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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner versus Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother .

Last updated on October 25, 2023. Published on April 25, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 24 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances, oils 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.

Conditioner American Brand United States
Styling Creams & Spray American Brand United States

Conditioner

Moisturizing agents for hair.

Styling Creams & Spray

Cream and spray products that help style hair. Some spray products include blowout sprays and sea-salt sprays.

Price

Shop

Buy No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Starts at $14.00
Shop

Buy No.6 Bond Smoother

Starts at $30.00

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
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

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

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (3)

Concerns

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

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

WaterCetearyl AlcoholPpg-3 Benzyl Ether MyristateCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl AlcoholOctyldodecyl RicinoleateQuaternium-91Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone CopolymerCetrimonium ChlorideGlycerinIsododecaneCetyl EstersBehentrimonium ChloridePanthenolParfumPhenoxyethanolPhospholipidsHydroxypropyl GuarDimethicone Peg-7 IsostearateGlycine Soja Oil Peg-7 AmodimethiconePeg-45mAmodimethiconeDisodium EDTAPolysilicone-15Camellia Sinensis Seed OilC11-15 Pareth-7Sodium PolyacrylateC12-13 Pareth-3C12-13 Pareth-23Vitis ViniferaCamellia Oleifera Seed OilPersea Gratissima OilCrambe Abyssinica Seed OilLaureth-9Trideceth-12Butylene GlycolCitric AcidAhnfeltiopsis Concinna ExtractIodopropynyl ButylcarbamateAcetic AcidSodium AcetateTocopheryl Linoleate/OleatePseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract FiltratePseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment FiltrateHydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidHelianthus Annuus Seed OilQuaternium-95PropanediolHelianthus Annuus Seed ExtractPeg-8Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol DimaleatePunica Granatum ExtractMorinda Citrifolia Fruit ExtractPeg-8/Smdi CopolymerEuterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractPalmitoyl Myristyl SerinateBHASilicaSodium BenzoatePotassium SorbateTocopherolPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateBiotinCitralHexyl CinnamalLimoneneHydroxypropyl CyclodextrinChlorphenesinPropylene GlycolSodium DehydroacetatePeg-4 LauratePeg-4 DilauratePeg-4Etidronic Acid

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

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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

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 1.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 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

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 2.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
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.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 9.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 13.

4
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

Learn more about Isododecane

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 11.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
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%.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 13.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 14.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 41.

7
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

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 15.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 12.

8
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.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 16.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 14.

9
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Guar.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 18.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 18.

10
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 24.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 25.

11
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

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 38.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 42.

12
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 40.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 28.

Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 44.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 37.

14
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.

Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.

Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.

Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 47.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 34.

15
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 49.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 10.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 52.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 11.

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

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 60.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 36.

18
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 61.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 33.

19
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Tocopherol

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 62.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 31.

20
What it does: Perfuming

Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.

The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.

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.

The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.

Learn more about Citral

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 65.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 23.

21
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

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 66.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 21.

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

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 67.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 22.

23
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 68.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 20.

24
What it does:

We don't have a description for Etidronic Acid.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 75.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 30.

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

23% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
41% have no rating yet
22% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner 75 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients

2.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Soft (1) Straight Hair (1)
BubbIes's avatar

BubbIes

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I felt meh about how this made my hair look, until I looked into the ingredients and now I'm throwing this out. If you're not at all acne prone,...

I felt meh about how this made my hair look, until I looked into the ingredients and now I'm throwing this out. If you're not at all acne prone, this MIGHT be okay.

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