Innersense Hair Products Review
I’m particular about a number of things, but when it comes to anything hair & beauty, I need the perfect mascara and I want great hair products. Switching to clean beauty brought a lengthy process of transition with fair amount of trial-and-error. But I now have clean products for all my hair, skincare, and makeup needs. Here is my Innersense review of their organic hair care products, including my Innersense shampoo review.
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My Honest Innersense Review (After Trying Almost Every Product)
I’ve used Innersense products for more than five years and have purchased many of them multiple times. I’ve tested nearly every shampoo, conditioner, styling product, and treatment they offer, so this review is based on long-term use rather than first impressions.
There are so many things to love about Innersense hair care products. The company is B Corp, which you know is a big factor for me. The brand is climate neutral, plastic neutral, leaping bunny certified, and a 1% for the Planet member. And, very importantly, they create products for many types of hair, because clean beauty shouldn’t be a privilege!
Their products come in plastic and glass containers. You’d think I don’t love the plastic bottles, but most are actually made with 100% post consumer recycled plastic (helping to complete the recycling process). And plastic containers is a complicated topic because they cost less to transport (read a bit more about packaging complications in this refill pouches post). Innersense plastic packaging is recycled and recyclable!
They also offer travel sizes and refill pouches in a number of their products, which is great for cutting back on waste and minimizing my toiletries packing list.
Ok. Let’s get to some particular Innersense hair product reviews. I’ve tried nearly their entire hair line (and body care line). Below are the ones I’ve used the most as well as an annotated list at the end of some others I’ve tried just a few times.
What Makes Innersense a Clean Hair Care Brand
If you’ve followed my clean beauty journey for a while, you know I’m particular about ingredients. While I wouldn’t consider Innersense the cleanest hair care brand on the market, I do think it’s a cleaner option than many conventional salon and drugstore brands.
One challenge when evaluating hair care ingredients is that ingredient safety isn’t always black and white. Factors like concentration, frequency of use, and whether a product is applied primarily to the hair or directly to the scalp can all influence how people assess ingredients.
Innersense formulates without ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, and many of its products feature plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts. For people looking to make a move toward cleaner personal care products, it can be a meaningful step in the right direction.
That said, I don’t view ingredient safety as a simple “clean” or “not clean” conversation. Every brand makes formulation choices, and no company is perfect. Innersense’s ingredient philosophy aligns more closely with what I’m looking for when compared to mainstream hair care brands.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the ingredient list—it’s the balance between ingredients and performance. After testing nearly every product in the line over the last five years, that’s ultimately why I’ve continued to repurchase many of them. Innersense products consistently perform better than many clean hair care products I’ve tried over the years. The shampoos cleanse well, the conditioners provide lasting moisture, and the styling products often rival conventional salon brands.
For someone looking to transition away from more conventional hair care products, I think Innersense occupies a helpful middle ground: cleaner than many mainstream options while still delivering the results and range of products most people expect from professional hair care.
Who is Innersense Best For?
One of the things I appreciate most about Innersense is that they don’t just cater to one hair type. Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, straight, color-treated, damaged, or sensitive, there’s likely a shampoo, conditioner, and styling routine within the line that will work for you.
I particularly recommend Innersense for:
- Anyone looking to transition to cleaner hair care products without sacrificing performance
- Those with color-treated hair
- People with sensitive skin or scalp concerns
- Anyone dealing with dry, damaged, or over-processed hair
- Curly and wavy hair types looking for effective styling products
- Those who appreciate sustainable business practices and packaging options
While Innersense isn’t the least expensive hair care brand on the market, I find the products to be competitively priced compared to many professional salon brands. Because the formulas are highly concentrated, a little product often goes a long way.
Innersense Shampoo and Conditioner Reviews
Innersense has a few hairbath (shampoo) and conditioner lines. I’ve tried most of them. You’ll see below what line is best for you and feel free to mix and match the shampoo and conditioner that work best for you. Remember shampoo goes onto hair near the scalp while conditioner shouldn’t be applied near the scalp and is designed for your strands.
