Croci GILL'S Mink Oil, 200 ml is a gentle shampoo and conditioner with mink oil. According to the description, it protects and nourishes the coat, making it smooth, silky and flowing. Mink oil moisturises a dry coat and helps prevent dryness, coarseness, dullness, breakage and tangling, while its fatty acids strengthen the hair and give it elasticity and shine. The manufacturer notes that it suits frequent washing of long-haired dogs, especially Yorkshire terriers. The product card's specifications list dogs and cats.
Ingredients
Disodium EDTA, polyquaternium-10, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, glycol distearate, cocamidopropyl betaine, mink oil, cocamide DEA, methylchloroisothiazolinone, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, fragrance, Acid Red and Acid Yellow colourants, sodium chloride, citric acid and deionised water.
The cleansing base is ammonium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate with cocamidopropyl betaine. The conditioning effect comes from polyquaternium-10 and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, which deposit on the coat, smooth it and reduce tangling. Mink oil is rich in fatty acids and softens the hair.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner |
| For | dogs and cats (description says dogs) |
| Key ingredient | mink oil |
| Conditioners | polyquaternium-10, guar |
| Coat | dry, long; frequent washing |
| Especially suited to | Yorkshire terriers |
| Volume | 200 ml |
Pros
- 2 in 1. Washes and conditions in one go.
- Mink oil. Softens a dry coat and adds shine.
- Eases brushing. Polyquaternium and guar reduce tangling.
- For long coats. Especially recommended for Yorkies.
- Compact bottle. 200 ml suits small dogs.
- Softness and shine. The manufacturer promises a smooth, silky, flowing coat.
Cons and what to watch
- Ingredients not listed in order. Water comes last, so the list says nothing about proportions.
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate. A fairly strong surfactant, debatable for "frequent washing".
- Colourants and fragrance. Not the best choice for sensitive skin.
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone. A preservative that may irritate sensitive skin.
- No contact time. It only says "briefly".
How to wash
Wet the coat with warm water. Massage the shampoo into the coat with light movements, work up a lather and leave it briefly, as the manufacturer advises. Rinse with warm water and dry the coat well. Do not rub a long coat; blot it with a towel and blow-dry on a warm rather than hot setting while brushing. More in dog shampoo: how to choose and how to wash.
Yorkies and long coats
Yorkshire terriers and other long-haired breeds have a coat similar to human hair: fine, easily tangled and prone to split ends. A 2-in-1 product is convenient when the dog is washed often, say every one or two weeks. If the coat tangles badly, a separate conditioner helps after washing, such as Iv San Bernard K101. Coat care is covered in coat care for dogs at home, and feeding Yorkies in the review of Brit Care Mini Yorkshire.
Other 2-in-1 shampoos
If you want a shampoo and conditioner in a large size, see TropiClean Papaya & Coconut, and among budget options, Smartis Fruit Line with bischofite.
After the bath
To dry a small dog quickly, an absorbent towel helps, such as Croci GILL'S Wippy from the same range. It soaks up most of the water so the dryer is needed for less time.
Cats
The card's specifications also list cats, although the description talks about dogs. A product with colourants and fragrance is not the best choice for a cat: cats groom themselves, so if you do use it, rinse especially thoroughly. Tips are in how to bathe a cat.
Storage
Keep the bottle closed at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Who it suits
GILL'S Mink Oil suits small long-haired dogs such as Yorkies with a dry coat that needs softness and shine, for owners who want to wash and condition in one step. Other products are in the shampoos and conditioners section and the dog shampoo collection.
Verdict
Croci GILL'S Mink Oil is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner with mink oil, polyquaternium and guar that softens and smooths a dry long coat and eases brushing. The downsides are an ingredient list on the card that is not in order, a fairly strong ammonium lauryl sulfate base, colourants, fragrance and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and no stated contact time.
FAQ
Is a separate conditioner needed?
Usually not, as it is 2 in 1; for heavy tangling you can add a conditioner.
How long should it stay on?
Briefly; no exact time is given. Then rinse.
Who is it for?
Long-haired dogs, especially Yorkies.
What does mink oil do?
It softens a dry coat and adds shine.
Can it be used often?
The manufacturer allows frequent washing.
Can it be used on cats?
Cats are listed in the specifications, but the description talks about dogs.
What volume is it?
200 ml.
