Iv San Bernard Derma Plus, 300 ml is a conditioner for dogs and cats designed as the final step after washing with Iv San Bernard Derma Complex. According to the manufacturer, it is a concentrated product that, with regular use, nourishes skin and coat thanks to keratin, suits all coat types, makes the coat soft and manageable, eases brushing and moisturises the skin. The manufacturer also describes the benefits of nettle as a source of vitamins, minerals, carotene and tannins. The conditioner is applied to the washed coat, combed through and left for 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Water (over 75%), cetearyl alcohol (5–10%), propylene glycol (1–5%), cetrimonium chloride (1–5%), hydrolysed keratin (under 0.1%), nettle extract (under 0.1%), alcohol (under 0.1%), simethicone (under 0.1%), citric acid (0.1–1%), parfum (0.1–1%), alpha-isomethyl ionone, limonene, benzyl salicylate, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (each under 0.1%).
The concentrations show that the main work is done by cetearyl alcohol (softens and gives a creamy texture) and cetrimonium chloride (a conditioning agent that removes static and eases brushing). Keratin and nettle are each under 0.1%, which is less than the fragrance.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | rinse-out conditioner |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Coat type | all types |
| Base | cetearyl alcohol 5–10%, cetrimonium chloride 1–5% |
| Keratin and nettle | under 0.1% each |
| Contact time | 5 minutes |
| Volume | 300 ml |
Pros
- Eases brushing. Cetrimonium chloride at a meaningful concentration.
- Concentrations listed. You can see how much of each ingredient there is.
- For all coat types.
- Pairs with Derma Complex. A routine from a single line.
- Clear routine. Apply, comb, 5 minutes, rinse.
- For dogs and cats.
Cons and what to watch
- Keratin and nettle in trace amounts. Under 0.1% each, although the description is built around them.
- More fragrance than keratin. Parfum is 0.1–1%.
- Allergenic fragrance components. Alpha-isomethyl ionone, limonene, benzyl salicylate.
- Isothiazolinones. Preservatives that may irritate sensitive animals.
- "Nourishes the dermis" is a marketing claim. A rinse-out conditioner works mostly on the surface of the coat.
How to use
Wash your pet with Derma Complex and squeeze out excess water. Apply Derma Plus and massage it well into the coat. Then gently comb from root to tip so the conditioner spreads evenly. Leave for 5 minutes. If the coat is badly damaged, the manufacturer suggests covering it with a towel during this time. Then rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with warm water.
Why use a conditioner after shampoo
Shampoo lifts the hair cuticle and washes away sebum, so after a wash the coat is drier, gets static and tangles. A conditioner smooths the hair, eases brushing and reduces tangling. This is especially important for long-haired dogs and cats, as it lowers the risk of mats. More on washing in dog shampoo: how to choose and how to wash.
If the coat tangles
If mats have already formed, a conditioner alone is not enough. For working out individual mats, use PEK Conditioner cream, and for regular care of long coats, K101 conditioner.
Alternatives
If you want the care ingredients to be present in meaningful amounts, look for products with oils or proteins near the top of the list. The brand's range includes, for example, the Green Caviar conditioner. Compare ingredient lists before buying.
Cats
The conditioner is also suitable for cats. Because it is rinsed out it is safer than leave-in products, but it must be rinsed especially thoroughly so the cat does not lick off any residue. For a calm bath, see 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
Derma Plus suits owners who already wash their pet with Derma Complex and want to finish with a conditioner from the same line for easy brushing. Other products are in the shampoos and conditioners section and on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard Derma Plus is a rinse-out conditioner for dogs and cats based on cetearyl alcohol and cetrimonium chloride that eases brushing and completes a Derma Complex wash. The downsides are that it contains under 0.1% keratin and nettle, less than its fragrance, it has allergenic fragrance components and isothiazolinones, and the "deeply nourishes the dermis" claim is not backed by the formula.
FAQ
Which shampoo should it be used with?
The manufacturer designed it to follow a Derma Complex wash.
How long should it stay on?
5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
How much keratin does it contain?
Under 0.1%.
Which coat types?
All types.
Does it need rinsing?
Yes.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, with thorough rinsing.
What volume is it?
300 ml.
