Olaplex Nº.4 BOND MAINTENANCE SHAMPOO

A highly concentrated, reparative shampoo featuring Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate to rebuild broken bonds and mild surfactants for a color-safe cleanse.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula represents a high-performance bond-maintenance shampoo (recognizable as Olaplex No. 4). Its standout feature is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a patented ingredient designed to repair broken disulfide bonds in damaged hair. The cleansing system is excellent, utilizing a blend of mild, sulfate-free surfactants like Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate that clean without stripping natural oils. It is packed with conditioning agents, including Amodimethicone (a smart silicone that targets damage) and Argan Oil Ferment, ensuring the hair feels soft, manageable, and strengthened.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The formula is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and generally safe for daily use. However, it contains Fragrance (Parfum) and specific fragrance allergens like Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Citral, which may irritate very sensitive scalps. It also utilizes PEG compounds (e.g., PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate) and silicones, which are considered safe by regulatory bodies but are sometimes avoided by consumers looking for strictly natural or ‘clean’ beauty formulations due to environmental or buildup concerns.

Final Rating: 4.5

This is a top-tier shampoo specifically engineered for chemically treated or damaged hair. The inclusion of proprietary bond-building technology sets it apart from standard drugstore shampoos. While the inclusion of synthetic fragrance and silicones prevents it from being a ‘10’ for natural-ingredient purists, the efficacy of the formulation in restoring hair health and moisture balance is exceptionally high.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated approach to hair repair, anchored by the inclusion of Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a patented ingredient famous for its ability to cross-link broken disulfide bonds in the hair structure. Rather than just coating the hair to simulate health, this key active works to restore integrity to strands damaged by chemical services and heat. The cleansing mechanism is driven by Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, which are gentle, sulfate-free surfactants. These cleansers create a rich lather without stripping hair color or natural oils, making the product exceptionally safe for dyed or processed hair. The texture and finish are heavily influenced by a blend of silicones, including Amodimethicone and Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer. These ingredients provide immense slip, detangling capabilities, and shine, selectively targeting damaged areas of the cuticle. While effective for manageability, the presence of these silicones makes the product unsuitable for those strictly following the ‘Curly Girl Method’ who avoid non-water-soluble silicones. The formula is nutrient-dense, boasting Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, and fermented oils like Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate to boost hydration levels. However, because it is so concentrated and rich in conditioning agents like Glycereth-26 and Polyquaternium-10, it can be heavy. Individuals with fine hair or oily scalps may find it weighs their hair down if not rinsed thoroughly. Finally, potential irritants such as Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, and Limonene are present, which serves as a caution for those with hypersensitive skin.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water/Aqua/Eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate / 月桂酰甲基羟乙基磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant/Cleansing

Concerns: Low

Notes: A very mild, water-soluble, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut.

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

Purpose: Surfactant/Foam Booster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Mild amphoteric surfactant, helps with foam and conditioning.

🧪 Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate / 椰油酰甘氨酸钾

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Amino acid-based surfactant, very mild.

🧪 Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸二钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Vegetable-derived, leaves skin/hair feeling soft.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low to Moderate

Notes: Enhances the penetration of other ingredients; generally safe in rinse-off products.

🧪 Potassium Cocoate / 椰油酸钾

Purpose: Emulsifier/Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Potassium salt of coconut acid.

🧪 Decyl Glucoside / 癸基葡糖苷

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Gentle, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant.

🧪 Cocamidopropylamine Oxide / 椰油酰胺丙基氧化胺

Purpose: Surfactant/Foam Stabilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Conditioning surfactant.

🧪 Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate / 月桂醇聚醚磺基琥珀酸酯二钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Mild anionic surfactant suitable for sensitive skin; large molecule that doesn’t penetrate skin.

🧪 Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Mild amino acid based cleansing agent.

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate / 月桂基雷琐辛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Derived from coconut and palm oils; conforms to Ecocert standards.

📁 Active Repair & Conditioning Agents / 活性修复与调理剂

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

Purpose: Hair Bond Builder

Concerns: Low

Notes: The patented active ingredient primarily associated with Olaplex; repairs disulfide bonds in hair.

