My shower shelf felt off. My hair felt off. Turns out, the entire formula is off.
L’Oréal quietly swapped the protein complex — the whole reason this worked — for a cheaper alternative. The new one just sits on top of the hair shaft.
It’s the drugstore repair shampoo. Still about $8. They kept the “5 signs of damage repair” claim but changed the engine.
Protein Power
The old ceramide-protein combo is gone.
Sulfate-Free?
Nope. Still has SLS — fine for me, but a dealbreaker for some.
The Scent
They didn’t touch the fragrance. It’s that strong, classic salon smell.
Photo: Mockup Free / Unsplash
The hero is now “Ceramide + Protein.” Sounds similar, but the protein type changed. It’s a surface-level filler now, not a deep repair.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: The lather king — can be stripping
- Citric Acid: pH adjuster — fine
- Dimethicone: A lightweight silicone for slip
- Fragrance: Strong and lasts through the day
Photo: Adam Winger / Unsplash
Lathers like a dream — almost too much. That squeaky-clean feel happens instantly. Hair feels soft in the shower, but in a slippery, coated way.
By week two, my ends felt weirdly brittle again. The old formula gave cumulative strength. This one just gives a good wash — and then you need a ton of conditioner.
Photo: Roman Denisenko / Unsplash
Less breakage after brushing? Yes. Actual long-term improvement in elasticity? No. It’s a band-aid, not a cure.
Photo: Gabrielle Henderson / Unsplash
It’s a decent shampoo now, not a repair treatment. A classic case of a brand fixing what wasn’t broken. Check L’Oréal Paris if you don’t believe me — the packaging is identical.