welcome to our ingredient guide! here, we're pulling back the hood + deep-diving into what makes our performance-packed haircare so effective.
fragrances are the aromatic ingredients behind our signature amika scent—aka the reason your mood feels brighter, your hair smells incredible + the compliments keep rolling in.
preservatives help your haircare stay fresh from unboxing to the final pump. basically: no funky smells, no weird textures—just the formula you love, every time.
cleansers are the hardworking ingredients that make your shampoo…well, shampoo. they sweep away buildup, oil + dirt leaving you with that “ahh, finally fresh” feeling.
moisturizers + emollients are your heroes for head-to-toe hydration: they pull in moisture, target dryness + soften your strands + skin.
conditioners help fight frizz, boost shine + make your hair behave (in the best way!). they’re the reason everything feels silky after you rinse.
solvents make sure every pump, spritz + dollop is consistent. they dissolve + distribute ingredients so your hair + skin can soak up *every* benefit.
functionals shape the texture, thickness, slip + stability of your fave formulas to make sure your mask stays creamy, your spray stays fine + your shampoo lathers just right.
performance ingredients are the MVPs of the beauty world, delivering real-deal results like strength repair, humidity protection + intense hydration for a transformation you can see, feel + love.
a powerhouse plant-derived ingredient has entered the chat. aloe barbadensis leaf extract, made from the aloe vera plant, is rich in vitamins + amino acids that help hydrate hair while adding shine + supporting a healthy scalp.
used in 5 products
the superstar behind our smooth collection (+ many more): amodimethicone, a good-for-hair silicone that hits all the high notes: it conditions, smooths, softens, protects + improves manageability.
used in 5 products
arginine, an amino acid, is often blended with other good-for-you amino acids to moisturize your scalp + strands.
used in 1 product
native to rainforest habitats, this powder is highly absorbent + soaks up excess oil.
used in 1 product
this pantry staple for conscious cooking packs a punch for strands, too! avocado oil's got it all: protein, vitamin A, D, E, B6, amino acids, folic acid + minerals that promote moisture + smoothing benefits.
used in 7 products
behentrimonium chloride is a formula fave around here + for good reason! the brains behind our formulas look to this conditioning agent—one of the most popular ingredients in the haircare universe—to help soften, strengthen + detangle your strands.
used in 17 products
benzyl alcohol is a very common, superstar ingredient in the beauty world. it's often added to haircare + skincare formulas to prevent bacteria + other microbes from growing.
used in 15 products
need to strengthen strands + prevent breakage? bis-pca dimethicone is here to do just that. when paired with other strand-loving ingredients, bis-pca dimethicone can help target + strengthen the bonds in hair that are prone to breakage caused by environmental stressors, heat, chemical treatments + so much more.
used in 9 products
when it comes to nourishing strands, borage seed oil is a complete *rockstar.* before borage seed oil makes it to the bottle of your fave formula, we extract the seeds of a starflower plant, a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids. when added to our haircare, it helps to moisturize + nourish strands, while supporting hair strength.
used in 9 products
when you find butylene glycol in your fave haircare formulas, it’s likely there to dissolve other ingredients + keep the formula stable. added bonus? butylene glycol is a great moisturizer.
used in 18 products
calendula extract is an ingredient that adds some serious flower power to haircare. made from marigold plants, this antioxidant-rich extract moisturizes your strands + scalp.
used in 1 product
like to read shampoo bottle labels in the shower? us too! if so, you've probably seen caprylic + capric triglycerides (also known as MCTs) on a label or 2. the brains behind our products look to MCTs to help incorporate ingredients into our formulas more smoothly. MCTs are key for achieving grease-free strands that *also* feel soft, silky + moisturized.
used in 9 products
looking for alternates to silicones in your formulas? keep an eye out for capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid, a silicone alternative which forms a film on strands + skin to help keep them moisturized.
used in 2 products
thirsty strands, look out for caprylyl glycol on your fave product’s ingredient list. this humectant helps strands keep moisture in while softening hair along the way. it's also a great ingredient to keep your fave formulas usable for longer.
