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Product Comparison

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

Last updated on October 25, 2023. Published on February 26, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 16 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin C and 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.

Leave-in Conditioner American Brand United States
Styling Creams & Spray American Brand United States

Leave-in Conditioner

A type of no-rinse conditioner that hydrates the 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 Leave in Conditioner

Starts at $30.00
Shop

Buy No.6 Bond Smoother

Starts at $30.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner 54 ingredients

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner 54 ingredients

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

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

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.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner 54 ingredients

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients

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

Ouai Leave in 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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 3.

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

3
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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 5.

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

4
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.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 6.

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

5
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 10.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 38.

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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 13.

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

7
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.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

8
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%.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 32.

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

9
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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 45.

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

10
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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 46.

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

11
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".

Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.

Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.

Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,

Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.

Learn more about Citronellol

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 47.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 27.

12
What it does: Perfuming, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.

Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.

Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.

Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.

Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.

2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-

Learn more about Geraniol

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 48.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 32.

13
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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 51.

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

14
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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 52.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 26.

15
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".

Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 53.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother contains this as ingredient number 29.

16
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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 54.

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

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

Ouai Leave in Conditioner 54 ingredients

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients

43% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
26% are disliked or very disliked
24% 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.

When to use

Ouai Leave in Conditioner 54 ingredients

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Ouai Leave in Conditioner 54 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating

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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