107 Clarifying Shampoo 12.84oz

75%

25%

Scalp Cleansing Effectiveness

Scalp Comfort Post-Wash

Ingredient Quality

Lather & Application

Scent Experience

Sensitive Skin Compatibility

Value for Money

Color-Treated Hair Safety

Packaging & Design

Flake & Itch Reduction

Hair Volume & Bounce

Ease of Use

Cruelty-Free & Ethical Credentials

Consistency Across Hair Types

Overview

The 107 Clarifying Shampoo 12.84oz comes from 107, a Korean beauty brand that has built its reputation around fermented ingredient formulations — a philosophy borrowed from skincare and applied thoughtfully to scalp care. What sets it apart from a typical clarifying shampoo is its hero ingredient: VIN-H7, a 7-year fermented ginkgo vinegar that anchors the formula. It skips parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and arrives in a recycled container — a thoughtful touch for eco-conscious buyers. That said, it is worth being upfront: this is a scalp reset formula, not a daily driver. Think of it as a weekly or bi-weekly treatment to clear buildup, not a replacement for your regular moisturizing shampoo.

Features & Benefits

The fermentation process behind VIN-H7 is not just a marketing angle — fermenting ginkgo vinegar over seven years breaks down its compounds into smaller, more absorbable molecules, which helps them interact more effectively at the scalp surface. The formula also incorporates probiotics and amino acids that support the scalp moisture barrier, delivering a deep clean that does not leave skin feeling tight or stripped afterward. Ginseng contributes a mild antioxidant and circulation-supporting dimension. Because it is sulfate-free, the clarifying action is considerably gentler than most drugstore options — though expect noticeably less foam than you are used to, which is completely normal for this type of formula and not a sign that it is not working.

Best For

This clarifying shampoo makes the most sense for people dealing with product buildup or persistent oiliness who want a genuine reset without the harsh aftermath. If traditional clarifying shampoos have left your scalp dry and irritated in the past, the gentler sulfate-free approach here is worth exploring. It is also a natural fit for K-beauty fans who appreciate fermented ingredient philosophy already popular in Korean skincare. Those with itchy or flaky scalps may find it effective as part of a weekly routine. One honest caveat: color-treated hair and high-porosity hair types should patch-test first, since even mild clarifying formulas can affect dye longevity or moisture balance differently depending on hair condition.

User Feedback

The most consistent praise for the 107 scalp shampoo centers on how clean the scalp feels after washing — specifically that absence of tightness that typically follows a clarifying treatment. The rosemary scent earns positive mentions too; buyers describe it as subtle and herbal rather than sharp or chemical. On the flip side, shoppers expecting a rich lather were caught off guard — a common adjustment when switching away from sulfate-based formulas. A handful of users also questioned whether the bottle size justifies the price at this tier. Results for extremely oily scalps appear somewhat mixed: some found a single wash sufficient for a full reset, while others needed repeated use to feel the same effect.

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Pros

Leaves the scalp feeling genuinely clean and refreshed without the tight, dry aftermath common in harsher formulas.
The sulfate-free approach makes this clarifying shampoo far more accessible to people with sensitive or reactive scalps.
Fermented ginkgo vinegar offers a more bioavailable active ingredient compared to standard vinegar-based rinses.
Probiotics and amino acids in the formula help support the scalp barrier during the cleansing process.
Rosemary scent is subtle and herbal — not overpowering or synthetic-smelling.
Gel texture applies evenly and feels controlled during scalp application, which users consistently appreciate.
Clean formulation with no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates makes it a solid pick for ingredient-conscious buyers.
Cruelty-free and packaged in a recycled container — a meaningful bonus for eco-aware shoppers.
Works across all hair types, making it a practical household option for mixed households.
Effective at reducing itchiness and flaking linked to product buildup when used on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.

Cons

Lather is noticeably minimal compared to sulfate-based shampoos, which can feel unfamiliar and unconvincing at first.
The bottle size may feel small relative to the price for buyers used to larger drugstore clarifying options.
Results for very oily scalps can be inconsistent — some users need multiple washes before feeling a full reset.
Not suitable for daily use, which limits convenience for buyers who prefer an all-in-one wash routine.
Color-treated hair users face a real risk of accelerated fade when using any clarifying formula, including this one.
The fermented vinegar scent, while mild after rinsing, may not fully dissipate for those with acute scent sensitivity.
No significant evidence that it addresses clinical scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
The eco-packaging, while well-intentioned, has received mixed feedback on dispenser quality and durability.
Takes time to see consistent improvement — buyers expecting instant dramatic results may be underwhelmed early on.

