I recently tried the Basic Elements Shbelbtl Conditioning Shampoo, hoping for a gentle, fragrance-free option for my sensitive skin. The appeal was clear: no dyes or additives, perfect for allergy-prone folks like me.

First, the good—it does deliver on its promise of being mild. My scalp didn’t react at all, which is rare with most shampoos. The clean scent (or lack thereof) was refreshingly neutral, great for guests who prefer no overpowering smells.

But here’s the catch: the packaging is a nightmare. Every bottle arrived with shampoo leaking out, and even after wiping them down, they continued to ooze. It’s messy and wasteful—definitely not ideal for a business stocking amenities.

The bigger issue? The infamous purple stains. After one use, my shower shelf looked like it hosted a tiny grape juice spill. No amount of scrubbing fully removed it. For a product marketed as ‘simple,’ this was an unexpected headache.

Would I recommend it? Only if you’re desperate for a dye-free option and don’t mind playing stain-removal detective afterward. Otherwise, keep searching.