The BodFood Glossary: What’s Actually In Your Haircare (and What It All Means)

Ever flipped over a shampoo bottle and thought… What on earth is this ingredient and why is it in my hair?

You’re not alone. Between the scientific names, botanical terms, and things that sound suspiciously like a chemistry experiment, it can feel impossible to know what you’re really putting on your scalp.

So, we made it easy for you. Here’s your go-to cheat sheet—a no-fluff, straight-talking glossary of some of the ingredients you’ll find in BodFood haircare, what they do, and why we use them.

Because clean beauty should never feel confusing.

Let’s start with the ones that sound the scariest—but aren’t:

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Sounds like: A synthetic surfactant straight from a lab.
Actually: Derived from coconut oil. It’s a gentle foaming cleanser that helps lift dirt without stripping your scalp. We love it because it plays well with sensitive skin.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Sounds like: Something you’d find in a science fair project.
Actually: Another coconut-derived cleanser. Super mild, adds creamy lather, and doesn’t mess with your hair’s natural moisture.

Behentrimonium Chloride
Sounds like: A tongue twister.
Actually: A conditioning agent made from rapeseed oil. It smooths the hair shaft, reduces static, and helps detangle like a dream—without heavy residue.

Now the ones that sound natural (because they are):

Hydrolysed Quinoa & Hydrolysed Rice Protein
Plant proteins broken down into smaller bits so your hair can actually absorb them. They strengthen the hair shaft, boost elasticity, and reduce breakage.

Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
A scalp-soothing, strand-smoothing vitamin that helps lock in moisture and reduce split ends. Total all-rounder.

Jojoba, Argan, Macadamia, Avocado & Olive Oils
Cold-pressed plant oils that hydrate, protect and add shine without weighing your hair down. These are rich in essential fatty acids, which your hair loves.

Glycerin
A moisture magnet. Helps draw water into your hair and scalp, keeping everything soft and balanced.

What about the “other stuff”?

Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate
These are our chosen preservatives. We keep them minimal, clean, and well-researched. They stop your products from growing bacteria or mould (which is very much not the kind of natural we’re going for).

Parfum (Fragrance)
We use a blend of essential oils and man-made fragrance compounds that are EU-certified safe. That means no hormone-disrupting nasties or hidden allergens—just good, clean scent that won’t overwhelm your senses.

Polyquaternium-7 & 10
These are conditioning agents that help smooth and soften your hair. While technically man-made, they’re gentle, non-irritating, and fully rinseable. We use them because they work—and we don’t believe in all-natural at the expense of actual results.

And finally, let’s talk silicone. Yes, really.

In our Shine & Moisture Hair Serum, you’ll find a silicone blend (Dimethiconol + Cyclomethicone). But it’s not what you think:

• It’s lightweight and rinseable

• It doesn’t coat or build up on your hair

• It’s used in a leave-in product, not a rinse-off

• Cyclomethicone even evaporates after application

It gives you that silky-smooth finish without weighing your hair down or hanging around in waterways. A clean, conscious choice.

Ingredients Shouldn’t Be a Mystery

At BodFood, we believe in transparency. That means we won’t hide behind greenwashing, vague claims, or clever marketing tricks. If it’s in our bottle, there’s a reason—and we’ll always tell you what that is.

So next time you’re reading an ingredient label, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at.

And if you ever need a refresher? This glossary will be right here.