Walk down any drugstore haircare aisle, and you'll spot them immediately - those pastel-colored Love Beauty & Planet bottles promising eco-friendly formulas with intoxicating scents. But as a hairstylist who's tested hundreds of products, I know pretty packaging doesn't always equal performance. Let's peel back the layers on this cult-favorite brand.
The Ingredients: More Than Meets the Eye
At first glance, the formulas seem clean with their sulfate-free claims and natural oils. But here's what you should really know:
- Gentle cleansers: They use SLSA instead of harsh sulfates, which is better but can still dry out some hair types
- Fragrance overload: That heavenly scent? It's the #1 cause of irritation complaints
- Hit-or-miss moisture: While they include nourishing oils, the amounts may not be enough for very dry hair
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Use It
After testing these shampoos on clients with different hair types, here's my breakdown:
Best For:
- Fine, straight hair that gets weighed down easily
- Normal to oily scalps needing gentle cleansing
- Scent lovers who want fragrance that lasts
Think Twice If You Have:
- Tight curls or coils needing heavy moisture
- A sensitive, easily irritated scalp
- Hard water (the mild cleansers struggle with mineral buildup)
The Sustainability Question
While the recycled bottles and vegan formulas sound great, there are some caveats:
The parent company (Unilever) isn't exactly known for being green, and the small bottle sizes mean you'll be buying more frequently. For truly sustainable haircare, shampoo bars might be a better choice.
The Final Verdict
Love Beauty & Planet is a solid drugstore option if you have the right hair type and don't mind fragrance. But if you're expecting deep hydration or serious sustainability? You might want to keep looking.
Have you tried these shampoos? I'd love to hear your real experiences - drop a comment below!