No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Product Description
Product overview
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is a concentrated, color-safe rinse-off conditioner powered by Olaplex's patented bond-building molecule. It works at a molecular level to reconnect broken disulfide bonds inside the hair while deeply hydrating, detangling, and smoothing — leaving hair stronger, shinier, and more manageable with every wash. The brand markets it as its #1 best-selling prestige conditioner.
Repairs Bonds at a Molecular Level
The patented active reconnects broken disulfide bonds inside the hair shaft, repairing everyday damage in a single wash.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRepairs Bonds at a Molecular Level
The patented active reconnects broken disulfide bonds inside the hair shaft, repairing everyday damage in a single wash.
Reduces Breakage
Clinically proven to strengthen and reinforce bonds for more resilient hair that resists future breakage and split ends.
Color-Safe & Concentrated
Safe for chemically treated and color-treated hair. A little goes a long way — 250ml delivers up to 50 applications.
Smooths & Adds Shine
The nourishing formula dramatically improves detangling and manageability while boosting shine and reducing frizz.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. As a rinse-off conditioner it is generally considered low-risk — but always confirm with your doctor.
Not fungal-acne safe. It contains fatty alcohols, esters, plant oils, and ferments. Rinse skin well if you are prone to body/scalp breakouts.
Includes Parfum plus the EU-listed allergens Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, and Limonene. Patch test if you have a sensitive or reactive scalp.
Designed to follow No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and works alongside color, heat styling, and the rest of the Olaplex bond system.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate Proprietary %Proven
Olaplex's patented, exclusive bond-building molecule and the cornerstone of the entire range. This small, water-soluble molecule diffuses into the hair cortex and reconnects the broken disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and structure.
- Mechanism: The "dimaleate" ends act as Michael acceptors that react with free thiol (–SH) groups, forming new covalent bridges between cysteine residues in keratin.
- Origin: Developed from chemistry created at UC Santa Barbara by Eric Pressly and Craig Hawker; protected by multiple global patents.
- Result: Restores strength and integrity from the inside out — a process previously thought to require salon intervention.
Behentrimonium & Cetrimonium Chloride Conditioning baseProven
These quaternary conditioning agents are the workhorses behind the formula's signature slip. They smooth the cuticle, reduce static, and make wet detangling dramatically easier without weighing hair down.
- Function: Cationic conditioners bind to negatively-charged damaged hair, coating rough cuticles for softness and shine.
- Tolerance: Behentrimonium chloride does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%, and is even gentler in a rinse-off.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) HumectantProven
A provitamin found naturally in hair that binds and holds water. It penetrates the hair shaft to hydrate, soften, and improve flexibility, helping reduce the look of dryness and brittleness.
- Source: Converts to pantothenic acid once absorbed; a well-studied humectant comparable to hyaluronic acid for moisture retention.
- Benefit: Adds suppleness and resilience, supporting the bond-repair actives.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid HumectantPromising
A low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid that draws and holds moisture. In hair care it helps replenish hydration and improve elasticity for a smoother, plumper feel.
- Research: Low molecular weight HA is shown to hydrate and increase elasticity, which is associated with reduced surface roughness.
Fermented & Plant Oil Blend NourishingPromising
A cocktail of nourishing oils including avocado (Persea Gratissima), sunflower, grapeseed (Vitis Vinifera), and fermented green tea seed oils. These deliver fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin E to soften and protect.
- Fermented oils: Korean-inspired fermentation improves absorption and compatibility for better feel and performance.
- Antioxidants: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and plant polyphenols help defend against environmental free-radical stress.
75 ingredients
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate, Quaternium-91, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cetyl Esters, Behentrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Phospholipids, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate, Glycine Soja Oil, PEG-7 Amodimethicone, PEG-45m, Amodimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Polysilicone-15, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, C11-15 Pareth-7, Sodium Polyacrylate, C12-13 Pareth-3, C12-13 Pareth-23, Vitis Vinifera, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Laureth-9, Trideceth-12, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna Extract, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Acetic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Quaternium-95, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, PEG-8, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Punica Granatum Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, PEG-8/Smdi Copolymer, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Myristyl Serinate, BHT, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Biotin, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Chlorphenesin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, PEG-4 Laurate, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4, Etidronic Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing with No.4 Shampoo. Follow with a leave-in and bond serum on damp hair before heat styling for a salon-finish wash day.
How to use
HOW TO USEShampoo First
Cleanse with No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo (or your usual shampoo) and lightly squeeze out excess water.
Apply to Mid-Lengths & Ends
Dispense a small amount and work through the mid-lengths to ends — where damage concentrates. Avoid overloading the roots.
Leave On 1-3 Minutes
Let the bond-building actives work. Many reviewers leave it 3-5 minutes for extra slip and softness.
Rinse Well
Rinse thoroughly. Avoid contact with eyes. Use every wash for ongoing bond maintenance.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your hair is bleached, color-treated, or chemically processed
- You deal with breakage, split ends, or frizz
- You heat style often and want stronger, more resilient strands
- You want salon-level repair you can maintain at home
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, color-safe formulas
Consider alternatives if:
- You're sensitive to fragrance or EU allergens
- You specifically need a fungal-acne or fragrance-free formula
- You want a strictly silicone-free conditioner
- You have very fine hair that's easily weighed down (use sparingly)
- You're on a tight budget and prefer a drugstore option
Hair type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe ideal match — bond repair plus color-safe formula maintain integrity after chemical processing.
