Iv San Bernard PH Balance, 500 ml is a conditioner for dogs and cats of all breeds with damaged coats and sensitive skin. According to the manufacturer, it restores the protective lipid layer, absorbs quickly, brings the coat back to health and leaves it lively and radiant. The conditioner is applied after shampoo to a clean wet coat, worked in for 3 minutes and rinsed off with warm water. The manufacturer also states that the product is more than 90% biodegradable.
Ingredients
Water, glyceryl stearate, behentrimonium chloride, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isopropyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, parfum (fragrance), propylene glycol, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, wheat bran extract, citric acid, ethylhexylglycerin, sunflower seed extract and butylene glycol.
The base is made up of emollients: glyceryl stearate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate and decyl oleate. These fat-like substances form a thin film on coat and skin and reduce moisture loss, which is what "restoring the lipid layer" amounts to. Behentrimonium chloride and stearamidopropyl dimethylamine are conditioning agents that detangle the coat well and remove static. Wheat bran and sunflower seed extracts come nearer the end of the list.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | rinse-out conditioner |
| For | dogs and cats of all breeds |
| Indications | damaged coat, sensitive skin |
| Key ingredients | emollients, behentrimonium chloride, wheat bran, sunflower |
| Working time | 3 minutes |
| Biodegradability | over 90% |
| Volume | 500 ml |
Pros
- Emollients at the top of the list. They soften and protect a dry coat and skin.
- Strong conditioner. Behentrimonium chloride detangles well.
- Paraben-free.
- Over 90% biodegradable.
- For all breeds. Suits any coat length.
- For dogs and cats.
Cons and what to watch
- Fragrance and isopropyl alcohol. Debatable ingredients for a "sensitive skin" product.
- No pH value. The name promises balance, but no figure is given.
- "Instantly absorbed into the follicles" is a marketing claim. A rinse-out conditioner works mainly on the surface.
- Contains wheat. Worth noting for animals allergic to it.
- No concentrations. The amount of plant extracts is unknown.
How to apply
After shampooing, squeeze excess water from the coat. Apply enough conditioner with gentle movements to the clean wet coat and work it in for 3 minutes, spreading it along the full length. Then rinse with warm water. For long coats it helps to spread the conditioner by hand first and then run a wide-toothed comb through.
A shampoo to pair with
For sensitive and irritated skin it makes sense to pair the conditioner with a mild shampoo. The brand offers, for example, DERM Shampoo Y6 for irritated skin. More on choosing a shampoo in dog shampoo: how to choose and how to wash.
If the skin is very sensitive
If your pet has allergies or its skin reacts to fragrance, choose unscented products. For such skin, consider TropiClean Awapuhi & Coconut or the leave-in Zeo Thermo-Mille lotion with its short fragrance-free formula. Patch-test any new product on a small area first.
Why coats get damaged
A coat becomes dry and brittle from frequent washing with harsh shampoos, hot hair dryers, sun, sea water and a lack of fatty acids in the diet. A conditioner helps on the outside, but if the coat is always dull, review the diet and discuss it with your vet. More in coat care for dogs at home.
Cats
The conditioner is also suitable for cats. It is rinsed out, so the risk of licking is low, but it must be rinsed thoroughly. 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
PH Balance suits dogs and cats with dry, brittle or damaged coats that need softening and easy brushing after a wash, provided the skin tolerates fragrance. Other products are in the shampoos and conditioners section and on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard PH Balance is a rinse-out conditioner with emollients, behentrimonium chloride and wheat bran and sunflower extracts that softens a damaged coat and eases brushing. The downsides are fragrance and isopropyl alcohol in a "sensitive skin" product, no stated pH value and a "follicle absorption" claim the formula does not support.
FAQ
When should the conditioner be applied?
After shampoo, on a clean wet coat.
How long should it be worked in?
3 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Which coat types?
Damaged coats of any length and sensitive skin.
Does it contain fragrance?
Yes.
Does it contain parabens?
No.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, with thorough rinsing.
What volume is it?
500 ml.
