K18 Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Versus Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner
Updated on September 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
K18 Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 21 ingredients
Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner 85 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
K18 Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 21 ingredients
Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner 85 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Ether
EmollientCetyl Esters
Emollient
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sh-Oligopeptide-78
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Starch
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetyl Esters, Behentrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Sh-Oligopeptide-78, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Parfum, Geraniol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventBehentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningBrassicyl Valinate Esylate
EmollientCetyl Esters
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Benzoate
Emollient
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCalcium Gluconate
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Aspartic Acid
MaskingPotassium Lactate
BufferingXimenia Americana Seed Oil
Emollient
PCA
HumectantHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Oleate
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingAlgin
Masking
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Serine
MaskingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialValine
MaskingCarrageenan
Chitosan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialBetula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Crambe Maritima Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Fulva Bark Extract
MoisturisingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-7
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Propanediol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Isoamyl Laurate, Squalane, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Brassicyl Valinate Esylate, Cetyl Esters, Pentylene Glycol, Phenethyl Benzoate, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Sodium PCA, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Calcium Gluconate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Panthenol, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sodium Phytate, Aspartic Acid, Potassium Lactate, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, PCA, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Propylene Glycol, Glycine, Citric Acid, Alanine, Algin, Coco-Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Serine, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Valine, Carrageenan, Chitosan, Xanthan Gum, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Crambe Maritima Extract, Ulmus Fulva Bark Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract, Zea Mays Starch, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Citronellol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetyl Esters is a synthetic wax made up of mostly fatty acids and fatty alcohols. It is strcturally similar to wax taken from whales.
As an emollient, it creates a thin barrier on the skin. This barrier prevents moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Cetyl EstersThis ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
K18 Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 21 ingredients
Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner 85 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
K18 Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 21 ingredients
Repaired my extremely bleach damaged hair as well as both of their shampoos.
This saved my badly damaged bleached hair.
