Is Amika Safe? The Truth Behind Their Best & Worst Products
Hi, friends! 👋
You’ve probably seen Amika everywhere from Instagram feeds to the beauty aisles of your local Sephora. Their colorful packaging, fun scents, and that promise of healthy, shiny hair are hard to ignore. But while they’re great at catching our eye with the flashy packaging, we have to ask the real question: Are Amika products truly good for your hair and skin?
This post is for anyone who’s curious about Amika’s haircare line and whether it’s actually as good as they say. I’m going to be honest with you (like I always am), and break down the ingredients in some of their most popular products. Are they worth the hype? Or are there hidden ingredients we should be worried about?
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which Amika products are okay for your skin and hair, and which ones might make you think twice before purchasing.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
What’s the Deal with SkinSafe Ratings?
Skinsafe is this 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 really 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!
Amika’s Best Products
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
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, its 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
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
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
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.
Amika’s Worst Offenders: What Watch Out For
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
I know we all want that shiny, smooth hair, but this mask is a little too risky for my liking. The soy protein is a huge red flag for anyone with a soy allergy. And the addition of synthetic fragrance like Butylphenyl Methylpropional and Limonene can cause skin irritation, especially if you’re prone to sensitivities.
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
I love a good color-locking conditioner, but this one is a bit of a miss. The main issue here is the preservatives, like Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate, which can irritate sensitive skin. And, of course, it has the same fragrance overload that’s a common culprit in Amika’s products.
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.
Better Alternatives for Sensitive Skin & Hair
VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Superwash Hair and Body Milk Shampoo: It’s perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies. Not only is it super gentle on the skin, but it also thoroughly cleanses without stripping your natural oils. You can use it on both your hair and body, which makes it super convenient for those busy mornings!
Cleure Shampoo & Conditioner: Both products are free from harsh chemicals and are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and scalps. They provide that deep clean and hydration without any irritation, leaving my hair feeling soft and manageable.
Act+Acre Stem Cell Scalp Serum: It nourishes the scalp using plant-based stem cells, which helps promote healthier hair growth. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and you can feel it working as soon as you apply it. This serum is a fantastic way to ensure your scalp is healthy and ready to support strong, beautiful hair.
So, if you're looking for some trustworthy and effective options for your hair and skin care needs, I highly recommend giving these products a try. You won’t be disappointed!
TL;DR: Amika... Is It Worth It?
Amika offers some products that might work well for most people, but they’re not the best choice for everyone. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or just want to avoid harsh ingredients, you might want to choose another brand...
Rating of Amika as a Brand:
On a scale of 0-100, I’d rate Amika at about 75/100. It’s a brand that clearly knows how to make products that perform well, but when it comes to being truly skin-safe... they could definitely improve by reducing fragrance and being more transparent with their ingredients.
Want to Keep Up with the Latest?
Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter at Chronically Chic Newsletter for more honest product reviews, tips, and all the latest updates! 🙌
What do you think? Do you use Amika? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