used in 10 products
chances are you’ve seen a lot of *buzz* about castor oil—and for good reason! this mega-moisturizer is made with vegetable oil derived from the castor plant + packed with rich fatty acids that can nourish + moisturize strands in need.
used in 5 products
unlike other alcohols that can dry out skin + strands, cetearyl alcohol is a “fatty” alcohol, which can help to create a luxurious lather in your haircare products. it also works as an emollient to help trap moisture for softer, smoother strands.
used in 20 products
unlike other alcohols that can dry out skin + strands, cetyl alcohol is a “fatty” alcohol, which makes it more versatile + moisturizing when used in haircare. cetyl alcohol has a few different jobs in your fave formulas—it works as an emollient to trap moisture + soften strands, as well as an emulsifier to help water-based + oil-based ingredients mix. it can even thicken formulas for a better, more luxe lather.
used in 8 products
a serious scalp detox starts with charcoal powder, an absorbent ingredient that helps remove excess oil, impurities + odor, leaving your scalp + strands deeply cleansed + refreshed.
used in 3 products
cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride may look like a mouthful, but it’s a must-have for days spent in the sun. this ingredient helps absorb ultraviolet radiation (UV) + when added to haircare formulas, it’s known to help prevent UVB damage.
used in 4 products
citric acid wears many hats in your fave haircare formula. its main use is to balance the pH of formulas so they are compatible with your skin’s pH. citric acid also works as a skin exfoliator, gently removing dead skin cells. a bonus? this ingredient can bind to metals within formulas, helping to prevent buildup.
used in 26 products
cocaimidopropyl betaine is a hard-to-say ingredient with an easy-to-understand benefit. simply put: it cleans your hair. without this surfactant, your shampoo wouldn't lather, your conditioner wouldn't (you guessed it) condition + wash day would lead to a major static situation.
used in 9 products
helps dial up shine + hair vitality with natural antioxidants + photoprotective molecules.
used in 4 products
chances are you’ve seen coconut oil in some of your fave formulas, but what about coconut alkanes? like the oil, coconut alkanes act as lightweight emollients to keep moisture in for softer, smoother strands + skin. when used with other similar strand-loving esters, coconut alkanes are an excellent alternative to silicones to help smooth hair without leaving it greasy.
used in 1 product
while drinking coconut water can help you feel more hydrated, did you know it can do the same for thirsty strands? this mega moisturizer conditions + adds shine, while providing the strength + slip needed to resist breakage.
used in 1 product
if you’ve ever sipped on coconut water, you already know all the wonderful benefits it can have for your health. did you know that extends to your strands, too? coconut water contains electrolytes + antioxidants that can help hydrate your hair + strands.
used in 9 products
we love our plant-based ingredients, like curcuma longa root extract. more commonly known as turmeric root extract, we get this ingredient from the roots of the curcuma longa plant + mix it with other plant-based oils to moisturize, condition + nourish your strands.
used in 5 products
a buzzword for the haircare science-obsessed: surfactant. to put it simply, surfactants, like decyl glucoside, are essential to help your shampoo foam up + cleanse your hair (without stripping your strands of moisture). plus, it’s biodegradable, typically derived from coconuts + gentle on your scalp + strands–a win-win!
to keep your fave formula usable for longer, we’ll add ingredients like decylene gylcol. not only does this additive help prevent haircare from spoiling, it also works as an emollient to moisturize skin + strands.
used in 1 product
if you've ever used a makeup primer + saw poreless, silky smooth results...you can probably thank this iconic ingredient. dimethicone, a popular silicone polymer, offers similar perks for your strands: silky slip, pore-filling power + a smoothing barrier that helps to prime + protect your hair.
used in 21 products
you've probably heard of dimethicone in your skincare, so it's time to meet its sister dimethiconol, a thick silicone fluid that helps to detangle, condition + soften strands. that smooth, easy-to-comb-through feel you get after washing or adding a styler to hair? you can thank dimethiconol for that!
used in 1 product
it’s time for a chemistry refresher: atoms (you know, the building blocks of all matter) have positive + negative ions. the negative ions are called anions + disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a prime example of all that anionic surfactants can do: gently cleanse, boost foaming power + latch onto dirt + oil like a magnet.
