Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo: Hydration, Texture, and Hair Confidence

Restore your hair with the Like a Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo. Good old water, aka H2O. The most common skincare ingredient of all. One more thing: the water used in cosmetics is purified and deionized (it means that almost all of the mineral ions inside it is removed). A versatile and biodegradable cleansing agent with high cleaning power and strong foaming properties. A mild and non-drying cleanser that gives skin a nice and soft after-feel. A clear, yellowish liquid that works as a cleansing agent.

It has so-called amphoteric structure meaning that its head contains both a positively and a negatively charged part (surfactants are most commonly anionic meaning their head has a negative charge). Its structure makes Sodium Cocoamphoacetate very mild with great foaming properties. A 100% vegetable origin, biodegradable, mild cleansing agent that gives moderate to high amount of foam. There is definitely some craze going on for coconut oil both in the healthy eating space (often claimed to be the healthiest oil to cook with but this is a topic for another site) and in the skin and hair care space. We will talk here about the latter two and see why we might want to smear it all over ourselves.

Chemically speaking, coconut oil has a unique fatty acid profile. Unlike many plant oils that mostly contain unsaturated fatty acids (fatty acids with double bonds and kinky structure such as linoleic or oleic), coconut oil is mostly saturated (fatty acids with single bonds only) and its most important fatty acid is Lauric Acid (about 50%). Saturated fatty acids have a linear structure that can stack nice and tight and hence they are normally solid at room temperature. Coconut oil melts around 25 °C so it is solid in the tub but melts on contact with the skin. The saturated nature of coconut oil also means that it is a heavy-duty-oil ideal for dry skin types.

A double-blind research confirmed that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective in treating xerosis (aka very dry skin) as mineral oil. Another study found that coconut oil is more effective than mineral oil in treating mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (aka eczema) in children. So when it comes to dry skin, coconut oil is a goodie, no question there. The question is if it is good or bad for acne-prone skin. Its main fatty acid, Lauric Acid has some research showing that it is a promising ingredient against evil acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes but at the same time, both Lauric Acid and coconut oil have a very high comedogenic rating (4 out of 5).

Though comedogenic ratings are not very reliable, anecdotal evidence shows that people have mixed experiences. While some claim that it worked wonders on their acne others say that it gave them serious blackheads and zits. Try it at your own risk. As for hair care, coconut oil has pretty solid research showing that it can penetrate into the hair very well (better than mineral oil and sunflower oil) and it can prevent hair protein loss as well as combing damage. If you have problems with damaged hair, split ends, coconut oil is worth trying as a pre- or/and post-wash treatment. Labmuffin has an awesome blogpost explaining in more detail why coconut oil is good for your hair.

A couple of other things worth mentioning: coconut oil might help with wound healing (promising animal study), it has some antifungal activity (against dermatophytes that cause the thing known as ringworm) and it also works as an insect repellent against black flies. Overall, coconut oil is definitely a goodie for the hair and dry skin. If that warrants for the magic oil status it enjoys, we don't know. A goodie fruit extract coming from the lovely pineapple. There is also a pineapple extract called pineapple ceramide on the market that's claimed to be loaded with a glucose linked ceramide derivative called glucoceramide. We don't have description for this ingredient yet.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low molecular weight, chemically chopped up version of the naturally big molecule and current IT-moisturizer, Hyaluronic Acid (HA). The TL; DR version of HA is that it's a huge polymer found in the skin that acts as a sponge helping the skin to retain water, making it plump and elastic. 100-300 kDa version: apart from moisturizing, this size might also help the skin to repair itself by increasing its self-defense. below 50k, around 10k Da version: there is a Japanese version trade named Hyalo-Oligo that has only a 10k molecular weight and is claimed to penetrate the skin very well, have a unique touch and give deep and long-lasting moisturization.

The oil coming from the pulp of one of the most nutritious fruits in the world, the avocado. It's loaded with the nourishing and moisturizing fatty acid, oleic (70%) and contains some others including palmitic (10%) and linoleic acid (8%). Avocado oil has extraordinary skin penetration abilities and can nourish different skin layers. It's a very rich, highly moisturizing emollient oil that makes the skin smooth and nourished. Thanks to its vitamin E content it also has some antioxidant properties. We don't have description for this ingredient yet.

