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WEN Cleansing Conditioner Sweet Almond Mint Review: Would Users Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product. This verdict rests on news coverage of the FDA complaints and the class-action settlement plus one beauty-community review page, all listed at the end. The news coverage we read is from the time of the settlement; we did not find newer independent testing, and we say so below. Our method.

Skip

Too many safety questions for a product with easy alternatives

Coverage we read reports that the FDA had received 127 direct consumer complaints about WEN hair products, described as the largest number ever linked to a cosmetic hair cleansing product, and that about 21,000 more complaints went to the company. The brand settled a class action over hair loss and scalp irritation claims while stating that the product is safe, and no source we saw proves the product caused the harm. Beauty-community reviewers are mixed: soft, shiny hair for some, greasiness and buildup for others. With so many ordinary shampoos and conditioners available, we think most people can skip it.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • have dry, thick or damaged hair and already used this product without any scalp problems
  • like a single conditioning wash and follow the rinse directions closely
  • accept the unresolved safety questions after reading the news coverage

Skip it if you…

  • have fine or oily hair, which reviewers say gets greasy or weighed down
  • have a sensitive scalp or a history of hair shedding
  • want a product with a clean safety record

This review summarizes news coverage and user experiences and is not medical advice. If you notice hair loss, scalp irritation or a rash from any hair product, stop using it, see a doctor or dermatologist, and consider reporting it to the FDA.

WEN Cleansing Conditioner by Chaz Dean is a conditioning wash meant to replace both shampoo and conditioner. The Sweet Almond Mint scent is among its best-known versions.

The product has a loyal following, but it is also tied to one of the largest complaint volumes the FDA has recorded for a hair cleanser. We describe both sides below.

What owners say, at a glance

127consumer complaints received by the FDA, as reported at the timeCBS Los Angeles
~21,000complaints reported to the companyLegal Examiner, CBS Los Angeles
~6 millionpeople possibly eligible under the class settlementCBS Los Angeles
Softness and shine (fans)
Mixed to positive
Works on fine or oily hair
Often reported greasy
Safety record
FDA complaints, settlement
Value for the amount used
Needs a lot of product
Independent testing
None found

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

What happened

A class action over hair loss claims.CBS Los Angeles reported that a federal judge gave preliminary approval to a multimillion settlement with the stylist and the marketer. Plaintiffs said WEN shampoos and conditioners caused hair loss and scalp irritation.
A record FDA complaint count.The same report says the FDA was investigating and had received 127 consumer complaints, the largest number tied to any cosmetic hair cleansing product. Another report adds that over 21,000 complaints went to the company.
The company disputes it.WEN has said its product is safe and called settling a business decision. The coverage we read did not include an independent finding that the product caused the harm, and we did not find a later one.

What fans like

Soft, shiny hair.Reviewers on Beautylish describe softer, shinier hair and hair that feels less stripped than with regular shampoo.
Good for dry or damaged hair.Those with dry, bleached or thick hair were generally more satisfied.
Convenience.One product replaces two, and the scents are popular.

What users dislike

Buildup and greasiness.Reviewers with fine or oily hair report greasy roots, a weighed-down look and, in one case, dandruff.
A lot of product.Reviewers say cleansing takes plenty of product, which makes it feel costly.
Results depend on technique.Thorough rinsing and following the directions closely matter, and some users saw no difference.

Why we say skip

This is not a recall, and many users report no problems. But the combination of record complaint numbers, a settlement, mixed results for fine and oily hair, and plenty of conventional alternatives tips the balance for us. If you already use it happily, the coverage we read does not prove it will harm you, and stopping at the first sign of shedding or irritation is sensible advice for any hair product.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Many users like the soft, shiny feel
  • Can suit dry, thick or damaged hair
  • One product replaces shampoo and conditioner
  • Popular scent options

What owners complain about

  • Record FDA complaint volume and a class-action settlement
  • Greasiness and buildup on fine or oily hair
  • Needs a lot of product per wash
  • No independent testing found

Other options to consider

These are simpler ways to get softer hair without the safety questions.

ProductStyleConsider it if…
WEN Cleansing Conditioner (this review)Conditioning washYou accept the safety questions and have dry hairSee on Amazon
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance ShampooStrengthening shampooYou want a regular shampoo aimed at damaged hairSee on Amazon
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
Read our review
Leave-in conditionerYou want moisture for dry or curly hairSee on Amazon

Want to see it for yourself?

Read current customer feedback on Amazon before deciding, and patch-test or stop at the first sign of irritation.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Was WEN Cleansing Conditioner recalled?

We did not find a recall in the sources we read. We did find an FDA investigation, a record complaint count and a class-action settlement.

Did WEN admit its products caused hair loss?

No. The company said its product is safe and described the settlement as a business decision.

Is it good for oily hair?

Reviewers with fine or oily hair more often report greasiness and buildup.

What should I do if my hair is shedding?

Stop using the product, see a doctor or dermatologist, and consider reporting it to the FDA.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.