Aveeno Color Protect Strengthen+ Shampoo – Blackberry Quinoa, Fresh 12 fl oz, Sulfate-Free Oat-First Formula

Aveeno Color Protect Strengthen+ Blackberry Quinoa Shampoo is a sulfate-free, oat-first formula designed to soothe the scalp while strengthening and helping protect color-treated hair from breakage and fade.

This shampoo blends oat extract, blackberry fragrance notes, and quinoa protein into a gentle cleansing base formulated for hair that’s colored or heat-styled. With oat listed as the first ingredient, the formula emphasizes a balanced scalp environment and everyday nourishment from root to tip. The scent is a fresh, farm-inspired blackberry aroma and the product avoids sulfates, parabens and dyes to reduce the risk of stripping color while still delivering a clean rinse.

How does this shampoo protect color and reduce breakage?

The combination of quinoa protein and a gentle, sulfate-free surfactant system helps fortify strands and minimize aggressive color fading. Quinoa-derived amino acids support hair fiber resilience, while the milder cleansing agents remove buildup without harshly lifting pigments.

• Quinoa protein helps strengthen weakened cuticles and strands.
• Sulfate-free formulation reduces aggressive color stripping.
• Oat-first base soothes and maintains a healthier scalp environment.
• Formulated without dyes and parabens to keep treatment gentler on colored hair.

Will this soothe a sensitive or dry scalp?

Aveeno places oat as the initial ingredient to leverage its calming, moisture-friendly properties; this supports a more comfortable scalp feel with regular use. While not a medical treatment, the oat-rich base is selected for its balancing, gentle character that can help reduce surface dryness and irritation from everyday styling.

• Oat-first formulation to help maintain a balanced scalp environment.
• Mild cleansing agents that avoid over-drying the scalp.
• Suitable for routine use to keep scalp comfort consistent.

What sensory experience and scent should I expect?

The shampoo offers a fresh, farm-inspired blackberry aroma that reads as fruity and clean rather than heavy or cloying. Lather is designed to rinse freely, leaving hair feeling refreshed and lightly fragrant without an overpowering perfume finish.

• Fresh blackberry notes for a pleasing, uplifted scent.
• Light lather that rinses thoroughly to avoid residue.
• Subtle fragrance intensity to suit sensitive noses and colored hair routines.

How should I use this for best results?

Wet hair thoroughly, then apply a quarter-sized amount and massage into scalp and lengths until you reach a light lather. Rinse completely and follow with a compatible conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends for added detangling and protection.

• Apply to wet hair and massage gently into scalp and strands.
• Rinse well and pair with a color-safe conditioner for conditioning and seal.
• Use regularly—every wash—as part of a color-care regimen.

Who is this for: This Aveeno shampoo is made for people with color-treated or heat-styled hair who want a gentler cleanse that prioritizes scalp comfort and strand strength. It's also suitable for anyone seeking sulfate-free, paraben- and dye-free hair care with a fresh blackberry scent and plant-forward ingredients like oat and quinoa protein. If you need medicinal scalp therapy or have severe sensitivity, consult a dermatologist before use.

Ingredients

Colloidal Oatmeal Extract, Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Rubus Villosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, PEG-7 Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-39, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Laureth-4, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum).