{"id":604865691954,"title":"Harklinikken Review: Overpriced for the Quality?","created_at":"2023-02-19T16:35:24-05:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Harklinikken Review: Overpriced for the Quality?\",\n \"keywords\": \"harklinikken, harklinikken review, harklinikken reviews, harklinikken products, harklinikken hair, harklinikken bad reviews, harklinikken extract, harklinikken side effects, harklinikken hair products, harklinikken shampoo\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Harklinikken's most popular shampoo and their hair growth product to give our take on whether they're likely to be effective or if they're a waste of money. We highlight two questionable additives.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/harklinikken-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Beth Lertzman\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/beth-lertzman\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/beth-lertzman-md-856619118\/\",\n \"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/beth-lertzman-517042\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"skincare, collagen, cosmetics, surgery, wrinkles, ingredients, formulation, clinical trials, clinical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of Delaware\",\n \"Drexel University College of Medicine\",\n \"University of Rochester\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Harklinikken_Thumbnail.png?v=1676842856\",\n\"width\": \"2931\",\n\"height\": \"2931\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12715094\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20036729\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/better-not-younger-review\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/reverse-health-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33656744\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/native-body-wash-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22517595\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"lauric acid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"potassium sorbate\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"health questions\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-02-19\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Harklinikken_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1676842266\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eH\u003c\/span\u003earklinikken is a hair care brand founded in Denmark. The brand describes their hair products as “high-quality, non-toxic and efficacious” and they sell everything from hair growth serums to shampoo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut do Harklinikken products actually contain research-backed ingredients for improving hair quality and supporting hair growth or are they a waste of money? Does the brand use any questionable additive ingredients? Where’s the cheapest place to buy their products? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Harklinikken?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in two of the brand’s most popular products based on clinical studies to give our take on whether or not they’re worth the money. We’ll review Harklinikken Balancing Shampoo and Hair Gain Extract.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll also provide a cost breakdown showing what retailer has these products for the best price and share real, unsponsored Harklinikken customer reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBalancing Shampoo Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Harklinikken_Balancing_Shampoo_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1676842284\" alt=\"Harklinikken Balancing Shampoo ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklinikken’s Balancing Shampoo is quite expensive, costing $54 for the largest size. For this price, we would expect a premium formulation. The ingredients are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLauric acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is the only ingredient in this formulation we can find research backing for in regard to hair quality. It’s derived from coconut oil and may be able to protect hair proteins from damage according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12715094\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Cosmetic Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePotassium sorbate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a preservative shown to be toxic to human cells in a 2010 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20036729\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. This was an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein vitro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (test tube) study, so it doesn’t necessarily mean the same results apply when used on hair, but worth noting in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall we’re quite underwhelmed with this formulation. Most shampoo products we review on Illuminate Health like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/better-not-younger-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBetter Not Younger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e contain many effective botanical ingredients even if we don’t end up recommending the product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut is the hair growth product better-formulated? We’ll analyze in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHair Gain Extract Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklinikken’s Hair Gain Extract is even more expensive than their shampoo, costing $88 per bottle. It’s custom-formulated but no ingredient list is shown even after completing the questionnaire (we completed it with sample responses).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe strongly urge consumers to avoid cosmetic products without an ingredient label, as it’s a safety issue.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Without knowing exactly what ingredients are in the product, there’s no way to assure its safety or efficacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Harklinikken_Health_Question_1_Optimized.png?v=1676842590\" alt=\"Harklinikken health question 1\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere were also some strangely personal health questions in the Hair Gain Extract questionnaire, including whether or not you are pregnant or have given birth in the past 6 months. We have no idea how or why that would impact a hair growth formulation, nor does Harklinikken share any clinical research suggesting their custom formulations are effective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Harklinikken_Health_Question_2_Optimized.png?v=1676842607\" alt=\"Harklinikken health question 2\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs shown above, the brand also asks how often users work out. Again, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ehow does this affect ingredients in a hair growth product? \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe recommend that consumers be wary of giving sensitive health information to cosmetics brands for no clear benefit. As we discussed in our review of another health brand that collects user data called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/reverse-health-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eReverse Health\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, your health data is at risk of being hacked when it’s stored with a company.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe have not come across any convincing medical evidence that “personalized” hair care products are more effective than standard hair care products. We consider this more of a marketing strategy than a strategy founded on good science.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored Harklinikken User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklinikken is sold on Amazon which is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe brand’s most-reviewed product on Amazon is their Daily Conditioner which has been reviewed over 90 times with an average review rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Taryn” who claims the product helped with hair thinning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“I have been using Harklinikken products for about a year and a half. