Amika Review: 4 Products Worth Your Money (and 2 to Skip)
Hi, friends! 👋
Not every Amika product deserves your money. Some are cult-favorite level, some are a total waste. I’ve tried, researched, and tested them so you don’t waste your budget. The truth? Only three products are worth buying. The rest you can skip without FOMO.
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What’s the Deal with SkinSafe Ratings?
Skinsafe is an amazing online tool that rates beauty and skincare products based on their ingredients, which is a lifesaver for those of us with sensitive skin or allergies. It helps us navigate the overwhelming world of products out there.
SkinSafe uses a scoring system from 0 to 100. A score of 100 means the product is super safe, while anything closer to 0 tends to indicate it might not be the best choice for our skin. Generally, anything below 70 has ingredients that could be irritating or harmful.
I was really excited to check out Amika’s products, but, to be honest, the ratings were a bit of a letdown. Let’s dive into which Amika products shine and which ones might be best to skip!
I’ll also be updating my list of the best clean beauty products so you can shop everything in one place!
⭐ The 4 Amika Products Actually Worth Your Money
Let’s start with the Amika products that are actually pretty safe for most people, and are ranked a solid 91/100. They’re not perfect, but they’re definitely better than some of the others out there.
1. Amika Perk Up Ultra Oil Control Dry Shampoo
Rating: 91/100
Why it works: Lightweight, no chalky residue, actually cleans oil instead of just covering it.
Best for: Fine to medium hair, anyone who hates greasy roots.
This dry shampoo is pretty good for soaking up oil without that annoying chalky residue that some others leave behind. There’s a lovely, fresh scent, however, I need to mention that I have a low tolerance for fragrances, so while I technically enjoy the scent, it’s not suitable for me. For anyone who loves a little fragrance, though, you'll likely appreciate this aspect!
One important thing to keep in mind is that Isopropyl Alcohol is the second ingredient on the list. Now, while this works wonders by absorbing excess oil, it can also lead to dryness if you’re using it too frequently. For those of us with dry scalps or sensitive skin, this could be a potential issue. If you find that your scalp feels irritated or your hair starts to become brittle, it might be a good idea to either cut back on usage or explore a gentler option.
2. Amika Perk Up Plus Extended Clean Dry Shampoo
Rating: 91/100
Why it works: Rich hydration without heaviness. Leaves hair shiny + smooth.
Best for: Dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.
It’s similar to the original Perk Up, but it’s specifically formulated for longer-lasting oil control, so you won’t have to worry about your hair looking greasy too soon. Just like the first version, it contains a fragrance, which, as we'll dive into shortly, might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, the formula is packed with rice starch, an amazing ingredient known for its oil-absorbing properties. It effectively soaks up excess oil without leaving your hair feeling heavy or weighed down, which is a huge plus!
Do keep in mind the presence of alcohol in the formula too, it really can be drying if you overuse it. But overall, this product shines is good when you're in a pinch and need your hair to look fresh.
3. Amika Normcore Signature Conditioner
Rating: 91/100
Why it works: Daily-use slip without buildup, leaves hair soft and glossy, plays nicely with heat styling.
Best for: Normal to slightly dry hair, sensitive scalps that do not tolerate heavy silicones.
It’s loaded with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, which is fantastic for helping to repair and strengthen your strands, and it’s got Aloe Vera to soothe and moisturize, making it a winner for dry hair types. You know how some conditioners leave your hair feeling greasy or limp? Well, this one doesn’t do that at all, it manages to provide that hydration while still keeping your locks light and bouncy!
However, I do have to point out that, like many products from Amika, it contains a pretty heavy fragrance. For those of us who are sensitive to strong scents, that can be a dealbreaker. Also, if you happen to have a wheat allergy, it’s probably best to steer clear of this option. Aside from those caveats, though, it’s a nice, lightweight conditioner that gets the job done without all the fuss.
4. Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer
Rating: 91/100
Why it works: Cuts blow-dry time, detangles like a dream, protects from heat.
Best for: Anyone with tangles, knots, or who uses hot tools often.
For anyone with tangly hair (which is basically me 100% of the time), this detangler is pretty okay too. It contains Grape Seed Extract, which is loaded with antioxidants, and Rice Protein, which strengthens and protects hair. It also helps smooth out frizz and detangle without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or greasy.
But, once again, we have that ever-present fragrance, which can cause irritation. It’s a minor issue for most people, but it’s major for others, something to keep in mind if you have sensitivities.
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The 2 Amika Products You Can Skip
Now, let’s talk about the products that didn’t quite make the cut, according to SkinSafe. These are the ones you’ll want to be cautious of, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
1. Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask
Rating: 73/100
Why skip: Synthetic fragrance (Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene) = irritation risk. Too many red flags for sensitive scalps. Also has soy protein = obviously bad if you have soy allergies, which many do.
This is one I would pass on if you’re looking for a product that’s safe and non-irritating. Stick to something with fewer allergens.
2. Amika Vault Color Lock Conditioner
Rating: 73/100
Why skip: Preservatives like Phenoxyethanol + Sodium Benzoate can irritate sensitive skin. Loaded with fragrance. Not worth it when gentler color-safe conditioners exist.
If you have colored hair and sensitive skin, I’d recommend finding a more gentle, fragrance-free option.
Why Amika’s Fragrance Is a Big Deal
Okay, now that we've mentioned it 525,600 times, FRAGRENCE. Lol.
If you’ve ever tried an Amika product, you know it smells so good. Like, they have that salon-quality scent that lingers in the best way. But... fragrance is one of the top irritants in skincare and haircare products.
You might not think it’s a big deal, but synthetic fragrances can cause all sorts of issues, especially for people with sensitive skin, asthma, or allergies. Even if you don’t have those sensitivities, too much fragrance can lead to headaches, skin irritation, or even breakouts. So, it’s important to always check the ingredient list, especially if you’re sensitive to it.
If fragrance is a dealbreaker for you, it might be time to steer clear of Amika’s line.
Amika vs. Competitors
| Brand / Product | Best For | Why It’s Chic |
|---|---|---|
| Amika | Shine & Styling | Trendy salon brand, best for those who want glossy hair fast. |
| VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Superwash | Sensitive skin & scalp | Doubles as a body + hair wash, ultra-gentle, keeps natural oils intact. |
| Cleure Shampoo & Conditioner | Allergy-prone scalps | Free from harsh chemicals, hydrates + softens without irritation. |
| Act+Acre Stem Cell Scalp Serum | Scalp health & growth | Plant stem cells nourish scalp, lightweight, absorbs fast, growth-friendly. |
Want my full list of cleaner brands? Download my free Clean Beauty Cheatsheet here!
Amika’s better formulas pair well with other clean staples I love, like the ones I rounded up: Makeup Tips for Every Skin Tone & Eye Color!
FAQ’s
Q: Is Amika good for sensitive skin or people with allergies?
Honestly, some of their stuff is okay if you're not super reactive, but a lot of their products contain heavy fragrance, which is a big nope for many of us with skin sensitivities, eczema, or fragrance allergies. If you’re super ingredient-conscious or allergic to things like wheat, you’re gonna want to read every label twice.
Q: What Amika products are safe for daily use?
If you’re going to use Amika daily, stick to the lighter options like the Normcore Conditioner (as long as you don’t have a wheat allergy) or The Wizard Detangling Primer in moderation. The dry shampoos? Not every day, babe. They contain alcohols that can dry out your scalp if you're overdoing it.
Q: Does Amika test on animals?
Nope! Amika is cruelty-free, which we love. They’re Leaping Bunny certified, so no animal testing — even in their ingredient sourcing.
Q: Is Amika considered a clean beauty brand?
Not exactly. While Amika markets themselves as kind of clean and sustainable-adjacent, they’re not totally free of problematic ingredients. Some formulas still contain synthetic fragrances and drying alcohols. They’re not the worst offenders out there, but if you’re looking for squeaky-clean, this brand is a gray area.
Q: Which Amika product is best for oily hair?
That would be the Perk Up Ultra Oil Control Dry Shampoo. It’s got rice starch and does an awesome job absorbing oil without making your roots look ashy. Just be careful not to use it too often, or your scalp might rebel.
Q: Are Amika products safe for color-treated hair?
Yes-ish. Most Amika products are sulfate-free and technically safe for color-treated hair, but the heavy fragrance and alcohol in some formulas could dry your hair out over time. If you’ve got color-treated and dry or damaged hair, test a small amount first or sandwich it with a nourishing leave-in.
Q: Are Amika products silicone-free or sulfate-free?
Most of their formulas are sulfate-free (yay), but not all are silicone-free. Some of their products, like The Wizard Primer, do contain silicones, which help with detangling and shine, but may build up over time unless you clarify.
Q: Is Amika shampoo good for damaged hair?
Not their best category, TBH. While their conditioners and primers can help, the shampoos don’t offer a ton in terms of reparative ingredients. If your hair is truly damaged, you’ll want something richer with fewer irritants and more protein/moisture balance.
Q: Can Amika cause scalp irritation?
Yep, especially if you're sensitive to fragrance or alcohol. A lot of their products smell amazing, but that perfume can be a trigger for people with reactive skin or scalp issues. Always patch test if you’re unsure!
Q: Is Amika safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There’s no official red flag, but because many Amika products include synthetic fragrance and alcohols, it’s smart to talk to your OB or derm before using. When in doubt, go fragrance-free, your skin is often more reactive during pregnancy anyway.
My Final Verdict?
Amika has hits and misses. If you want salon-level results with fewer regrets, stick to the 3 I listed: Perk Up Dry Shampoo, Soulfood Nourishing Mask, and Wizard Primer. Everything else? Pass. Your money is better spent on competitors that actually care about sensitive scalps and long-term results.
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Talk soon,
Kacie 💋
