always meet their needs – especially when problems such as excessive oiliness, hair loss, dandruff or irritation occur.
In such situations, it's worth considering a trichological shampoo – a product designed with scalp health in mind, often utilizing expert knowledge and proven active ingredients. In this article, I'll explain how it differs from popular drugstore shampoos, when it's worth using, and how to recognize a formula tailored to your needs.
What is trichological shampoo?
Trichological shampoo is a product designed for the sensitive scalp , often used as part of or as a complement to trichological therapy. Its formula is based on gentle cleansing agents that effectively remove impurities without damaging the hydrolipid barrier.
The key difference compared to mass cosmetics is the high content of active ingredients with the following effects:
- moisturizing and regenerating – e.g. hyaluronic acid, panthenol, betaine, Ectoin, hydrolyzed proteins that support the reconstruction and retention of moisture,
- soothing and calming – plant extracts (e.g. Centella asiatica), probiotic ferments, allantoin, which reduce irritation,
- strengthening hair bulbs – ingredients that improve microcirculation, such as caffeine and plant adaptogens,
- regulating the function of the sebaceous glands – acids (e.g. lactic acid, gluconolactone), which gently exfoliate and normalize sebum secretion.
Trichological shampoo is typically free from harsh detergents like SLS/SLES, irritating dyes , and excessive fragrances . It's used not only for visible problems but also as a preventative measure to maintain the health of the scalp and prevent recurrence.
What is drugstore shampoo?
Drugstore shampoo is a widely available product, designed for a wide audience and with a quick, noticeable visual effect on hair . Its main purpose is to effectively cleanse and improve the appearance of hair after just one use – most often by smoothing, increasing volume, and adding shine.
Drugstore shampoo formulas are often based on strong detergents (e.g. Sodium Laureth Sulfate), which effectively remove sebum and impurities, but can also dry out the scalp or disrupt its natural protective barrier .
Their composition often includes:
- Silicones (e.g. Dimethicone, Amodimethicone) – provide smoothness and shine, but do not nourish the scalp,
- Dyes (e.g. CI 60730) – give the product an attractive color,
- Fragrance compositions (Parfum, Limonene) – improve sensory experience, but may be irritating to sensitive people,
- A small amount of care ingredients – e.g. hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid in lower concentrations, which do not provide an intensive therapeutic effect.
Drugstore shampoo may work well for people with completely healthy scalp, used occasionally or alternately with a more gentle product, but it will not be the best choice for problems requiring specialized care.
Comparison of ingredients – drugstore shampoo vs. Orientana trichological shampoo
A good way to understand the differences between trichological and drugstore shampoos is to analyze their INCI compositions. Let's look at two examples: the popular drugstore shampoo X and the trichological shampoo Orientana.
The ingredients of the popular drugstore shampoo X
INCI: Aqua/Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethicone, CI 60730/Ext. Violet 2, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Steareth-6, Phenoxyethanol, Acetic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Trideceth-10, Trideceth-3, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Fumaric Acid, Amodimethicone, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Parfum / Fragrance.
Composition analysis:
- Washing base: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – a strong detergent, effective, but may damage the skin’s protective barrier and cause dryness or irritation.
- Excipients: Sodium Chloride (salt) – thickens the formula, but in excess it may have a drying effect.
- Silicones: Dimethicone, Amodimethicone – smooth hair, but weigh it down and do not nourish the scalp.
- Dyes and fragrances: CI 60730, Parfum, Limonene – improve aesthetics and fragrance, but may cause allergic reactions.
- Active ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid – present in small amounts, rather as a marketing additive than real support for scalp therapy.
The composition of Orientana trichological shampoo
INCI: Aqua, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lactic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Gluconolactone, Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hyaluronic Acid, Coco-Betaine, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Ectoin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum.
Composition analysis:
- Washing base: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate – mild, plant-based detergents without SLS/SLES that cleanse without damaging the hydrolipid barrier.
- Moisturizers and humectants: Betaine, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid – retain water in the epidermis and hair.