Ratings

Our AI rating engine analyzed verified global buyer reviews for the 107 Clarifying Shampoo 12.84oz, actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and duplicate submissions to surface what real users genuinely experienced. Scores reflect both the consistent strengths that earned repeat purchases and the honest friction points that caused hesitation or disappointment. The result is a transparent, balanced picture of where this fermented scalp formula delivers and where it falls short.

Scalp Cleansing Effectiveness

84%

Users with moderate product buildup consistently reported a noticeably cleaner scalp after a single wash, with that telltale heaviness and residue gone by the next morning. People who use dry shampoo frequently or layer multiple styling products found the reset particularly satisfying and thorough.

Those with extremely oily scalps or a long gap since their last clarifying treatment sometimes needed two consecutive washes to feel fully cleared out. A small but vocal group felt the cleanse was more surface-level than deep, especially compared to sulfate-based clarifiers they had used before.

Scalp Comfort Post-Wash

88%

The absence of post-wash tightness was one of the most frequently cited positives across buyer reviews — people with reactive or dry-prone scalps noted they could clarify without the sandpaper-dry feeling they typically dread. For those managing mild scalp irritation, the formula left skin feeling calm and balanced rather than aggravated.

A handful of users with very dry scalps still experienced mild tightness, particularly in colder months when scalp dryness is already elevated. Those who skipped a follow-up conditioner on the hair lengths also reported slightly more noticeable dryness than those who did not.

Ingredient Quality

83%

The inclusion of a seven-year fermented ginkgo vinegar alongside probiotics, amino acids, and ginseng reads as a genuinely thoughtful formulation rather than a buzzword checklist — buyers familiar with Korean skincare recognized the ingredient philosophy immediately. The clean formulation stance, free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, added real confidence for shoppers who scrutinize labels carefully.

Some buyers expected a more detailed ingredient breakdown to verify the concentration levels of the active fermented components. Skeptics noted that fermentation claims are difficult to verify independently, and wished third-party certification or transparency on fermentation standards were more readily available.

Lather & Application

61%

39%

The gel format applies cleanly and feels controlled during scalp massage, which users appreciated for targeting roots without wasteful product runoff. Once buyers understood the sulfate-free lather dynamic, many came to accept the minimal foam as a normal part of the experience.

First-time users unfamiliar with sulfate-free clarifying shampoos were frequently caught off guard by the near-absence of foam, with several assuming the product was defective or diluted. This adjustment barrier generated disproportionate early negative reactions that did not reflect actual cleansing performance.

Scent Experience

79%

21%

The rosemary scent is widely described as natural, herbal, and pleasantly understated — a meaningful departure from the sharp chemical smell associated with many clarifying formulas. Buyers who are sensitive to synthetic fragrances found it easy to tolerate, and many noted that it fades cleanly after rinsing.

A small number of users found the herbal scent slightly medicinal or reminiscent of a scalp treatment rather than a luxury shampoo experience. Those who prefer a more fragrant or aromatic post-wash scent may find the subtlety underwhelming.

Sensitive Skin Compatibility

82%

18%

Buyers who had struggled with traditional clarifying shampoos causing redness, flaking, or reactivity found this formula significantly more tolerable as a weekly scalp reset. Several users managing mild scalp psoriasis or general sensitivity reported they could use it without triggering a flare, which earned strong loyalty.

The formula is not clinically therapeutic and a minority of users with more advanced scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis saw limited benefit. A very small number still experienced mild irritation, suggesting that even gentle formulas carry individual risk for highly reactive skin types.

Value for Money

67%

33%

For buyers who use it as intended — once or twice a week — the 12.84oz bottle stretches reasonably well and the clean, fermented formulation offers genuine differentiation over mass-market clarifying options at similar or higher price points.

Many buyers felt the bottle size was modest for the asking price, particularly when comparing it visually to drugstore clarifying shampoos that offer larger volumes for considerably less. Those who expected dramatic or immediate results within the first wash also questioned the cost-to-benefit ratio early in their usage.

Color-Treated Hair Safety

54%

46%

A portion of color-treated users who spaced out their usage carefully — waiting at least two weeks post-color service before clarifying — reported manageable fade impact, especially with lighter buildup situations.

Several users with freshly colored hair noticed accelerated fade after using this clarifying shampoo, which is a known risk with any clarifying formula but was still a source of frustration. The lack of explicit guidance on the packaging around color-treated hair timing left many buyers to find this out the hard way.