🧪 Glycereth-26 / 甘油聚醚-26

Purpose: Humectant/Viscosity Control

Concerns: Low

Notes: Holds moisture.

🧪 Methyl Gluceth-20 / 甲基葡糖醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Corn sugar derived, gentle moisturizer.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5)

Purpose: Conditioning/Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5, strengthens and moisturizes hair.

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

Purpose: Hair Conditioning/Strengthening

Concerns: Low

Notes: Strengthens hair against breakage.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Powerful moisturizer.

🧪 Biotin / 生物素

Purpose: Hair Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Vitamin B7, often used for hair health.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Common moisturizer.

📁 Silicones & Polymers / 硅油与聚合物

🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Conditioning Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Selectively binds to damaged areas of hair; lighter than Dimethicone.

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Antistatic/Film Former

Concerns: Low

Notes: Cationic polymer, helps with detangling.

🧪 Polyquaternium-11 / 聚季铵盐-11

Purpose: Antistatic/Film Former

Concerns: Low

Notes: Provides light hold and conditioning.

🧪 Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer / 二乙烯基聚二甲基硅氧烷/聚二甲基硅氧烷共聚物

Purpose: Conditioning/Film Forming

Concerns: Low

Notes: Silicone polymer for smoothness.

🧪 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride / 瓜儿胶羟丙基三甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Antistatic/Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Derived from Guar gum.

🧪 Sodium Polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: Low

Notes: Absorbent polymer.

📁 Botanical Extracts & Oils / 植物提取物与油类

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Low

Notes: Rich in Vitamin E.

🧪 Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil / 杏核油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Low

Notes: Moisturizing oil.

🧪 Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate / 假丝酵母/阿甘油发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Conditioning/Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Fermented Argan oil, easier absorption.

🧪 Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate / 假丝酵母/绿茶籽油发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Conditioning/Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Fermented Green Tea oil.

🧪 Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract / 巴西莓果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Acai berry extract.

🧪 Punica Granatum Extract / 石榴提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant/Astringent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Pomegranate extract.

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

Purpose: Antimicrobial/Soothing

Concerns: Low

Notes: Common botanical extract.

🧪 Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract / 香蕉果提取物

Purpose: Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Rich in minerals.

🧪 Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract / 海巴戟果提取物

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Noni fruit extract.

🧪 Arctium Lappa Root Extract / 牛蒡根提取物

Purpose: Soothing/Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Good for scalp health.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 质地调节、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Glycol Distearate / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Opacifier/Pearlizing Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Gives shampoo the pearlescent look.

🧪 Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer/Binder

Concerns: Low

Notes: Stabilizes the formula.

🧪 PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener/Surfactant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Reduces irritation of whole formula.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Used to balance pH.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster/Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Alternative to parabens.

🧪 Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Binds metal ions; improves stability.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Stabilizer.

🧪 Pentasodium Triphosphate / 三聚磷酸五钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent/pH Adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Water softener.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Moderate (High in raw form)

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to adjust pH; safe in final product.

🧪 Acetic Acid / 乙酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Vinegar acid.

🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent/Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Often corn-derived.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Vitamin E.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low to Moderate

Notes: Common cosmetic preservative.

🧪 Chlorphenesin / 氯苯甘醚

Purpose: Preservative/Antimicrobial

Concerns: Low to Moderate

Notes: Prevents bacteria/fungi.

🧪 Benzoic Acid / 苯甲酸

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low

Notes: pH dependent preservative.

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low

Notes: Mild preservative.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low

Notes: Food grade preservative.

📁 Fragrance & Allergens / 香精与致敏原

🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Moderate

Notes: Blend of aromatic chemicals; can be irritating to sensitive skin.

🧪 Hexyl Cinnamal / 己基肉桂醛

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Moderate

Notes: Potential allergen.

🧪 Limonene / 柠檬烯

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Moderate

Notes: Citrus scent; potential allergen.

🧪 Citral / 柠檬醛

Purpose: Fragrance Component

Concerns: Moderate

Notes: Lemon scent; potential allergen.