This is the highly acclaimed Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, a sulfate-free, color-safe, and highly concentrated daily reparative shampoo formulated with a patented bond-building technology to restore, strengthen, and hydrate damaged hair.
The high performance rating of 9.2/10 is driven by a sophisticated blend of gentle cleansers and advanced hair-repair technologies. It features mild, sulfate-free surfactants such as Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine that cleanse without stripping the hair’s natural oils. The standout active ingredient is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a patented bond-builder designed to restore and strengthen disulfide bonds in damaged hair. This is complemented by conditioning agents like Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium-10, and Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride for superior frizz control and manageability, alongside deep-hydrating agents like Glycerin, Panthenol, and Sodium Hyaluronate. Fermented botanical oils, including Argan and Green Tea Ferments, provide additional nourishment and shine.
The safety rating of 8.3/10 reflects a highly safe, skin-friendly profile that completely avoids harsh sulfates, parabens, and traditional formaldehyde-releasers. The formulation utilizes a mild preservative system featuring Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, and Sodium Benzoate. The score is slightly reduced due to the inclusion of Fragrance (Parfum) and potential aromatic allergens such as Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Citral. These ingredients present a low risk of irritation for the general population but could trigger contact sensitivity in individuals with highly reactive skin or pre-existing fragrance allergies.
Earning an overall rating of 8.8/10, this shampoo represents an exceptional fusion of professional-grade bond repair and nourishing hair care. It delivers salon-quality performance by utilizing Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate to rebuild compromised hair structure, backed by a mild, non-drying cleansing system. While the presence of added fragrance and a few botanical allergens slightly lowers its safety score, the overall formulation is highly safe, restorative, and outstandingly beneficial for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair.
This formulation is the world-renowned Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, celebrated for its revolutionary ability to repair hair at a molecular level. At the heart of this formula is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a patented bond-building active ingredient that works by finding single sulfur-hydrogen bonds and cross-linking them back together to form disulfide bonds. This process dramatically restores hair strength, elasticity, and structural integrity, making it an absolute holy grail for anyone dealing with chemical, thermal, or mechanical damage. Beyond its core bond-building technology, this shampoo features an incredibly sophisticated and gentle surfactant system. By utilizing mild cleansing agents like Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine instead of harsh sulfates, it removes excess sebum and buildup without stripping the hair of its natural moisture. This makes the shampoo exceptionally color-safe and gentle enough for daily use, preserving the vibrancy of salon dyes while preventing the dryness typically associated with clarifying shampoos. The formula is further enriched with a dense network of nourishing oils and botanical extracts. Ingredients like Apricot Kernel Oil, fermented Argan Oil, and Green Tea Seed Oil work in tandem with humectants like Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate to infuse deep hydration. The presence of Amodimethicone ensures targeted conditioning, selectively binding to highly damaged areas to smooth the cuticle, eliminate frizz, and provide excellent slip. Furthermore, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein provides an extra layer of structural reinforcement. However, users should note that this is a highly concentrated formula. A very small, dime-sized amount is sufficient to create a rich, creamy lather, meaning the bottle lasts much longer than typical shampoos. While highly beneficial for dry, damaged, or bleached hair, the abundance of oils, mild silicones, and proteins might eventually weigh down extremely fine or low-porosity hair if used too frequently. Additionally, the presence of added fragrance and essential oil constituents like Limonene and Citral could potentially trigger sensitivity in individuals with highly reactive scalps. Overall, it stands as an elite, salon-grade reparative treatment that delivers visible, lasting health to compromised hair.
🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate / 月桂酰甲基羟乙基磺酸钠
Purpose: Primary mild surfactant
Concerns: Very low risk of irritation, sulfate-free.
Notes: Creates a rich, luxurious lather while being incredibly gentle.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺化甜菜碱
Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant
Concerns: Very low irritation potential
Notes: Enhances foam and conditions hair.