Packaging & Design

71%

29%

The eco-conscious use of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic resonated well with environmentally aware buyers, who appreciated that the sustainability angle was incorporated into the product itself rather than just marketing copy. The bottle shape is practical for bathroom storage and does not feel cheap.

Feedback on the dispenser mechanism was mixed — some users found the opening inconsistent or prone to product leakage in travel scenarios. A number of buyers also felt the bottle design did not visually communicate the premium positioning of the formula inside it.

Flake & Itch Reduction

76%

24%

Buyers dealing with scalp itch and mild flaking tied to product buildup or congestion reported meaningful improvement after two to three weeks of consistent weekly use. The gentle exfoliating effect of the fermented vinegar appeared to address surface-level flaking without causing the rebound dryness that medicated shampoos sometimes trigger.

Results were inconsistent for users whose flaking had a deeper root cause beyond simple buildup — those with fungal or hormonal triggers saw little benefit. Several users reported that improvements stalled after initial improvement, suggesting the formula maintains rather than progressively resolves more persistent scalp concerns.

Hair Volume & Bounce

73%

27%

A recurring positive in longer-term reviews was that hair felt noticeably lighter and had more movement after incorporating this clarifying shampoo into a weekly routine, particularly for those whose roots had been weighed down by dry shampoo or silicone-heavy product residue.

Users with naturally fine or low-density hair did not always see a meaningful volume boost, and some found that without a lighter follow-up conditioner, any volume benefit was negated. The volume effect was also more consistent for straighter hair types than curly or coily textures.

Ease of Use

78%

22%

The gel form is straightforward to apply directly at the roots, and the application process does not require any special technique beyond a thorough scalp massage before rinsing. Most users slotted it into their existing wash routine without any adjustment period beyond getting used to the low-lather experience.

The recommendation to let the product sit on the scalp for a minute or two before rinsing is not prominently communicated, and several buyers who rinsed immediately felt they got weaker results than expected. Clear on-pack guidance for first-time clarifying shampoo users would reduce this friction considerably.

Cruelty-Free & Ethical Credentials

87%

The cruelty-free status and clean formulation together made this a highly recommended option within conscious beauty communities online, where buyers actively vet product ethics before purchasing. The recycled packaging reinforced the credibility of the brand's sustainability commitment rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Some buyers noted that the brand has limited third-party certification visibility — no widely recognized cruelty-free logo appeared on the packaging they received, which prompted skepticism among buyers who rely on established certifications like Leaping Bunny for independent verification.

Consistency Across Hair Types

66%

34%

For users with normal to oily, straight to wavy hair, the formula performed reliably across repeated uses without significant variability in results. The broad all-hair-types positioning held up reasonably well for the majority of buyers in this range.

Curly, coily, and high-porosity hair users had a noticeably more inconsistent experience, with some reporting increased dryness or frizz after use that required additional deep conditioning to counteract. The formula appears optimized around scalp health rather than fiber-level compatibility across all texture categories.

Suitable for:

The 107 Clarifying Shampoo 12.84oz is a strong match for anyone whose scalp regularly accumulates product buildup, excess oil, or environmental residue and wants a thorough cleanse without the rawness that harsh clarifying formulas tend to leave behind. It is particularly well-suited for people with scalp sensitivity — those who have tried conventional clarifying shampoos and found them too stripping or irritating. If you already follow a K-beauty skincare routine and appreciate fermented ingredient science, the philosophy behind this formula will feel familiar and credible rather than gimmicky. It also works well as a weekly or bi-weekly reset within a broader haircare routine, especially for anyone who relies heavily on dry shampoos, styling products, or leave-ins that tend to accumulate at the root. Those dealing with persistent scalp itch or mild flakiness tied to buildup — rather than a clinical condition — may find it brings genuine relief when used consistently.

Not suitable for:

The 107 Clarifying Shampoo 12.84oz is not the right choice for anyone expecting it to function as a daily shampoo — it is a targeted treatment, and using it too frequently could disrupt scalp balance rather than support it. Buyers who judge a shampoo's effectiveness by the richness of its lather will likely be disappointed here; sulfate-free formulas simply do not foam the same way, and that adjustment can feel unsatisfying even when the cleanse is working. If you have color-treated hair, proceed with caution — even gentle clarifying formulas can accelerate fade, and the fermented acid-based ingredients may affect dye retention depending on how porous your hair is. People with very dry scalps or seborrheic dermatitis should consult a dermatologist before incorporating any clarifying shampoo into their routine, as this formula, while gentle, is still designed primarily for buildup removal rather than therapeutic scalp treatment. Finally, if the bottle size relative to price is a sticking point for you, this may feel like a tough sell compared to higher-volume drugstore alternatives.

