The Rootist is focused on restoring scalp health and supporting stronger, fuller-looking hair. The brand's philosophy focuses on the idea that hair health begins at the root. It offers different formulations that may improve nutrient absorption, balance your scalp's microbiome, and strengthen hair strands.
The Rootist's offers various hair care products that can help support a healthy scalp environment at the cellular level to minimize hair loss and promote scalp hydration.
In this review, we explore the Rootist brand, including its bestselling products, pros/cons, advantages, brand limitations, and two viable alternatives for the Rootist brand.
The Rootist is a biotechnology-driven haircare brand that focuses on providing fermented formulations to support different haircare needs. The brand considers the roots, scalp, and hair as a unified ecosystem. It utilizes the proprietary Rootbiomic Ferment in its formulations, which may help nourish active roots, promote a balanced scalp, and strengthen hair.
Among the flagship products of the Rootist brand is the BioBrew Fermented Strengthening Serum, which is a lightweight leave-in serum that could help repair damaged hair strands, reduce breakage, minimize frizz, and protect your hair from heat damage.
Other formulations offered by the Rootist include the Strengthen Concentrated Shampoo and Strengthen Concentrated Conditioner. These formulas are sulfate-free and concentrated, which may help cleanse and fortify weak, damaged hair strands and improve moisture, strength, and shine while reducing frizz.
Sustainability is also an integral part of the Rootist brand. The brand claims to use biodegradable, responsibly sourced plant ingredients and package their products in recyclable materials.
The Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair by The Rootist aims to reduce shedding and support visibly thicker, fuller hair. It may help minimize thinning at the scalp, hairline, and partline.
According to the brand claims, consistent daily use of the Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair may contribute to a reduction in hair shedding and noticeable density improvements.
The Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair features the Rootbiomic Ferment™, a mix of fermented proteins, roots, and mushrooms designed to convert into scalp-absorbable micronutrients. It could help support healthy, anchored hair roots and a balanced, hydrated scalp.
The serum also includes densifying peptides to enhance the look of stronger strands, while the turmeric-derived stem cells may help boost your scalp's regenerative potential.
As per the makers, the Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair is lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing. Such features could make the serum compatible for daily use on dry or towel-dried hair without interfering with your wash routine.
The Densify Bundle by The Rootist offers a three-step hair care system which aims to reduce hair fallout and promote visibly thicker, fuller hair. The bundle includes one unit each of the Densify Concentrated Shampoo, the Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair, and the Densify Concentrated Conditioner. As per its official site, the Densify Bundle is priced at $120.
In the Densify Bundle, the Densify Concentrated Shampoo may gently cleanse your scalp without stripping away the natural oils, which could help improve the absorption of other formulations in the bundle. The Densify Concentrated Conditioner offers a lightweight, silicone-free formula that may add shine and strength to your hair strands without weighing hair down or causing buildup.
The Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair may help minimize visible shedding and improve hair density in areas prone to thinning, such as the hairline or part. All three formulations in the Densify Bundle feature the Rootbiomic Ferment™, a bioactive blend that supports the scalp's microbiome and promotes follicle health.
The Rootist's BioBrew™ Fermented Strengthening Serum is packaged as a bi-phase serum spray, which pairs the nourishment of hair oil with the lightweight, nourishing effects of hair serum. It could help strengthen hair strands, reduce frizz, boost shine, and protect your hair against heat damage.
BioBrew™ Fermented Strengthening Serum contains ingredients like Bio-Peptides, which are rich in collagen, keratin, and structural proteins. These biopeptides may help fortify hair strands from root to tip. The serum also includes vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) to help repair your hair cuticle and improve shine and vibrancy. The formula is silicone-free, sulfate-free, and dermatologically tested for safety and efficacy on the scalp.
The brand claims that the BioBrew™ Fermented Strengthening Serum can make hair strands up to three times stronger in just one use. The makers suggest using the BioBrew™ Fermented Strengthening Serum on damp, towel-dried hair by applying 3 pumps to the scalp and 3–5 pumps to your hair lengths. It is meant to be used two to three times per week and should not be rinsed out.
Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder by The Rootist offers a talc-free powder that may help effectively absorb sweat and oil from your hair and scalp. Such benefits could make the Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder particularly helpful if you are looking to extend the time between hair washes.
The Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder contains magnesium carbonate, which acts like a sponge that could absorb oil and sweat from your scalp. It also contains allantoin, a gentle moisturizer that could help soothe and hydrate your scalp.
Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder comes with an on-the-go brush applicator. Shaped like a makeup brush, the brush allows for precise, mess-free application of the powder directly at the hair roots. The Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder is tinted to vanish seamlessly into all hair colors (including dark shades), which may help ensure that no chalky residue is left behind.
The Rootist brand replaces the standard water base used in hair care formulations with a more potent, bioactive concentrate by utilizing Rootbiomic Ferment™. It is a mix of fermented nutrient-dense roots, adaptogens, and botanicals, such as red ginseng, Chinese skullcap root, and reishi, and probiotic strains. This technology may help break down complex plant compounds into smaller, more bioavailable nutrients. The process may also help nourish hair strands at the cellular level, strengthening roots, stimulating growth, and protecting against damage.
The Rootist brand maintains a commitment to sustainability by prioritizing environmentally responsible practices at every step of product development. For instance, the brand claims to remove added water from its formulations, which helps reduce packaging size, shipping weight, and resource consumption. It may result in more concentrated, potent formulas that minimize waste.
Moreover, many formulations from the Rootist brand are free from harmful compounds like silicones, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, the brand may use cruelty-free and natural ingredients, ensuring product efficacy without compromising environmental or ethical values. Moreover, the brand claims to use recyclable packaging materials to help minimize its carbon footprint.
The Rootist maintains a holistic approach to haircare by treating the scalp and roots as an interconnected ecosystem essential to hair vitality. Scalp health influences hair density, thickness, and growth cycles, and conditions like scalp inflammation, excess sebum, and microbial imbalance may translate to hair thinning and loss. The Rootist aims to tackle these root-level issues rather than addressing surface-level symptoms. Many formulations from the brand help support follicular strength and restore scalp homeostasis, which may help support anagen, which is the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.
The formulations from the Rootist brands carry a higher price tag than similar formulations from alternative brands like Phillip Adam and Bumble and Bumble. For instance, one bottle (120ml or 4 fl oz) of the Densify Concentrated Conditioner by The Rootist costs $32. In contrast, one bottle (237ml or 8 fl oz) of the Fragrance-Free Leave In Conditioner from Phillip Adam costs $19.99.
When compared to similar formulations from the Bumble and Bumble brands, many formulations from the Rootist brand have a higher price. For example, the Bond-Building Hair Repair Oil Serum from Bumble and Bumble costs $45 for one bottle (1.62 fl oz).
Meanwhile, Clarify Balancing Serum for Oily Scalp by The Rootist costs $48 for one bottle (around 1 fl oz). Therefore, the premium pricing of the Rootist formulations could make it difficult for regular or budget-conscious customers to justify frequent purchases.
Although the Rootist brand emphasizes clean, fermented formulations to support hair and scalp health, some ingredients in the brand's formulations may trigger side effects for users with sensitive scalps or pre-existing skin conditions.
For instance, formulations like the Densify Concentrated Shampoo and the Strengthen Concentrated Conditioner have potential irritants like fragrance (parfum) and limonene. These ingredients may trigger adverse skin reactions, such as redness, itching, and sensitization, especially in users with sensitive skin. Given these considerations, users with sensitive scalps or dermatological conditions should approach formulations from the Rootist brand with caution.
Phillip Adam and The Rootist differ notably in the breadth and focus of their product lineups. The brand Phillip Adam offers hair care formulations, including shampoos (with scents like apple cider vinegar, rosemary mint, and orange vanilla), conditioners, and styling products (like the Volumizer).
Meanwhile, The Rootist takes a more targeted approach and offers an extensive range of products focused on scalp health and hair density. Their range includes concentrated shampoos, conditioners, and specialized formulations like the BioBrew serum.
