Phthalates
Often used in low-cost fragrance formulas and hidden under “fragrance” on labels. Linked to hormone disruption and restricted or banned in many countries.

Parabens
Inexpensive preservatives commonly used in styling products. Some parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and are restricted or banned in several countries.

Phenoxyethanol
A preservative found in many “clean” products. We avoid it due to its potential to cause irritation—especially in leave-on formulas.

PEGs (like PEG-40)
Petroleum-derived compounds that require heavy chemical processing. We avoid them in favor of simpler, cleaner alternatives.

Silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane)
Used to create instant smoothness, but can lead to buildup and dull, heavy hair over time.

Undisclosed Fragrance Ingredients
The word “fragrance” on an ingredient label can represent a complex blend of ingredients that brands aren’t required to disclose. Without transparency, this can include fragrance allergens or other components consumers may want to be aware of.

At MAEN, we believe transparency matters. Some fragrance allergens occur naturally—especially in essential oils—and we’re upfront about them. We choose ingredients intentionally, use them at appropriate levels, and clearly disclose what’s inside so you can make informed decisions. For more information on our fragrances, please email hello@maenhair.com

Artificial Dyes (FD&C and D&C colors)
Petroleum-derived colorants added purely for appearance. We avoid them due to their association with scalp irritation and sensitivity.

Many “clean” hair brands focus on what sounds good, without prioritizing how products actually perform.

At MAEN, we take a different approach:

• We build every formula from scratch with expert chemists. No white-labeled shortcuts.
• Every ingredient must meet our internal clean standard for safety, performance, and synergy.
• We never use endocrine disruptors, undisclosed fragrance blends, or preservatives we can’t confidently explain.
• And rather than hiding behind vague “all-natural” claims, we believe in full transparency—clearly sharing what’s in our products, what each ingredient does, and why it’s there.

Because clean shouldn’t mean compromised.

It should mean intentional.

No, and that's intentional.

Clean isn't about labels. It's about intention, transparency, and performance.

Over 90% of our ingredients are naturally derived. We use carefully selected synthetic ingredients only when they make a formula safer, more stable, or more effective—and every ingredient must meet the MAEN Standard for safety, performance, and synergy.

We don’t chase the “all-natural” label, because it can be misleading. Instead, we focus on being honest, effective, and truly clean—clearly sharing what’s in every formula and why it’s there.

Nope. Our formulas are 100% silicone-free and that’s on purpose.

Silicones (like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane) coat the hair to fake softness and shine. But over time, they trap buildup, block moisture, and require harsh shampoos to wash out.

We avoid them in every MAEN product—because real hair health starts with clean, rinseable ingredients that actually nourish, not just mask.

Yes, and that's a good thing.

Any water-based product needs a preservative to stay safe and stable. But not all preservatives are created equal.

Many conventional formulas rely on preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol because they’re inexpensive and effective—but they can be irritating for some people, especially in leave-on products.

At MAEN, we choose clean, gentle preservatives that meet our internal standards for safety and performance, including:

• Caprylyl Glycol – a coconut-derived humectant with antimicrobial support
• Caprylhydroxamic Acid – a gentle, amino-acid–based preservative
• Propanediol – a corn sugar–derived stabilizer that also helps add moisture

You won’t find parabens, phenoxyethanol, or outdated preservatives here—just thoughtfully preserved formulas designed to stay fresh without compromising standards.

MAEN is for anyone with hair—and a reason to style it. Clean enough for kids, strong enough for teens, and secretly stolen by moms everywhere.

Each MAEN product is designed to be easy, intuitive, and mess-free—but for styling tips and step-by-step how-tos, check out the product pages or visit @maenhair on Instagram.