Olaplex Nº.4 BOND MAINTENANCE SHAMPOO

A highly concentrated bond-building shampoo designed to repair, hydrate, and strengthen damaged hair while maintaining color integrity through a sulfate-free formula.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula features Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a patented bond-building technology that helps repair disulfide bonds in damaged hair. It uses a sophisticated blend of sulfate-free surfactants such as Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, providing a gentle yet effective cleanse. The addition of fermented oils, hydrolyzed protein, and hyaluronic acid ensures the hair remains hydrated, strong, and manageable.

Safety Rating: 4.2

The product is formulated without harsh sulfates, making it safer for color-treated and keratin-treated hair. It utilizes well-tolerated preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate. However, the presence of fragrance and potential allergens such as Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Citral may be a concern for individuals with highly sensitive skin or scalp conditions.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier professional shampoo that successfully balances advanced chemical repair with cosmetic elegance. It is exceptionally well-suited for damaged, color-treated, or chemically processed hair. While it carries a premium price point and contains some fragrance allergens, its bond-strengthening capabilities and high-quality surfactant profile make it one of the most effective shampoos on the market.

Verdict

This shampoo stands out in the market due to the inclusion of Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a patented ingredient specifically engineered to relink disulfide bonds broken by chemical services and heat styling. Unlike standard cleansers, it functions as a therapeutic treatment that addresses structural damage at a molecular level. The surfactant base is exceptionally gentle, utilizing Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine to create a luxurious, dense lather that removes impurities without stripping the scalp of essential moisture or accelerating color fade. The formula is further enriched with a high-performance blend of fermented oils, including Argan and Green Tea, which offer superior penetration compared to standard oils. Sodium Hyaluronate and Panthenol ensure that the hair remains hydrated and elastic, preventing future brittleness. Additionally, the presence of Amodimethicone provides targeted conditioning to high-damage areas, resulting in a significant reduction in frizz and improved manageability. While the ingredient list is powerhouse of nutrition, the inclusion of several silicones and polyquaterniums means that users with fine hair should be mindful of potential buildup over time. This product is best described as a bridge between clinical repair and daily maintenance, offering a significant boost in shine and tensile strength. It is a premier choice for anyone dealing with the aftermath of heavy bleaching or frequent thermal tool use, though those with sensitive scalps should note the presence of botanical extracts and fragrance compounds like Limonene and Citral.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Cleansing Agents and Surfactants / 表面活性剂与清洁成分

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate / 月桂酰甲基异塞替酸钠

Purpose: Mild surfactant

Concerns: Generally low concern

Notes: A sulfate-free cleanser derived from coconut.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant and foam booster

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Gentle amphoteric surfactant.

🧪 Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate / 椰油酰甘氨酸钾

Purpose: Cleansing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Amino acid-based surfactant.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Cleansing and conditioning agent

Concerns: May enhance penetration of other ingredients

Notes: Provides a creamy lather.

🧪 Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate / 月桂醇聚醚亚砜琥珀酸酯二钠

Purpose: Gentle cleanser

Concerns: Low risk

Notes: Large molecule that does not penetrate skin easily.

📁 Conditioning and Hair Repair / 调理与修复成分

🧪 Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate / 双-氨丙基二甘醇二马来酸酯

Purpose: Hair bond repair

Concerns: None

Notes: The patented core ingredient for Olaplex bond maintenance.

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Anti-static and film forming

Concerns: Build-up potential

Notes: Provides combability and smoothness.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Pro-vitamin B5 moisturizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Strengthens and retains moisture.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol / 水解植物蛋白 PG-丙基硅烷三醇

Purpose: Hair strengthening

Concerns: None

Notes: Increases hair strength and reduces breakage.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts and retains moisture in the hair shaft.

📁 Natural Extracts and Oils / 天然提取物与油脂

🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids.

🧪 Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil / 杏仁油

Purpose: Nourishing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Moisturizes and softens the hair.

🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Possible sensitivity

Notes: Stimulates scalp health.

🧪 Punica Granatum Extract / 石榴提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects hair from environmental stress.

📁 Preservatives and Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Concentration limits

Notes: Prevents microbial growth.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Skin-conditioning agent and preservative enhancer.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Common food-grade preservative.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: Environmental impact

Notes: Prevents metal ions from affecting product stability.

📁 Fragrance and Sensitizers / 香精与致敏原

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Scenting

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Provides the product’s distinctive smell.

🧪 Hexyl Cinnamal / 己基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Allergen

Notes: Naturally occurring or synthetic jasmine-like scent.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance component

Concerns: Sensitizer when oxidized

Notes: Common citrus-derived scent molecule.