It’s no secret that sulfates (also spelled sulphates) have a bad rep in the haircare world. For years, the hair community has largely written of the well-known sudsing agent over its ability to strip way too much moisture from our strands. As a result, many consumers and brands alike have switched their focus to sulfate-free options that are believed to not only give a gentler clean, but also be all-around better for your hair.
However, one beauty brand that has refused to jump on the anti-sulfate bandwagon is none other than The Ordinary. In fact, the cult-favorite skincare brand recently expanded its haircare line with the launch of a trio of hair products that are made with the once-controversial ingredient. Much like their skincare products, this three-step haircare system, which includes the Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair ($8.00), the Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner ($8.00), and the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA For Scalp ($12.80), similarly takes a science-forward approach towards caring for our hair.
“This new category launch for The Ordinary is the epitome of the ‘skinification of hair’’ said The Ordinary’s Chief Scientific Officer, Prudvi Kaka, in a press statement. “Offering consumers sophisticated formulations and ingredients that would ordinarily be used in skincare and with true science and transparency at the forefront.”
By highlighting the use of sulfates in its new haircare line, The Ordinary ultimately hopes to help clear up the misconception that the haircare ingredient is actually harmful to our strands.
“A common myth about hair care that I see quite often is that certain ingredients are universally bad for hair,” Kaka shared. “This statement does not hold true as from a scientific point of view, one must take into account the concentration of use, the total formulation, the pre-existing behavior of the hair, and the specific hair concerns that need to be addressed. For example, the anti-sulphates messaging across the industry has labeled sulphates as harsh but, when formulated properly with appropriate concentration levels, they can create a mild and effective product.”
But, this new haircare system isn’t just helping The Ordinary to debunk long-held myths about sulfates, it’s also supporting Deceim’s (The Ordinary’s parent company) stance as “anti-clean”, which they announced last year in their “everything is chemicals” campaign.
“We believe that the beauty of science is its inquisitive nature — it never stops questioning,” the brand wrote in a blog post. “And at Deciem, we question the safety of our ingredients with the same energy that we apply to investigating their efficacy. In both cases, we turn to our fellow scientists for evidence, never settling for one single source, or buckling under the pressure of inaccurate claims propagated by fear-mongering.”
For those looking to get their hands on The Ordinary’s new haircare line, the range will be available in the U.S. at Ulta, Sephora, and the Deciem website, and is set to launch globally on March 8th.
To stay up-to-date on all of The Ordinary’s upcoming product launches, be sure to follow @deciem on Instagram.
