Custom haircare formulator
Pick the actives for your scalp and hair goals. We auto-dilute essential oils into the right carrier, balance protein with moisture, keep the formula clean (nothing from the avoid list), and route drug-strength actives to a clinician. Grounded in the FDA OTC dandruff monograph and Health Canada's Hotlist.
Cosmetic personal-care information for education only — not medical advice. Several hair actives are regulated drugs (minoxidil is an OTC drug; finasteride is Rx and contraindicated in pregnancy) and are never custom-mixed; they route to a consult. Patch-test new actives and see a dermatologist or trichologist for scalp disease or hair loss.
Hair & scalp photo
optionalAnalyze my hair & scalp
Upload a few macro / close-up photos and we'll estimate your scalp and hair concerns, then recommend actives — or self-assess with the checklist. Cosmetic estimates only, never a diagnosis.
How to take good hair & scalp photos
- Use a macro lens, 2–5 cm away: Use a clip-on macro lens or your phone's macro mode and get the lens 2–5 cm from the scalp and hair so individual flakes, follicles and shaft tips are sharp.
- Part the hair to expose the scalp: Use your fingers or a comb to part the hair and reveal a clean strip of scalp — that strip is what we read for flaking, redness and density.
- Bright, even, neutral light: Shoot in daylight or white light. Avoid yellow lamps and harsh single-side shadows, which skew redness and oiliness reads.
- Neutral background, product-free scalp: Use a plain, neutral background and keep the scalp shot free of styling product so flakes and sebum are not masked.
- Take three shots: Capture (1) the scalp at the part, (2) the hairline/crown for density and (3) the mid-lengths and ends for breakage and frizz.
- Dry vs wet: Shoot dry for frizz, curl and density. An optional wet shot helps read porosity and the true curl pattern.
- Hold steady and tap to focus: Brace your hand and tap the screen to lock focus. Fill the frame with hair and scalp — no full-face selfies.
- Pass the on-screen quality check: Follow the on-screen distance guide and the live 'too blurry / too dark / move closer' check before accepting each photo.
What are you noticing?
See a dermatologist / trichologist in person if you notice
- Suspected scalp disease (psoriasis, scarring alopecia, alopecia areata). Thick silvery plaques, smooth scarred patches with lost follicular openings, or sharply-bordered round bald patches — these are drug-grade scalp diseases, never AI-diagnosed. Route to a dermatologist for in-person evaluation. Always in person.
- Confirmed pattern thinning / density loss. A widening part, crown/hairline density loss or a thinning goal selected by the user — route to a trichologist for confirmation and a minoxidil / prescription plan rather than cosmetic-only care.
- Drug-regulated active requested. User requests a drug-regulated active (minoxidil, ketoconazole 2%, finasteride). XyberHealth references but never dispenses these — route to an OTC-drug / Rx consult. Finasteride is Rx and contraindicated in pregnancy. Always in person.
- Persistent scalp redness, sores or non-healing lesions. Scalp redness that persists despite gentle care, weeping/crusting sores, pustules or a non-healing lesion — route to a dermatologist rather than treating cosmetically. Always in person.
Goal
What you want your formula to do — anti-dandruff, more density, repair, color-safe. Tap as many as you like, or leave on "All" to browse everything.
Type
Filter by what an active does in the formula — cleanser, conditioner, protein, oil, bond builder, preservative, pH or UV filter. Leave on "Any" to see every type.
Add your actives
Search by ingredient name, INCI (the label name), or what it does, then tap + on a card to add it. Combine with the Goal and Type filters to narrow fast.
51 actives
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (and) Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract
Biomimetic peptide-and-red-clover complex (e.g. Capixyl) marketed for ECM support and the appearance of denser hair in density serums.
Amodimethicone
Cationic silicone that bonds selectively to damaged areas for targeted smoothing with less whole-shaft buildup — but is still surfactant-removed once dried.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Cationic quat that delivers the best detangling slip — substantive to negatively-charged damaged hair, lays down a smoothing film, and emulsifies silicones and oils into a conditioner.
