The INKEY List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment - Europe Versus Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
Updated on June 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, oils and silicones
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
The INKEY List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment 25 ingredients
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The INKEY List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment 25 ingredients
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAmodimethicone
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Bis-PCA Dimethicone
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Trideceth-12
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningDisodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningDilauryl Citrate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Avena Strigosa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientWater, Amodimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Bis-PCA Dimethicone, Sorbitan Laurate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Trideceth-12, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Dilauryl Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientCoco-Caprylate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Isododecane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventBis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Guar
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Etidronic Acid
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Geraniol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Phytantriol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Gigartina Stellata Extract
Skin ProtectingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Coco-Caprylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propanediol, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Parfum, Cetrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Citronellol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydroxycitronellal, Etidronic Acid, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phytantriol, Sodium Benzoate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Gigartina Stellata Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Cocos Nucifera Oil
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 WaterThis 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.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium 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 BenzoatePotassium 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 AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The INKEY List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment 25 ingredients
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The INKEY List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment 25 ingredients
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother 46 ingredients
This leave-in has to be the worst I've tried so far; It has silicone, alcohol, and parfum high on the INCI list and - probably due to build up - lost a good chunk of hair.
Use a well clarifying shampoo that has sulfates if you'll use this and no, I didn't see "good" differences after applying it.
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.
