Ouai Detox Shampoo
Sulfate-free clarifying shampoo with mix of gentle surfactants. Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin for protein repair and Vinegar for natural clarifying and shine. Multiple conditioning agents prevent over-drying. Contains chelating agents for hard water. Downsides include artificial dyes, Isopropyl Alcohol, and Benzophenone-4 UV filter which can sensitize some scalps. Good option but not as clean as K18 or Living Proof alternatives.
Quick Description
Ouai Detox Shampoo is a shampoo crafted by Ouai to keep scalp and hair balanced. It is designed for everyday use and aims to leave hair feeling refreshed and lightweight. The formula features key ingredients selected to cleanse, support scalp comfort, and maintain a clean finish. Ideal for users wanting a thorough yet considerate cleanse with a focus on clarity.
Ingredient Overview
Highlights
Key Ingredients
Base solvent
Strong sulfate-free cleanser
Very gentle sulfate-free surfactant
Gentle co-surfactant
Gentle sugar-based surfactant
Film-forming thickener
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Water |
Base solvent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate |
Strong sulfate-free cleanser Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate |
Very gentle sulfate-free surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Gentle co-surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Decyl Glucoside |
Gentle sugar-based surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Acrylates Copolymer |
Film-forming thickener Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Fragrance |
Added scent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Hydrolyzed Keratin |
Protein that repairs and strengthens hair Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
Natural conditioning agent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Vinegar |
Clarifies, balances pH, adds shine Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Polyquaternium-7 |
Conditioning polymer Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Glycerin |
Humectant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Benzophenone-4 |
UV filter, can sensitize some scalps Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate |
Biodegradable chelating agent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Isopropyl Alcohol |
Solvent that can be drying Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citric Acid |
pH adjuster Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Good |
| Linalool |
Fragrance allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| Citronellol |
Fragrance allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 14700 Red 4 |
Artificial dye, unnecessary Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 19140 Yellow 5 |
Artificial dye, unnecessary Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
| CI 61570 Green 5 |
Artificial dye, unnecessary Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.
|
Moderate |
Explanation of Key Groups
Surfactants
Primary and co-surfactants (e.g., Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco/Ampho betaines) provide the cleanse, foam, and removal of scalp oils. Mild co-surfactants help soften the feel and improve tolerance.
Clay Minerals
Clays like kaolin, bentonite, or montmorillonite absorb excess sebum and impurities, contributing to a fresher, balanced scalp feel without heavy residue.
Actives
Ingredients such as salicylic acid or zinc derivatives can support gentle exfoliation and sebum regulation, helping keep follicles clear and comfortable.
Humectants
Water-binding agents (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronate) attract moisture to reduce the stripped feel after cleansing and keep lengths softer.
Safety Notes & Allergens
- Fragrance allergens (e.g., linalool, geraniol, coumarin) may be present if fragrance is listed.
- Colorants (CI numbers or named dyes) are aesthetic only; skip if you react to synthetic dyes.
- Potential irritation: strong surfactants and fragrance allergens can bother very sensitive scalps.
- If you have fragrance allergies or highly reactive skin, patch test before full use.
Summary
Best suited for users seeking a clear, balanced cleanse. It effectively targets buildup with its surfactant system and supporting actives, while maintaining a light feel on the hair. Be mindful of surfactant strength, fragrance presence, and any colorants if you are sensitive.
Who is this product good for?
- ✓ People wanting a refreshing cleanse with balanced oil control
- ✓ Those comfortable with light fragrance in haircare
- ⚠ Very sensitive scalps should monitor for fragrance or surfactant irritation