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Low-Toxic Products for Curly Hair

Aida Garcia-Toledo

Disclosure:   I have always had stick straight hair.  My oldest son does have beautiful curly hair, however we do very little to it.  Other than realize really quickly some basic do’s and don’t (like avoid brushing curly hair when dry)- we have never used special products for him.   He uses the same shampoo his brother, with stick straight hair, uses.  

So why am I posting on curly hair care products? Well, recently I have received tons of questions from moms asking me to recommend  safe hair care for curly hair.   There were so many requests that I wondered:

1.  Should I be using something special for curly hair for my son?! and

2. Why does it  seem so hard to find a good product? So I decided to look into it.

And so I dove in.

Do’s and Don’ts of Curly Hair

Before diving into products, its important to remember that curly hair has its own modus operandi. There are certain dos and donts that will definitely help your hair situation or make it worse.

1.  CARE: 

  • Minimize brush usage. Use a special detangling brush for detangling when wet and wide-tooth combs or fingers for styling. Avoid brushing when dry.

  • For older kids (and adults) a hair turban might be a great buy. It absorbs water from wet hair without leading to frizz. One option is the Lisse Luxe Hair Turban. Another great alternative is a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt

  • When possible, avoid going to sleep with wet hair


3.  TEXTURE

  • Not all curly hair has the same texture. Almost always, baby and little kid curly hair that is fine will change with age (as all hair can) so there really isn’t a product that will be ‘one size fits all’.

  • If a product works today, it might not in a couple of months or years so always be open to change

  • Most (not all) baby/toddler curly hair should not require special treatment and because they are little and more vulnerable to toxins, the less products you use the better. Once you feel you need a bit extra help then these (below) are the best alternatives I have found

4. MOISTURE

With curly hair, you want to avoid ingredients that will dry the hair out or weigh it down.  Moisture is key. Depending on how curly, how thick your hair is leave in conditioners might be necessary for teens and adults.

5.   Ingredients

Jeez, I looked at over 40 products, spent hours and days looking at ingredients and with very very few exceptions, the main curly hair shampoos for kids and adults I came across ALL contained ingredients I would want to avoid.  

I was surprised.   This should not be like this.  It’s not fair , but from most of the messages I have received, this seems to be everyone’s conclusion.  I did find some truly A+ Aida approved products for curly hair.  So try those first.   If those don’t work for your or your child’s particular hair then you might have to try to pick from my tier 1 products.  These are not 100% non-toxic/clean, but if they do not cause allergies I believe you could use safely.

So if you are looking for a company to launch :   let me just tell you this is a niche that needs to be served! 

As always, these are my personal opinions based on my knowledge and research on ingredients!

None of these products - not even the ones I am including in ‘Tier 3’ will make you sick overnight.   Short of an allergic reaction (which could be possible so please read my explanations below) for most of these ingredients the concern will be cumulative… using these products (in addition to other products with similar ingredients) over a long period of time that will accumulate inside of you/ increase your toxin load.

Finally, I originally wanted to focus on kids and then adult products but there are so few good products (ingredient wise) that I am grouping them all together.  The ingredients in the Tier 1/Aida’s picks are safe enough for  kids, adults and during pregnancy.   Proceed with caution on those in the other categories.  Also please note:  some brands have ‘approved’ products but not all products they sell are ‘approved’.

TIER 1: Aida’s Approved List

These are products with ingredient lists I am 100% comfortable with.   Safe for kids and adults (remember, for babies less is better always.  specialized products are not necessary for babies) 

NUELLE serum

  • Description: deep hydration with heat protection giving you an all-in-one, lightweight hair treatment. This serum uses a residue-free blend of five concentrated oils that work to detangle, repair, enrich and protect strands all day.

  • Ingredients: simmondsia chinensis oil (jojoba), moringa oleifera (moringa) seed oil, argania spinosa (argan) nut oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) flower oil, salvia sclarea (clary sage) flower and leaf oil

Wellnesse  Smoothing Shampoo for Wavy/ Curly Hair

  • Description: The creator of this line is wellness blogger turned entrepreneur Wellness Mama. I am happy to report that she stuck to truly non-toxic ingredients proving that it can be possible to make a product for curly hair without worrisome/ concerning chemicals.