damaged hair in need of some strengthening? that's where disodium peg-12 dimethicone sulfosuccinate comes in. when paired with other strand-loving ingredients, it can help to create a complex that targets + strengthens the bonds in hair that are most prone to breakage from environmental stressors, heat, chemical treatments + more.
used in 8 products
when you see glyceral sterate show up in your fave formula, know that this fatty acid ester has many jobs to do. like the true multitasker this ingredient is, glyceral sterate works as an emulsifier to blend oil + water ingredients together in haircare formulas + it’s often used as an emollient to moisturize + condition hair. added bonus—glyceral sterate can also be used as a stabilizer to make sure your formulas are always ready-to-use.
used in 6 products
glycine is a mini-but-mighty ingredient that packs a punch considering it’s the smallest amino acid produced in the human body—most notably in collagen! in beauty, it’s beloved for its moisturizing abilities, especially as part of the hydration dream team: natural moisturizing factors (NMF), a naturally occurring blend of ingredients that promote moisture retention.
used in 3 products
an alpha hydroxy acid, when paired with other strand-friendly acids, helps to smooth + reduce frizz when applied to the hair. in addition to helping to adjust the ph level of whichever formula it's featured in, this aha also gently exfoliates the scalp + skin.
used in 4 products
hyaluronic acid is a hydrating molecule that naturally exists in the human body. this hydration hero acts like a sponge, plumping up dry hair by retaining water molecules, providing lasting hydration for hair + skin. even better, hyaluronic acid also creates a barrier-like film on the hair to protect from pollution.
used in 6 products
we all know protein does the body good, but did you know it promotes healthy-looking hair too? to get hydrolyzed rice protein, the proteins found in rice are broken into smaller pieces called peptides. these peptides form a protective layer on the surface of your hair that helps to condition, nourish, volumize + boost shine.
used in 1 product
what it is - we all know veggies do the body good, but did you know they promote healthy-looking hair too? to get hydrolyzed vegetable protein, the proteins found in vegetables are broken into smaller pieces called peptides. these peptides form a protective layer on the surface of your hair that consists of tiny molecules that help to thicken, volumize + make your mane more manageable.
used in 2 products
to get hydrolyzed wheat protein, the proteins found in wheat (yup, the same wheat you eat) are broken into smaller pieces called peptides. these peptides form a protective layer on the surface of your hair known to strengthen strands—leaving your hair nourished, strengthened + less prone to breakage.
used in 3 products
what's that incredible smell? believe it or not, it might be hydroxycitronellal. this ingredient is part of our fragrance that we use in our products to give your fave products a sweet, floral smell similar to lily of the valley.
used in 29 products
isopropyl alcohol has many jobs to do when added to your go-to products. it often acts as a solvent to help dissolve ingredients in water more easily, while also allowing formulas to dry without leaving any residue. isopropyl alcohol can even help to preserve your formulas so they can be used for longer.
used in 13 products
did you know the jojoba seed oil you find in many beauty products isn’t an oil at all? it’s actually a liquid wax that’s incredibly similar to the fats your skin produces naturally. the major difference? jojoba seed oil has the bonus benefits of antioxidants, plus vitamins A + E, making it the nutrient-packed, lightweight moisturizer we know + love in amika formulas.
used in 2 products
kaolin is a pink clay loaded with good-for-hair minerals like aluminum oxide, iron oxide + silicate. the brains behind our formulas love kaolin for the gentle detoxifying, exfoliating + oil-absorbing benefits it can offer your hair + scalp.
an alpha hydroxy acid, when paired with other strand-friendly acids, helps to smooth + reduce frizz when applied to the hair. in addition to helping to adjust the ph level of whichever formula it's featured in, this AHA also gently exfoliates the scalp + skin.
used in 7 products
laurdimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein may be a mouthful, but its job is pretty simple. this ingredient comes from wheat protein mixed with another ingredient called a "quat," which is often used in hair products. when you find this ingredient in your fave haircare, it’s used to help form a thin layer on the hair that adds moisture, makes hair feel softer + makes it easier to comb.
used in 1 product
laureth-9 is often found in your fave shampoos + conditioners + works as a surfactant to help clean your hair gently. it also helps mix + emulsify oils + water in products so they don't separate, keeping the formula smooth + even throughout.