It’s the - sodium form - cousin of the famous NMF, hyaluronic acid (HA). If HA does not tell you anything we have a super detailed, geeky explanation about it here. The TL; DR version of HA is that it's a huge polymer found in the skin that acts as a sponge helping the skin to hold onto water, being plump and elastic. Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are pretty much the same and the two names are used interchangeably. In spite of this, if you search for "hyaluronic acid vs sodium hyaluronate" you will find on multiple places that sodium hyaluronate is smaller and can penetrate the skin better. Chemically, this is definitely not true, as the two forms are almost the same, both are polymers and the subunits can be repeated in both forms as much as you like. Coconut Water is the liquid inside the coconut and/or the juice pressed from the coconut fruit. It is a really nice and refreshing beverage loaded with good for the body and the skin things. We don't have description for this ingredient yet.

A type of lipid that's the major (about 75%) component of all cell membranes. As for skincare, it works as an emollient and skin-identical ingredient. It has a water-loving head with two water-hating tails and this structure gives the molecule emulsifying properties. A so-called diester created from two stearic acid molecules and an ethylene glycol molecule. Its main thing is being an opacifier and pearling agent in cleansing products making them white and glossy. Chemically speaking, it is the attachment of a glycerin molecule to the fatty acid called stearic acid. It can be produced from most vegetable oils in a pretty simple, green process that is similar to soap making. It's readily biodegradable. It also occurs naturally in our body and is used as a food additive. As cosmetic chemist Colins writes it, "its safety really is beyond any doubt".

Propanediol is a natural alternative for the often used and often bad-mouthed propylene glycol. An extremely common multitasker ingredient that gives your skin a nice soft feel (emollient) and gives body to creams and lotions. It also helps to stabilize oil-water mixes (emulsions), though it does not function as an emulsifier in itself. It’s a so-called fatty alcohol, a mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, other two emollient fatty alcohols. Though chemically speaking, it is alcohol, its properties are totally different from the properties of low molecular weight or drying alcohols such as denatured alcohol.

A pale yellow to pale brown paste that can help to mix oil and water together. We don't have description for this ingredient yet. Super common ingredient in all kinds of cleansing products: face and body washes, shampoos and foam baths. Number one reason for its popularity has to do with bubbles. Everyone loves bubbles. And cocamidopropyl betaine is great at stabilizing them. The other reason is that it’s mild and works very well combined with other cleansing agents and surfactants. We don't have description for this ingredient yet.

Though its long name does not reveal it, this polymer molecule is a relative to Carbomer. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer also contains some other monomers that are hydrophobic, i.e. water-hating. This means that our molecule is part water- and part oil-loving, so it not only works as a thickener but also as an emulsion stabilizer. It is very common in gel-type formulas that also contain an oil-phase as well as in cleansers as it also works with most cleansing agents. A helper ingredient that helps to make the products stay nice longer, aka preservative. It’s pH dependent and works best at acidic pH levels (3-5). It's one of those things that help your cosmetics not to go wrong too soon, aka a preservative. It’s not a strong one and doesn’t really work against bacteria, but more against mold and yeast. To do that it has to break down to its active form, sorbic acid. For that to happen, there has to be water in the product and the right pH value (pH 3-4). But even if everything is right, it’s not enough on its own. If you see potassium sorbate you should see some other preservative next to it too.

Exactly what it sounds: nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice. If you are someone who likes to know what you put on your face then fragrance is not your best friend - there's no way to know what’s really in it. Also, if your skin is sensitive, fragrance is again not your best friend. It’s the number one cause of contact allergy to cosmetics. It’s a common fragrance ingredient that has a light floral smell. It’s one of the EU 26 fragrances that has to be labelled separately because of allergen potential. Best to avoid if your skin is sensitive.

