Paul Mitchell Color Protect Shampoo 8.5 fl oz — Sulfate-Free Clean-Beauty, Preserves Color & Boosts Shine

Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Color Protect Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo formulated to gently cleanse and help preserve color-treated hair while boosting shine.

This shampoo is designed for people who want a gentle daily cleanse that supports the vibrancy of dyed hair. It removes dirt, styling residues and environmental buildup without the harsh detergents commonly associated with color fading. The formula replaces SLS, SLES and ALS with milder surfactants and includes antioxidant pomegranate extract plus borage oil to address visible signs of damage and add radiant luster.

How does this shampoo help keep color looking fresh?

The blend targets factors that accelerate color fade, such as pollution and free radicals, by using antioxidant-rich ingredients. Rather than stripping pigments as strong sulfates can, the gentler cleansing system preserves dye molecules on the hair shaft so color appears more saturated between salon visits.

• Antioxidant pomegranate extract helps defend hair from environmental oxidative stress.
• Sulfate-free surfactants clean without aggressive pigment removal.
• Borage oil restores surface radiance that enhances perceived color depth.

What are the key ingredients and what do they do?

This formula highlights three functional components: pomegranate extract, borage oil and milder cleansing agents. Each plays a role—pomegranate for antioxidant protection, borage oil to smooth and add shine, and the non-sulfate surfactants to remove buildup while maintaining moisture balance.

• Pomegranate: antioxidant support to help minimize environmental fading.
• Borage oil: helps reduce the look of damage and boosts gloss.
• Sulfate-free cleansing system: gentle daily cleansing for color-treated hair.

Is the packaging and formula aligned with clean-beauty standards?

Yes. The product follows ISO 16128-derived natural-ingredient certification from the manufacturer and reduces virgin plastic use by employing bio-based bottles. Paul Mitchell’s Clean Beauty line prioritizes cleaner ingredient choices and more sustainable packaging without compromising performance.

• Ingredients certified natural to an ISO 16128-based standard by a third party.
• Bottle made from bio-based plastic sourced 90% from sugarcane (caps excluded).
• No SLS, SLES or ALS—aligned with common clean-beauty expectations.

How does it smell and how should I use it for best results?

The fragrance is fruit-forward with light floral highlights and subtle vanilla undertones, created to complement salon-treated hair without overpowering. For best results, lather on wet hair, rinse and follow with a color-preserving conditioner; reduce frequency if you prefer less frequent washing to extend color life.

• Fruit-forward scent with floral notes and vanilla base.
• Apply to wet hair, massage gently, rinse, then condition.
• Pair with a color-protecting conditioner for best longevity.

Who is this for: Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Color Protect Shampoo is intended for anyone with color-treated or highlighted hair seeking a milder, environmentally conscious cleansing option that supports color vibrancy and restores visible shine. It suits daily to regular use for those wanting to avoid SLS/SLES/ALS while choosing sustainably minded packaging and antioxidant-rich ingredients.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract, Cota Tinctoria Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Verbascum Densiflorum Flower/Stem Extract, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-53, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Gluceptate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Alcohol