Everything You Need to Know About Tara Formula

Many of us grew up with simple—but undeniably effective—beauty treatments rooted in plant-based ingredients; call them the OG “hacks.” Think rice water for glowing skin or prickly pear for hydration. Often, these treatments were passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years, within nuclear families or broader cultures. While your great-grandma might not have known why these ingredients and homemade potions were giving her such great results, the proof was in the pudding: So much so that those same ingredients are now staples on your shelf, too, wedged between your retinol and niacinamide.

Tara Formula knows the power of plant-based ingredients—and the power of science to prove and boost their efficacy. Founded in 2016, the Spanish brand specializes in hair and skincare products that harness the power of botanical ingredients native to the Mediterranean, using modern scientific research to demonstrate (and increase) their efficacy. 

“Many of the ingredients we use, whether botanical or lab-derived, come backed with extensive clinical studies,” says R&D manager Míriam Freixa Villena. More than 90% of the brand’s suppliers are based in Spain, and its women-led laboratory is based in Barcelona. (And, I can say from firsthand experience, it is staffed with some of the most intelligent and passionate scientists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.) 

Each of the Tara offerings is rooted in a raw ingredient that’s straightforward, but gets the job done. “Our development process always begins with the hero ingredient. Once we’ve selected an active, we take the time to deeply understand it: its origin, its properties, its clinical profile,” explains Freixa Villena. “From there, we design a formula that creates the ideal environment for that ingredient to thrive. That means crafting a base that not only supports its efficacy and safety but can enhance its performance. In our in-house lab, we conduct extensive testing—adjusting pH, viscosity, and other key factors—to ensure the formula is stable, effective, and aligned with our high standards.”

While Tara applies this ethos to both hair and skincare products, most of the brand’s offerings are in the former category. That’s also where it’s eyeing expansion:  “Right now, we’re working on an extensive product line for curly hair. It’s a category we’re incredibly excited about, and we’re taking the time to do it properly,” Freixa Villena. “Our goal is to create a comprehensive range that’s as inclusive as possible, designed to respect and respond to the many different curl types and hair textures out there. As with all our developments, we’re focusing on high-performance ingredients and thoughtful formulation.” 

Read on to learn more about four of Tara Formula’s most popular hair care systems.

What It Is: Consisting of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner, this three-part system contains natural moisturizing factors—which the brand describes as “a blend of amino acids, urea, and sodium PCA”—alongside antioxidant-rich strawberry extract, raspberry extract, and grapeseed oil. Digging in a bit, urea works to boost moisture and elasticity, antioxidants take on environmental stressors, and amino acids help impart a frizz-free finish. Meanwhile, the headlining strawberry is “a rich antioxidant that repairs damage and shields against outside stressors” like the sun and pollution, says Freixa Villena.

Who It’s For: While it’s suitable for all hair types and textures, this range is perfect for those who, like yours truly, feel like they are always seeking hair hydration. And anyone who wants to smell deliciously fruity: This trio gives me serious Starburst vibes (complimentary), and sometimes I’ll use the leave-in conditioner to refresh my braid-outs just for the subtle touch of scent.

What It Is: This trio of shampoo, conditioner, and serum contains vitamins A, C, and E, encapsulated peptides, pro-vitamin B5, and–you guessed it–date extract (which is antioxidant-rich and replete with amino acids). Zooming in, vitamin A both regulates sebum production—helping to create a flake-free, hydrated environment for hair to flourish—and boosts the strength of the hair itself. Vitamin E is famed for its hydration properties, while vitamin C helps increase collagen and neutralize free radical damage. And because it’s chock full of amino acids and antioxidants, the date extract helps create stronger hair fibers. The tl;dr: This ingredients list is like a workout plan for your strands.

Who It’s For: If you struggle with length retention, this collection is worth checking out. While stronger hair doesn’t necessarily guarantee longer hair, it certainly ups your odds.

What it is: The key ingredient in this set (which includes shampoo, conditioner, and a follicle-stimulating serum) might be best known as a flavorful addition to your sandwiches, but make no mistake–onion, specifically onion extract, can benefit your hair health, too. “It naturally helps stimulate hair growth, since it is rich in sulfur, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which help promote collagen production and microcirculation towards the scalp,” says Freixa Villena. “As a result, there is an increase in the supply of key nutrients to the follicles needed during the growth cycle.” Peptides, lavender extract, and hydrolyzed keratin round out the actives.

Who it’s for: If you’ve noticed more hair than usual in your brush or the drain, check out this trio. It addresses “all aspects of hair fall. From cleansing and conditioning to deep follicle stimulation,” says Freixa Villena.

What it is: In this shampoo, conditioner, and scalp serum trio, “rosemary is the star,” says Freixa Villena. Specifically rosemary extract, which helps increase hair density and cultivate a healthier scalp environment. “For centuries, rosemary has been shown to calm inflammation, encourage regrowth, and fight free radicals, ultimately protecting the scalp from damage caused by sun exposure and pollution,” she explains. Peptides and hydrolyzed keratin serve as supporting players.

Who it’s for: Anyone and everyone who is “experiencing thinning hair or seeking to enhance hair density and thickness,” says Freixa Villena.