Benzophenone-4
Water-soluble UV filter added to leave-on/rinse-off hair products to help protect color and the shaft from sun-induced fading.
Biotin
Vitamin B7 used as a conditioning additive; topical regrowth benefit is weak (oral biotin only helps true deficiency), so it is positioned for conditioning, not regrowth.
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Olaplex-type bond builder whose maleate groups re-bridge broken disulfide bonds in damaged hair (click chemistry) — strong before/after results but no independent peer-reviewed RCT yet.
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Thymoquinone-rich seed oil used in scalp serums and oil blends for its antioxidant, soothing, and antimicrobial feel; traditionally associated with the look of fuller hair and a calmer, flake-free scalp.
Caffeine
Cosmetic scalp active studied to counter testosterone-induced follicle suppression in vitro and support the look of fuller hair; one open-label RCT found a 0.2% solution non-inferior to minoxidil 5%.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Thick, ricinoleic-acid-rich oil traditionally used on edges, ends, and for scalp massage; reputed conditioning, best blended with a lighter oil for spreadability.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetyl/stearyl blend fatty alcohol that structures and thickens conditioners and creams while adding emollient slip.
Cetrimonium Chloride
Water-soluble single-charge cationic quat giving light daily-conditioner slip and anti-static control without heavy buildup.
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient fatty alcohol (NOT a drying alcohol) that thickens and gives creamy slip to conditioners and creams.
Citric Acid
pH adjuster used to bring a finished formula into the ~4.5–5.5 hair-friendly window that helps seal the cuticle for smoother, shinier hair.
Coal Tar
Antiproliferative OTC dandruff/psoriasis active that slows scalp cell turnover and controls heavy scaling.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Amphoteric co-surfactant that boosts foam and lowers the irritation of any anionic cleanser it is paired with, improving overall mildness and slip.
Copper Tripeptide-1
Signal peptide used in thinning serums to support the look of follicle health and density. Water-soluble — needs an aqueous serum base, not an oil.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Volatile silicone (D5) that gives lightweight slip and then evaporates, leaving little buildup — good for fine hair.
Decyl Glucoside
Very gentle, biodegradable nonionic sugar surfactant that cleanses without stripping — lower foam, ideal for sensitive scalp and curly/co-wash routines.
Dimethicone
Classic silicone giving the best frizz control, shine, and slip — but it is not water-soluble and builds up, so it needs a surfactant to remove.
PEG/PPG Dimethicone
Water-soluble silicone alternative that gives slip and shine without buildup — the build-up-free choice for curly and co-wash lines.
Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate
ECOCERT-friendly 'Geogard'-type preservative system for natural lines, protecting water-containing formulas from microbial growth.
Glycerin
Workhorse humectant that draws and holds water into the hair and scalp for a soft, supple, hydrated feel.
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Low-molecular-weight keratin fragments that penetrate the cortex and fill damaged sites for a transient boost in the feel of hair strength and smoothness.
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Gluten-free protein alternative that coats the shaft to add body and the appearance of volume — a wheat-free option for sensitive users.
Hydrolyzed Silk
Cationized silk protein that deposits preferentially on damaged areas, adding smoothness, slip, and a silky surface feel.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Film-forming wheat protein with some cortex penetration that improves the feel and breaking strength of dry, damaged hair and adds body.
Ketoconazole
Azole antifungal that targets Malassezia and adds mild anti-inflammatory and anti-androgen action — used in anti-dandruff and pattern-thinning adjunct washes.
Maleic Acid
Single-step bond-builder variant that reacts with severed cysteine ends to help re-form disulfide links in damaged hair.
Niacinamide
Vitamin-B3 active that supports scalp microcirculation and barrier comfort — an adjunct in density and scalp-health serums.
Panthenol
Provitamin-B5 humectant and film-former that thickens the feel of the shaft, helps reduce breakage, and conditions the scalp.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Cooling, menthol-rich essential oil used in scalp serums for a tingling, invigorating sensory effect; must be heavily diluted in a carrier.