A common fragrance ingredient that has a sweet, vanilla, nutty scent. When diluted it smells like freshly-mown hay. It’s one of the EU 26 fragrances that has to be labelled separately because of allergen potential. Best to avoid if your skin is sensitive. Linalool is a super common fragrance ingredient, oxidises on air exposure and might become allergenic. A study in the UK showed positive reactions in some cases. Citric acid comes from citrus fruits and is an AHA. But a comparative study suggested it has less skin improving magic properties than glycolic or lactic acid. Normal water, usually the main solvent in cosmetic products. A versatile and biodegradable cleansing agent with high cleaning power and strong foaming properties. A mild and non-drying cleanser that gives skin a nice and soft after-feel. A real oldie but a goodie. It's the salt form of famous humectant and natural moisturizing factor, hyaluronic acid. Coconut Water is the liquid inside the coconut and/or the juice pressed from the coconut fruit. A type of lipid that's the major component of all cell membranes. A natural corn sugar derived glycol. A pale yellow to pale brown paste that can help to mix oil and water together. A common helper ingredient that stabilizes emulsions and helps to thicken up products. A preservative that works mainly against fungi. A not so strong preservative that doesn’t really work against bacteria, but more against mold and yeast. The generic term for nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice. It’s a common fragrance ingredient that has a light floral smell. A common fragrance ingredient that has a sweet, vanilla, nutty scent. A super common fragrance ingredient that can be found among others in lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot or jasmine. The downside of it is that it oxidises on air exposure and might become allergenic. An AHA that comes from citrus fruits. BenefitsInstantly visible healthy, hydrated hair: Hair is transformed with hydration boosting Coconut, Avocado & ResistHyal technology; a powerblend of Hyaluronic Acid to increase moisture by 51% for more softness, smoothness & glossInfused with 3 powerful cleansing actives; Soap Nut, Coconut Oil and Fruit Enzymes to wash without drying out the hair for a super clean scalp, roots & hair7-in-1 formula for 7 benefits beyond cleansing: Increases hydration, shine, softness, strength, volume whilst reducing split ends & frizzIconic Coconut & Fig scent: Infused with Coco & Eve's much-loved Like a Virgin fragrance to take your hair to paradiseKey IngredientsResistHyal technology: Made from Hyaluronic Acid, this ingredient provides 7 benefits in 1 to increase hydration, shine, softness, strength, volume whilst reducing split ends & frizz.Avocado Oil: Rich in protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C that can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft than other oils to nourish dry hair and scalp.

Apply a small amount to damp hair and scalp. Massage to release the lather then rinse thoroughly. Follow with Coco & Eve Super Hydrating Conditioner. If you know your beauty products, we're pretty sure Coco & Eve will already be on your radar. It's likely you're familiar with their sweet scented, comforting body products, their seamless fake tan range and/or their game changing Like A Virgin Hair Masque which has won the hearts of millions of people. Or maybe you swear by their hair treatments featuring the Deep Clean Scalp Scrub and Miracle Hair Elixir?

Now, Coco & Eve has answered consumers' wishes by creating a shampoo & conditioner that has been three years in development and claims to offer visibly healthy-looking hair from the first wash for all hair types. No wonder the waiting list was at 47,000 and counting! The new sulphate-free range also promises to increase moisture by 51%, repairs and reduces damage by 65%, providing smoothness with no frizz or split ends and conditioning strands for shine and softness. It’s packed with active botanicals and infused with its iconic coconut & fig fragrance that fans obsess over, leaving your hair looking and smelling uber fresh.

So will it live up the hype? It was only right for us to put them through their paces, testing on five different textures of hair, and here's our verdict.

The Product: Coco & Eve Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner, £22.90 each, or £45.90 for bundle, Coco & Eve

The Reviews: Celia Gómez, GLAMOUR’s Video Editor: I've got no words for the Coco & Eve shampoo and conditioner - in five minutes they turned my hair smooth and hydrated. After the success of Coco & Eve's Like A Virgin Mask, I was obviously quite curious to try these products and see what all this fuss was about. When it comes to conditioners, I normally use quite a lot to cover my hair, but with this one, it was enough with a small squeeze. Instantly after applying it I could feel my curls softer, stronger, and healthier. It also helped with frizz without taking away my volume. I can definitely see the difference after my first use, also I had quite a lot of compliments on my hair and the smell is amazing. I'm really excited to see the evolution when I add these products into my haircare routine. Highly recommended for anyone with dry, thick, curly hair like me! Coco & Eve's is my hair's new best friend. Rating: 9.5/10

