Merlin Professional — Ingredients

What goes into every formula

We believe you should know exactly what you're putting on your hair. Here is a plain-language guide to the key active ingredients across the Merlin Professional range.

Core actives

Strength & repair

Magnesium sulfate

The cornerstone of the Botanical Plus range. Magnesium is essential for the structural integrity of the hair shaft — it supports keratin crosslinking, which holds hair proteins in their correct position. Clinical studies show that magnesium-deficient hair is significantly more susceptible to breakage.

Strength · Botanical Plus

Hydrolysed keratin

Hydrolysed keratin (low molecular weight)

Keratin is the primary protein making up the hair shaft. Hydrolysed keratin has been broken into molecules small enough to penetrate the cuticle and bond with the cortex. Regular use measurably reduces breakage, increases elasticity and restores natural tensile strength.

Repair · Power Plus

Provitamin B5 (Panthenol)

D-Panthenol

Panthenol penetrates the hair shaft and converts to pantothenic acid — a natural humectant that draws moisture into the hair structure and prevents water loss. It also coats the cuticle to improve surface smoothness, resulting in visibly shinier, more manageable hair.

Moisture · All ranges

Hydrolysed silk proteins

Hydrolysed Bombyx Mori Silk

Silk proteins form a breathable film over the hair shaft that reduces friction between fibres, minimising mechanical damage during brushing and styling. They improve smoothness and shine without the heavy coating feel of synthetic silicones.

Shine · Raspberry Plus

Botanical extracts

Plant-derived actives

Botanical extract blend

Various botanical sources

The Botanical Plus range uses a proprietary blend of eight plant-derived extracts including centella asiatica, green tea polyphenols and chamomile flavonoids. Together these provide antioxidant protection, support scalp health and help neutralise free radical damage from UV and heat styling.

Protect · Botanical Plus

Orange peel extract

Citrus sinensis peel extract

Rich in flavonoids and vitamin C, orange peel extract is both an antioxidant and a natural conditioner. It helps regulate sebum production, making it particularly effective for hair that feels dry at the ends but oily at the root.

Balance · Moisturising range

Crystal mineral complex

Proprietary mineral blend

Inspired by the mineral-rich waters of natural hot springs, this complex includes zinc, copper and selenium — trace elements that support the enzymes involved in hair follicle health and melanin production. Used in the Crystal Clarifying range to support scalp microbiome balance.

Scalp health · Crystal range

Raspberry seed oil

Rubus idaeus seed oil

Cold-pressed from raspberry seeds, this oil has an exceptionally high linoleic acid content — an omega-6 fatty acid that replenishes the hair's lipid mantle, the natural oily layer protecting the cuticle from moisture loss and environmental damage. Lightweight and non-greasy.

Nourish · Raspberry Plus

What we don't use

Our clean formulation commitment

Sulphate-free shampoos

All Merlin shampoos are formulated without SLS. Gentler surfactants clean effectively without stripping the scalp's natural oils or causing colour fade.

No heavy silicones

We avoid dimethicone and other high-molecular-weight silicones that coat the hair and build up over time, eventually weighing it down and preventing active ingredient penetration.

Paraben-free preservation

All Merlin products use alternative preservation systems that are effective, stable and less likely to cause scalp sensitisation than traditional parabens.

No artificial colourants

Products are coloured only where necessary using cosmetic-grade pigments. Most are lightly fragranced using fine fragrance rather than synthetic masking agents.

No animal testing

The entire Merlin Professional range is developed and tested without animal testing. All ingredient suppliers hold equivalent commitments.

Recyclable packaging

All Merlin packaging is made from at least 50% recycled material and is fully recyclable through standard household recycling streams.