Color Awakening Hairbath & Conditioner
I’ve used the Color Awakening hair bath and Color Radiance daily conditioner since the beginning. It’s designed for people with color-treated hair. The scent is subtle but lovely! It’s WONDERFUL and a little goes a long way. It took me a while to realize how little conditioner I needed.
The Color Awakening and Color Radiance line is best for those with untreated and color-treated hair.
Bright Balance Hairbath & Conditioner
As a lifelong blonde (except that stint in grad school as a brunette), I’d long used a daily toning shampoo. While my stylist is magic with color, real life will turn color-treated hair a different tone over time, so I’ve always used a purple or “toning” shampoo OR conditioner (you don’t really need to use both). This prevents a platinum blonde from turning warm or yellow.
When Innersense announced their new toning shampoo and conditioner, I was dying to try it as it was the first clean beauty purple shampoo I’d seen. I finished my shampoo bar and gave it a whirl.
I’ll cut to the chase here and tell you that it’s not a great product for me. There was some trial and error for me and then I figured it out. So, now I know that you HAVE to use it properly: and it’s NOT for everyday use (as I found out).
Innersense products are concentrated formulas that often require more water in hair, a certain application of products, and/or an activation. These aren’t complicated, just read the directions or watch the product videos (available for every product on the site). With the toning products, as you can see in the photo above, you have to ‘activate’ the product.
So the Innersense Bright Balance toning shampoo comes out of the bottle almost black looking. If you apply directly to blonde hair (like I was in the beginning), you might notice a green tint to your hair (beyond platinum). My hairstylist and I had a few conversations about it, trying to figure out if it was my postpartum hair being weird (that’s been a thing), whether it was his coloring, or whether it was this new shampoo.
Because I’ve loved the other Innersense hair products so much, I just couldn’t believe it was the shampoo. Then I realized I wasn’t using it correctly. It’s imperative to rub the shampoo between your palms to turn it into this lavender color, then apply to your hair.
Next, the Innersense toning shampoo is SO effective, that it isn’t for everyday use. It’s really designed to be used on an as-needed basis. For those with grey hair, it can serve as a good brightener and for my chemically treated hair, I can easily use this toward the end of my time between appointments – washing out any carmel/warm color.
It really needs to be used occasionally, not regularly.
The Bright Balance Hairbath and conditioner are best for those with gray or platinum colored hair. Use as needed – not for everyday use.
Hair Renew Hairbath and Conditioner
Innersense introduced me to importance of scalp health with their scalp scrub (review below) and their Hair Renew line focused on treating scalp health for healthy, happy hair growth! It includes everything from a shampoo and conditioner to a prewash, a serum, and an oil. Think of it as a clean version of dandruff shampoo!
The scents of the Hair Renew Hairbath and Conditioner are peppermint and sage. It’s really quite lovely. The peppermint in the shampoo is key to maintaining scalp health. The peppermint in the shampoo isn’t overly strong, but I do find I’m ready to rinse it out sooner than normal.
The Hair Renew line is best for those with itchy, dry, or flaky scalp and those consider with hair strength.
Clarity Hairbath and Conditioner
The Clarity line is a major win for those needing unscented and hypoallergenic products. The Clarity hairbath and Clarity conditioner are made without essential oils and other potential irritants.
The Clarity line is best for those with sensitive skin or with sensitivities to scents. If your scalp and hair have been damaged (e.g. sun burn or over-styling), this is a great duo to clean your hair, nourish your scalp, and soothe your hair.
Pure Harmony Hairbath and Conditioner
The Pure Harmony hairbath and conditioner are designed for fine to medium hair. Made with organic green tea, your hair is protected against environmental stressors. The scents are very citrusy.
The Pure Harmony line is best for fine to medium hair that isn’t color-treated or damaged.
Hydrating Cream Hairbath & Conditioner
The Hydrating cream hairbath and conditioner are designed for coarse, damaged, or thirsty hair. They’re made without silicone and use emollients such as organic shea butter and coconut.
