Ouidad VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo — 8.5 fl oz sulfate-free, low-pH formula for wavy to coily hair

Ouidad VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo is a sulfate-free cleanser formulated to gently remove buildup while restoring pH balance and reinforcing curls' natural lipid barrier for improved moisture and bounce.

Designed for wavy to coily textures, this 8.5 fl oz shampoo cleans hair without stripping essential oils, using a Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex of chia seed, Japanese camellia, and sunflower oils to address dry spots and support elasticity. The low-pH formula helps maintain hydration and curl consistency, and it’s safe for color-treated hair. Free from silicones, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, petroleum, and gluten, it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

How does this shampoo clean curls without drying them out?

The formula avoids harsh sulfates and instead uses gentler cleansing agents that lift dirt and excess oil while leaving natural lipids intact. Its lower pH reduces cuticle lift, so moisture is retained and curls remain defined rather than frizzy.

• Removes buildup and excess oil without stripping essential oils
• Low-pH balance helps retain hydration and minimize cuticle damage
• Sulfate-free surfactants for a gentler lather
• Suitable for frequent use on textured hair

What ingredients support curl health and where do they act?

The signature Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex combines chia seed, Japanese camellia, and sunflower oils to target drier areas along the hair shaft and cuticle. These plant oils help reinforce the hair’s lipid barrier so strands hold moisture, flex, and return to shape more readily.

• Chia seed oil: lightweight fatty acids that help lock in moisture
• Japanese camellia: emollient support for smoother cuticles
• Sunflower oil: rich in linoleic acid to help strengthen the lipid barrier
• Formulated to act on dry zones without weighing down curls

Is this shampoo safe for color-treated and sensitive scalps?

Yes — the gentle, low-pH formula and absence of sulfates make it appropriate for color-treated hair, as it reduces aggressive stripping that can fade color. The clean ingredient profile also limits common irritants, making it a good choice for many sensitive scalps.

• Color-safe cleansing that preserves pigment longer
• Free from silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
• Vegan and cruelty-free formulation
• Developed to be gentle for routine use

How should I use this shampoo to get the best results?

Apply to wet hair, concentrating on the scalp and areas that accumulate product and oil, then emulsify and rinse thoroughly. For textured hair, follow with a compatible lightweight conditioner or styling product to lock in moisture and define curl pattern.

• Wet hair thoroughly, massage shampoo into scalp, then work down the lengths
• Rinse completely to avoid residue that can weigh curls down
• Pair with a nourishing conditioner for added hydration
• Adjust frequency to hair needs—more often for oily scalps, less for very dry hair

Who is this for: Ouidad VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo is aimed at people with wavy, curly, or coily hair who want a clarifying yet hydrating wash. It suits color-treated and chemically processed curls that need a balanced cleanse without silicones or sulfates. If you’re looking to reduce buildup while supporting elasticity, moisture retention, and curl consistency with plant-based oils and a low-pH formula, this shampoo fits into a routine focused on healthy, bouncy curls.

Features:

• Sulfate-free shampoo that removes buildup and excess oil without stripping curls
• Low pH gently retains hydration and helps prevent curls from getting stripped of natural oils
• Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex targets dry areas and helps improve hair’s natural lipid barrier
• Free from: Silicones, Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Petroleum, Gluten
• Vegan and Cruelty-free

Ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Decylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed (Chia) Oil, Camellia Japonica (Tsubaki) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Phospholipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Codamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, PEG-150 Distearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Polyquaternium-22, Butylene Gycol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate, Citric Acid, BHA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)