Original Mineral Haircare

I was asked if I’d like to review Original Mineral products recently, and my response was a resounding “Yes!”.  After taking such care with my skin and diet, it is very important not to overlook hair products as these contain some of the most toxic chemicals in our daily lives.  I’ve been on the hunt for healthier alternatives to mass market brands, and whilst I’ve found my love in Evolvh (reviewed here), I was excited to be able to explore a much more readily available line.

Original Mineral hails from Australia, and contain over 90% natural ingredients.  More importantly, Original Mineral products do not contain the following harmful ingredients:

• Parabens – known to cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis
• MIT – toxic and allergenic ingredient, typically causing dermatitis, itching, flaking and soreness on the scalp
• Triclosan – linked to hormone disruption and the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and antibacterial products
• Phtalates – especially dangerous to pregnant woman  as exposure to phtalates can cause harm during critical periods of a child’s development
• Sodium Chloride – strips moisture, elasticity and keratin from the hair
• Propylene – linked to causing headaches, back aches and kidney problems.

To be sure, the science isn’t quite definitive on whether these substances are cause for concern, and they are widely used in many other consumer products too.  My personal philosophy is to try to reduce where I can.  I certainly don’t buy into all the organic and mineral branding hype that has plagued our generation, but let the products speak for themselves!

For my review, I was provided with travel sized versions of Original Mineral’s Hydrate & Conquer Conditioner, Atonic, and Frizzy Logic.

Original Mineral Hydrate & Conquer Conditioner

Hydrate and Conquer contains the nutrient-rich Tasmanian Sea Kelp, is packed with Vitamins A, B, C & E, and contains 13 amino acids.  It is formulated for hair that needs extra hydration and is not too thick that it weighs your hair down.  It has a smooth, relatively light (for a conditioner) texture that is easy to work into my severely knotted and dry hair.  It also rinses off easily, leaving my hair feeling soft and silky.  What I loved most was the amazing scent!  It reminds me of dessert… hmm… cupcakes, crème brulee, and maybe a dash of coconut shavings!

The only thing I noted though, was the presence of silicones.  Having been silicon-free for sometime now, I noticed a reduction in lightness after using Hydrate & Conquer for a week.  It would be a far better product without silicones, but it would probably be a much more expensive product.

Regular retail price: SGD38 for 350ml.

Original Mineral Frizzy Logic Shine Serum

Frizzy Logic Shine Serum contains a unique blend of native Australian ingredients including cold-pressed certified organic Argan Oil and Evening Primrose Oil.  It is high in essential fatty acids to soften hair, eliminate frizz and improve hair strength.  It is a runny light oil texture that spreads easily, so a small 5-cent sized dollop is sufficient for all my ends.  It absorbs instantly, leaving my hair looking shiny (not oily!) and smooth.  Oh, and this one smells nutty, like macadamia nut snacks, mmmm!!

Regular retail price: SGD32 for 50ml

Original Mineral Atonic Thickening Spritz

Atonic is a thickening spritz meant to be used for heat styling or blowdrying any hair type.  The formulation contains what proteins to thicken hair shafts to allow lift and volume control.  It is perfect for fine hair but also works to define soft curls and tames flyaway hair.  An inbuilt heat protector guards against damage.  In a culture of rebonding-obsessed, I was rather apprehensive.  Until one morning I woke up with a bad case of flat head.  A couple of spritzes of Atonic later, I was able to shake my hair out into something much more chic!  The only downside was, the sexy beach bomb hair didn’t last…sigh, the story of my life.

Regular retail price: SGD35 for 250ml.

Original Mineral has developed a cult following from celebrities like Rachel Zoe, Cameron Diaz, Ashlee Simpson, etc… and I can see why.  The products feel luxurious, and smell delicious.  More importantly, we all can do with a lot less harmful chemicals.  Original Mineral are reasonably priced (especially if you have been living on a diet of Kerastase!) and certainly worth checking out.  The funky modern industrial design doesn’t hurt either.  Original Mineral is now available at TANGS Orchard, Luxola, Zalora, SurviveSG, and Robinsons Orchard (from end Oct).

xoxo