Innersense Shampoo & Conditioner Review: Ingredients And Which One To Choose

I rate Innersense shampoos and conditioners Better. They are sulfate-free, silicone-free, and gently preserved. Yet, they have some ingredients that I accept only in the Better products. For shampoos, it’s cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine that may have allergenic trace impurities from the manufacturing process. And for conditioners, it’s behentrimonium methosulfate and stearalkonium chloride that use chemicals recognized as carcinogenic at the production stage. In addition, I find the products’ scent quite strong, even though it comes only from essential oils. Still, many of my readers love how they feel, especially on curly, dry, and color-treated hair.

Below, you’ll find who Innersense shampoos suit best, what they have in common, how each one differs, the matching conditioners, and answers to common questions. 

Who Innersense Shampoos Work Best For

First, if you love a rich lather, Innersense is a great match. Many sulfate-free shampoos barely foam, which can leave you wondering if your hair is really clean. Innersense solves this by blending several mild cleansers: cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (in one formula). Together, they create a creamy, generous lather and clean hair well without stripping it.

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is not in my top picks, but mainly because of how it’s made, not because of how it treats your hair.

Second, if you enjoy a scented shampoo but want to avoid synthetic fragrance, Innersense is a good match, too. You won’t find “fragrance” as an ingredient on these labels because the scent comes from essential oils alone. That matters, because synthetic fragrance can hide phthalates and allergens behind a single word. Just know the scent is on the strong side, at least for me.

If you prefer no scent at all, choose the Clarity Hairbath and Conditioner. They are unscented and have the simplest formulas in the line.

The Core Ingredients In Innersense Shampoos

To begin with, Innersense shampoos, which the brand calls “hairbaths,” are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and rub it between your hands before applying it to wet hair.

Innersense hairbaths share the following base:

• Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine: It’s a mild, coconut-based cleanser that stays on the surface of your skin. However, it’s not in my top picks as it may have trace impurities left behind from the manufacturing process that can cause allergies in some people.
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: A mild, coconut-based cleanser.
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (except Clarity): A close relative of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate that adds a rich, creamy lather.
• Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside: A plant-based cleanser made from sugar that barely penetrates the skin.
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into your hair.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride: A conditioning agent made from guar beans that helps with detangling.
• Hydrolyzed Quinoa and Hydrolyzed Rice Protein (except Clarity): Plant proteins that add body and help strengthen hair.
• Sodium Benzoate (except Clarity): A safe, well-studied preservative, also used in food.

Innersense Shampoos Compared

Here’s how Innersense shampoos differ and which hair type they suit best.

Innersense Clarity Hairbath

Clarity Hairbath is for sensitive scalps and all hair types and textures. It’s the simplest formula of the four, with no essential oils, so it’s a lovely pick if your skin is easily bothered.

What Clarity Hairbath adds to the core:

• Aloe Leaf Juice: organic and listed right after water. It soothes and hydrates the scalp.
• Shea Butter: organic. It softens hair.
• Swertia Japonica Extract: a Japanese herb (senburi) traditionally used in scalp tonics to stimulate the scalp.
• Comfrey Leaf Extract: a plant traditionally used to calm irritated skin.
• Sodium Levulinate and Potassium Sorbate: gentle preservatives that replace sodium benzoate in this formula.

Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath

Pure Harmony Hairbath is for fine to medium hair that gets weighed down easily. It adds body with a light blend of oils.

What Pure Harmony Hairbath adds to the core:

• Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey: a conditioner made from honey that adds moisture and softness.
• Pumpkin Seed, Avocado and Rice Bran Oils: light oils that soften hair.
• Orange, Lemon and Eucalyptus Essential Oils: the scent. It comes only from essential oils, with no added fragrance, and it’s noticeably strong, at least for my nose. If essential oils bother you, Clarity is the gentler choice.

Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath

Hydrating Cream Hairbath is for coarse, thick, curly, dry or damaged hair. It’s the richest formula of the four and Innersense’s pick for curls.

What Hydrating Cream Hairbath adds to the core:

• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: a very mild cleanser that makes a dense, creamy lather. It’s likely added to the other cleansers to give more support to dry hair.
• Monoi Flower Extract, Tamanu Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Avocado Oil: rich oils and butters, most of them organic, that moisturize dry hair and calm frizz.
• Ylang-Ylang, Lavender, Orange, Clary Sage and Patchouli Essential Oils: the scent. This blend is rich and lingers, and I find it quite intense. If you enjoy scented hair care without synthetic fragrance, though, this can work for you. If you prefer essential oil-free, Clarity is the one to pick.

Innersense Color Awakening Hairbath

Color Awakening Hairbath is for medium-textured, color-treated or chemically treated hair. Its formula is close to Pure Harmony, tuned to help keep color looking fresh.

What Color Awakening Hairbath adds to the core:

• Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey: a honey-based conditioner that adds moisture.
• Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rice Bran Oil: soften hair and add shine.
• Orange, Lemon and Eucalyptus Essential Oils: the scent. If essential oils are not for you, choose Clarity.