  • Ingredients: Water, Sodium Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Panthenol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Verbena Officinalis Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Distillate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Lactobacillus/ Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Acyl Coenzyme a Desaturase, Leuconostoc/ Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Levulinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Anisate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Shampoo & Wash (also available on Amazon)

  • Description : Shea butter and organic virgin coconut oil are renowned for their emollient texture and moisturizing capabilities. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids. It also shields hair from heat damage. Coconut oil nourishes the scalp and reduces oil build up. It’s also great for reducing breakage—so hair is less brittle.

  • Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Fragrance of (Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica) Oil, Tonka Bean Extract, Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia) Fruit Extract, Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia Flower) Extract), Sodium Gluconate, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Nutri-Soothe Complex [Glycerin*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract*, Pueraria Lobata (Kudzu Root) Root Extract*, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract*], Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Annatto, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C). *CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

  • Concerns: This shampoo actually get s a 4 in the EWG database which is not great, however the main reason they list is the word “fragrance’ on the ingredient list. This is definitely usually something you want to avoid, however the company claims they use only natural certified organic essential oils and actually lists them in the ingredient list. While some essential oils can be allergens I am ok with this list

SAF Organics Detangler

  • Description: This natural Detangler has been designed to help soften curls & Waves. Our product is packed with nourished organic ingredients that tame and smooth curls with a protective conditioning moisturizing layer that tames frizz, reduces breakage, and restores shine

  • Ingredients: Fluoride free Aqua, Organic coconut oil, Organic Almond oil, Organic ACV, Vitamin E, (Organic Lavender, Tea Tree & Sweet Orange Essential oils)

Consciously Curly Co: Detangling Pre Poo 

  • Description: Pre-pooing softens, protects, and helps your hair maintain moisture. Our pre-poo has Rhassoul Clay to gently remove build-up while conditioning and softening. This is a must-have for anyone who struggles with breakage and dryness. High-porosity-hair-types will especially benefit from our pre-poo.

  • Ingredients : Aloe Vera Juice, Alkyl Esters (*Coconut Oil), Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (*Cassia Seeds), Lemongrass Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil, Optiphen Plus (paraben-free and formaldehyde-free 'natural' preservative), Rhassoul Clay, Tea Tree Essential Oil. (*Naturally Derived Source)

Consciously Curly Co Strong Hold Botanical Gel

  • Description: Our strong-hold gel will form a light cast and keep your curls in place.

It is a petroleum-free, naturally-derived, environmentally-safe option for gel. 

  • Ingredients:Distilled Water Infused With Marshmallow Root Chamomille, and Slippery Elm, Maltodextrin/VP Copolymer (*Corn Starch), Rice Protein, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (*Cassia Seeds), Polyquaternium-10 (*Plant Cellulose), Citric Acid (*Citrus). (*Naturally-derived Source)

  • Concerns? At first I was worried about Polyquaternium-10 because it is part of the family of chemicals called QUATS. Generally these are chemicals that you want to avoid. However I looked at the CIR Safety Review and EU safety data and both concluded it has a low order of toxicity, it is poorly absorbed, neither an irritant nor a sensitizer, nor genotoxic

EvolvH Wonderbalm Magic For Curls (also available on Amazon

  • Description: A truly magical potion for curl gorgeousness or the silkiest straight smooth look you've ever had. The first plant based silicone-free (and fragrance free) serum of its kind with performance that will amaze - soft, touchable defined curls without stickiness or crunch, brilliant shine, and absolutely weightless! Added benefits of moisturizing dry strands and eliminating frizz and flyaways

  • Ingredients: Coco-Caprylate*, Diheptyl Succinate & Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer*, Hydrogenated Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil†, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil†, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil* *ECOCERT Certified Ingredient †Natural Ingredient

Diy hair gel (from diynatural.com)

  • ¼ teaspoon unflavored gelatin

  • ½ cup hot distilled or filtered water (where to buy the best water filtration systems)

  • 4-6 drops essential oils (where to buy 100% pure essential oils)

  • Heat water and mix together with gelatin in a small bowl. Stir well to combine and refrigerate for about 3 hours, or until set. Once cooled and set, add essential oils if desired, and stir to combine. Using a funnel, transfer to a small squeeze bottle for easiest dispensing. Keep styling gel refrigerated between uses. Gel will keep for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Curl cream diy

created by: https://modernwifestyle.com/curl-cream-recipe/

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, room temp yet firm

1/2 cup Organic Coconut Oil (firm, not melted)

1 tsp Organic Castor Oil

DIRECTIONS

Place all the ingredients into mixer in the order listed

Blend on high (variable 8) for 15 seconds and you should have a light and airy cream. Be very careful not to blend for too long then everything will melt and the cream becomes liquid.

Pour into a sterilized jar. Use about 2 tsp in wet or damp hair after every bath.


 TIER-2

These are products that contain one or more ingredient of  (slight) “concern”.  For the most part these can be used safely by adults, as long as they do not cause allergies.   It’s important to identify the ingredients “of concern’ to make sure you are not being exposed to them in many other personal care products…. thus minimizing any potential reaction.   As always, always be more careful with kids as their skin and bodies are more vulnerable to allergens and toxins.  I also added companies that use ‘natural essential oil blends’ for fragrance.  They simply don’t specify the ingredients but if they did they would probably make it to the 1st tier.   

In a nutshell, these are the ones I would recommend if the Tier 1 alternatives don’t work for you

Shea Moisture: COCONUT & HIBISCUS CURL & SHINE SHAMPOO

  • Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Glycol Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*ª´, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Stearamide AMP, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin (Vegetable), Sodium Phytate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend) *Certified Organic Ingredient.

  • Concern: Honestly the only reason this is not in my Tier 1 products is because they don’t specify the fragrance essential oils used.


EvolvH Smartcurl Hydrating Wash

  • Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside‡, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine‡, Lauryl Glucoside‡, Coco-Glucoside‡, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil†, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Seaweed Extract†, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil*, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract*, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Soy Amino Acids†, Vitamin C from Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Oil*, Viola Tricolor (Wild Pansy) Extract†, Melilotus Offincialis (Sweet Clover) Extract†, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract†, Equisetum Arvense Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil*, Nasturtium Officinale (Nasturtium) Extract†, Prunus Percisa Nectarina Fruit (Nectarine) Extract†, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit (Passion Flower) Extract†, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil†, Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil†, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf Oil†, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil†, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil†, Lavandula Hybrida Oil†, Commiphora Guidotti†, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil†, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil†, Dehydroacetic Acid*, Benzyl Alcohol* *ECOCERT Certified Ingredient †Natural Ingredient ‡Plant Derived/Organically Derived

  • Concern

- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: named the ‘Allergen of the Year’ back in 2004, it is a well known allergen by the American Contact Dermatitis Society

Holy Curls Shampoo

  • Ingredients: Aqua (Water) Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Coco glucoside, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, Glycol stearate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Artemisia pallens (Davana) flower/leaf/stem oil, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) fruit oil, Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil, Citrus nobilis (Mandarin Orange) peel oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil, Limonene, Cetearyl alcohol, (Hydrolyzed corn protein, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Hydrolyzed wheat protein)*, Gluconolactone, Sodium chloride, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuaçu) Seed Butter, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) seed oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium benzoate, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Lactic acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice, Calcium gluconate, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) flower water, Potassium sorbate

  • Concerns:

    • Limonene: This is a very well known allergen.

Consciously Curly Co Lightweight Curl Cream For Low Porosity Curls

  • Description: A Lightweight, non-greasy, Curl cream that will readily absorb into hair. A good option for low-to-medium porosity hair. This will provide curl definition and reduce frizz.

  • Ingredients: **Botanical Infused Water, BTMS (*Rapeseed Oil), Muru Muru Butter, Propanediol (*Corn Sugar Ferment), Cetearyl Alcohol (*Coconut + Certified Sustainable Palm), Sweet Almond Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose (*Plant Cellulose), Alkyl Esters (*Coconut), Vitamin E, (Paraben-free, Phlalate-free, Formaldehyde-free), Optiphen Plus (paraben-free and formaldehyde-free 'natural' preservative), Citric Acid (*Citrus). (*Naturally Derived Source) (**Infused with Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Slippery Elm, Chamomile, and Nettle)

  • Concern: The preservative “ Optiphen Plus” contains phenoxyethanol. It’s not a terrible preservative but there are some better alternatives. For adults, as long as there are no known allergies, you could use safely. On the bright side: it is not a formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, it is not a parabens (which is considered an endocrine disruptor) nor is it the allergen methylisothiazolinone. However it is an allergen

Flora Curl African Citrus Superfruit Hair Oil

  • Description: It leaves curls feeling softer and shiny while giving off the sweetest, invigorating scent found in no other hair product.

  • Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Abyssinica (Crambe) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Persea Grattissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon/Kalahari) Seed Oil, Proprietary Blends of Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil, Citral*, Limonene*, Linalool*

  • Concerns:

Linalool (found in lavender) and Limonene:  

- Can cause allergic reactions

- Small studies have suggested they could affect endocrine disruptions, but other studies have not found the link.

- Out of extreme caution I would avoid using in the youngest children who are more sensitive to allergens and endocrine disruption. I believe these ingredients can be used without harm as long as you are conscious of not overdoing your cumulative exposure to them (ie make sure not all the products you use every day contain these ingredients since then potentially it could add up)


 CURLMIX Pure Flaxseed Gel with Organic Sweet Almond Oil for Sensitive Skin (Fragrance Free)

  • Ingredients

Deionized Water, Organic Brown Flaxseeds, Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Optiphen PLUS Preservative (Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sorbic Acid), Citric Acid

  • Concerns

    • Phenoxyethanol.: It’s not a terrible preservative but there are some better alternatives. For adults, as long as there are no known allergies, you could use safely. On the bright side: it is not a formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, it is not a parabens (which is considered an endocrine disruptor) nor is it the allergen methylisothiazolinone. However it is an allergen

Alaffia  Curl Defining Gel

  • Ingredients: Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) Aqueous Extract, Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) Aqueous Extract, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Xanthan Gum, Sucrose, Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil, Water (and) Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance*, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Panthenol, Agave Nectar. *Natural Fragrance, a blend of extracts, essential oils and other natural ingredients

  • Concern:

- Fragrance: “ Natural fragrance, a blend of extracts, essential oils and other natural ingredients.

- “: Wish they would disclose their specific fragrance ingredients. Without total ingredient transparency we cannot confirm no potentially harmful ingredient is used inter fragrance mix

Alaffia CURL ACTIVATING CREAM SHAMPOO

  • Ingredients: Symphytum officinale (comfrey) aqueous extract, arnica montana (arnica) aqueous extract, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, butyrospermum parkii (sha butter), stearic acid, glycerin, cetearyl glucoside, sorbitan olivate, cetyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol (and) ethylhexylglycerin (and) tocopherol, fragrance*, adansonia digitata (baobab) oil, avena sativa (oat) kernel protein, xanthan gum.

  • Concern:

    • Fragrance”Natural fragrance, a blend of extracts, essential oils and other natural ingredients.

    • “: Wish they would disclose their specific fragrance ingredients. Without total ingredient transparency we cannot confirm no potentially harmful ingredient is used inter fragrance mix

Pure Flaxseed Gel With Organic Sweet Almond Oil For Sensitive Skin (Fragrance Free)

  • Ingredients: Deionized Water, Organic Brown Flaxseeds, Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Optiphen PLUS Preservative (Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sorbic Acid), Citric Acid

  • Concerns: Phenoxyethanol.:  my only concern here is the preservative that contains Phenoxyethanol.   On the bright side: it is not a formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, it is not a  parabens (which is considered an endocrine disruptor) nor is it the allergen methylisothiazolinone.  However it is an allergen 

TIER 3

Tier 3:  These contain ingredients that I either don’t recommend using on a daily basis or contain ingredients on the MADE SAFE Certified and/or EWG verified list of banned chemicals.  Will these products make you sick?  no.  Definitely not.  Are these the worse offenders?  No- some might even still be better than other alternatives.  However if you are looking to decrease your daily toxin load I would recommend trying the products in Tier 1 and 2 first

Quiet Calm Curl Control from Innersense

  • Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Sorbitol Powder, Cetrimonium Chloride, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Nelumbium Speciosum (Lotus) Flower Oil*, Plumeria Alba (Frangipani) Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Seed Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Plumeria Alba (Frangipani) Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract*, Honey Extract*, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Linalool†, Limonene†

  • Concerns:

- Cetrimonium Chloride:   

  • Part of the family of chemicals called QUATS (quaternary ammonium salts )

  • Made Safe Certification lists it in its banned ingredients

  • Listed in EWG Verified ‘Unacceptable List’

  • US considers them safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products but are safe only at concentrations of up to 0.25% in leave-on products.

- Linalool†, Limonene†: 

  • Can be allergens. Small studies have suggested they could affect endocrine disruptions, but other studies have not found the link.

  • Out of extreme caution I would avoid using in the youngest children who are more sensitive to allergens and endocrine disruption.

  • I believe these ingredients can be used without harm as long as you are conscious of not overdoing your cumulative exposure to them (ie make sure not all the products you use every day contain these ingredients since then potentially it could add up)

Babo Botanicals Smoothing Detangling Conditioner

  • Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Isoamyl Laurate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Natural Fragrance, Sorbitan Oleate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Arginine Hcl, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Alcohol, Nutri-Soothe Complex [Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract*, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract*, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract*], Lactic Acid, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid. *CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

  • Concerns:

- Behentrimonium Chloride, 

  • Part of the family of chemicals called QUATS (quaternary ammonium salts )

  • Made Safe Certification lists it in its banned ingredients

  • EWG Verified list of banned chemicals

- Stearalkonium Chloride,

  • Part of the family of chemicals called QUATS (quaternary ammonium salts )

  • Made Safe Certification lists it in its banned ingredients

  • EWG Verified list of banned chemicals


Alaffia: Curl Enhancing Shampoo

  • Ingredients: Matricaria recutita (chamomile) aqueous extract, achillea millefolium (yarrow) aqueous extract, saponified butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter and cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, fragrance*, magnesium sulfate.

  • Concerns:

    - Natural Fragrance, “a blend of extracts, essential oils and other natural ingredients” Without total ingredient transparency we cannot confirm no potentially harmful ingredient is used inter fragrance mix

    -Cocamidopropyl betaine: named the ‘Allergen of the Year’ back in 2004, it is a well known allergen by the American Contact Dermatitis Society

Consciously Curly Co Restorative Conditioner Bar, unscented:  

Concern:  Leuicidal SF Complete is a new preservative that could contain ssalicylic acid and didecyldimethylammonium salts.  Salicylic itself being an estrogen mimicker. Didecyldimethylammonium chloride is a disinfectant that was found to cause infertility and birth defects in mice.  Until more studies are done I would avoid.


Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard 

  • Ingredients: Botanical infusion of water, horsetail, chamomile, nettle and marshmallow, organic aloe vera juice, agave nectar extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), pectic, citric acid, potassium sorbate and natural fragrance.

  • Concerns: Actually has some good ingredients until….. fragrance.   They specify in their website that they use “ only phthalate free fragrances “  however without a full ingredient list its hard to say if this is indeed 100% non-toxic or not.  I reached out to them to inquire if they would share more details on the ‘ natural’ fragrance ingredients used and they responded with he same generic ‘phathlate free fragrance’ response that they have on their website.  Without total ingredient transparency we cannot confirm no potentially harmful ingredient is used inter fragrance mix

Rahua Hydration Shampoo

  • Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion Of Organic Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Organic Passiflora Incarnate (Passion) Fruit Extract, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract And Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Sucrose, Mauritia Flexuosa (Morete) Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Kaolinite (Rose Clay), Natural Aroma, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Glycine*, Behentrimonium Chloride*, Potassium Sorbate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*.

  • Concerns:

-Behentrimonium Methosulfate

  • a member of the QUAT family. Various quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals. EWG’s unacceptable list of ingredients because they believe it may trigger asthma and be toxic to human reproductive system.

- Behentrimonium Chloride: 

  • Part of the family of chemicals called QUATS (quaternary ammonium salts )

  • Made Safe Certification lists it in its banned ingredients

  • EWG Verified list of banned chemicals

Flora Curl Curl Defining Gel

  • Ingredients: Aqua (Distilled Water), (Vegetable) Glycerine, Citrus Peel Pectin, Xanthan Gum, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow Root) Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitus Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Hibiscus) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Polysorbate 20, Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Linalool*,

  • Concerns

- Linalool†, Limonene†: 

  • Can be allergens. Small studies have suggested they could affect endocrine disruptions, but other studies have not found the link.

  • Out of extreme caution I would avoid using in the youngest children who are more sensitive to allergens and endocrine disruption.

  • I believe these ingredients can be used without harm as long as you are conscious of not overdoing your cumulative exposure to them (ie make sure not all the products you use every day contain these ingredients since then potentially it could add up)

- Polysorbate 20:  

  • May be contaminated with carcinogenic Ethylene Oxide (see ETHYLENE OXIDE) and 1,4-Dioxane


T Roots BUTTER CURLS – CURL DEFINING CREME

  • Ingredients: water, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, panthenol, botanical complex (yarrow, sage, horsetail, nettle & lavender extracts), cetyl alcohol, glycerin, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, cocos nucifera (coconut palm) oil, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, tocopheryl (vitamin E) acetate, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, propylene glycol, diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, citric acid, potassium sorbate, fragrance.

  • Concerns

    • iodopropynyl butylcarbamate: It is considered safe under certain concentrations but is a well known allergen . Some animal studies have shown toxic effects - but low dose studies are unavailable for this ingredient

    • behentrimonium methosulfate : a member of the QUAT family. Various quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals. EWG’s unacceptable list of ingredients because they believe it may trigger asthma and be toxic to human reproductive system.

    • fragrance: Without known what exactly is in the fragrance blend used it is hard to determine if it is safe or not.


Mini Bloom Knots be gone, Detangling treatment

  • Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Behentrimonium Chloride,, Behenyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfume, Ceteryl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Heptyl Undecylenate, Hydrolyzed Chestnut Extract, Limone, Coconut Alkanes, Isopropyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Guarhydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Tapioca Starch, Citrus Lemon Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerine Peel Oil, Xylitol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Linalool, Citric Acid

  • Concerns:

    - Behentrimonium Chloride: 

- Parfume: Without known what exactly is in the fragrance blend used it is hard to determine if it is safe or not.

-Linalool: Allergen

BRIOGEO Curl Charisma™ rice amino + avocado hydrating shampoo

  • Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Lauramidopropyl Betaine*, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate*, Glycerin*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine*, Glycol Distearate*, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Acanthus Mollis Leaf Extract*, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Keratin Amino Acids*, Glucose*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Polyquaternium-71, Sodium Chloride*, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Soyamidopropylamine Oxide*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate*, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polyquaternium-7, Anhydroxylitol*, Xylitylglucoside*, Xylitol*, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl AlcoholCoconut, vegetable, or plant derived

  • Concerns:

- Polyquaternium-7:  on the Made Safe list of banned substances 

- Fragrance (Parfum):  Without known what exactly is in the fragrance blend used it is hard to determine if it is safe or not.

Shea Moisture COCONUT & HIBISCUS CURL ENHANCING SMOOTHIE

  • Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Water, Glycerin (Vegetable), Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*ª´, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 60, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Oleth-10, Panthenol, PEG-150 Stearate, Steareth-20, Mangifera lndica (Mango) Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzoic Acid *Certified Organic Ingredient. ª´Fair Trade Ingredient

  • Concerns:

    • Polysorbate 60: Listed in Made Safe Banned List of substances. It is of concern because it could be contaminated with eTHYLENE OXIDE which is a known human carcinogen

    • PEG- 150 Stearate: PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane


Johnson's Curl-Defining, Frizz Control, Tear-Free Kids' Shampoo with Shea Butter,

  • Ingredients: Water*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine*, Decyl Glucoside*, Glycerin*, Lauryl Glucoside*, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate*, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate*, Citric Acid*, PEG-150 Distearate, Glycol Distearate*, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter* (*naturally-derived ingredients

  • Concerns:

- Cocamidopropyl Betaine

- PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate: PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane

- PEG-150 Distearate: PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane

Fragrance: Without total ingredient transparency we cannot confirm no potentially harmful ingredient is used inter fragrance mix

SOURCES: