Every Ingredient in the Myrtle Range — and What It Actually Does

A complete guide to the botanicals, oils, and actives behind every Myrtle shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and conditioning balm.

Most shampoo bottles list their ingredients on the back in fine print, in Latin, in order of concentration. Most people never read them. That is partly by design — if you could not pronounce it, you would not question it.

Myrtle Products is built on a different premise. Every ingredient in their range has a purpose. There is no filler, no synthetic fragrance, no sulphate hiding behind a complicated name. This guide goes through each ingredient in the Myrtle shampoo and conditioner range and explains plainly what it is and what it does for your hair and scalp.

Some of these appear across most of the range. Others are specific to particular bars. We have grouped them logically — starting with the hero ingredient the brand is named after, then working through the base ingredients that appear in almost every product, and then the active botanicals that give each bar its specific purpose.

The Hero Ingredient: Myrtle Essential Oil

The brand is not named Myrtle by accident. Myrtus communis — the common myrtle plant — is a flowering evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean and parts of North Africa. It has been used medicinally and cosmetically for thousands of years, appearing in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman texts as a plant with genuine healing properties. The essential oil extracted from its leaves and berries is the centrepiece of this range, and understanding it explains a great deal about why these products work the way they do.

What myrtle essential oil is

Myrtle essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Myrtus communis plant. The resulting oil is high in a compound called 1,8-cineole (also found in eucalyptus), as well as alpha-pinene, limonene, and linalool. These are not just chemical names — each one carries specific activity that has been documented in peer-reviewed research.

The scent is clean, slightly herbal, faintly floral. Not medicinal. Not overwhelming. It sits comfortably in hair care because it does not compete with the natural smell of clean hair.

What it does for your scalp and hair

• Balances oil production: 1,8-cineole has been shown to regulate sebum production on the scalp, making myrtle particularly useful for hair types that swing between dry at the ends and oily at the roots. It is one of the few essential oils that normalises rather than simply strips or adds oil.
• Stimulates hair follicle activity: Alpha-pinene, one of myrtle oil’s primary constituents, improves microcirculation at the scalp. Better blood flow to the follicles means better nutrient delivery to the hair root — which is directly linked to hair growth rate and strand thickness.
• Antimicrobial and antifungal: Myrtle oil has well-documented antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi, including the Malassezia species commonly associated with dandruff. Regular use creates an inhospitable scalp environment for the microorganisms that cause flaking and inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory: Linalool and limonene both carry anti-inflammatory properties that help calm an irritated scalp. For people with reactive scalps, sensitivity to hard water, or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, this is a meaningful benefit from a rinse-on product.
• Antioxidant protection: The phenolic compounds in myrtle oil protect scalp tissue against oxidative stress caused by UV exposure, pollution, and chemical processing. Hair that is colour-treated, heat-styled, or regularly exposed to outdoor elements benefits from this protective function.

Why it matters that the brand is named after this plant

The name Myrtle Products is not a marketing choice. It signals that myrtle essential oil is not an afterthought or a fragrance note added to a generic formula. It is the organising principle of the range. Most of the bars and conditioning products contain myrtle oil specifically because its oil-balancing, antimicrobial, and follicle-stimulating properties support the intended outcome of each product — whether that is growth, oil control, gentle cleansing, or scalp health.

This is worth understanding as a buyer: when a brand names itself after a plant, it is making a claim about what that plant does. In Myrtle’s case, the claim stands up.

Base Ingredients — What Every Bar Is Built On

Most of the Myrtle shampoo bars share a common base formula. These are the ingredients that create the bar structure, the lather, and the foundational conditioning effect. They appear across most of the range and are worth understanding before the actives.

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) — the sulphate-free cleanser: SCI is the primary surfactant in the shampoo bars. Derived from coconut oil, it produces a rich, creamy lather that cleans effectively without stripping the scalp. This is the ingredient that makes a sulphate-free bar feel like a proper shampoo rather than a bar of soap. It is mild enough for colour-treated hair and sensitive scalps, and it does not disrupt the scalp’s natural acid mantle the way sodium lauryl sulphate does.

• BTMS-25 — the natural conditioning emulsifier: Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a plant-derived conditioning agent that acts as the emulsifier in both shampoo and conditioner bars. It gives the hair a soft, detangled feel after rinsing and is responsible for the characteristic slip that distinguishes a good conditioner bar from a waxy one. BTMS-25 is considered one of the gentlest conditioning emulsifiers available and is safe for all hair types including fine, colour-treated, and chemically processed hair.

• Cetostearyl Alcohol — moisturising fatty alcohol: Despite the name, cetostearyl alcohol is not a drying alcohol. It is a blend of two fatty alcohols derived from vegetable sources that acts as an emollient and emulsion stabiliser. It gives conditioner bars their firm structure, adds slip during application, and contributes to the soft, manageable feel of the hair after use.

• Stearic Acid — bar structure and skin feel: Stearic acid is a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid found in plant and animal fats. In the Myrtle bars it contributes to the physical hardness and longevity of the bar, and adds a creamy, conditioning quality to the lather.

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) — secondary cleanser and foam booster: CAPB is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil that works alongside SCI to build a fuller, more stable lather. It also has some conditioning and antistatic properties, which contribute to easier detangling and reduced frizz after washing.

• Hydrolysed Jojoba Protein — lightweight hair strengthening: Hydrolysed jojoba protein is processed to have a molecular weight small enough to penetrate the hair shaft rather than just coat the surface. It repairs micro-damage along the hair strand, improves elasticity, and reduces breakage without adding heaviness. It is one of the most effective strengthening proteins available for fine or damaged hair.

• Euxyl K510 — preservation: Euxyl K510 is a broad-spectrum liquid preservative used at low concentrations to protect the product from microbial contamination. Without a preservative, any water-containing product would develop mould and bacteria within days. Euxyl K510 is considered a mild, safe choice for rinse-off products and is effective against bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. Its presence is a sign of responsible formulation, not a shortcut.

Butters and Oils — Nourishment and Conditioning

These ingredients appear across the shampoo and conditioner bars in different combinations. Each one brings specific conditioning, moisturising, or strengthening properties.

• Cocoa Butter: Rich in fatty acids and natural antioxidants, cocoa butter deeply moisturises and adds elasticity to the hair shaft. In shampoo bars it contributes to the creamy lather and leaves the hair with a soft, smooth texture after rinsing. It is particularly beneficial for dry, brittle, or heat-damaged hair.

• Mango Butter: Pressed from the kernel of the mango fruit, mango butter is high in oleic and stearic acids. It conditions the hair without weighing it down, helps to smooth the cuticle, and adds a natural shine. It is especially useful in the oily-hair formulations because it provides moisture without contributing to greasiness.

• Shea Butter: One of the most widely used conditioning agents in natural hair care. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, and fatty acids that deeply hydrate, repair, and protect the hair shaft. It is particularly beneficial for thick, coily, or dry hair types, and helps to seal moisture into the strand. In conditioner bars, shea butter is a primary driver of the deep conditioning effect.

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has a unique molecular structure that allows it to penetrate the hair shaft rather than just coat it. This makes it effective at reducing protein loss from the hair, preventing hygral fatigue (damage from repeated swelling and drying), and improving overall hair strength. It adds natural shine and moisture without the greasy residue that heavier oils can leave.

• Argan Oil: Cold-pressed from the kernel of the Moroccan argan tree, argan oil is high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Applied to the hair, it improves elasticity, reduces frizz, adds shine, and protects against heat and UV damage. In conditioner bars it provides a lightweight finish that works particularly well for fine to medium hair types.

• Jojoba Oil: Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, jojoba closely mimics the natural sebum produced by the scalp. This makes it an exceptionally well-tolerated conditioning ingredient that balances rather than overloads. It moisturises the hair without heaviness, helps control frizz, and has mild antibacterial properties that support scalp health.

• Pomegranate Seed Oil: Rich in punicic acid — an unusual omega-5 fatty acid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — pomegranate seed oil supports scalp regeneration, helps maintain a healthy follicle environment, and adds nourishment to the hair shaft. It is one of the more distinctive oils in the range and reflects Myrtle’s commitment to ingredient quality over cost.

• Castor Oil: A thick, highly viscous oil rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil is well-known in hair care for its ability to lock in moisture, add density and shine to the hair, and support hair growth by improving circulation at the scalp. In conditioning products it contributes to the slip and body of the formula, and is particularly beneficial for thinning hair or hair that lacks volume.

• Abyssinian Oil: Pressed from the seeds of Crambe abyssinica, this lightweight oil has an unusually long carbon chain that makes it highly stable and resistant to oxidation. It provides exceptional smoothness and manageability without heaviness, making it ideal for fine hair that needs conditioning without being weighed down. It also enhances shine and helps to seal the hair cuticle against humidity.

• Olive Oil: One of the oldest hair care ingredients in use. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, squalene, and vitamins A and E. It penetrates the hair shaft to moisturise from within, softens the cuticle, reduces frizz, and adds a natural lustre. In the growth-focused bars and conditioning balms, olive oil contributes to the nourishing base that supports a healthy scalp environment.

• Sweet Almond Oil: Light and easily absorbed, sweet almond oil is high in oleic and linoleic acid. It softens and conditions the hair, adds shine, and helps to strengthen the hair shaft against breakage. It appears specifically in the Fig Silver range for grey and blonde hair, where it contributes to the gentle, nourishing formula suited to more fragile or colour-sensitive hair.

Active Botanicals — The Ingredients That Give Each Bar Its Purpose

These are the ingredients that differentiate one Myrtle bar from another. Each one is chosen for a specific function related to the intended hair type or concern.

• Green Kaolin Clay: A fine, naturally occurring clay that gently draws excess sebum and product build-up from the scalp and hair follicles without over-stripping. Unlike some clays, kaolin is mild enough for regular use and does not leave the scalp feeling tight or dry. It appears in the growth and clay bars where a light detoxifying effect is part of the intended outcome. It also adds a slight slip to the bar that improves lather distribution.

• Yucca Extract: Derived from the yucca plant native to the Americas, yucca extract contains natural saponins — plant-based surfactants that produce a gentle lather and have mild cleansing properties. Beyond cleansing, yucca extract has been linked to scalp health and hair growth support, and it adds a natural conditioning effect that complements the other oils in the growth bar formula.

• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal has an extremely porous surface structure that binds to excess oil, impurities, and environmental pollutants on the scalp. It is one of the most effective natural ingredients for deep scalp cleansing and is particularly well-suited to oily hair that tends to look flat or greasy between washes. It does not dry the hair — the conditioning base of the bar ensures the hair remains hydrated — but it resets the scalp more thoroughly than a standard shampoo. It also has antibacterial properties that help keep the scalp environment clean.

• D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and one of the most well-researched hair care actives available. It penetrates the hair shaft and converts to pantothenic acid inside the strand, where it improves moisture retention, increases hair thickness by swelling the hair shaft slightly, and strengthens the hair against breakage. It also has a soothing effect on the scalp and is beneficial for anyone with dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.

• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour: Finely milled oat flour is one of the gentlest soothing ingredients available in cosmetic formulation. It has been used for centuries to calm irritated and sensitive skin, and in hair care it helps to protect delicate or fragile strands. In the Fig Silver bar it adds a softening, protective quality that complements the needs of grey and blonde hair, which is often finer and more prone to breakage than pigmented hair.

• D&C Violet No. 2 (toning pigment): The toning pigment in the Fig Silver bar is a professional-grade colour deposit used to neutralise yellow and brassy tones in grey and blonde hair. It works on the same principle as a purple toning shampoo — the violet pigment cancels yellow on the colour wheel — but it is formulated to deliver the toning effect without leaving a purple stain or artificial finish. It is used at a low concentration and rinses out cleanly.

