With annual sales of more than $1.4 billion dollars, according to The Statistics Portal, shampoo is the leading hair care product sold in the U.S. Yet, most users are unaware of a shampoo’s multiple ingredients and what they do individually and collectively for your hair.

All shampoo brands perform the same basic function which is to remove oil, dirt and environmental contaminants while still making your hair manageable. Reading a shampoo label may seem like taking a chemistry quiz, but the ingredients all serve the same purpose – to make your hair and scalp healthier and look great. These are the most common ingredients found in shampoo. Sodium laureth sulfate is derived from coconut oils and is used to soften water and create a lather.

Used as a thickening agent, Ammonium chloride helps make hair fuller and Polysorbate solubilize or causes essential oils and fragrances to spread throughout and penetrate into your hair. Citric acid is a natural preservative that adjusts the pH level in shampoo to approximately 5.5. This is the normal range that allows hair to feel smooth and look shiny.

The most common ingredient for dandruff control is Zinc Pyrithione which slows cell regeneration on the scalp. Panthenol (B5) penetrates the hair shaft causing it to swell and thicken. Plant-based or Bontanical ingredients, such as lavender and aloe among others, aid in hair care. For example, rosemary helps with greasy scalp and chamomile lightens hair color.

Fruit sugars hydrate the hair by drawing water from the air to keep it moist. For people who dislike using a lot of chemicals, or have an allergic reaction to them, organic and natural shampoos can be a suitable alternative. These shampoos often use tea tree oil, essential oils and extracts. Also, many people suffer from eczema on their hands and their heads and some find relief from wheat-free or gluten-free soaps and shampoos, which are becoming more popular.

So, the next time you buy shampoo, read the label to have a better understanding of what ingredients it contains and the benefits they bring to your hair care treatment.