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eI am 26 years old and had suffered severe hair thinning for years prior to finding these products. The results have been incredible and I continue to see results. The texture of my hair has changed completely from using the conditioner and shampoo.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “ELC” who gives the product a 3-star rating and claims it didn’t impart the aesthetic benefits they were seeking:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“I really wanted to like this conditioner, but it may not be the best for my hair type. I’ve been using a little over a week. It does leave my hair soft. But my hair “looks” dry and dull, as though I need a finishing cream applied.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e I may see if there’s a different conditioner from this line that would be best for me.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe brand has few complaints on their Better Business Bureau (BBB) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/fl\/tampa\/profile\/hair-replacement\/harklinikken-llc-0653-90277193\/complaints\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003epage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, and they respond and try to resolve each complaint which is the sign of a high-quality brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoes Harklinikken Cause Side Effects?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklniikken does not appear to have been studied in any clinical trials, so it’s impossible to say for certain whether or not the brand’s products are likely to cause side effects. However, we can make an educated guess based on the ingredients used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe do not consider Harklinikken likely to cause side effects in the average consumer.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Most of the ingredients used by the brand are safe, well-studied and non-toxic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are a few potential irritants worth noting. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe preservative potassium sorbate that we highlighted in the ingredient analysis section was described as a potential irritant which is “underestimated” according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33656744\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eContact Dermatitis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCocamidopropyl betaine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a synthetic detergent that won “Allergen of the Year” due to its clinically proven allergenic effects, as we referenced in our review of another cosmetic product containing this ingredient called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/native-body-wash-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNative Body Wash\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklinikken products may cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Buy Harklinikken for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklinikken is sold primarily on the brand’s website and on Amazon. Here’s the price breakdown for two of their most popular products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBalancing Shampoo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $54 (plus shipping)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$54 (free shipping \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003edepending on plan – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YYMn68\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDaily Conditioner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $49 (plus shipping)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$49 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e depending on plan – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Ekcblg\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor those who have Amazon Prime, purchasing Harklinikken products from Amazon can save 5-10% per order due to free shipping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to Apply Harklinikken Hair Loss Treatment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarklinikken has a YouTube video that’s only two minutes long showing how to properly apply their hair loss treatment:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7TMIga2GdRQ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Non-Toxic Hair Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Sesame_Image.png?v=1674706414\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHair loss can be caused by a number of factors, from hormones to stress to vitamin deficiencies and more. \u003cstrong\u003eWithout determining the cause, it’s impossible to effectively treat.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe recommend Sesame’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/sesame-care.pxf.io\/7mEL6V\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVideo Hair Loss Consult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e because it’s a convenient way for patients to have a call with a credentialed medical expert like a doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause of the hair loss and prescribe treatment, from the comfort of their home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSesame is a leading online health platform that allows patients to order lab tests, connect with medical experts of nearly any specialty, and be prescribed medication.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested consumers can check out Sesame’s Video Hair Loss Consult service \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/sesame-care.pxf.io\/7mEL6V\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat this link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe shampoo we recommend is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3SViT6y\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcure Vivacious Volume Shampoo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis shampoo is formulated with effective and non-toxic plant-based compounds like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ealoe vera juice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eargan oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It also contains \u003cstrong\u003erosemary leaf oil\u003c\/strong\u003e which was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22517595\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhytotherapy Research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e journal to promote hair growth. It's entirely free of questionable additives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested consumers can check out Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3SViT6y\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat this Amazon link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe are unimpressed with Harklinikken as a brand, especially given their prices. We do not recommend the brand’s shampoo due to the inclusion of a preservative ingredient but also because we only consider one of the active ingredients to have research backing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not recommend Harklinikken Hair Gain Extract because the brand doesn’t even publish the ingredients after you complete their questionnaire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are no particularly harmful or dangerous ingredients in Harklinikken hair products (those with an ingredient label), so we do not believe the brand will cause side effects. There are a few potential allergens that could cause side effects in individuals with sensitive skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor those intent on purchasing Harklinikken products, doing so on Amazon will save you money if you are an Amazon Prime member.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-02-19T16:45:03-05:00","updated_at":"2023-02-20T11:55:14-05:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Harklinikken's most popular shampoo and their hair growth product to give our take on whether they're likely to be effective or if they're a waste of money. We highlight two questionable additives.","template_suffix":"","handle":"harklinikken-review","tags":"_related:hair, _related:shampoo"}

Harklinikken Review: Overpriced for the Quality?

Harklinikken Review: Overpriced for the Quality?


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Harklinikken is a hair care brand founded in Denmark. The brand describes their hair products as “high-quality, non-toxic and efficacious” and they sell everything from hair growth serums to shampoo.

But do Harklinikken products actually contain research-backed ingredients for improving hair quality and supporting hair growth or are they a waste of money? Does the brand use any questionable additive ingredients? Where’s the cheapest place to buy their products? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Harklinikken?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in two of the brand’s most popular products based on clinical studies to give our take on whether or not they’re worth the money. We’ll review Harklinikken Balancing Shampoo and Hair Gain Extract.

We’ll also provide a cost breakdown showing what retailer has these products for the best price and share real, unsponsored Harklinikken customer reviews.

Balancing Shampoo Review

Harklinikken Balancing Shampoo ingredients

Harklinikken’s Balancing Shampoo is quite expensive, costing $54 for the largest size. For this price, we would expect a premium formulation. The ingredients are shown above.

Lauric acid is the only ingredient in this formulation we can find research backing for in regard to hair quality. It’s derived from coconut oil and may be able to protect hair proteins from damage according to a medical review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Potassium sorbate is a preservative shown to be toxic to human cells in a 2010 clinical trial. This was an in vitro (test tube) study, so it doesn’t necessarily mean the same results apply when used on hair, but worth noting in our opinion.

Overall we’re quite underwhelmed with this formulation. Most shampoo products we review on Illuminate Health like Better Not Younger contain many effective botanical ingredients even if we don’t end up recommending the product.

But is the hair growth product better-formulated? We’ll analyze in the next section.

Hair Gain Extract Review

Harklinikken’s Hair Gain Extract is even more expensive than their shampoo, costing $88 per bottle. It’s custom-formulated but no ingredient list is shown even after completing the questionnaire (we completed it with sample responses).

We strongly urge consumers to avoid cosmetic products without an ingredient label, as it’s a safety issue. Without knowing exactly what ingredients are in the product, there’s no way to assure its safety or efficacy.

Harklinikken health question 1

There were also some strangely personal health questions in the Hair Gain Extract questionnaire, including whether or not you are pregnant or have given birth in the past 6 months. We have no idea how or why that would impact a hair growth formulation, nor does Harklinikken share any clinical research suggesting their custom formulations are effective.

Harklinikken health question 2

As shown above, the brand also asks how often users work out. Again, how does this affect ingredients in a hair growth product? 

We recommend that consumers be wary of giving sensitive health information to cosmetics brands for no clear benefit. As we discussed in our review of another health brand that collects user data called Reverse Health, your health data is at risk of being hacked when it’s stored with a company.

We have not come across any convincing medical evidence that “personalized” hair care products are more effective than standard hair care products. We consider this more of a marketing strategy than a strategy founded on good science.

Real, Unsponsored Harklinikken User Reviews

Harklinikken is sold on Amazon which is a better resource for honest customer reviews than a brand’s website in our opinion.

