Hair is made of keratin, and keratin is made of amino acids. Eighteen amino acids in specific proportions make up the protein structure of every hair fiber.

When hair is damaged, the keratin matrix loses both protein content and bound water — the hair becomes drier, more brittle, less elastic. Replenishing free amino acids serves two purposes:

1. Hygroscopic effect — amino acids attract and bind water molecules, holding moisture inside the fiber.
2. Structural reinforcement — free amino acids can integrate into damaged keratin sites, locally rebuilding what was lost.

Pulled from the formulation lab, present in Atomic Hair Repair Leave-In and AquaLush Peptide Fiber Mask:

AquaLush adds an eleventh — Aspartic Acid — plus a layer of silk amino acids for additional structural depth.

Two humectants accompany the amino acid complex:

• Sodium PCA (Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylate) — derivative of glutamic acid; a primary component of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Powerful water-binding capacity.
• Sodium Lactate — sodium salt of lactic acid; humectant; mild pH adjuster; part of the NMF profile.

Lots of haircare formulas list “amino acids” on the bottle without specifying the profile. Often the formulation contains one or two amino acids (commonly Arginine or Glycine alone) and uses the plural for marketing benefit.

The Oli G complex is verifiable: every amino acid is listed on the INCI ingredient label of Atomic and AquaLush. The complex is auditable from the bottle.