Skip to content

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A sulfate-free, ultra-hydrating shampoo infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, polyglutamic acid, coconut water, and blue-green algae. Clinically proven to deliver 3x more hydration and 72-hour moisture retention while reducing breakage by 50%. Designed for dry, textured, and coarse hair types 2a–4c.

Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Vegan Cruelty-Free Gluten-Free Color Safe Keratin Safe No Mineral Oil B Corp Certified
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
9.2 oz / 275 ml
Price
$28.00
Type
Shampoo
Best For
Dry / Textured
Key Active
Hyaluronic Acid
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

3x More Hydration

Clinically proven to deliver triple the moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos when used with the conditioner as a system.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Pearlescent cream
Scent
Warm vanilla & citrus
Lather
Rich, luxurious
Finish
Soft, hydrated

3x More Hydration

Clinically proven to deliver triple the moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos when used with the conditioner as a system.

50% Less Breakage

Reduces hair breakage by half, strengthening strands from root to tip with squalane and nutrient-rich sea buckthorn oil.

72-Hour Moisture Lock

Hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid work together to attract and seal in moisture for up to three full days between washes.

Clean, Gentle Cleansing

Sulfate-free surfactants (sodium cocoyl isethionate) gently cleanse without stripping natural oils or color from treated hair.

Lightweight Moisture

100% of clinical trial participants agreed the formula does not weigh hair down, making it safe for fine-to-thick textures.

Sustainable Packaging

Bottles made with post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR). Refill sizes available. TerraCycle recycling partnership for empties.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains fragrance/parfum with benzyl benzoate, hydroxycitronellal, and limonene. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Consult your OB-GYN if you have fragrance sensitivities.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, coconut oil, sesame oil, and glycol distearate — all potential triggers for malassezia folliculitis on the scalp.

Color-Treated Hair

Sulfate-free formula is safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, and chemically processed hair. Will not strip or fade color.

Sensitive Scalp

Gentle surfactant system (sodium cocoyl isethionate + coco-glucoside) is much milder than SLS/SLES. Turmeric and gooseberry extracts help soothe the scalp.

Clean Formula

Free from over 1,300 questionable ingredients banned by the EU. No parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, oxybenzone, coal tar, or triclosan.

Contains Fragrance

Less than 1% synthetic fragrance. Notes of warm vanilla, spicy sweet clover, and fresh citrus. May not suit those with extreme fragrance sensitivities.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

SqualaneProven

A plant-derived lipid that mimics natural sebum. Protects hair from dehydration by restoring the lipid barrier and preventing moisture loss, leaving strands supple and soft without greasy buildup.

  • Function: Emollient that seals moisture into the hair shaft
  • Source: Plant-derived (olive or sugarcane)
  • Benefit: Restores lipid barriers and prevents moisture evaporation
Lightweight and non-greasy — does not weigh down fine hair or leave residue.

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)Proven

A low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid that attracts moisture from the surrounding air and binds it to the hair strand. Plumps up dry, dehydrated hair for a fuller, healthier appearance.

  • Function: Humectant that holds up to 1,000x its weight in water
  • Mechanism: Attracts and retains moisture from the environment into hair
  • Result: Visibly plumper, more hydrated strands with reduced frizz

Polyglutamic Acid (PGA)Promising

A next-generation humectant that promotes moisture retention even more effectively than hyaluronic acid. Forms a hydrating film over hair strands to lock moisture in for extended periods.

  • Function: Film-forming humectant for long-lasting moisture
  • Source: Derived from fermented soybeans (natto)
  • Synergy: Works alongside hyaluronic acid for enhanced 72-hour hydration

Bio-Fermented Coconut WaterPromising

Contains electrolytes, monolaurin, lauric acid, and plant hormones that add natural, lightweight hydration to hair without heaviness.

  • Function: Provides natural electrolyte-based hydration
  • Benefit: Delivers minerals and vitamins directly to hair strands

Spirulina Platensis (Blue-Green Algae) ExtractPromising

Rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. Nourishes and strengthens hair while providing antioxidant protection.

  • Function: Nutrient-dense botanical for hair nourishment
  • Content: Essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins A and E

Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides)Proven

One of the most omega-rich plant sources on earth, containing rare Omega-7 fatty acids. Loaded with 15x more vitamin C than an orange and 3x more vitamin A than a carrot. Sustainably sourced from Tibet.