Specifications

Volume: Each bottle contains 12.84oz (364ml) of product, sized for regular periodic use over several weeks.
Form: The formula is a gel consistency, which allows for controlled, targeted application directly to the scalp.
Scent: Scented with rosemary, described by users as herbal and mild rather than sharp or synthetic.
Hair Type: Formulated for all hair types, though color-treated or high-porosity hair users should exercise caution with any clarifying formula.
Key Ingredient: VIN-H7 is a proprietary ginkgo vinegar fermented over seven years, intended to deliver more bioavailable active compounds to the scalp.
Active Ingredients: The formula includes probiotics, amino acids, and ginseng extract, which work together to support scalp hydration and barrier function.
Sulfate Status: This shampoo is completely free of sulfates, including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Free From: The formula contains no parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, meeting clean beauty standards for sensitive skin compatibility.
Skin Compatibility: Designed to be suitable for sensitive skin, with a formulation approach that minimizes common irritants.
Cruelty-Free: The product is certified cruelty-free, meaning no animal testing is conducted at any stage of development or production.
Packaging: The bottle is made from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, reducing the use of virgin petroleum-based materials.
Package Weight: The packaged product weighs 1.1 pounds, as listed in the manufacturer specifications.
Dimensions: The bottle measures approximately 6.22 x 3.03 x 2.99 inches, compact enough for standard bathroom storage or travel packing.
Brand Origin: 107 is a Korean beauty brand whose product philosophy centers on long-fermented, microbiome-friendly formulations.
Primary Function: This is a scalp clarifying shampoo, intended for periodic use to remove product buildup, oil accumulation, and environmental residue.
Use Frequency: Recommended for weekly or bi-weekly use as a reset treatment, not as a replacement for a daily cleansing shampoo.
ASIN: The Amazon product identifier for this item is B0F1T2HK4V, useful for locating the correct listing when purchasing.

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FAQ

Once or twice a week is the sweet spot for most people. Clarifying shampoos are built to clear out buildup, not to serve as your everyday wash, so using it too frequently can actually work against you by over-cleansing the scalp. Pair it with your regular shampoo on other wash days.

Nothing is wrong — this is completely expected from a sulfate-free formula. Without SLS or SLES to generate foam, lather is naturally minimal. The cleansing is still happening; it just does not look the same as a conventional shampoo. Give it a few uses before drawing conclusions about effectiveness.

Use caution. Even gentle clarifying formulas can accelerate color fade because they are designed to strip away deposits from the hair shaft, and dye molecules can go along with them. If your color is freshly done, hold off for at least a week or two, and consider using it less frequently than someone without color-treated hair.

It is not designed for daily use and the brand does not recommend it that way. Daily clarifying can disrupt your scalp's natural oil balance over time, even with a gentle formula. Reserve it for your weekly or bi-weekly reset and you will get much better results.

Fermentation breaks down the ginkgo vinegar into smaller molecular components that the scalp can absorb more readily compared to non-fermented versions. It also produces beneficial byproducts like amino acids during the process. The practical effect is a gentler acid-based cleanse that helps loosen buildup and support a balanced scalp environment.

For mild to moderate oiliness or product buildup, one wash tends to deliver a noticeable reset. If your scalp is particularly oily or you have not clarified in a long time, you might need two consecutive wash sessions to fully clear out the accumulation. Results do tend to improve with consistent weekly use over time.

Most users report that the scent is subtle to begin with and largely fades after rinsing. People with strong scent sensitivity have occasionally noted a faint herbal smell that lingers briefly while the hair is wet, but it generally dissipates as the hair dries.

The formula is gentle and free from common harsh irritants, but it is not specifically tested or marketed for children. If you are considering it for a child, check with a pediatric dermatologist first, particularly if the child has any existing scalp conditions or skin sensitivities.

It depends on what is causing your dandruff. If your flaking is related to product buildup or a congested scalp, this clarifying shampoo can definitely help reduce it. However, clinical dandruff caused by a fungal imbalance, such as seborrheic dermatitis, requires a specifically formulated anti-fungal shampoo and is outside the scope of what this formula is designed to treat.

Apply the gel directly to a wet scalp in sections, massaging it in with your fingertips rather than your nails. Focus on the roots and scalp surface rather than the lengths of your hair. Let it sit for a minute or two before rinsing thoroughly. Following up with a hydrating conditioner on the lengths is a good idea, especially if your hair tends to run dry.