In terms of core formulations, both the Phillip Adam and The Rootist brands utilize distinct components. The formulations from Phillip Adam primarily comprise apple cider vinegar, an ingredient that may help restore the scalp's pH balance and enhance shine. The brand also utilizes botanical extracts like rosemary and green tea in its formulations. The Rootist, however, uses a proprietary blend called Rootbiomic Ferment™, which includes fermented botanicals like red ginseng and reishi mushroom. The fermentation process aims to improve the delivery and absorption of other ingredients through the scalp.
Pricing reveals another distinction between the brands. For instance, the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo from Phillip Adam costs $19.99 for one 355ml (12 fl oz) bottle. In contrast, one bottle (120ml or 4 fl oz) of Rootist's Densify Concentrated Shampoo costs $30.
Both Phillip Adam and The Rootist brands maintain a commitment to sustainability but differ in their approaches. Phillip Adam highlights the use of biodegradable and cruelty-free formulas along with eco-friendly packaging.
Meanwhile, the Rootist brand emphasizes environmental responsibility by avoiding the use of added water in its formulations, reducing packaging waste, and using recyclable packaging.
The Rootist and Bumble and Bumble both offer haircare formulations to target diverse needs. However, the brands differ in aspects like their scope, core formulations, pricing, and refund policy.
The Bumble and Bumble brand offers an extensive product lineup that comprises shampoos, conditioners, styling products, hair sprays, and serums, which may help support various hair types and concerns.
The collections from Bumble and Bumble include formulations like the Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray, the Curl Defining Styling Cream, the Seafood Nourishing Shampoo, etc. Meanwhile, the Rootist brand's product lineup is more focused on supporting hair density and strengthening hair strands. The brand's formulations include products like the Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair, the BioBrew™ Fermented Strengthening Serum, the Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder, etc.
The two brands also differ in their return policies. Bumble and Bumble offer a 30-day refund window from the date of delivery of the order, which is limited to returns on only unopened/unused items. In contrast, the Rootist brand provides a more extended 60-day refund window on orders from the date of delivery.
For evaluating The Rootist's brand reputation, we looked into its visibility across major consumer review platforms and the quality of feedback shared by customers. The Rootist brand currently has no official presence on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau websites, which may raise concerns and doubts about the brand's integrity and reputation.
However, on Reviews.io, the Rootist brand holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating, which is based on 35+ customer reviews. The positive ratings of the brand across Reviews.io may indicate a high level of satisfaction among its consumers.
Similarly, the Rootist brand maintains a 4.5 out of 5 rating on the TenereTeam platform. However, the high rating can be due to the small sample size of only five reviewers who rated the Rootist brand on TenereTeam.
As part of our evaluation of The Rootist brand, we closely analyzed user reviews of its formulations and brand ratings across platforms like Reviews.io and Amazon to gauge the overall customer sentiment.
On Reviews.io, the Rootist brand received praise for its shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, with many consumers noting improvements in hair softness, strength, shine, and scalp health after consistent use.
However, a few consumers on Reviews.io did not experience any notable benefits in hair strength or texture despite regular use of the Rootist formulations.
During the evaluation, we also analyzed the reviews of specific products from the Rootist brand on Amazon. For example, many Amazon consumers appreciated the Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair for making their hair appear thicker and stronger over time. However, some consumers expressed that the product's pricing exceeded any potential benefits offered by it.
The Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder by the Rootist was another product we considered during the evaluation. On Amazon, most users appreciated the product's clean, non-aerosol formula that helped smooth dry hair without leaving a white cast or irritating sensitive scalps.
However, the application experience drew mixed reactions. Several reviewers expressed frustration with the packaging, saying it was difficult to control how much product was dispensed, and a few consumers mentioned receiving defective units.
The Rootist focuses on supporting hair and scalp health through its range of fermented, clean formulations like shampoos, conditioners, and serums. These formulations include targeted support for strengthening, densifying, and hydrating your hair strands.
Opting for the Rootist brand may also provide added value through product bundles and a 10% discount on your first order when you subscribe to the Rootist newsletter. These resources may be particularly beneficial if you want to explore multiple products or start a new haircare routine.
However, the formulations from the Rootist brand often have a premium price tag, especially when compared to similar formulas from competitive brands like Philip Adam and Bumble and Bumble. Moreover, personal experiences with the Rootist formulations can vary based on your age, hair type, genetics, and hair care routine.
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