used in 1 product
tangles are a thing of the past when you find laurtrimonium chloride in your formulas. this ingredient makes hair easier to comb, helps strands feel smoother + prevents frizz + static—all without a heavy or greasy feel.
used in 1 product
did you know that an apple contains exfoliating properties? it's true! malic acid, an alphahydroxy acid (AHA) found in apples, is a mild-but-effective exfoliant for refreshing the scalp + smoothing things over. think: lactic or glycolic acid, just gentler.
used in 1 product
yep, the tasty tropical mango you know + love is also in your fave haircare formula! well, to be more specific, mango seed butter taken from the kernels of a mango fruit is. this seed butter is rich in fatty acids, making it the perfect creamy moisturizer to deeply condition + soften strands.
used in 10 products
invigorates the scalp and provides a cool, tingling sensation.
used in 2 products
panthenol (aka pro-vitamin B5) helps moisturize + condition hair while boosting shine + luster. better yet, this multitasker coats the hair to help reduce breakage + tension when combing strands.
used in 17 products
polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent that, you guessed it: conditions. this positively charged polymer latches onto the negative charges on your strands (opposites attract!) to reduce static, friction + tangling.
used in 5 products
softer. smoother. more manageable hair. you’ve heard the clinical claims, now meet the ingredient that may be responsible for your silky strands: polyquaternium-7. this common conditioning agent has made its way into many of our wash + care formulas for its ability to smooth strands + deliver a rich, creamy lather.
used in 13 products
red algae, a naturally occurring seaweed, brings on big benefits + many of them: supporting the health of your hair, protecting from environmental damage + revitalizing your scalp + strands.
used in 1 product
rice bran extract is packed with antioxidants + omega-3 fatty acids that nourish, moisturize + soften your scalp, skin + strands. talk about a dose of daily vitamins!
used in 1 product
1 of the most potent natural ingredients on the planet, this "superfruit" is 1 of the few known plant sources of the fatty-acid omega 7 typically found in fish oil. omega 7 promotes elasticity and provides superior hydration making it the ultimate holy grail ingredient for hair + scalp.
used in 52 products
open sesame! sesame seed oil (yup, the same sesame seeds you eat) is a moisturizing emollient that locks in moisture + helps adds shine. sesame seed oil is packed with good-for-you fats + antioxidants which help to keep strands conditioned + smooth.
used in 5 products
we've loaded your go-to strand strengtheners (think: the kure collection + bust your brass!) with this formula fave for rich moisture + deep nourishment. packed with good-for-you vitamins, minerals + fatty acids, shea butter helps to soften your strands, reinforce your hair's barrier + seal in moisture.
used in 8 products
if you like to read labels like us, you may have seen “sulfate-free” somewhere on your shower shelf. sulfates are tough on grease, but can be harsh on some hair types. we’ve opted for a gentler option: sodium cocoyl isethionate, a non-stripping surfactant that produces a luscious lather + is derived from coconut lipids.
used in 6 products
get your foam on with this gentle cleanser. sodium lauryl oat amino acids helps haircare products foam up for a fresh cleanse during wash day.
used in 1 product
looking for a frizz-fighting formula? sodium lingosulfonate is a key ingredient to get the job done. when paired with other strand-loving ingredients this smoothing superstar interacts with the amino acids in your hair to create a coating that seals the hair cuticle. sodium lignosulfonate helps create an umbrella-like effect that can protect hair from frizz, while improving shine + hydration.
used in 4 products
a major skincare power player (+ for good reason!), squalene is a moisturizing molecule produced by your skin + scalp. squalane, on the other hand, is a molecule derived from sugarcane that mimics squalene + its benefits. this silky, lightweight oil is proven to help protect from dehydration + restore lipid barriers while supporting moisture retention + promoting hair's suppleness.
used in 6 products
pressed from *actual* almonds, sweet almond oil is a superstar softener that provides smoothness, radiance + sheen to hair + skin. enriched with oleic acid, this highly nourishing moisturizer has a light + silky (not thick or sticky!) feel.
used in 2 products
