Aesop Gentle Purifying Shampoo — 16.9 oz Color-Safe, Lightweight Cleanser with Frankincense & Panthenol

Aesop Gentle Purifying Shampoo is a lightweight, color-safe cleanser formulated with frankincense and bergamot rind to remove buildup while leaving hair soft, shiny, and lightly fragranced.

This shampoo blends botanical extracts with gentle surfactants to lift dirt, sebum and styling residue without stripping natural moisture. Designed for straight, wavy and open-curled hair, the formula works across fine to coarse textures and is suitable for most scalps, including those that are sensitive. Bottles are produced from a minimum of 97% recycled plastic, and the product is vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free.

How does this shampoo cleanse without drying out hair?

The formula uses mild cleansing agents alongside conditioning actives like panthenol to protect strand integrity while removing oil and impurities. Rather than aggressive surfactants that can roughen cuticles, Aesop balances effective cleansing with humectant and emollient components to maintain softness.

• Mild surfactants that lift sebum and product build-up gently
• Panthenol to help retain moisture and support smooth strands
• Botanical extracts (frankincense, cedar atlas) for a non-overpowering scent
• Color-safe formulation that avoids harsh, stripping ingredients

Will it work for color-treated or damaged hair?

Yes — the shampoo is advertised as color-safe and is formulated to be gentle on processed hair. It cleanses without removing color molecules aggressively and includes conditioning elements to help hair feel more manageable after use.

• Neutral pH and mild detergents designed for dyed hair
• Panthenol and emollients that promote softness and manageability
• Suitable for dry or chemically treated strands when paired with a conditioner
• Free from parabens and cruelty, aligning with sensitive-skin considerations

What does it smell like and what botanicals are included?

The scent is a balanced citrus-earthy-woody blend: bergamot provides bright top notes, frankincense gives resinous warmth, and cedar atlas adds a dry woody base. Fragrance is subtle and intended to complement, not overwhelm, the overall sensory experience.

• Bergamot rind for fresh, citrus highlights
• Frankincense for a warm, aromatic depth
• Cedar atlas for grounding woody undertones
• Formulated to leave a light, refined fragrance on hair post-rinse

How should I use this shampoo for best results?

Apply a small amount to wet hair, massage gently into scalp and lengths to create lather, then rinse thoroughly. For heavy styling product or oil buildup, repeat once; follow with a conditioner tailored to your hair type for optimal softness and shine.

• Use a coin-sized amount for short hair, more for longer or thicker hair
• Massage 30–60 seconds focusing on the scalp to lift buildup
• Repeat only if hair or scalp feels heavily soiled
• Pair with a nourishing conditioner to seal cuticles and enhance shine

Who is this for: Aesop Gentle Purifying Shampoo is suited to people seeking a refined, plant-forward cleansing experience that works across hair textures—fine to coarse—and on color-treated or sensitive scalps. It appeals to buyers who prefer products with recycled packaging, vegan formulations and understated botanical fragrance, and to anyone wanting a reliable daily or frequent-use shampoo that prioritizes balance between cleansing and hydration.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Panthenol, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Coconut Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Sodium Surfactin, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Linalool.