Anais Mamona, Freelance Writer: This brand is a personal favourite and after loving the Coco & Eve ‘Coconut Fig Hair Mask’, I had high hopes for this new release. My hair type falls into the 4B/4C category, my curls are extremely dry and brittle and retaining moisture is a struggle. This at times feels unmanageable, but in reality it just requires a little more time and effort to style and retain its healthiness. Upon first impressions, the packaging is practical but cute. The bottle is on the smaller side, making it ideal to throw in your overnight stay bag. I typically have to lather a lot of product to fully shampoo and condition my hair, but I was surprised to find out that this wasn’t the case with this product. I quickly found that on application, a small amount went a long way. Immediately after washing, my hair felt moisturised and bouncy and thankfully even once dried my hair still felt soft to touch. All-in-all, I feel satisfied that Coco & Eve’s ‘super-hydrating’ claims were in fact a reality. This duo definitely reached my expectations and is definitely my new go-to! Rating: 9/10

Emily Peacock, Solicitor: Having recently highlighted my hair, got back to the swimming pool and taken advantage of the rare British sun, my hair was looking dry, frizzy and lacklustre so I was looking forward to trying the Coco & Eve Super Hydrating Shampoo and Cream Conditioner. I’m personally all about the aesthetics, and packaging is great. I shampooed twice; my hair felt clean, but not dry. As promised on the back of the bottle, it washes from root-to-tip without stripping moisture. The sulphate-free formula is a win. The conditioner adds instant gloss and shine with zero weigh-down. My hair feels hydrated and revitalised. Rating: 9/10

Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Commerce Editor: First thing's first: Coco & Eve are behind one of my all-time favourite hair masks. The shampoo and conditioner duo arrived with excitement. The shampoo left hair squeaky clean, while the conditioner, packed with ResistHyal Hyaluronic Acid technology, left hair moisturised and super soft, even after heat styling. True to its claims, the pair transformed tresses ready for life’s moments. Rating: 8/10

Jessica Lam, Conde Nast’s Digital Project Manager: The scent is heavenly-coconut evokes holidays and summer. The texture isn’t too thick, leaving hair clean, voluminous, and shiny without weighing it down. Ends feel softer and you sense a refreshed, hydrated finish. The overall verdict: a strong, appealing duo for hydration and shine.

Key ingredients and what they do for hair

• Water (Aqua): main solvent and cleansing medium.
• Sodium Cocoamphoacetate: mild surfactant with great foaming properties.
• Coconut Oil & Coconut Water: emollients and humectant-like hydration; potential penetration into the hair shaft.
• Hylauronic-based technologies (ResistHyal, Sodium Hyaluronate): hydration boost and moisture retention.
• Avocado Oil: nourishing emollient with deep penetration and antioxidant properties.
• Glycerin-like derivatives and diesters: emulsification help and thickening/stability.
• Preservatives & mild fragrances: ensure product safety and pleasant scent, with attention to potential sensitivities.
• Phenoxyethanol/ Sorbic acid derivatives: preservatives that work best at controlled pH levels to prevent mold and yeast.

Texture, application, and user experience

The shampoo is sulfate-free and designed to cleanse without stripping moisture, aiming for hydrated, soft, and glossy hair after mere first wash. Reviewers note a small amount goes a long way, with curls appearing softer, stronger, and more manageable. The accompanying conditioner complements hydration, enhancing shine and reducing frizz while preserving volume. Packaging is described as practical and aesthetically pleasing, supporting convenient use in daily routines.

Market presence and consumer reception

The product line has generated substantial anticipation, with long waitlists reported in marketing materials. Reviews across beauty outlets highlight positive experiences: improved manageability for dry, thick, and curly hair, noticeable fragrance, and a perception of instant hydration after use. While some users report outstanding results, others emphasize the variability of experiences with sensitive or acne-prone skin interactions; overall, the sentiment toward hydration and shine is strong.

In summary, the Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Hydrating Shampoo targets deep hydration and improved manageability, using a blend of botanical actives, humectants, and gentle cleansing agents. It emphasizes a sulphate-free, moisture-rich approach designed to transform hair from root to tip with a fragrance that fans associate with the brand identity.

tags: #coco #and #eve #like #a #virgin