Phytolactum+ Intelligent Shampoo

I will be reviewing Phyto's Phytolactum+ Intelligent Shampoo, which is a great shampoo for my sensitive scalp! But first, some details on the product:

Product Description
What it is:
A gentle, daily shampoo for medium to fine hair that helps maintain hydration as it soothes and calms the scalp.
What it is formulated to do: Phytolactum+ effectively treats the scalp's ecosystem by preserving its natural protective shield. It is formulated with a natural, clarifying base, which gently cleanses irritated and sensitive scalps providing fast relief. Hair and scalp are protected with each shampoo, leading the way to healthy, beautiful hair.

Ingredients
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate (Derived From Coconut Oil), Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate, Magnesium Laureth Sulfate, Magnesium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Sodium Oleth Sulfate, Magnesium Oleth Sulfate (Derived From Coconut Oil), Xylitol, Zanthoxylum Alatum Extract, Lacitol, PEG-15 Cocopolyamine, Isostearamide Mipa, PEG-150 Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Glycerin, Lauryl Pyrrolidone, Xanthan Gum, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Fragrance, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Citric Acid.


My Review
As per the product description, this shampoo soothed my sensitive scalp, leaving it feeling clean and comfortable, with none of the itchiness! I also find that my scalp gets oily less quickly, meaning the shampoo is probably doing a good job balancing the ecosystem of my scalp.

However, I find that hair gets too squeaky clean when using Phytolactum+. After shampooing, I am unable to run my fingers through my hair at all, at least not until I apply conditioner. That said, it works very well as a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product residue on my strands.

I think the best way to use Phytolactum+ would be to alternate it with another more hydrating shampoo, and use this mainly for scalp washes or to clarify every once in a while.

Phyto 7 vs Phyto 9 leave-in conditioners

I've been using various leave-in conditioners for my hair throughout the years, but I recently discovered Phyto's line of leave-in conditioners, Phyto 7 for dry hair, and Phyto 9 for ultra dry hair. Before I move on to my review of these 2 leave-ins, here's some information on both products:

Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream - Dry Hair

Product description
A genuine "day cream" for hair, PHYTO 7 is a unique plant-based formula consisting of seven plant extracts specially selected for their hydrating and regenerating properties (Calendula, Sage, Burdock, Willow, Soybean, Rosemary and Althea). Its creamy, non-greasy formula works to enhance the natural protection of dry hair by maintaining optimum moisture levels. Your hair regains shine, suppleness and body.

Ingredients
Althaea Officinalis Extract (Mucilage Vegetal), Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Rosmarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).

Directions for Use
Apply after shampoo to towel-dried hair. Squeeze a pea size amount of Phyto 7 into the palm of your hair and distribute evenly throughout hair, concentrating on the ends. Do Not Rinse. Style as usual.


Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream - Ultra Dry Hair

Product description
A genuine "day cream" for dehydrated hair, Phyto 9 is a combination of macadamia oil and plant extracts, all carefully selected for their hydrating and nourishing properties (St. John's wort, calendula, sage, burdock, willow, soybean, rosemary, althea).
Native to Hawaii and very rich in essential fatty acids, macadamia oil has the distinctive feature of resembling sebum and provides intense nourishment without leaving a greasy residue. Soybean, calendula, burdock and plant extracts penetrate the core of the hair fiber to help restore keratin moisture levels. Treated from within and protected on the outside, hair rapidly regains its original shine, suppleness and softness.

Ingredients
Althaea Officinalis Extract (Mucilage Vegetal), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Romarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Hypericum Perforatum Extract (Millepertuis), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).

Directions for Use
Apply after shampoo to towel-dried hair. Squeeze a pea size amount of Phyto 9 into the palm of your hair and distribute evenly throughout hair, concentrating on the ends. Do Not Rinse. Style as usual.


My Review:
Having tried both leave-in conditioners, I have to conclude that I prefer Phyto 9 to Phyto 7. Phyto 7 has a slightly more watery texture while Phyto 9 is more creamy. On separate days, I tried Phyto 7 and Phyto 9 on my towel-dried hair. Phyto 7 did not have effect on my hair at all, applying it on towel-dried hair did not help untangle, and after air-drying my hair felt as dry and frizzy as ever. It probably wasn't rich enough for my hair. However, it was a total different story with Phyto 9.

After washing, my hair is normally rather tangled, and a good leave-in conditioner usually helps provide lubrication for ease of untangling. Phyto 9 is that leave-in conditioner. It smoothed down my hair and my fingers slid through tangles with little or no coaxing.

Air-dried hair was smooth, shiny and soft to the touch. My brush glided through my hair very easily. The best thing was, it did not weigh down my fine hair! Hair was full of bounce and looked extremely healthy, no lanky or dirty-looking effect like how some leave-ins give.

I did not have to used too much of the product, probably about a 1 cm squeeze into my palm for each half of the head. You do have to experiment to get the right amount that works for you as it depends on factors such as hair length, condition, and hair thickness.

I recommend that anyone with dry, frizzy or damaged hair try this leave-in immediately! You probably won't regret it. But if you are unsure, try getting samples of the product before you commit to the full size. Phyto doesn't carry the cheapest of hair products, but to me, it is a well-worth and likely long-term investment.