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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner versus Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner .

Published on January 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe conditioners. They have a total of 29 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Price

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Buy Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner

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Buy Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner

Starts at $19.95

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA

Benefits

Hydrating
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (3)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA

Benefits

Hydrating
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (3)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Cetearyl Alcohol • Glycerin • Behentrimonium Chloride • Dimethicone • Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone • Cetyl Esters • Sodium Citrate • Citric Acid • Isopropyl Alcohol • Dicetyldimonium Chloride • Coco-Betaine • Hydroxypropyl Guar • Sodium Chloride • Hydroxycitronellal • Phenoxyethanol • Steareth-6 • Acetic Acid • Peg-100 Stearate • Trideceth-10 • Trideceth-3 • Trisodium Hedta • Limonene • Euphorbia Cerifera Cera • Linalool • Isopropyl Myristate • Amodimethicone • Cetrimonium Chloride • Hexyl Cinnamal • Parfum

Water • Cetearyl Alcohol • Glycerin • Behentrimonium Chloride • Dimethicone • Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone • Cetyl Esters • Citric Acid • Isopropyl Alcohol • Dicetyldimonium Chloride • Parfum • Sodium Citrate • Phenoxyethanol • Euphorbia Cerifera Cera • Isopropyl Myristate • Hydroxypropyl Guar • Coco-Betaine • Amodimethicone • Cetrimonium Chloride • Dilauryl Thiodipropionate • Trideceth-10 • Limonene • Hexyl Cinnamal • Sodium Chloride • Linalool • Peg-100 Stearate • Citral • Steareth-6 • Trideceth-3 • Acetic Acid • Trisodium Hedta

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 1.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl 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 Alcohol

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 2.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 3.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This 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%.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 4.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 5.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 5.

Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone is a type of silicone.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 6.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetyl 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 Esters

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 7.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.

Learn more about Sodium Citrate

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 8.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 12.

9
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 9.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 8.

10
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Alcohol is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol. It is most commonly used as a solvent, meaning it helps other ingredients dissolve.

This ingredient is an astringent alcohol. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin as they high amounts may strip away your skin's natural oils.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.

Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.

Learn more about Isopropyl Alcohol

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 10.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 9.

11
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Dicetyldimonium Chloride.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 11.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 10.

12
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Coco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.

Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 12.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 17.

13
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Guar.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 13.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 16.

14
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 14.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 24.

15
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 16.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 13.

16
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Steareth-6.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 17.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 28.

17
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Acetic Acid is created during the process of fermenting ethanol. It is used to help adjust the pH of cosmetics.

The pH of your skin is important to maintaining a healthy barrier. This barrier keeps your skin hydrated and protects your skin from external factors such as bacteria.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 18.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 30.

18
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 19.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 26.

19
What it does: Cleansing

We don't have a description for Trideceth-10.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 20.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 21.

20
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Trideceth-3.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 21.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 29.

21
What it does:

We don't have a description for Trisodium Hedta.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 22.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 31.

22
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term '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.

Learn more about Limonene

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 23.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 22.

23
What it does: Astringent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Euphorbia Cerifera Cera is AKA as Candelilla wax. It is a natural emollient and helps give products a thick consistency.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia safe.

This wax comes from a shrub native to Mexico. Since it is a plant derived wax, it is considered vegan.

Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Cera

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 24.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 14.

24
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 25.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 25.

25
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.

It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.

The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.

Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Myristate

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 26.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 15.

26
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Amodimethicone is a type of silicone.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 27.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 18.

27
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.

Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 28.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 19.

28
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Hexyl 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 Cinnamal

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 29.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 23.

29
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, 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.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term '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. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

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 Parfum

L'Oreal Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 30.

Matrix Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 11.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

13% are loved or liked
3% have mixed ratings
60% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
13% are loved or liked
3% have mixed ratings
55% are disliked or very disliked
29% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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