  • Function: Nourishes scalp and strands while restoring lipids
  • Content: Omega 3, 6, 7, 9 fatty acids plus vitamins C, A, and E
  • Result: Increased shine, manageability, softness, and strength

35 ingredients

Water/Eau/Aqua, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Squalane, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit/Seed Oil, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Spirulina Platensis (Blue Green Algae) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Emblica Officinalis (Gooseberry) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cocamide MIPA, Coconut Acid, Polyester-11, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-73, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Formaldehydes, Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar, Hydroquinone, Triclocarban, Triclosan, Silicones, Aluminum Starch, Gluten
04

Where it fits in your hair care routine

ROUTINE
1
Pre-Wash Oil
2
Shampoo (This Product)
3
Conditioner
4
Hair Mask (Weekly)
5
Leave-In Conditioner
6
Styling

For best results, pair with Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner. Use 2–3 times per week or as needed based on hair type and activity level.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Hair Thoroughly

Saturate hair completely with warm water. This helps the shampoo distribute evenly and lather better.

2

Apply a Quarter-Sized Amount

Dispense a quarter-sized amount into your palm. For longer or thicker hair, use a bit more. Emulsify between hands before applying.

3

Lather from Roots to Tips

Massage through wet hair from root to tip using gentle circular motions. Focus on the scalp for cleansing and let the lather flow through lengths.

4

Rinse Completely

Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner for the ultimate rush of deep hydration.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dry, textured, or coarse hair (types 2a–4c)
  • Your hair is low porosity and struggles to absorb moisture
  • You want long-lasting hydration that extends between wash days
  • You have color-treated or chemically processed hair
  • You prefer sulfate-free, clean formulas with proven ingredients
  • You experience breakage or brittle, straw-like strands

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very oily roots and need deep clarifying power
  • You have fine, easily weighed-down hair (may be too rich)
  • You are sensitive to fragrances or essential oil components
  • You have scalp fungal acne (malassezia) — contains ferment triggers
  • You prefer a completely fragrance-free shampoo
  • You are on a tight budget — premium price point at $28/9.2oz
07

Hair type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Hair
Excellent

This is what the shampoo is designed for. Hyaluronic acid, squalane, and polyglutamic acid deliver deep, lasting hydration to parched strands.

Coarse / Textured Hair
Excellent

Coconut oil, sea buckthorn, and sesame oil penetrate coarse strands, leaving them softer, more manageable, and less prone to breakage.

Curly / Coily (3a–4c)
Excellent

Gentle sulfate-free cleansing preserves natural curl pattern while delivering intense moisture. 96% agreed it reduced frizz in clinical testing.

Wavy (2a–2c)
Good

Works well for wavy hair that needs moisture. Use a smaller amount to avoid weighing down looser wave patterns.

Fine / Oily Hair
Moderate

May be too rich for fine or oily hair. Some users report it can make roots look greasy if overused. Try a small amount focused on ends only.

Color-Treated Hair
Excellent

Completely sulfate-free and keratin-safe. Will not strip color or interfere with chemical treatments. Helps repair moisture lost from coloring.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
First Wash

Immediate Softness & Hydration

Hair feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more moisturized right after the first wash. Lather is rich and luxurious without stripping.

94% felt softer + more moisturized
Week 1–2

Reduced Frizz & Improved Manageability

Frizz begins to reduce noticeably. Hair is easier to detangle and style. Hydration lasts noticeably longer between wash days.

88% reported long-lasting hydration
Week 3–4

Stronger, More Resilient Strands

Breakage reduction becomes visible. Hair feels stronger and more elastic. Ends appear healthier with less splitting.

50% less breakage (clinically proven)
Month 2+

Full Hydration & Shine Transformation

With consistent use, hair achieves sustained 72-hour moisture retention. Shine, bounce, and overall hair health are significantly improved.

100% agreed it didn't weigh hair down
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
Ulta Beauty
4.8
Rating
916+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel heavy if you use too much product on fine hair
Sephora
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price point is high for the bottle size (9.2 oz)
Amazon
4.5
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Runs out quickly on thick/long hair; fragrance too strong for some
Target
4.1
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not ideal for oily scalps; some report roots becoming greasy
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Exceptional hydration that lasts between wash days
  • Leaves hair incredibly soft, silky, and manageable
  • Luxurious lather despite being sulfate-free
  • Amazing signature scent (vanilla, citrus, sweet clover)
  • Clinically proven results backed by third-party testing
  • Safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, and chemically processed hair
  • Sustainable packaging with recycled plastics and refill options
  • Does not weigh hair down (confirmed by 100% of clinical participants)

Criticized

  • Premium price ($28/9.2oz) — expensive for daily use on long hair
  • Can make oily roots look greasy if over-applied
  • Fragrance may be overpowering for scent-sensitive users
  • Not fungal acne safe due to ferments and oils
  • Too rich for very fine or thin hair types
  • Smaller bottle size depletes quickly with thick/coarse hair
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
70% Match
L'Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Pure Hydrating Shampoo
$7.99
Budget Pick

Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration at a fraction of the price. Simpler formula without squalane, polyglutamic acid, or sea buckthorn. Uses sulfates for cleansing. Good drugstore alternative for basic hydration needs.