The Hydrating Cream line is best for those needing extra moisture for their hair.
Innersense Styling Product Reviews: Which Products Are Worth It?
I use Innersense hair products almost exclusively, but there are a few products that are worth their weight in gold – and a few that don’t really have a comparable product in the mainstream or clean worlds.
Treatments
True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub
This scalp scrub wasn’t something I thought I’d have much use for, but I wanted to try it anyway after a few followers raved about it really cleaning their scalp and their hair feeling so clean.
As it turns out, I was wrong, and this scalp scrub is necessary in my routine! It’s a peppermint scrub. You apply it to wet hair before shampoo. It really takes no time to work and you want to wash it out after you’ve been sure to scrub it everywhere. Then make sure to rinse it out without getting any on your face or in your eyes.
The peppermint can be strong on your eyes – yes, even just the scent. Unlike many products that work best with sitting, this isn’t one of those. After just one use, see how well your shampoo suds and cleans your hair. It’s wonderful! I think you can use this once per week (twice if needed) and be so happy!
Hydrating Hair Mask
I think the Hydrating Hair Mask was the first Innersense product I ever tried and I think it’s a great, moisturizing mask – I still use it. My stylist recommends using a hair masque once per week. I think that’s a bit ambitious, but I do try to use it a few times between my 6 week hair appointments!
Detox Hair Mask
The Detox Hair Mask helps remove buildup on hair from other products without stripping hair of natural oils. I don’t actually feel the need to use this product that much, but my husband swears by it. He uses thicker products (gels and light pomades), so this detox mask helps him really get it all out of his hair!
Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment
The Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment is actually my little life savior for itchy scalp. The treatment is designed to be used 5 minutes before showering or overnight. It purifies and nourishes your scalp. I use it anytime my scalp is getting itchy and I’m not about to wash my hair.
It has a nozzle and is gentle, nourishing, and cooling. My lower scalp (just above my neck) gets itchy between washes during dry months. I put some of this on and the itch immediately dissipates. It’s so amazing!
Leave-In Prep Products
Hair Love Prep Spray Review
Anytime I’m going to blow dry my hair, I use the Hair Love Prep Spray. As it’s a preventative step, it’s hard to judge if it works, but I blow dry my hair every 1-2 weeks, let’s say and I have very little damage, so it is working!
Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner Review
The Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner is my everyday product. No matter if it’s al natural, an updo, or a blowout, I use this detangling spray before adding other products. My hair can easily be brushed through within moments, but it isn’t heavy at all, so I can alwyas get all my natural body. I love the light scent, but they do also have a fragrance free spray.
Styling Products
Quiet Calm Curl Control Review
You might not see me with my wavy hair too much (see my waves in this dressed up sweatshirt look), but it is an easy option for me – especially in the summer. I’ve long used gel and hairspray to get the waves rather than the fluff…and I thought the “crunchiness” was just a necessity given the products needed.
Well, now I have the curl control, and my soft, fluff-free waves are SO happy. This product comes out looking like a lotion, taming frizz, but it acts like a lightweight stylizer of hair, allowing curls or waves to separate without weighing them down. It’s actually made for seriously curly hair (check out the reviews), so it’s quite a versatile product.
I actually use this product in my very everyday simple chignon hairstyle as well (seen in this black tights outfit), taming frizz and making my hair soft for next-day waves.
I Create Lift Review
If you prefer a foam (e.g. mousse), then give the I Create Lift foam a try. It’s lightweight because it’s a foam, but adds some nice hold and definition. I think the I Create Lift has a bit more crunch than the Quiet Calm Curl Control, but it also provides more hold, so the choice is up to you!
Serenity Smoothing Cream Review
And I’ve recently added the Serenity Smoothing Cream to my collection. It’s designed to really tame frizz and fluff when blow drying your hair. It works VERY well at that. I think I prefer just using the prep spray and conditioning spray, however, because I lean into the extra body and ride out a blow dry for a few days!
I do really like using the smoothing cream for my low bun hairstyle (or any wet hairstyle that doesn’t need volume). It hydrates hair down to the ends, so you get the benefits of a hair mask without the time in the shower!