Phenoxyethanol
Broad-spectrum, non-formaldehyde-releasing preservative that keeps a water-containing formula microbially safe — the XyberHealth default preservative.
Piroctone Olamine
Non-monograph cosmetic antifungal that controls the look of flaking and itch by reducing scalp Malassezia — gentle and color-safe, with trial efficacy comparable to pyrithione zinc.
Propanediol
Plant-derived humectant and solvent that hydrates and boosts the delivery of other actives — a gentler replacement for propylene glycol on sensitive scalps.
Zinc Pyrithione
Antifungal/antibacterial OTC dandruff active that controls flaking, itch and seborrheic scalp by reducing Malassezia.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Essential oil studied for thinning support — an RCT found hair count comparable to minoxidil 2% at 6 months with less scalp itch; must be diluted in a carrier oil before use.
Salicylic Acid
Keratolytic OTC dandruff active that lifts and dissolves scalp scale and flakes — pairs with an antifungal for combination dandruff control.
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Botanical extract used as a topical anti-androgen-claim active in thinning serums; well tolerated but with weak supporting evidence.
Selenium Sulfide
Antifungal/cytostatic OTC dandruff active that slows scalp cell turnover and controls flaking.
sh-Oligopeptide-78
Biomimetic peptide bond builder that penetrates the cortex to help re-form keratin chains and restore the feel of strength in damaged hair.
Sodium Coco-Sulfate
Coconut-derived sulfate often marketed as 'sulfate-free-ish'; cleanses more strongly than isethionates and is gentler than SLS, but is still a sulfate.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Very mild isethionate surfactant that gives a creamy, dense lather — the syndet base for shampoo bars and cream cleansers.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A common, strongly foaming anionic sulfate (SLES) that gives a deep, fast cleanse but can strip the scalp and color.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Mild, high-foam isethionate primary cleanser that lifts dirt and oil from scalp and lengths with low irritation — the XyberHealth default sulfate-free wash base.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A harsh, strongly foaming anionic sulfate (SLS) — the standard reference irritant used in dermatology patch testing.
Sodium PCA
A natural-moisturizing-factor humectant that gives lightweight hydration to hair and scalp without weight.
Stearyl Alcohol
Heavier emollient fatty alcohol that adds richness and body — best for thick, coily, or very dry hair.
Sulfur
Keratolytic/antimicrobial OTC dandruff active that lifts scale and may combine with salicylic acid for flaking control.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Antimicrobial scalp essential oil used to support scalp comfort and flaking control; must be diluted, as neat tea tree sensitizes.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Whole coconut oil used as a pre-wash penetrating mask — lauric acid plus its low molecular weight and linear chain let it enter the shaft and reduce protein loss (the only oil shown to do so vs mineral and sunflower oil in Rele & Mohile).
Minoxidil
The only OTC-approved hair-regrowth drug for androgenetic alopecia — a vasodilator that prolongs the anagen growth phase. A DRUG, dispensed in its own validated vehicle, never blended into a custom cosmetic base.
What to avoid
What we leave out
These ingredients are excluded from every custom haircare formula — our clean-formula promise. The list reflects FDA and Health Canada Hotlist guidance: some are restricted or prohibited outright, others are contested sensitizers, scalp irritants, or have unresolved safety questions we'd rather not put on your hair. Where the science is settled we exclude entirely; where it's a positioning or profile call we minimize and gate.
Never in a XyberHealth haircare formula
Formaldehyde & formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Slow-release formaldehyde (a probable human carcinogen) and a top cosmetic contact allergen; the DMDM-hydantoin shampoos behind the J&J/Unilever OGX, TRESemmé, and Suave hair-loss / scalp-irritation class actions.
Regulatory: Health Canada Hotlist restricts free formaldehyde; FDA/EWG have addressed DMDM-hydantoin hair-loss claims; subject of US class-action litigation.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS
The dermatology reference irritant in contact-dermatitis patch testing; strips the scalp and color. Replaced by gentle isethionates (SLMI/SCI) and alkyl glucosides.
