The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Apple Cider Vinegar
aka acv · fermented apple cider · acetic acid
The wellness-aisle ingredient that crossed into clean haircare via Ouai, dpHUE, and Briogeo. Acetic acid (4–7%) acidifies the scalp and cuticle, helps remove product buildup, and tightens the hair shaft for shine. Skincare use is more cautious — high acidity requires careful pH buffering.
- acidic clarifying for scalp and hair cuticle
- removes product buildup and mineral residue
- fermentation-derived, low-controversy supply chain
- clarifying hair rinses (Ouai)
- scalp pre-shampoo
- scalp tonics
Diluted to pH 3.5–4 in scalp rinses. Filtered for clarity in cosmetic-grade ACV (raw 'mother' is preferred in DIY but problematic at scale).
Undiluted ACV is too acidic for scalp use. Skincare use above 2% can damage barrier; clean facial use is cautious or absent.
Strongly positive in haircare; cautious in skincare.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Apple Cider Vinegar
aka acv · fermented apple cider · acetic acid
The wellness-aisle ingredient that crossed into clean haircare via Ouai, dpHUE, and Briogeo. Acetic acid (4–7%) acidifies the scalp and cuticle, helps remove product buildup, and tightens the hair shaft for shine. Skincare use is more cautious — high acidity requires careful pH buffering.
- acidic clarifying for scalp and hair cuticle
- removes product buildup and mineral residue
- fermentation-derived, low-controversy supply chain
- clarifying hair rinses (Ouai)
- scalp pre-shampoo
- scalp tonics
Diluted to pH 3.5–4 in scalp rinses. Filtered for clarity in cosmetic-grade ACV (raw 'mother' is preferred in DIY but problematic at scale).
Undiluted ACV is too acidic for scalp use. Skincare use above 2% can damage barrier; clean facial use is cautious or absent.
Strongly positive in haircare; cautious in skincare.