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Active ingredients:
- Lychee extract – a source of antioxidants and moisturizing sugars,
- Probiotic ferments (Lactobacillus/Soymilk, Pumpkin, Leuconostoc/Radish) – support the skin microbiome,
- Centella asiatica – soothes, supports regeneration,
- Panthenol – soothes irritations, strengthens hair,
- Ectoin – a powerful anti-aging and antioxidant ingredient.
- Soothing additives: Lactic acid and gluconolactone – gently exfoliate and support scalp balance.
- Preservatives: Mild, free of formaldehyde and strong donors.
Summary of differences in compositions
| Characteristic | Drugstore shampoo | Orientana Trichology Shampoo |
|---|---|---|
| Washing base | Strong detergents (SLES) | Mild, plant-based detergents |
| Silicones | Present (Dimethicone, Amodimethicone) | Lack |
| Dyes | Yes (CI 60730) | No artificial colors |
| Smells | Intense, with potential allergens | Delicate |
| Active ingredients | Small amounts | High concentration, multi-directional action |
| Effect on the scalp | May irritate or dry out | Supports hydration, regeneration, and microbiome |
Conclusion: A trichology shampoo, such as Orientana, is formulated with scalp health in mind—it gently cleanses, provides nourishing ingredients, and minimizes the risk of irritation. Drugstore shampoos focus primarily on visual appeal, which can be insufficient and, in some cases, even harmful to sensitive skin.
How to use trichological shampoo correctly?
Even the best trichological shampoo won't deliver its full benefits if used incorrectly. Proper shampooing technique, the amount of time the product remains in contact with the skin, and the frequency of use are crucial factors in scalp care.
Focus on your scalp, not just your hair
Trichology shampoo is formulated to act directly on the scalp – this is where the hair follicles are located and they need support.
- When washing, focus on massaging your scalp , gently spreading the product with your fingertips.
- Do not rub the lengths of your hair vigorously – the foam that flows down will be enough to clean it.
Wash twice
- The first wash removes excess sebum, sweat and remnants of styling cosmetics.
- The second wash allows the active ingredients to penetrate and act in the deeper layers of the epidermis.
Leave the product on the skin for 2-3 minutes
This is especially important if the composition contains active ingredients such as panthenol, lactic acid, ectoin, probiotic ferments , or plant extracts (e.g., Centella asiatica). Rinsing them off too quickly limits their effectiveness.
Appropriate washing frequency
- Every day or every other day – in case of intense oiliness, seborrhea or dandruff.
- 2–3 times a week – for dry or sensitive scalp.
- Trichological shampoo can be used permanently or in temporary treatments (e.g. 4–6 weeks).
Combining with other trichological products
The best results are achieved when using the shampoo in combination with a trichological lotion , serum , or conditioner , tailored to the needs of the scalp. This allows the treatment to work multi-faceted – cleansing, nourishing, strengthening, and regulating the function of the sebaceous glands.
Trichologist's tip: Always rinse your hair with lukewarm water, not hot water. Too high a temperature can exacerbate dryness, irritation, and stimulate excessive sebum production.
Summary and recommendation of a trichologist
The difference between a trichologist's shampoo and a drugstore shampoo isn't limited to price or purchase location. It's primarily a matter of care philosophy – drugstore formulas focus on quick visual results, while trichologists focus on the long-term health of the scalp and hair follicles.
Thanks to mild cleansing agents, high content of active ingredients and the absence of aggressive additives, trichological shampoo:
- supports the reconstruction of the hydrolipid barrier,
- soothes irritations and moisturizes,
- strengthens hair bulbs and improves the condition of hair from the roots,
- It can be used both in the treatment of scalp problems and as a preventive measure.
Trichologist recommendation:
If you struggle with irritation, dandruff, excessive oiliness or hair loss, include a trichological shampoo in your routine as a basic cleansing product.
For a healthy scalp, alternate it with a gentle daily shampoo to maintain balance and prevent future problems.
Remember that even the best shampoo is only one element of a comprehensive care plan. For chronic conditions, it's worth consulting a trichologist, who will select a personalized treatment tailored to your needs.
