Trader Joe's Hair Oil Versus Ouai Hair Oil
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCoco-Caprylate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBis-Carboxydecyl Dimethicone
EmollientSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingPseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
HumectantBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialIsododecane, Dimethicone, Coco-Caprylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Carboxydecyl Dimethicone, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Zea Mays Oil, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Beta-Carotene, Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientCrambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCoconut Alkanes
EmollientKaempferia Galanga Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPolysilicone-15
UV FilterDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingBenzoic Acid
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitronellol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dimethiconol, Jojoba Esters, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polysilicone-15, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Beta-Carotene, BHT, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Geraniol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Beta-Carotene is a fat-soluble carotenoid pigment. It is the thing responsible for giving carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and other orange-yellow produce their color.
It is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals (mainly reactive oxygen species) that come at your skin from both the environment and internal processes.
When applied topically, beta-carotene accumulates in your outermost layer of skin and acts as a first-line defense against photo-oxidative stress.
Research has established that carotenoids like beta-carotene boosts your skin's innate resistance against UVB induced erythema. Please know this does not mean beta-carotene can replace your sunscreen.
Newer studies show it can also help inhibit molecular markers of oxidative stress like MMP-1 and MMP-9, enzymes that break down collagen.
In some cases, it can be used as a cosmetic colorant as well (INCI name: CI 40800).
Beta-carotene pairs well with other antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin C for a synergistic effect.
Learn more about Beta-CaroteneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilIsododecane 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.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.
As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.
Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.
Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed OilParfum 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 ParfumPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeThis ingredient is also known as sweet almond oil. It is a lightweight, cold-pressed oil from the ripe seeds of the sweet almond tree.
Sweet almond oil is rich in skin-nourishing fatty acids such as oleic acid (55-86%) and linolenic acid (7-35%).
As an emollient, it softens and hydrates skin by forming a thin barrier that locks in moisture.
Clinical studies have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated the available safety data and concluded it is safe for topical use.
Because of the oleic acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil