No.7 Bonding Oil
No.7 Bonding Oil
Product Description
Product overview
A highly concentrated, weightless styling oil from Olaplex, powered by patented Bond Building Technology™ (Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate). Just 2-3 drops dramatically boost shine by 125%, reduce breakage by 77%, control frizz for up to 72 hours, and provide heat protection up to 450°F/232°C — delivering sleek, healthy-looking hair without greasiness or weight.
Patented Bond Building
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate re-links broken disulfide bonds in damaged hair fibers.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPatented Bond Building
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate re-links broken disulfide bonds in damaged hair fibers.
125% More Shine
Clinically proven to deliver significantly more shine versus untreated bleached hair.
77% Less Breakage
Strengthens compromised hair to visibly reduce snap, split ends, and flyaway damage.
72-Hour Frizz Control
Silicone-smoothing complex resists humidity and keeps styles sleek between washes.
Heat Protection 450°F
Shields strands from blow-dryers, flat irons, and curling wands up to 232°C.
Color Vibrancy Boost
Safe for color-treated and bleached hair; helps preserve tone and luminosity.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEGenerally considered low-risk as a topical hair oil, but contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (a chemical UV filter with potential endocrine concerns) and fragrance allergens. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Not malassezia-safe if contacting the scalp: contains Coco-Caprylate, Phenyl Trimethicone silicone, and Pseudozyma ferment that can feed fungal yeast. Apply mid-length to ends only.
Formulated to preserve and enhance color vibrancy; safe on bleached, highlighted, and dyed hair. Will not cause staining.
Certified vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and formaldehyde.
Contains Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol, and Hexyl Cinnamal. May trigger sensitivity in fragrance-reactive users; patch test recommended.
Acts as a thermal barrier for styling tools up to 450°F/232°C — safer for regular blow-drying and flat-ironing.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate Patented ActiveProven
Olaplex's signature bond-building molecule. It seeks out broken single sulfur-hydrogen bonds in the hair cortex and cross-links them back into intact disulfide bonds — the structural scaffolding that gives hair its strength and elasticity.
- Mechanism: Re-links broken disulfide bonds damaged by bleach, dye, and heat
- Clinical data: 77% reduction in breakage versus bleached untreated hair
- US Patent: Olaplex holds multiple patents protecting this bond-building chemistry
Dimethicone & Phenyl Trimethicone Top of listProven
High-grade cosmetic silicones that form a weightless, water-repellent film on the hair shaft. They smooth the cuticle, impart gloss, reduce friction (less mechanical breakage), and create the 72-hour humidity-resistant barrier that keeps frizz down.
- Function: Surface smoothing, shine, heat protection, humidity resistance
- Safety: Non-comedogenic on hair; water-soluble with proper cleansing shampoo
Coco-Caprylate High concentrationProven
A plant-derived emollient made from coconut alcohol and caprylic acid. It spreads beautifully on hair, adds softness, and serves as a clean, lightweight alternative to volatile silicones like cyclomethicone without the greasy residue.
- Source: Coconut oil derivative (coconut-derived emollient)
- Texture: Dry, silky feel; enhances slip and detangling
Sunflower & Moringa Seed Oils Botanical blendProven
A blend of lightweight, omega-rich plant oils. Sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid and vitamin E for conditioning. Moringa seed oil delivers behenic acid and antioxidants that protect hair from oxidative stress and UV damage.
- Sunflower oil: Rich in linoleic acid and natural tocopherols
- Moringa oil: Contains behenic acid, resists rancidity, anti-pollution properties
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil Active concentrationPromising
A rare botanical oil containing up to 60% punicic acid — a conjugated fatty acid with three double bonds that delivers potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Supports scalp health and fiber regeneration.
- Unique fatty acid: Punicic acid (~60%), rare in plant oils
- Research: Studied for epidermal regeneration and antioxidant action
Pseudozyma Epicola / Green Tea Seed Oil Ferment BioactivePromising
A Korean-beauty-inspired fermented ingredient. Fermentation breaks down Camellia Sinensis (green tea) seed oil into smaller, more bioavailable molecules that absorb faster and enhance the delivery of conditioning nutrients into the hair fiber.
- Technology: Biofermentation increases nutrient absorption
- Benefit: Improves compatibility, feel, and performance of the oil phase
Beta-Carotene & Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AntioxidantsProven
Beta-Carotene gives the oil its golden amber color and works synergistically with Tocopherol (Vitamin E) to neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution. Together they protect lipid structures in the hair shaft from oxidative degradation.
- Beta-Carotene: Precursor to Vitamin A, potent antioxidant
- Tocopherol: Lipid-soluble antioxidant, preserves formula stability
25 ingredients
Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Coco-Caprylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propanediol, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beta-Carotene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Water (Aqua), Morinda Citrifolia Seed Powder, Parfum (Fragrance), Hexyl Cinnamal, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Limonene, Tocopherol, Citral, Linalool, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply to damp hair before heat styling, or a tiny drop on dry hair as a finisher for shine and flyaway control. Works beautifully stacked after Olaplex No.3/No.4/No.5 system.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense a Metered Drop
Uncap the bottle, turn it upside down, and gently tap your index finger on the bottom to release one precise drop.
Warm Between Palms
Use 2–3 drops total depending on hair length and thickness. Rub between your palms to distribute evenly.
Apply to Damp Hair (Pre-Styling)
Work through damp, towel-dried hair from mid-lengths to ends — avoid the scalp and roots to prevent greasy build-up.
Blow-Dry or Heat Style
Proceed with your usual heat styling routine. The oil provides a protective shield up to 450°F/232°C.
Optional: Finish on Dry Hair
Add a half-drop on already-styled hair to tame flyaways, boost shine, and smooth split ends between washes.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your hair is bleached, colored, or chemically treated
- You regularly use heat tools (blow-dryer, flat iron, curling wand)
- You deal with frizz, flyaways, or humidity-triggered puffiness
- You have dry, damaged, or split ends that need strengthening
- You want high shine without a greasy, heavy finish
- You prefer a multi-tasking product (treatment + styling oil + heat protectant)
Consider alternatives if:
- You have a fragrance-sensitive scalp (contains Limonene, Linalool, Citral)
- You strictly avoid silicones in your hair care routine
- You have very fine, oil-prone hair that gets weighed down easily
- You're looking for a scalp treatment or growth serum
- You're on a tight budget (price-per-ml is premium)
- You prefer natural, 100% botanical oil formulations
Hair type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWeightless formula works well with just half a drop; more can weigh hair down or look oily.
Ideal match — delivers shine, smoothness, and heat protection without residue.
Tames frizz and flyaways beautifully; use 3–4 drops for full coverage.
Defines curls, reduces frizz, and seals moisture without crunch or stiffness.
Flagship use case — repairs bond damage and preserves color vibrancy.
Avoid scalp contact; apply from mid-length to ends only to prevent greasiness.
Results timeline
3+ MONTHSShine & Smoothness
Hair feels softer and looks glossier immediately after application. Flyaways visibly tame within seconds.
95% noticedFrizz Control & Manageability
72-hour humidity resistance keeps hair sleek between washes. Easier to comb, detangle, and style.
88% noticedReduced Breakage
Noticeably less hair in your brush and shower drain. Split ends look sealed and less frayed.
77% noticedStronger, Healthier Ends
Cumulative bond-building effects strengthen compromised hair; color vibrancy is better preserved.
70% noticedOverall Hair Integrity
Regular use helps maintain hair structure through coloring, heat styling, and daily wear.
82% would repurchaseRatings by platform
71K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Patented bond-building technology with real clinical data
- Instant, visible shine and smoothness
- Heat protection up to 450°F — doubles as thermal shield
- Weightless formula — won't weigh hair down in small doses
- Works on all hair types from fine to coily
- Color-safe and vegan/cruelty-free
- A little goes a long way — bottle lasts for months
- Signature grapefruit-mint scent is fresh and clean
Criticized
- Premium price for a 30 ml bottle (~$32)
- Contains multiple fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, Citral)
- Silicone-heavy formula not for "clean beauty" purists
- Can cause build-up if used daily without clarifying
- Metered-drop dispenser can be slow or inconsistent
- Not scalp-safe for fungal-acne-prone users
- Fragrance may be too strong for sensitive noses
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESVery close formulation with a proprietary Plex complex plus silicones, sunflower, and argan oils. Heat protection and shine are comparable at a third of the price. Lacks Olaplex's patented bond-building molecule but remarkably effective.
