OI Hand Balm

Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.

A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.

People wanting a light, non-greasy smoothing or shine finish.

Often used in serums and oils for a weightless feel. Some prefer silicone-free options depending on routine.

People looking for smoother, more manageable hair or richer, creamier product textures.

Despite the name, fatty alcohols are moisturising and conditioning rather than drying. They also help stabilise and thicken many haircare formulas.

Those looking for conditioning, slip, or richer textures in their haircare products.

Despite the name, fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are non‑drying and are commonly used to add emollience and stability to formulations.

People seeking richer, more conditioning formulas for dry or coarse hair.

Although classed as an alcohol, fatty alcohols are waxy, non-drying ingredients commonly used to enhance slip and creaminess in haircare products. They can also support the stability and feel of conditioners and masks.

People looking for smoother-feeling hair or richer, more conditioning formulas.

Despite the name, fatty alcohols like behenyl alcohol are quite different from drying alcohols and are commonly used to add slip and creaminess to haircare products. They can also support the stability and thickness of conditioners and masks.

Those interested in understanding preservative systems or identifying potential fragrance allergens.

Benzyl Alcohol is commonly used in professional haircare to support product stability and texture. It can also naturally occur in some essential oils.

Those wanting smoother, easier‑to‑detangle hair or lightweight shine.

It evaporates after application, making it useful for delivering spreadability without long‑term buildup. Commonly paired with other conditioning agents in styling and treatment formulas.

Those looking for added conditioning support or antioxidant benefits in their haircare.

It is commonly used because it is more stable than pure vitamin E while still offering similar benefits. It appears in many leave-in and rinse-off formulations.

Frizz-prone, coarse or dry hair wanting a smooth, glossy finish.

Some people prefer silicone-free formulas, especially for certain curl routines. It is widely used and helpful in many smoothing products.

Those who want a conditioning feel without the weight of richer oils or butters.

It is often used to improve spreadability and give hair products a silky, non-greasy finish. It can also help enhance product absorption and overall texture.

Those wanting softness and slip without heavy buildup, including fine or easily weighed-down hair types.

It is a versatile ester used to enhance spreadability and reduce greasiness in formulations. It can also help improve the feel of other conditioning agents and oils.

Those looking for mild, low‑foaming cleansing ingredients or products aimed at sensitive scalps.

It is often used alongside other glucoside surfactants to create balanced, gentle cleansing systems. It can also contribute to the stability and feel of emulsions.

People seeking frizz control, heat-styling slip or a silky feel in leave-in or styling products.

It forms a lightweight, flexible film that helps reduce flyaways without feeling heavy when well-formulated. It is commonly used in serums and creams to enhance spreadability.

Those with a sensitive or easily irritated scalp may appreciate its calming effect.

It is widely used in personal care for its comforting feel and compatibility with many formulas. In haircare, it supports a smoother, more comfortable scalp experience.

Those who prefer products with a smoother, more consistent texture or enhanced spreadability.

It helps formulas stay uniform and can also provide light film-forming benefits that support styling performance.

Those looking for smoother-feeling hair or products with a creamier application.

Fatty alcohols like hexyldecanol are commonly used to add slip and support conditioning formulas. They also help stabilise emulsions in creams and conditioners.

Anyone who uses water-based products that benefit from reliable preservation.

It is commonly used alongside other preservation systems to maintain product freshness and extend shelf life. It is generally well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-in products.

Those looking for improved manageability and a silky feel without heavy build-up.

It is often used as a silicone alternative because it provides similar slip and shine. It also helps reduce friction during styling.

All products, especially in hard-water areas.

Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.

Those wanting added nourishment or antioxidant support in their haircare routine.

Tocopherol is commonly included to help protect oils in a formula from oxidising and to offer light conditioning benefits. It is widely used in both skincare and haircare products.

Those using products with oils or silicones who want them to rinse evenly without residue.

It is commonly used in shampoos and styling products to support stable, uniform textures. Its mild nature makes it suitable for a wide range of formulations.

Those wanting conditioning formulas with a smooth, creamy texture.

It is a lipid-based ingredient often used to support product stability and spreadability. It can also provide a soft, conditioned feel to hair.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.

Those who enjoy floral-scented hair products or are checking for specific fragrance components.

It is naturally found in essential oils such as rose and geranium and is commonly used to enhance scent profiles. It must be listed on labels when present above certain trace levels.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.