65% Match
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
$10.99
Budget Pick

Sulfate-free with coconut oil and silk protein for moisture. Great for curly and coily hair. Less sophisticated humectant blend (no HA or PGA), but excellent moisture from natural butters and oils at a lower price.

60% Match
Dove Hydration Spa Hyaluronic Acid Shampoo
$6.97
Budget Pick

Features hyaluronic acid as a key hydrating ingredient. Uses gentler surfactant (cocamidopropyl betaine). Leaves hair soft and moisturized without weight. Lacks the premium botanical oils and clinical-grade actives of amika.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Shampoo
Size 8.5 oz / 250 ml
Key Actives Argan Oil + Vitamins A & E
Sulfate-Free Yes
Focus Hydration + Shine
Hair Types All Types
Clinical Proof Limited
Vegan / Cruelty-Free No / Yes

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Shampoo

Size 8 oz / 236 ml
Key Actives Rosehip Oil + B Vitamins + Algae
Sulfate-Free Yes
Focus Repair + Moisture
Hair Types Damaged / Dry
Clinical Proof Moderate
Vegan / Cruelty-Free Yes / Yes
No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Size 8.5 oz / 250 ml
Key Actives Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Sulfate-Free Yes
Focus Bond Repair + Strength
Hair Types Damaged / All Types
Clinical Proof Extensive (patented technology)
Vegan / Cruelty-Free Yes / Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap closed between uses to prevent product from drying out.

Packaging

Squeeze bottle with flip-cap (9.2 oz / 16.9 oz) or pump dispenser (33.8 oz liter). Post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR).

Travel Friendly

The 9.2 oz bottle exceeds TSA limits. Purchase the mini 2 oz travel size or transfer to a travel container for flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. The formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the major pregnancy no-go ingredients. However, it does contain fragrance with benzyl benzoate, hydroxycitronellal, and limonene, which some dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have concerns about fragrance sensitivity.

No, this shampoo is not fungal acne safe. It contains several potential malassezia triggers: Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (a ferment), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, and Glycol Distearate (a fatty acid ester). If you have scalp folliculitis or fungal acne, consider a fungal-acne-safe alternative.

Yes. Since this is a rinse-off shampoo, it will not interact with leave-on scalp treatments or facial actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. Simply shampoo and rinse before applying any scalp serums or treatments. There are no contraindicated ingredients in this formula.

This shampoo is specifically formulated for dry, textured, or coarse hair types 2a–4c. It is especially beneficial for low-porosity hair that struggles to absorb moisture. It also works well on color-treated and chemically processed hair. Those with very fine or oily hair may find it too rich and should use sparingly or consider a lighter formula.

Most users notice immediate softness and hydration after the first wash — 94% of clinical trial participants agreed. Frizz reduction and improved manageability typically become noticeable within 1–2 weeks. The full breakage reduction benefit (50% less breakage) develops with consistent use over 3–4 weeks. Long-term 72-hour moisture retention improves over continued use.

Use as step 1 or 2 in your wash routine (after a pre-wash oil treatment if you use one). Lather from roots to tips, then rinse. Follow immediately with Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner on mid-lengths to ends for optimal results. You can then follow with leave-in treatments and styling products as usual.

Comedogenic rating: 1/5 (very low risk). While the formula contains coconut oil and sesame oil (which can be comedogenic on skin), this is a rinse-off product that is thoroughly washed out. The risk of pore-clogging is minimal. If you are prone to body acne along the hairline or back, rinse your skin thoroughly after washing your hair.

The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap closed. The 9.2 oz bottle typically lasts 2–3 months with regular use (2–3 times per week). The 33.8 oz liter size offers better value for frequent users and lasts approximately 6–8 months.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo is an outstanding sulfate-free hydrating shampoo backed by solid clinical data. The combination of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and polyglutamic acid delivers genuinely impressive moisture that lasts. It excels for dry, textured, curly, and coarse hair types, and the gentle surfactant system makes it safe for color-treated hair. The premium price point and fragrance may deter some buyers, and it is not suitable for fungal acne-prone scalps. Overall, it is one of the best moisturizing shampoos in the prestige hair care space — especially for those with thirsty, dehydrated strands.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Sodium Hyaluronate Polyglutamic Acid Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
40% 14% 45%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 35 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
1 Unknown
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 B
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
1 A
Glycol Distearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsifying, Opacifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS