Aveda Invati Ultra Exfoliating Shampoo Light — 6.7 oz for Fine to Medium Thinning Hair, Gentle Scalp Exfoliation

Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Light is a purifying, plant-forward shampoo that gently exfoliates the scalp and cleanses fine to medium thinning hair while supporting a thicker, shinier appearance when used in the four-step Invati Ultra Advanced system.

This lightweight shampoo is designed for fine to medium hair and normal to oily scalps. It uses wintergreen-derived salicylic acid to remove excess oil and environmental buildup that can sit on the scalp, while a babassu-derived cleanser produces a soft lather that rinses clean. The formula is 95% naturally derived and free from many common irritants and controversial ingredients—part of Aveda’s vegan, cruelty-free approach. For best results, it is the first step in the four-part Invati Ultra Advanced regimen alongside Thickening Conditioner, Revitalizing Scalp Serum, and Fortifying Leave-In Treatment.

What makes this shampoo different from regular clarifying formulas?

This product focuses on targeted scalp exfoliation for thinning hair rather than aggressive stripping. The wintergreen-derived salicylic acid helps loosen and remove oil, sweat, and environmental residue that can collect at the hairline and follicles. The babassu-derived surfactant creates a gentle foam and avoids harsh sulfates, delivering a cleaner scalp without over-drying strands.

• Contains wintergreen-derived salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.
• Babassu-derived cleansing agent for mild, effective lather.
• Formulated for fine to medium hair and normal to oily scalps.
• Rinses clean and prepares hair for subsequent Invati treatments.

How does this product fit into the Invati Ultra Advanced 4-step routine?

This is Step 1 in the system and is meant to prepare the scalp and strands for the following steps. By clearing oil and residues, the scalp environment is optimized for the Thickening Conditioner, Revitalizing Scalp Serum, and the Fortifying Leave-In Treatment to work more effectively. Using the full routine gives the combined benefits Aveda tested.

• Step 1: Exfoliating Shampoo Light to cleanse and purify.
• Step 2: Thickening Conditioner to add weightless body.
• Step 3: Revitalizing Scalp Serum for targeted scalp care.
• Step 4: Fortifying Leave-In Treatment to protect and thicken strands.

Will this shampoo suit sensitive or reactive scalps?

The formula avoids many common irritants—such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, SLS/SLES, silicones, and animal-derived ingredients—which reduces exposure to potential triggers. It is formulated to be non-irritating with a gentle babassu-based cleanser, but individual sensitivity varies; perform a patch test if you have a known scalp condition or extreme sensitivity.

• Free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, SLS/SLES, phthalates, and silicones.
• Gentle babassu-derived cleansing agent to minimize irritation.
• 95% naturally derived ingredients per ISO 16128 guidance.
• Not a medical treatment—consult a dermatologist for scalp disorders.

How should I use this shampoo for best results?

Use as the first step in the Invati Ultra Advanced regimen: wet hair, massage a small amount into the scalp until it foams lightly, then rinse thoroughly. For consistent improvement in texture and reduced breakage in testing, follow with the matching Thickening Conditioner, Revitalizing Scalp Serum, and Fortifying Leave-In Treatment according to their directions.

• Massage into wet hair and scalp until foamy, then rinse.
• Use with Invati Ultra Thickening Conditioner for fuller-looking hair.
• Continue with serum and leave-in steps for full system benefits.
• Ideal for routine use on normal to oily scalps and fine-to-medium hair.

Who is this for: Aveda Invati Ultra Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Light is aimed at people with fine to medium thinning hair who have normal to oily scalps and want a plant-forward, gentle exfoliating cleanser. It’s suitable for shoppers seeking vegan, cruelty-free hair care that pairs with a multi-step regimen to help improve strand thickness appearance and manage scalp buildup. If you prefer a richer, more moisturizing option for thicker hair textures, consider the Invati Ultra Exfoliating Shampoo Rich variant instead.

Ingredients

Ingredients: Water Aqua Eau, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Curcuma Longa (turmeric) Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (ginger) Root Extract, Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract, Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Caffeine, Salicylic Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance (parfum), Linalool, Citral, Limonene, Citronellol, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate ILN52738 Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.