Rich, concentrated hydration that smooths and strengthens. Very dry hair may add a heavier mask.
Excellent slip makes detangling easy while defining and softening texture without crunch.
Strengthens without much weight — but fine hair should use a small amount to avoid limpness.
Fine for ends, but keep the rich formula away from the scalp to avoid build-up.
Results timeline
3 MONTHSSmoother, Shinier, Detangled
Immediate slip and softness. Hair feels conditioned, combs through easily, and looks glossier — brand claims everyday damage repaired in one wash.
~85% notice softer hairLess Breakage, Easier Styling
With regular use, hair feels more resilient and manageable. Reviewers report fewer strands breaking off during brushing.
~70% report less breakageStronger, Healthier Strands
Cumulative bond maintenance shows in reduced split ends and flyaways, with hair looking noticeably healthier and feeling stronger.
~65% see reduced split endsMaintained Integrity
Used consistently within the bond routine, hair holds color longer and better withstands heat and chemical services.
~60% repurchaseRatings by platform
34K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Patented bond-building tech repairs and strengthens damaged hair
- Outstanding slip and detangling, even on curly/coily hair
- Concentrated — a little goes a long way (up to 50 uses per bottle)
- Color-safe, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Noticeably improves shine, softness, and manageability
Criticized
- Premium price point versus drugstore conditioners
- Contains fragrance and EU allergens (Citral, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal)
- Not fungal-acne safe (fatty alcohols, esters, oils, ferments)
- Contains silicones — not for strict silicone-free routines
- May not be moisturizing enough alone for very dry, thick hair
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESDrugstore bond-repair conditioner that relies on a Citric Acid Complex rather than Olaplex's patented molecule. Claims up to 98% less breakage. Great value, but a different (and less studied) bonding mechanism.
Affordable plex-style conditioner aimed at strengthening processed hair. Lighter, less luxurious feel and fewer nourishing oils, but a low-cost way to add bond-care to a routine.
The closest formula match by ingredient overlap (per SkinSort, ~24 shared ingredients). Vegan and cruelty-free with AHA and Vitamin E. Similar performance, similar price tier rather than a true bargain.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEOlaplex No.5 (Featured)
K18 Damage Shield Conditioner
L'Oréal Elvive Bond Repair
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed
Squeeze tube / flip-cap bottle (size dependent)
100ml size is carry-on friendly; 250ml exceeds the cabin liquid limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens used for facial application, and it's a rinse-off product applied to hair — so it's generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That said, it does contain fragrance, so if you're highly sensitive or have concerns, confirm with your doctor or midwife first.
No. The formula contains fatty alcohols (cetearyl, cetyl), esters (cetyl esters), several plant oils (soybean, avocado, grapeseed, sunflower), ferment filtrates, and PEG-4 laurate/dilaurate — all of which can feed Malassezia. It's a rinse-off, but if you're prone to fungal acne on your scalp, back, or chest, rinse thoroughly and keep the product off the skin.
Yes. No.5 is color-safe and suitable for chemically treated hair, and it's built to layer within the Olaplex system — after No.4 Shampoo and before leave-ins like No.6 and bond serums like No.9. The bond-building active reinforces hair against the stress of heat and chemical services.
It's formulated for all hair types but shines on damaged, color-treated, bleached, curly, and coily hair. Fine hair should use a small amount and focus on the ends, and those with oily scalps should keep it off the roots to avoid build-up.
Most people notice smoother, shinier, easier-to-detangle hair after the very first wash. Strength and reduced breakage build with consistent use over 1-4 weeks, and the brand states everyday damage is repaired in a single wash within the routine.
Use it as your conditioning step — after shampooing, apply to mid-lengths and ends, leave on for 1-3 minutes, then rinse. Follow with a leave-in conditioner, bond serum, or styling products on damp hair.
As a rinse-off conditioner applied to hair rather than facial skin, pore-clogging risk is low (rated around 2/5). It does contain some richer oils, so if you're acne-prone along the hairline, neck, or back, tilt your head back when rinsing and clean the skin afterward.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months — check the small open-jar symbol on the packaging. A 250ml bottle delivers up to roughly 50 applications, so most people finish it well within that window.
Verdict: Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner earns its cult status. The patented bond-building molecule is genuinely unique in haircare, and combined with rich conditioning agents, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and nourishing oils it delivers real slip, shine, and strength — especially for color-treated and damaged hair. It's concentrated, vegan, cruelty-free, and color-safe. The trade-offs are the premium price, a noticeable fragrance with EU allergens, and the fact that it isn't fungal-acne or silicone-free. For anyone repairing damage or maintaining bonds between salon visits, it's a worthy investment; budget shoppers can get partway there with citric-acid alternatives.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
Emollient, Solvent, Uv Absorber
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|