Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Aveda Elixir - Gone for Good

We had a great day shopping in Spokane yesterday.
We don’t do the mall/new clothes scene very often
so it was a treat. Ended up at the Aveda store where
I hoped to replenish my supply of Aveda Elixir. I
purchased my last bottle (the 17 oz one) over a year
and a half ago. I only use a dime-nickel dollop so
it lasts me a long time and helps soften my somewhat
frizzy hair.










But Aveda has bizarrely discontinued this product. It
is a well known and well loved product. Award-winning
even. The clerk there told me that “Aveda thought that
if you have to use a leave-in, in addition to shampoo &
conditioner, then it probably means you are using the wrong
shampoo & conditioning products”. Yeah, that makes
perfect sense. They sacrifice all those profits to help
us find the correct shampoo. I haevn’t found out much
about it on the internet. One person said it was due to
“problems with their source”. And
Avoid or Adore
did a helpful test of similar
products but they are all British products.

Now instead of my smooth waves I'll be little
Ms. Frizzy again.

39 comments:

Cat said...

I found your blog while searching in desperation for Aveda Elixir sites. It's crazy that they've discontinued this product... I have used Aveda Elixir for so many years it is hard to even estimate, must be around 20 years. I've never found anything better for my frizzies. But it is gone, I've shed my tears, and I'm not going to pay ever-increasing prices for the last existing bottles on ebay! I've been forced to try to find something else, and guess what... Try this out! Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream (with UV shield). It's great, maybe better than Elixir which did not have UV protection, and it smells better than Elixir.

gracehoper said...

Cat - Thanks so much! eBay prices are ridiculous but I wasn't sure what else to try. The Neutrogena triple moisture sounds great. I use a lot of other Neutrogena products so I will definitely give this a try. Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

I loved Elixir too, but I haven't used it for a while. My current process is that on damp hair (conditioned 3 times a week, shampooed once every 3 weeks or so; I scrub conditioner into my scalp and it cleans just as well, but isn't drying), I apply mousse, yes, plain old pantene mousse, and comb it through. Then I just scunch it minimally into curls and let it air dry. it's a trick I learned on "What not to wear" and my haiir has never been so glossy and frizz-free!

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain... good news is that they are reformulating elixir and it will be out next fall 2008. I often wonder with Aveda's discontinued items, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Enjoy your natural curl....we all can't be so lucky!

Anonymous said...

My hairdresser told me the reason that Aveda discontinued the Elixir is that when they were bought out by Estee Lauder, EL decided that the Elixir was too expensive to manufacture. So rather than just sell it at premium, they discontinued it. So if they are reformulating it for 2008, it probably means it will contain different & cheaper ingredients. Let's hope it is still a good product, but it may not in the end be the Elixir we have all known & loved for 20 years.

Anonymous said...

My name is Meredith and I started a petition to bring Aveda Elixir back. Please sign it!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/BringBackAvedaElixir

Anonymous said...

I too was shocked today when I stopped in to get more Elixir and guess what, it's discontinued. Ive used it for nearly 17 years. Best product for great hair, styling or conditioner. And I know I am not crazy, but it made my hair grow 3 times as fast when I didn't use it.
I felt like an old friend had died when she said it's no longer around. I wrote Aveda and told them to bring it back and not in some new cheaper form.

tomsem1 said...

I was startled too that Aveda discontinued, but even more startled that there were postings on a blog about this. Thanks, it eases my upset. I was searching for a replacement and tried Biolage leave-in conditioner; it was not even close to the Elixir in keeping my hair nice. I have a few 'nickels' left, I will try the Neutrogena. Thanks again.

Sarah A said...

If you call this number 1-800-284-8616, it is Aveda head office and if they get enough calls asking for Elixir they will bring it back. I was told this by the staff at the Aveda Academy salon (who said the Area manager told them to tell all their customers) and also by the 800 # for Aveda products. Call NOW, we can get it back. In the mean time, I am using a product called walking weightless by Giovanni - not perfect but ok.

Flowerinmyhair said...

Hey everyone!
I found a place where you can get elixir at regular price! I'm going to get five of them, lol!

http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=19068

I am still going to call them and ask for them to bring it back! I've already sent them an email telling them I'm boycotting their products until they do!

Anonymous said...

I just spoke to a representative at Aveda who said that Elixir was discontinued because it was of there "HIGH" standards, and now they have a new product for $24.00
that is better. I asked her for a sample, and she told me to go out and buy one. I told her I've been buying this product probably before she was born. I'm so pissed I can't tell you...I have curly hair and elixir was the only product that ever made my hair look good...

Anonymous said...

Ahh, great blog.

Unfortunately they are sold out of the Elixar on that site.

I did sign the petition Meredith, but then they wanted money, so I don't know if it went thru.

I'm going to call Aveda again. I already complained a year ago when they discontinued.

I'm using their Be Curly conditioner, & it takes like 15 minutes just to comb out my hair in the shower.

Thanks all


Michelle

Anonymous said...

Thank you to the person who recommended the Neutragena product. It just may be better than Elixir-especially with the price. I just got it at CVS for 4.50 on sale. I feel so relieved to have finally found something to replace my beloved Elixir. YAY!!!

Anonymous said...

I just found out the news about Elixir and I appreciate your comments and information. I will try the Netrogena product and return the "new and better" product that Aveda sold me for $24.00 that now replaces Elixir. (it's such a small bottle too)

Anonymous said...

I got a sample of the Smooth Infusion Style Prep Bank-Account Drainer. It's lovely but it doesn't do what Elixir did, and for the price, no way! I wrote Aveda and will call and have signed the petition. I'm the meantime, I'll try the Neutrogena - thanks for the tip!

Anonymous said...

I got the smooth infusion, too, and it did NOTHING. I used elixir for at least 20 years, religiously, every day of my life. I dont know if it was due to the product or good genes but Im 34 and have no gray hair. Ive been bouncing back and forth with the smooth infusion, and some other gross-smelling thing by Matrix thats supposed to be for dry hair. I MISS MY ELIXIR!!! Stupid Aerin Lauder and her stupid jerk companY.

Anonymous said...

You people are f'ng stupid. I can't believe someone took the time to create a blog about elixir. In case no one has noticed the economy is in the crapper and people are losing thier jobs. And now I noticed someone even made a petition to bring back elixir. Someone should make a petition to not allow people like you guys blog about something so meaningless.
Yes, aveda discontinued a product and there are other recommendations for it. But you people are too cheap to purchase the be curly or the style prep. all i have to say it get over this.

gracehoper said...

I think you'll find most of the comments on this post are from 2007 or early 2008 - before the economy went south. That said, please utilize your free choice and don't read this blog if you find the subject matter so highly offensive. The fact that people with frizzy hair are looking for a way to deal with that problem, does not necessarily mean they don't care about people losing their homes or jobs, nor does that make them idiots and I would guess that the majority of the people leaving comments have been affected by the economic downturn.

Best of luck to you.

Anonymous said...

Back to the actual topic, I am also greatly disappointued to find Aveda discontinued Elixir.
If anyone can recommend other replacement options in addition to Neutrogena, I would appreciate it.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Anon from Jan 24: You are a crazy person. You throw a tirade, insult people & then expect those same people to provide you with advice. Go away.

Anonymous said...

Anon from Jan 24 is not the same person as the critic of this blog. I do have a product to suggest: Maroccan Gold, an oil to put in damp hair and leave in. My curls are looser and resist humidity really well with this. Close to Aveda Elixir in results. Costs $25 a bottle but you use only 8-10 drops per shampoo.

Anonymous said...

Good grief, does anonymous really think the only thing people should be doing these days is sitting around worrying about the economy?!! People still have to wash their hair!! Part of the problem with the economy IS because people are sitting around worrying and not out spending their money. If you still have a job and are able to spend money then you need to do it! That's what keeps people working and the economy moving. Now that I got that off my chest, I also loved the Elixir product and have used it for years. Really disappointed they discontinued it. I will also try the Neutrogena product. Thanks for that tip.

Anonymous said...

golly gee, this is the best best best. economics and frizzy hairs. i just shaved my head in these times to save the money. i been spending it on sunscreen instead. neutrogena too.

Anonymous said...

If anyone cares, Aveda seems to not be replacing Elixir...bummer for those of us who really need it. But Paul Mitchell has a leave in conditioner as good as Elixir. Give it a try, my hair guy switched and says its better anyway, similar texture and same method of application to damp hair, no rinse, mild hold, and no mess after, no need to shampoo, and far superior to shampoo and conditioner at half the cost, which was the hallmark of Elixir...Suspect Aveda/Este L discontinued cause it was obsolete to competitors products, but I do miss the stuff. Hope that helps.
Lt Stets

ray50sfo said...

I just ran out of Elixer and am saddened to read that Aveda has discontinued it. I'm a guy who's been happy using Aveda products for 20 years. I used to use their Sea Moss Shampoo which has also been discontinued. The stylist at my local Aveda salon reccommended Smooth Infusion, saying that customers didn't like the smell of the Sea Moss Shampoo and that the substitute had a "citrusy" smell. I bought it and tried it and the smell was a "chemically" smell, disguised as citrus. In the past I trusted Aveda and didn't read the ingredient label too closely. I was shocked at the chemical soup in the new stuff. This is a large part of why the economy is tanking!!! Large companies focused more on profits than their customers buy up small, trusted brands and substitute cheap ingredients to fool the public into paying high prices for average products that used to be great. Just like when Whirlpool bought Maytag and started replacing real parts with plastic parts that break in just a few years. (I won't get into my refrigerator service nightmare here). People are tired of getting ripped off. I'm shedding a tear for the demise of Aveda. One manufacturer of great integrity, though not of hair products, is Alexandra Avery. She is still individually owned, has been around for 20+ years and makes skin care products that can be eaten, i.e. natural ingredients and NO CHEMICALS. Thanks for listening and take control of your health and destiny - refuse to do business with companies that cheapen great products and give some stupid spin about why they're better. Health, Love and Happiness to you all.

Anonymous said...

I am so disappointed in Aveda discontinuing Elixir and, despite many people demanding its return, decide not to bring it back.

I think we should boycot Aveda and move to the products from DevaConcepts. If you have curly hair, you really should try their DevaCurl No Poo - you will absolutely love it. It is a cleansing conditioner that you use instead of shampoo. It does not lather, but the lathering agent is an additive anyways. DevaCurl No Poo leaves your hair moisturized so your curls will be soft and not frizzy.

I always used Elixir after the No Poo to help comb out my hair, but I am stopping tonight to try the Neutrogena product that was recommended. Give DevaCurl No Poo a try if you have curly hair.

Anonymous said...

I would think most of the ingredients, especially since Aveda uses natural plant-derived ones, would be available separately online. If you still have an empty bottle couldn't you try and formulate it yourselves?

Marsha Stein said...

You can replace your Elixir with Mixed Chicks products. Stuff really really does the job. (www.mixedchicks.net)

Anonymous said...

Nice to see aveda, er, estee larder got a paid blogger to slam you ladies. Welcome to the Corporate States of America. My wife has been using this stuff for longer than she can remember. I'm trying to help her find something to take it's place. Now researching WEN products . . . this product discontinuation SUCKS. (you're all quite beautiful without anything, but I'll do what I can to help)

Unknown said...

Nice to see aveda, er, estee larder got a paid blogger to slam you ladies. Welcome to the Corporate States of America. My wife has been using this stuff for longer than she can remember. I'm trying to help her find something to take it's place. Now researching WEN products . . . this product discontinuation SUCKS. (you're all quite beautiful without anything, but I'll do what I can to help)

Jo said...

I don't use this stuff anymore, but I've just seen some on ebay uk. Reasonable starting bid too - £18.50 for 500ml.

Einoti said...

Okay...finally down to my last few drops of Elixir and have found nothing that works as well! Some, mentioned,work wellenough for moisture and smoothing, but nothing for the anti static! I have fine, fly-away hair and continue to have static without Elixir! HELP!

Anonymous said...

Einotee! Me too- I just used my last drop of elixir this morning and it was the only product I found that takes care of my thin fly away hair. The neutrogena product thats been mentioned is too heavy for my hair - so is Paul Mitchell! I might try MOP. Any ideas?

gracehoper said...

I found that another Aveda product "Hang Straight" works just as well. It doesn't straighten your hair but takes a bit of the frizzy wildness of my hair out. Unfortunately, I have heard that this product is about to (or has recently) been discontinued also. You should still be able to pick up bottles of it much easier than elixer though. Good luck!

april said...

it's ridiculous that they discontinued elixir, and sebastian discontinued their laminates, i loved their conditioner, only one i could use that didn't pull hair out when i ran it through my hair..,.if estee lauder cheaped out on this, i wonder if they've cheaped out and changed the formulation on shampure...as far as the guy who made the comment about the economy, mind your own beeswax, if i want to pay money for a good hair product that works for me i will!!! if i'm gonna be broke i'd rather look good at it...than look like crap!

Anonymous said...

I've been looking for a product to replace Aveda Elixir since it was discontinued. I tried many products recommended by others and none of them worked on my hair to control static without weighing it down like Elixir did.

I have baby-fine, straight hair prone to static, so I can't use heavy products that will weigh my hair down and make it look greasy.

I am thrilled to say that after so many years of searching in stores and online, I finally found the Aveda Elixir equal! The name of the product is Taming Elixir, made by Sebastian. It's truly amazing how similar it is to Aveda's Elixir. (It's even more amazing that it has the word, "Elixir" in its product name.)

Taming Elixir has the same consistency as Aveda's Elixir and does not weigh-down the hair. It also helps to condition weightlessly.

If there's anyone that used Aveda Elixir to control static on baby-fine, straight hair, you will love, love, love Sebastian's Taming Elixir. Try it -- you won't be sorry!! Here's the link for information about the product: http://www.sebastianprofessional.com/en_US/products/flow/product.jsp?id=100010

(I honestly do not work for Sebastian. I'm just so excited that I've finally found a replacement for Aveda's Elixir.)

Anonymous said...

It's 2016 and I still want Elixir back!!!

This reminds me of NEW COKE - YUCK

Unknown said...

It's 2017
There is no replacement for Elixir, most especially the various products that Aveda claimed were "new & improved." Totally worthless for my fine hair, just make it look oily and flat. After accumulating a cabinet full of fails, I got so disgusted with Aveda that I stopped buying Aveda products altogether & stopped going to Aveda salons.
Is that Estee Lauder wanted to slow down Aveda's success even once they owned it? Or is just the usual replacing quality products with cheap ones?
I've read numerous comments that the real reason for discontinuation what the cost of making the product. Has anyone at EL\Aveda considered the cost of losing formally loyal customers?