Innersense Conditioners

All four Innersense conditioners share this base:

• Cetearyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol from plant oils that softens hair and gives the conditioner its creamy texture. It’s not drying like rubbing alcohol.
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into your hair.
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate: A gentle, plant-based conditioning agent that makes hair soft and easy to comb. It’s not in my top picks because the chemical used in its manufacturing process is a probable carcinogen.
• Stearalkonium Chloride: A conditioning agent that smooths hair and reduces static, with little absorption or irritation. It’s also not in my top picks because it’s made with carcinogenic benzyl chloride.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (except Pure Inspiration): A guar-based conditioning agent that helps with detangling.
• Hydrolyzed Quinoa and Hydrolyzed Rice Protein (except Clarity): Plant proteins that help strengthen hair.
• Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate: Safe, well-studied preservatives also used in food. (Clarity uses sodium levulinate instead of sodium benzoate.)

Innersense Clarity Conditioner

Clarity Conditioner is for sensitive scalps and all hair types. Like Clarity Hairbath, it has no essential oils.

What Clarity Conditioner adds to the core:

• Aloe Leaf Juice: organic and listed right after water. It soothes the scalp.
• Colloidal Oatmeal: finely ground oats that calm itchy, irritated skin.
• Honey: draws moisture into your hair.
• Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil and Cranberry Seed Oil: organic butters and oils that soften hair.

Innersense Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner

Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner is for fine to medium hair and pairs with the Pure Harmony Hairbath. It’s a lighter conditioner that won’t weigh fine hair down.

What Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner adds to the core:

• Aloe Leaf Juice: organic. It soothes the scalp and hydrates hair.
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: a light oil made from coconut that softens hair without heaviness.
• Coconut, Avocado, and Rice Bran Oils and Shea Butter: soften hair and add shine.
• Orange Peel Oil: the scent. For an essential oil-free option, turn to Clarity.

Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner

Hydrating Cream Conditioner is for coarse, thick, curly or very dry hair. It pairs with the Hydrating Cream Hairbath and shares its scent.

What Hydrating Cream Conditioner adds to the core:

• Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Tamanu Oil, and Jojoba Oil: rich, mostly organic butters and oils that moisturize and calm frizz.
• Aloe Leaf Gel: organic. It soothes the scalp and hydrates hair.
• Ylang-Ylang, Lavender, Orange, Clary Sage, and Patchouli Essential Oils: the scent. Again, Clarity is the essential oil-free option.

Innersense Color Radiance Daily Conditioner

Color Radiance Daily Conditioner is for medium-textured, color-treated or chemically treated hair and pairs with the Color Awakening Hairbath.

What Color Radiance Daily Conditioner adds to the core:

• Aloe Leaf Gel: organic. It soothes the scalp and hydrates hair.
• Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey: a honey-based conditioner that adds moisture.
• Pumpkin Seed, Avocado, Rice Bran, and Coconut Oils and Shea Butter: soften hair and add shine.
• Orange Oil: the scent. If essential oils aren’t for you, Clarity is a good choice.

Bottom Line: Are Innersense Shampoos Safe?

Yes. The Innersense shampoos and conditioners in this post are safe for most people. They are sulfate-free and gently preserved. Most are scented with essential oils, and the Clarity line is unscented.

The essential oil scent is fairly strong for my taste, but it’s a real plus if you like your shampoo scented and want to avoid synthetic fragrance with its undisclosed ingredients potentially including phthalates and allergens.

Here’s how to choose:

• Clarity Hairbath and Conditioner: an essential oil-free option for a sensitive scalp.
• Pure Harmony Hairbath and Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner: for fine to medium hair.
• Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Conditioner: for coarse, thick, curly or dry hair.
• Color Awakening Hairbath and Color Radiance Daily Conditioner: for color-treated or chemically treated hair.

And if you’d like to see my personal favorites, take a look at my guide to the Best Shampoo Without Harmful Chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Innersense Shampoo

Is Innersense Non-Toxic?

Yes, the Innersense products in this post are a good non-toxic choice. They skip the ingredients I avoid but some Not A Fan shampoo brands use, such as ethoxylated ingredients, synthetic fragrance, and preservatives that release formaldehyde. Instead, they clean with mild, plant-based cleansers and use food-grade preservatives.

Their scent comes from essential oils only. I find it strong, but it makes Innersense a smart pick if you want a scented shampoo without the hidden phthalates and allergens that synthetic fragrance can carry.

Innersense shampoos and conditioners are a good fit if you have curly, dry or color-treated hair and want a sulfate-free routine.

Is Innersense Shampoo Sulfate-Free?

Yes. Every Innersense shampoo is sulfate-free. Instead of sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, they clean with mild cleansers like cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, and caprylyl/capryl glucoside.

Which Innersense Shampoo Is Best For Curly Hair?

Hydrating Cream Hairbath is the best match for curly hair, especially if it’s thick, coarse or dry. Pair it with the Hydrating Cream Conditioner. If your curls are fine and get weighed down easily, Pure Harmony Hairbath is a lighter option.

Is Innersense Shampoo Safe For Color-Treated Hair?

Yes. All Innersense shampoos are sulfate-free, which is gentler on color. Color Awakening Hairbath and Color Radiance Daily Conditioner are the pair Innersense designed for color-treated and chemically treated hair. Both contain hydrolyzed quinoa and rice protein to help strengthen processed hair, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey (a honey-based conditioner) for moisture, and plant oils like avocado and pumpkin seed for softness and shine.

Which Innersense Products Don’t Contain Sodium Benzoate?

Clarity Hairbath and Clarity Conditioner are the Innersense products without sodium benzoate. They use sodium levulinate and potassium sorbate instead. If you’re looking for more options, see my list of shampoos without sodium benzoate.