Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo Versus Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Bain Shampoo
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and oils
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
Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo 40 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Bain Shampoo 26 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo 40 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Bain Shampoo 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Cocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Amodimethicone
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Glycerin
Humectant
Citrus Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Polyquaternium-7
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate
CleansingCetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
C11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingLaureth-9
EmulsifyingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingCocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Cleansing
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamide Mipa, Glycol Distearate, Parfum, Amodimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Citrus Japonica Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Polyquaternium-7, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate, Cetrimonium Chloride, C11-15 Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Trideceth-12, Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopherol, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, CI 15985
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Coco-Betaine
CleansingLaureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Polyquaternium-10
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Acetate
BufferingIsopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, Cocamide Mea, Isopropyl Myristate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicylic Acid, Citronellol, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Caramel, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, CI 19140, CI 17200, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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 ParfumSodium 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.
It 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 BenzoateChances 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 ChlorideSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo 40 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Bain Shampoo 26 ingredients
Reviews
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