If you love induldging in skincare without a bursting bank account, then you’ve likely heard of The Ordinary.
The affordable beauty brand offers science-forward lotions and potions that not only don’t break the bank, but they’re just as effective as their competitors’ more expensive products. And now, they’re expanding their offerings into hair care.
Committed to evidence-based, science-backed formulations, The Ordinary‘s hair care launch dares to challenge how we’ve traditionally thought about shampoo, conditioners and scalp care, courtesy of pro-sulphate formulas.
If you’ve typically been an anti-sulphate advocate, The Ordinary clearly wants to change how you view the once-controversial ingredient.
“The anti-sulphates messaging can be attributed to sharing misinformation and maybe even misunderstandings regarding the safety and environmental impact of these incredibly effective ingredients,” Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer at DECIEM told marie claire.
“As a result, brands are removing them from their products, leading to consumers fearing or entirely avoiding the use of products containing Sulphates,” Kaka explains.
“Sulphates are a very effective cleansing ingredient, so instead of removing them, we reduced the concentration down to only essential and effective levels in our Sulphates 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair to create a formula that is mild yet produces effective, gentle cleansing of body and hair.”
But why should we consider reintroducing sulphates back into our hair care routines? Well, according to Kaka, the ingredient is “very effective cleansing agents that break down and remove dirt and other impurities, due to their ability to dissolve the barrier between dirt, oil, and water”.
“Most of this dirt, including sebum, is water insoluble and cannot be effectively removed by water alone,” Kaka said, adding, “sulphates are safe to be used in hair care applications provided that they are intentionally formulated for that intended purpose, as was our product”.
Aside from the ode to sulphates, The Ordinary’s latest launch is shining a light on scalp care, an area of hair care that often gets left behind despite being the catalyst of hair health. Not only is caring for the scalp important, but Kaka explains that sulphates are a game changer to ensure it stays in good nick.
“Sulphates belong to a group known as surfactants, that break down and remove dirt and other impurities,” Kaka says, adding, “By breaking down this barrier, the surfactants in shampoos emulsify oil and dirt on the hair and scalp, allowing it to be washed away with water.”
“Concentrations of sulphates in hair care products may vary, but with the correct formulation techniques, cleansers containing Sulphates, or any derivatives, can be created to produce a very effective product with mild, gentle cleansing.”
What products are in The Ordinary Hair Care line?
So, now that The Ordinary has convinced you to give sulphates another go, it’s time to take a peek at what the brand is offering your tresses. Aimed at transforming the hair from root to tip, their new line is divided into three parts: cleansing, conditioning for hair management and scalp treatment.
For cleansing, try The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Hair and Body. Valued at an affordable AUD $12.80, the product is both gentle and effective, working to remove any dirt, grease and product residue. For the sulphate-cautious, this offering uses Sodium Laureth Sulphate-2 (SLES-2), which is a biodegradable surfactant that plays a vital role in the cleansing process. It’s also fragrance free and gentle enough to use on the hair and body.
And finally, The Ordinary’s pièce de résistance has taken the form of its Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. Clocking in at AUD $21.80, this scalp treatment is a first-of-its-kind, water-light formulation that improves scalp hydration and also offers skin barrier protection, sans weighing down the roots. The product takes inspiration from the brand’s facial moisturiser and allows for protection and hydration of the outer layer of the scalp.
When will The Ordinary Hair Care line be released in Australia?
For those looking to reinvigorate their mane, then we’ve got some good news for you. The Ordinary’s hair care line is set to land on March 8, 2022 on the DECIEM website.
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