🧪 Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate / 椰油酰甘氨酸钾
Purpose: Amino acid-based surfactant
Concerns: Extremely gentle, safe
Notes: Provides creamy foam and soft hair feel.
🧪 Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸二钠
Purpose: Gentle amino acid-derived surfactant
Concerns: Eco-friendly, very mild
Notes: Well tolerated by sensitive skin.
🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠
Purpose: Mild foaming surfactant
Concerns: Can increase skin absorption of other ingredients
Notes: Leaves a smooth and conditioned hair surface.
🧪 Potassium Cocoate / 椰油酸钾
Purpose: Liquid soap surfactant
Concerns: Slightly more alkaline, but balanced by mild co-surfactants
Notes: Derived from whole coconut oil.
🧪 Decyl Glucoside / 癸基葡萄糖苷
Purpose: Gentle non-ionic surfactant
Concerns: Extremely safe, biodegradable
Notes: Commonly used in baby products.
🧪 Cocamidopropylamine Oxide / 椰油酰胺丙基氧化胺
Purpose: Foam stabilizer and conditioner
Concerns: Low skin irritation risk
Notes: Helps control static electricity in hair.
🧪 Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate / 月桂醇聚醚磺基琥珀酸酯二钠
Purpose: Highly gentle surfactant
Concerns: Sulfate-free alternative, very low irritation
Notes: Ideal for colored and sensitive scalps.
🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠
Purpose: Amino acid surfactant
Concerns: Highly safe and biodegradable
Notes: Protects natural skin moisture barrier.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate / 月桂基磺基乙酸钠
Purpose: Mild foaming agent
Concerns: Not to be confused with SLS; safe for skin
Notes: Has a larger molecular size, preventing penetration.
🧪 Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate / 双-氨丙基二甘醇二马来酸酯
Purpose: Hair bond rebuilder
Concerns: No known cosmetic hazards
Notes: Olaplex’s patented active ingredient that links broken disulfide bonds.
🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Selective conditioning silicone
Concerns: Potential for buildup over long-term use
Notes: Binds strongly to damaged areas, leaving hair silky and protected.
🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10
Purpose: Anti-static polymer
Concerns: May cause minor buildup
Notes: Improves hair texture, combability, and body.
🧪 Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer / 二乙烯基二甲基硅氧烷/二甲基硅氧烷共聚物
Purpose: Film-forming conditioning agent
Concerns: Could lead to hair buildup
Notes: Imparts excellent wet/dry combability and shine.
🧪 Polyquaternium-11 / 聚季铵盐-11
Purpose: Conditioner and film-former
Concerns: Minor buildup risk
Notes: Helps define curls and tame flyaways.
🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Natural cationic polymer
Concerns: Very safe
Notes: Derived from guar gum; offers excellent detangling.
🧪 Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol / 水解植物蛋白 PG-丙基硅烷三醇
Purpose: Protein-silicone strengthening complex
Concerns: Low hazard
Notes: Penetrates the cortex to dramatically increase hair strength.
🧪 Quaternium-95 / 季铵盐-95
Purpose: UV absorber and conditioner
Concerns: Extremely safe
Notes: Protects hair fibers and color from solar degradation.
🧪 Palmitoyl Myristyl Serinate / 棕榈酰肉豆蔻基丝氨酸酯
Purpose: Ceramide-mimicking conditioning agent
Concerns: No concerns
Notes: Helps restore the protective cuticle layer of hair.
🧪 Biotin / 生物素
Purpose: Vitamin conditioning agent
Concerns: Completely safe
Notes: Supports hair elasticity and vitality.
🧪 Glycereth-26 / 甘油聚醚-26
Purpose: Humectant and emollient
Concerns: Very low risk
Notes: Locks in water and adds smooth glide.
🧪 Methyl Gluceth-20 / 甲基葡糖醇聚醚-20
Purpose: Moisturizer and mildness enhancer
Concerns: Highly non-irritating
Notes: Naturally derived from corn sugar.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Classic humectant
Concerns: Can feel sticky in very high concentrations
Notes: Draws moisture into hair fibers.
🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇
Purpose: Provitamin B5 humectant
Concerns: Highly safe and soothing
Notes: Deeply hydrates and adds shine to dull hair.
🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油
Purpose: Nourishing plant oil
Concerns: Completely safe
Notes: Rich in vitamin E and essential lipids.
🧪 Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil / 库拉索杏核油
Purpose: Lightweight emollient
Concerns: Low hazard
Notes: Softens hair strands without weighting them down.
🧪 Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate / 拟酵母属/刺阿干树仁油发酵产物过滤液
Purpose: Fermented argan oil conditioning agent
Concerns: Very safe
Notes: Enhanced absorption and nourishment due to fermentation.
🧪 Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate / 拟酵母属/茶籽油发酵产物提取物过滤液
Purpose: Fermented green tea seed oil
Concerns: Highly safe
Notes: Antioxidant-rich fermented oil that boosts hair shine.
🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇
Purpose: Eco-friendly humectant and solvent
Concerns: Very gentle
Notes: An alternative to propylene glycol derived from corn.
🧪 PEG-8 / PEG-8
Purpose: Moisture-binding solvent
Concerns: Trace impurity concerns in lower-quality sources
Notes: Acts as a formulation stabilizer and humectant.
🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠
Purpose: High-performance humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Provides exceptional, weightless hydration to hair and scalp.
🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract / 向日葵籽提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant and photo-protective botanical
Concerns: Rare botanical allergies
Notes: Protects hair color against UV damage.
🧪 Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract / 巴西莓果提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant superfood extract
Concerns: Very low risk
Notes: Protects hair from oxidative stress.
🧪 Punica Granatum Extract / 石榴提取物
Purpose: Soothing antioxidant
Concerns: Safe
Notes: Nourishes scalp and protects hair follicles.
🧪 Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract / 迷迭香叶提取物
Purpose: Scalp stimulating and conditioning botanical
Concerns: Slight allergic contact risk in hypersensitive skin
Notes: Improves scalp environment and adds natural luster.
🧪 Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract / 甘蕉果提取物
Purpose: Softening fruit extract
Concerns: Safe
Notes: Full of vitamins to smooth and hydrate hair.
🧪 Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract / 牛至叶提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant and clarifying extract
Concerns: Sensitization potential in concentrated levels
Notes: Provides natural protective qualities.
🧪 Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract / 海巴戟果提取物
Purpose: Conditioning noni extract
Concerns: Safe
Notes: Protects and nurtures hair strands.
🧪 Arctium Lappa Root Extract / 牛蒡根提取物
Purpose: Scalp-soothing extract
Concerns: Very safe
Notes: Helps control excess sebum and calm scalp discomfort.
🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇双硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Pearlizing and opacifying agent
Concerns: Low hazard
Notes: Provides the rich, pearlescent shimmer to the liquid.
🧪 Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸（酯）类共聚物
Purpose: Thickener and suspension agent
Concerns: Synthetic polymer, environmental bioaccumulation debate
Notes: Keeps ingredients evenly dispersed.
🧪 PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯
Purpose: Highly gentle thickener
Concerns: Ethoxylation impurity risk (1,4-dioxane), heavily regulated
Notes: Drastically reduces the potential irritation of cleansing agents.
🧪 C11-15 Alketh-7 / C11-15 链烷醇聚醚-7
Purpose: Emulsifying surfactant
Concerns: Minor skin irritation risk in pure form
Notes: Helps solubilize active ingredients and silicones.
🧪 Laureth-9 / 月桂醇聚醚-9
Purpose: Emulsifier and soothing surfactant
Concerns: May trigger mild irritation in rare cases
Notes: Stabilizes formulation structure.