The brand’s most-reviewed product on Amazon is their Daily Conditioner which has been reviewed over 90 times with an average review rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Taryn” who claims the product helped with hair thinning:

“I have been using Harklinikken products for about a year and a half. I am 26 years old and had suffered severe hair thinning for years prior to finding these products. The results have been incredible and I continue to see results. The texture of my hair has changed completely from using the conditioner and shampoo.”

The top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “ELC” who gives the product a 3-star rating and claims it didn’t impart the aesthetic benefits they were seeking:

“I really wanted to like this conditioner, but it may not be the best for my hair type. I’ve been using a little over a week. It does leave my hair soft. But my hair “looks” dry and dull, as though I need a finishing cream applied. I may see if there’s a different conditioner from this line that would be best for me.”

The brand has few complaints on their Better Business Bureau (BBB) page, and they respond and try to resolve each complaint which is the sign of a high-quality brand.

Does Harklinikken Cause Side Effects?

Harklniikken does not appear to have been studied in any clinical trials, so it’s impossible to say for certain whether or not the brand’s products are likely to cause side effects. However, we can make an educated guess based on the ingredients used.

We do not consider Harklinikken likely to cause side effects in the average consumer. Most of the ingredients used by the brand are safe, well-studied and non-toxic.

There are a few potential irritants worth noting. 

The preservative potassium sorbate that we highlighted in the ingredient analysis section was described as a potential irritant which is “underestimated” according to a medical review published in the Contact Dermatitis journal.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a synthetic detergent that won “Allergen of the Year” due to its clinically proven allergenic effects, as we referenced in our review of another cosmetic product containing this ingredient called Native Body Wash.

Harklinikken products may cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.

Where to Buy Harklinikken for the Best Price

Harklinikken is sold primarily on the brand’s website and on Amazon. Here’s the price breakdown for two of their most popular products:

Balancing Shampoo

Brand website: $54 (plus shipping)

Amazon: $54 (free shipping depending on plan – link to official Amazon listing)

Daily Conditioner

Brand website: $49 (plus shipping)

Amazon: $49 (free shipping depending on plan – link to official Amazon listing)

For those who have Amazon Prime, purchasing Harklinikken products from Amazon can save 5-10% per order due to free shipping.

How to Apply Harklinikken Hair Loss Treatment

Harklinikken has a YouTube video that’s only two minutes long showing how to properly apply their hair loss treatment:

Our Non-Toxic Hair Picks

Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, from hormones to stress to vitamin deficiencies and more. Without determining the cause, it’s impossible to effectively treat.

We recommend Sesame’s Video Hair Loss Consult because it’s a convenient way for patients to have a call with a credentialed medical expert like a doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause of the hair loss and prescribe treatment, from the comfort of their home.

Sesame is a leading online health platform that allows patients to order lab tests, connect with medical experts of nearly any specialty, and be prescribed medication.

Interested consumers can check out Sesame’s Video Hair Loss Consult service at this link.

The shampoo we recommend is Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo

This shampoo is formulated with effective and non-toxic plant-based compounds like aloe vera juice and argan oil. It also contains rosemary leaf oil which was shown in a clinical trial published in the Phytotherapy Research journal to promote hair growth. It's entirely free of questionable additives.

Interested consumers can check out Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo at this Amazon link.

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Conclusion

We are unimpressed with Harklinikken as a brand, especially given their prices. We do not recommend the brand’s shampoo due to the inclusion of a preservative ingredient but also because we only consider one of the active ingredients to have research backing.

We do not recommend Harklinikken Hair Gain Extract because the brand doesn’t even publish the ingredients after you complete their questionnaire.

There are no particularly harmful or dangerous ingredients in Harklinikken hair products (those with an ingredient label), so we do not believe the brand will cause side effects. There are a few potential allergens that could cause side effects in individuals with sensitive skin.

For those intent on purchasing Harklinikken products, doing so on Amazon will save you money if you are an Amazon Prime member.




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