I Create Shine Hair Oil
I haven’t always been a hair oil person. I’ve used a few over the years, but I often find them kinda heavy/weighty on my hair. But the Innersense I Create Shine hair oil is anything but, and, AND, the scent is heavenly!
This bottle looks small, but using just 3-4 drops (on my tons of hair) each time, means this bottle is going to last a loooooooong time! But most importantly, the scent is lovely (they even made a candle – it’s that good), and the oil isn’t heavy. My hair hasn’t felt greasy or weighed down in the slightest using it. It can be used on wet or dry hair – I use it EVERYDAY.
And you know what? My mom heard me raving about the oil and bought one herself. I was worried. She has short, very thin hair, so I thought it might be too much. A few weeks later, she told me how must she liked it. The drop or two of hair oil calmed flyaways immediately for her! She was a fan!!
How to Use Hair Oil
How to Use Hair Oil
Use hair oil properly to get beautiful shine without greasiness or weighted down hair.
Materials
- hair oil
Tools
- hands
Instructions
- Put a few drops of oil into palms. Not too much. A little goes a long way.
- Rub the oil between your hands and between your fingers, so as your fingers comb it through your hair, it will really disperse. Focus on the mid-shaft to ends and then the bottom of your scalp first.
- Only at the end of application, do you want to gently touch the hair near the top of your head
Notes
My favorite hair oil is this clean, I Create Shine. It's very lightweight, works wonderfully, and smells fantastic. Use code LUCI15 for 15% off your first purchase
Is Innersense Worth It?
Prices for Innersense are a bit mixed. Most everyday items are competitively priced especially for how well they work and how much great work the company does. The company doesn’t run site wide sales but periodically does a gift with purchase or a bundle and save.
You can use my discount code LUCI15 for 15% off your first order. They also offer free shipping on orders over $25, so it’s pretty easy to not pay shipping either!
My Favorite Innersense Products
Clearly I think Innersense is a great company for haircare products. These are my favorite Innersense products:
- Quiet Calm Curl Control – ease of use and a wonderful set it and forget it product
- I Create Shine Hair Oil – an indulgent-feeling way to smooth hair without weighing it down
- Enlightenment Scrub – a great product for scalp health
- Hair Renew Pre-Wash Treatment – a savior from dry, itchy skin that works immediately
See more of my favorite non toxic hair products, including the best anti-frizz spray, as well as these hairstyle tutorials…
Innersense also recently launched a body care line that’s lovely. I think their body butter is the best body butter out there – talk about a completely positive Innersense review!
Recycling Hair Product Containers
Some hair care packaging can be recycled – it’s simpler than most recycling, but you need to know some things. Shampoo, conditioner, and styling product bottles are typically made from recyclable plastics and can go straight into curbside recycling once they’re fully empty and rinsed clean (product residue is what causes problems at recycling facilities).
Pumps, droppers, and mixed-material caps usually aren’t curbside-friendly, so twist those off, give them a rinse and add them to your makeup recycling bag. There are plenty of easy drop off and mail in options for these (many are free). Otherwise, they’re trash – not recycling.
Clean Beauty Posts
Since clean beauty is an important part of sustainable living (what we wash down the drain matters as much as what we put on our skin), be sure to check out:
Non Toxic Makeup Brands
Counter Review (previously Beautycounter)
Crunchi Review (skincare)
Crunchi Makeup Review
Clean Beauty at Nordstrom
Clean Beauty at Sephora
Clean Beauty at Target
Clean Beauty at Walmart
Clean Beauty at ULTA
Common items of interest include shampoo bar reviews and how to you use them? What natural deodorant actually works? Are there refillable deodorant options? What’s the best double edge razor blades (the best safety razor and how to use them properly). And the best makeup brush cleaner (on the cheap and easy)!
There are also great natural skin care products for men, including hair care! And you’ll want to check out these wonderful natural bar soaps as well as the answer to the ever popular question: what are skin toners for!