Drugstore heat-protectant serum with citric acid-based bond care. Delivers shine and frizz control but the bond-repair action is less scientifically robust than Olaplex's patented disulfide cross-linker.
A lightweight leave-in oil-serum using PCA-based bond chemistry. More water-light and less silicone-heavy than Olaplex. Great for fine hair but less dramatic shine and no 450°F heat claim.
Classic shine-and-smoothing oil at a fraction of the cost. Delivers instant gloss and frizz control but is purely cosmetic — no active bond-repair, no clinical breakage data, and weaker heat protection.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Moroccanoil Treatment Original
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening — use within a year for optimal freshness and efficacy.
Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed.
Clear acrylic bottle with metered-drop dispenser cap for precise, controlled application.
Yes — 30 ml (1 fl oz) size is TSA carry-on compliant for flights under 100 ml liquids rule.
Frequently asked questions
FAQOlaplex No.7 is a topical hair oil with minimal systemic absorption, so it's generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, the formula contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (a chemical UV filter some prefer to avoid during pregnancy) and fragrance allergens. As with any product, consult your OB-GYN or midwife before use if you have concerns.
No — the formula is not fungal-acne-safe if applied to the scalp. It contains Coco-Caprylate (an ester), Phenyl Trimethicone, and a Pseudozyma ferment filtrate, all of which can potentially feed malassezia yeast. The product is intended for hair lengths and ends only, so apply from mid-shaft downward and avoid direct scalp contact.
Yes — Olaplex No.7 is a hair oil, not a skincare product, so it doesn't interact with active skincare ingredients. That said, keep it away from your face to prevent silicones or fragrance from sitting on skin where they could interfere with active treatments or trigger breakouts.
Olaplex No.7 is marketed for all hair types but it truly shines on chemically treated, bleached, colored, dry, damaged, curly, or thick hair. Fine and thin hair can also use it, but with just a half-drop to avoid heaviness. It's especially beloved by anyone who regularly uses heat styling tools.
You'll see instant shine and smoothness after the very first application. Frizz control and heat protection benefits kick in immediately. Structural benefits like reduced breakage and stronger ends become visible after 2–4 weeks of consistent use, with the fullest bond-building effects at 4–8 weeks when used alongside the Olaplex No.3, No.4, and No.5 system.
Apply Olaplex No.7 after shampooing, conditioning, and any leave-in treatments. The classic workflow: apply 2–3 drops to damp towel-dried hair from mid-lengths to ends, then blow-dry or heat style as usual. You can also add a tiny amount to dry, styled hair as a finishing touch for extra shine and flyaway control.
On a scale of 0–5, we rate Olaplex No.7 at roughly 3/5 for facial skin comedogenicity due to its silicone and coconut-derived ester content. This isn't a concern for hair strands, but keep it away from your face, forehead, and back to avoid potential breakouts. For hair itself, it's non-clogging and won't affect scalp health when applied away from the roots.
Olaplex No.7 has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Because you only use 2–3 drops per application, a single 30 ml bottle typically lasts 3–6 months for most users, so you'll comfortably finish it well within the shelf life. Store upright, cap tightly closed, and away from direct heat or sunlight for best results.
Verdict: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil remains a cult-favorite for good reason. The patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate delivers genuine, clinically backed bond-repair benefits (77% less breakage, 125% more shine) while functioning beautifully as a multitasking heat protectant and styling oil. The premium price and fragrance allergens are the main drawbacks, but for bleached, colored, heat-styled, or frizz-prone hair, it's one of the most rigorously validated bond oils on the market — and a little goes a very long way.
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):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isohexadecane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Solvent, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Phenyl Trimethicone
Antifoaming Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning
|
|