Review: VO5 Herbal Escapes Balancing Shampoo

I didn’t have plan of buying this but while window-shopping at Bi Store Big Discounts, I learned that they are so affordable so I decided to get a bottle. Choosing which one to get can be challenging as their are lots of variants and scent available and besides, I haven’t read a single review of this shampoo so purchasing one is a bit of gamble. Anyway, there is nothing to lose in case this doesn’t work for me as I can always turn it over to my mother or my cousin. :D

What I got is the balancing variant. After approximately a month of almost daily use, here is my verdict:

Product Description: The sublime delights of chamomile and the bold, provocative presence of fresh raspberry in this balancing shampoo for beautiful hair are fantastic for cleansing and clarifying. Your lush locks will thank you.

Review

Packaging and Appeal. This product comes in a translucent plastic bottle with

Effectiveness. My hair is dry and coarse so it is important for me that the shampoo will not make my dry hair even drier. Thankfully, this shampoo passed the test. While it doesn’t make my hair shampoo-commercial-worthy, it makes me want to touch my hair often as it feels so shiny even without using a conditioner. It is not giving my dandruff either! With local shampoos or local-version of an International shampoo brand, I tend to get dandruff after a couple or so washes but this one doesn’t. True that my scalp gets itchy at times with this but nothing compared to the itchiness other shampoo gives.

One issue this shampoo failed to address is hair fall. I think nothing can cure this unless I go to the doctor to have it treated. *wallet is in tears*

Scent. I want my shampoo to be light-scented and this one is too sweet for me. While it tends to be strong while lathering, the scent vanishes after rinsing and when the hair is already dry. Oh well, I can live with this.

Ingredients. Water (Aqua, EAU), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance (Parfum), DMDM Hydantoin, Polyquaternium-7, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Benzyl Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Red 33 (CI 17200), Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Biotin

This shampoo contains a few ingredients that can cause pimples and other negative effects. I believe this is one of the reasons why my pimples started to flare up a few weeks ago. :(

Price. The 433ml bottle costs Php 99 and it will probably took me a couple of months to finish. Affordable, right?

Availability. At first I though it is only available in Big Brands. Big Discounts, a store selling imported brands at a cheaper price but I also found a few bottles at Iloilo Supermart, our favorite local chain.

Rating

Aspects	Rating
Packaging & Appeal	3/5
Effectiveness	3.5/5
Scent	3/5
Ingredients	1/5
Price	3.5/5
Availability	3/5
Overall Rating	2.8/5

Will I buy again?
No. While it is cheap, some ingredients can cause pimples and other negative effects.

Conclusion. If you have not found your holy grail yet and doesn't have sensitive skin, you may want to try VO5 Balancing Shampoo. It might work the way you wanted it to so it is definitely worth a try.