🧪 Trideceth-12 / 异十三醇聚醚-12
Purpose: Emulsifying agent
Concerns: Safe in cosmetics
Notes: Keeps silicones like amodimethicone dispersed in water.
🧪 C12-13 Alketh-23 / C12-13 链烷醇聚醚-23
Purpose: Co-emulsifier
Concerns: Low risk
Notes: Contributes to uniform texture.
🧪 C12-13 Alketh-3 / C12-13 链烷醇聚醚-3
Purpose: Emulsion stabilizer
Concerns: Low risk
Notes: Enhances sensory consistency.
🧪 PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer / PEG-8/SMDI 共聚物
Purpose: Polymer thickener and film-former
Concerns: Safe
Notes: Provides smooth feel and helps hair hold onto hydration.
🧪 Sodium Polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠
Purpose: Viscosity-controlling agent
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions.
🧪 Water/Aqua/Eau / 水
Purpose: Primary solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The foundation of most liquid cosmetic formulations.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster
Concerns: Eye irritant in high concentration
Notes: Ensures the shampoo remains slightly acidic for optimal hair health.
🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠
Purpose: Biodegradable chelating agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent formula degradation and buildup on hair.
🧪 Acetic Acid / 乙酸
Purpose: pH adjuster and buffer
Concerns: Strongly acidic in pure state, completely safe at this level
Notes: Closes the hair cuticle to maximize shine.
🧪 Pentasodium Triphosphate / 三聚磷酸五钠
Purpose: Chelator and buffering agent
Concerns: Environmental aquatic toxicity if in high amounts
Notes: Stabilizes mineral levels in the shampoo.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: Alkalizing pH adjuster
Concerns: Highly alkaline, but fully neutralized in product
Notes: Used strictly for formulation pH balancing.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Traditional chelating agent
Concerns: Slow environmental biodegradation
Notes: Blocks hard water minerals from sticking to hair.
🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚
Purpose: Vitamin E antioxidant
Concerns: Extremely safe
Notes: Protects delicate botanical oils from rancidity.
🧪 Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate / 季戊四醇四（双-叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸）酯
Purpose: Highly stable antioxidant
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: Prevents cosmetic discoloration caused by light exposure.
🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油
Purpose: Preservative booster and humectant
Concerns: Mild contact allergen in rare cases
Notes: Enhances the efficacy of traditional preservatives.
🧪 Glyoxal / 乙二醛
Purpose: Trace preservative stabilizer
Concerns: Potential skin irritant and restricted in EU in high quantities
Notes: Typically present only in trace amounts from raw material processing.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Broad-spectrum preservative
Concerns: May cause skin sensitivity in infants or sensitive individuals
Notes: Limits bacterial growth, used safely under 1%.
🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚
Purpose: Antimicrobial preservative
Concerns: Slight sensitization risk
Notes: Maintains stability against yeast and mold.
🧪 Benzoic Acid / 苯甲酸
Purpose: Organic acid preservative
Concerns: Generally safe, mild allergen risk
Notes: Works best in acidic formulas.
🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾
Purpose: Food-grade preservative
Concerns: Highly safe, potential mild contact reaction
Notes: Inhibits mold growth.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Gentle preservative
Concerns: Low hazard
Notes: Commonly used in organic cosmetic formulations.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Aromatic scent
Concerns: High risk of sensitization for allergy-prone skin
Notes: A proprietary blend of ingredients that gives the signature scent.
🧪 Hexyl Cinnamal / 己基肉桂醛
Purpose: Fragrance allergen
Concerns: Known sensitizer, regulated in EU
Notes: Produces a warm, jasmine-like floral scent.
🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯
Purpose: Fragrance allergen
Concerns: Oxidized limonene can cause skin irritation
Notes: Gives a fresh citrus scent; naturally found in essential oils.
🧪 Citral / 柠檬醛
Purpose: Fragrance allergen
Concerns: Relatively high sensitization potential
Notes: A major constituent of lemongrass oil, adds sharp lemon aroma.