Essential Oils — The Botanical Actives Behind the Scent

Every essential oil in the Myrtle range is there for a reason beyond fragrance. The scent is a consequence of the function, not the other way around.

• Rosemary Essential Oil: One of the most extensively researched botanical ingredients for hair growth, rosemary oil has been shown in clinical studies to stimulate circulation at the scalp in a way that is comparable to pharmaceutical treatments for hair thinning. It promotes follicle activity, helps to extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties. It appears in the growth-focused bars and the Fig Silver range where scalp circulation and follicle health are part of the intended outcome.

• Lavender Essential Oil: Calming, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Lavender oil is one of the most gentle and broadly effective essential oils in cosmetic use. On the scalp it reduces inflammation and irritation, inhibits the growth of bacteria and the Malassezia fungus associated with dandruff, and contributes to a healthier scalp environment overall. It appears in both the growth and sensitive bars because its calming properties support follicle health without aggression.

• Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil contains a high concentration of menthol, which has a vasodilatory effect on the scalp — it temporarily widens blood vessels and increases local blood flow. This is not just a sensation; improved circulation at the follicle level supports hair growth and scalp health. Peppermint also has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and gives the growth and sensitive bars their characteristic cooling sensation.

• Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree is one of the most widely used antimicrobial botanicals in hair and scalp care. It has documented activity against Malassezia, the fungal species implicated in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. In the oily and sensitive bars, tea tree helps keep the scalp environment clean and balanced, reduces the likelihood of flaking, and adds an astringent quality that helps manage excess sebum.

• Cedarwood Essential Oil: Cedarwood oil has a warm, woody scent and a range of scalp-supportive properties. It helps to balance oil production, stimulates circulation at the follicle, and has mild antifungal activity. It is a calming, grounding oil that works well in oil-control formulations where you want antibacterial and scalp-balancing benefits without the sharpness of citrus or eucalyptus.

• Lemongrass Essential Oil: A citrus-fresh oil with strong antimicrobial and astringent properties. Lemongrass has been specifically studied for its activity against Malassezia and Staphylococcus bacteria on the scalp. In the oily hair bars it helps to regulate sebum, keep the scalp clean between washes, and adds an uplifting, clean scent that balances the heavier woodier oils in the formula.

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil: High in 1,8-cineole — the same compound found in myrtle oil — eucalyptus brings purifying, antibacterial, and oil-regulating properties to the oily hair formula. It also has a mild stimulating effect on scalp circulation and contributes to the clean, invigorating quality of the charcoal bar.

• Hyssop Essential Oil: Less well-known than many of the other oils in the range, hyssop is a Mediterranean herb with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly effective against bacteria and helps to regulate excess oil on the scalp. In the oil-control conditioner bars it works alongside cedarwood and tea tree to create a formula that conditions without contributing to greasy regrowth.

• Cassia Essential Oil: Derived from Cinnamomum cassia, cassia oil has warming, stimulating properties that improve circulation at the scalp. It also has antimicrobial activity and contributes a gentle spiced warmth to the conditioning balm formula. It is used at low concentrations — cassia is potent and should not be applied neat to the skin.

• Frankincense Essential Oil: One of the oldest botanical ingredients in cosmetic and medicinal use, frankincense oil has significant anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerating properties. In the growth bar formula it supports a healthy scalp environment and complements the circulation-stimulating effects of rosemary and peppermint. The resin is also the source ingredient for the Kings-Oil Wonder Oil sold separately on Toeka.

Why This All Matters

Most shampoo brands charge a premium for ingredients that are listed in the top five of their formulas and present in negligible amounts everywhere else. The Myrtle range is built differently — every ingredient is functional, the concentrations are meaningful, and the brand is transparent about what is in each product and why.

If you have been buying shampoo based on what the front of the bottle says, this guide is worth bookmarking. Read the ingredient list. Match it to your hair type and scalp concern. The right bar for you is almost certainly in this range — you just need to know which one to pick.