Regulatory: Permitted but the standard skin/scalp irritant model; excluded from XyberHealth formulas in favor of mild surfactants.
Synthetic fragrance / undisclosed "parfum"
parfum, fragrance, aroma
A top scalp allergen and a blanket term that can hide phthalates and individual allergens.
Regulatory: FDA allows 'fragrance' as a trade-secret blanket term — we disclose every scent component (or use allergen-declared essential oils) and never use undisclosed parfum.
Coal-tar hair dyes / p-phenylenediamine (PPD) oxidative dyes
coal tar dyes, p-phenylenediamine, PPD, oxidative hair dye
Known sensitizers; some coal-tar dyes are prohibited. Not used in XyberHealth custom care.
Regulatory: Health Canada requires cautionary statements on PPD/oxidative dyes and prohibits unsafe coal-tar dyes; excluded entirely.
- Health-Canada — Health Canada — coal-tar dyes / PPD safety and labelling
Phthalates (DEHP / DBP / DEP)
DEHP, DBP, DEP, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate
Endocrine-disruption concern; commonly enter haircare as undisclosed fragrance carriers.
Regulatory: Health Canada Hotlist restricts phthalates; excluded from XyberHealth formulas.
- Health-Canada — Health Canada — Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (phthalates)
Methylisothiazolinone / methylchloroisothiazolinone (MIT/MCI) in leave-ons
methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, MIT, MI, MCI
A potent leave-on sensitizer (a former Allergen of the Year), especially in products that are not rinsed off.
Regulatory: EU restricts MIT/MCI in leave-on cosmetics; excluded from XyberHealth leave-ons.
Minimized / avoided in leave-ons
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
sodium laureth sulfate, SLES
Milder than SLS but still strips, and carries a 1,4-dioxane trace-contamination concern from ethoxylation.
Regulatory: Permitted; we limit/exclude it in favor of isethionates because of the 1,4-dioxane trace concern.
Drying / denatured alcohols as a primary solvent
alcohol denat., SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propanol
As high-percentage leading solvents they dehydrate the shaft and cause frizz and breakage. (Fatty alcohols — cetyl/cetearyl — are conditioning and unaffected.)
Regulatory: Permitted; we limit them as a primary solvent (fine as a trace solubilizer).
Non-water-soluble silicones in leave-on products
dimethicone, amodimethicone
In co-wash / curly leave-ins these build up, dull the hair, and require a sulfate cleanser to remove.
Regulatory: Permitted; we limit them to rinse-off products or substitute a water-soluble silicone in leave-ons.
Long-chain parabens (propyl / butyl / isobutyl)
propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben
Contested endocrine signal for the longer-chain esters; de-prioritized in favor of phenoxyethanol / Geogard. (Short-chain methylparaben is permitted but de-prioritized.)
Regulatory: EU SCCS restricts/banned the longer-chain parabens; CIR/FDA consider parabens safe at use levels. We limit them for positioning.
Selenium sulfide / coal tar on color-treated or light hair
selenium sulfide, coal tar
Discolors and stains color-treated or light hair.
Regulatory: Permitted OTC dandruff actives, but profile-gated: limited for color-treated/light hair — warn and substitute piroctone olamine.
Consult a trichologist or dermatologist
For thinning that needs minoxidil or a prescription, a scalp condition that won't settle, or anything medical, connect with a board-certified clinician. We hand off your concern; we don't diagnose or prescribe.
Consult a dermatologist
Describe what's going on and we'll forward it to a board-certified dermatologist for review. This is a hand-off to professional care — it doesn't replace an in-person visit.
The more detail you share, the better the dermatologist can help.
Describe your concern to submit.
When to see someone in person
Suspected skin cancer or a changing mole — Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven Color, Diameter over ~6mm, or Evolving over time (the ABCDEs) — always needs an in-person visit, not a remote review. XyberHealth does not diagnose conditions or dispense prescriptions; we connect you with a professional who can.
XyberHealth is not a medical service and does not provide medical advice. Information here is educational only. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, taking medication, or have a health condition.