Routine Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated with a proprietary blend of plant-based extracts and oils “to ensure you never have another bad hair day”. The brand emphasizes that they formulate clean, simple, and effective products without ever using parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
This sounds great in theory, but to discover if Routine Shampoo and Conditioner live up to these claims, we’ll have to evaluate the formulation details.
That’s exactly what we’re going to do in this Routine Shampoo and Conditioner review. Keep reading to learn more about the key ingredients in these products, including the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in hair care.
We’ll also share some Routine Shampoo and Conditioner reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
Routine Shampoo Ingredients
In order to understand how well Routine Shampoo performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Surfactants
Like most shampoos, the key ingredients in Routine Shampoo include surfactants, such as sodium C14-15 olefin sulfonate and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.
While these names sound complicated, their function is simple: to cleanse the hair and scalp.
Specifically, a surfactant molecule contains one end that is hydrophilic (attracted to water) and one end that is lipophilic (attracted to oil). This allows surfactants to attract and suspend oils, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on the hair and scalp and wash them away.
Caffeine
Caffeine is included in both the Routine Shampoo and Conditioner formulations because this ingredient increases circulation to the scalp.
Additionally, caffeine is able to block the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss in some cases. DHT is known to miniaturize hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle. Caffeine, when applied topically or included in hair care products, has been proposed to counteract these effects.
Some studies have shown that caffeine can promote hair shaft elongation and prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
For example, an in vitro study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that caffeine enhanced hair shaft elongation, prolonged anagen duration, and stimulated hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation. Interestingly, female hair follicles showed higher sensitivity to caffeine than male hair follicles.
Saw Palmetto
Similar to caffeine, saw palmetto extract is included in both the Routine Shampoo and Conditioner formulas because of its potential to inhibit the activity of the hormone DHT.
A 2020 medical review found that saw palmetto extract (in either topical or oral formulations) may have a role in the treatment of hair loss disorders such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium, demonstrating modest improvement in hair regrowth.
Pea Peptide
Pea peptide contains essential amino acids that can help strengthen hair strands, thereby promoting overall hair resilience and minimizing breakage. Pea peptide is also believed to support a healthy scalp environment, potentially contributing to improved hair growth
Panthenol
Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a humectant, a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water-loving) groups that essentially “grab” water molecules.
When you use hair care products with panthenol, panthenol binds to hair follicles to coat and seal in moisture in the hair.
Routine Conditioner Ingredients
Routine Conditioner contains many of the same ingredients as the shampoo, including pea peptide, caffeine, saw palmetto, and panthenol. Let’s take a look at some of the ingredients that are unique to the conditioner.
Behentrimonium Chloride
Behentrimonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound, is a common ingredient in conditioners because it has excellent moisturizing and anti-static properties. Plus, it adds shine and moisture to your hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Botanical Oils
There are quite a few botanical oils in Routine Conditioner, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil.
According to a publication in The Journal of Cosmetic Science, coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.
The publication compares coconut oil to mineral oil and sunflower oil on the hair, and concludes that coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.
Next up is jojoba oil, an oil that benefits the hair and scalp because it mimics the scalp’s natural oils more closely than any other oil, thereby helping to balance sebum production. It also lubricates hair to reduce breakage, leaving hair feeling soft and looking glossy.
Lastly, the argan oil in Routine Conditioner is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which act as a protective layer for hair. Ultimately, argan oil helps to prevent damage from shampooing and styling while adding shine and taming frizz.
Where to Buy Routine?
Routine Shampoo and Conditioner are sold exclusively on the brand’s website.
How Much is Routine?
Routine Shampoo and Conditioner cost $29.99 USD each when purchased separately. If you buy them together, the cost is $49.99.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Routine Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated well, making this a brand worth trying if you have thinning or lackluster hair.
Pros
- Products are formulated with research-backed ingredients
- No harmful ingredients (like parabens or phthalates) are used
- Many positive Routine reviews
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons
- Some reviews mention that the products made their hair worse than before
What Are Some Alternatives to Routine?
If you’re looking for alternatives to Routine Shampoo and Conditioner, check out our Hair La Vie review. Hair La Vie offers nutritional supplements, shampoos and conditioners, oils, masks, and various hair treatments to help you achieve healthier, thicker, and fuller-looking hair.
References:
Br J Dermatol. 2014 Nov;171(5):1031-43
J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr;54(2):175-92.
Skin Appendage Disord. 2020 Nov; 6(6): 329–337.
