r/Curlyhair’s Product Recommendation List
All products are CG-friendly unless noted. Blue is okay for CG, yellow/orange are warnings for CG.
If CG is not important to you, ignore the colored column.
Products are also marked for animal testing. Blue is cruelty-free, yellow indicates no info or warnings, and orange is confirmed NOT cruelty-free. Products marked green are certified by Leaping Bunny, Cruelty Free Kitty, and/or PETA. If we haven’t researched info for a product, that column is left blank.
(Note: these colours were chosen to be visible to people with all forms of color-blindness!)
Mini FAQ:
Check your bottle before you purchase! We could be wrong, and reformulations happen ALL THE TIME.
For updates, please message the mods of /r/curlyhair!
International products have their very own google doc!
Conditioners for co-washing or rinse out
Styling products:
Shampoos & Cleansers | CG friendly? | Cruelty free? |
As I Am Cleansing Pudding | ||
Bobeam Shampoo Bars | Soap | |
Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bars | Soap | LB |
Desert Essence Coconut Shampoo | mild coconut sulfate | LB, CFK, PETA |
Desert Essence No Fragrance Shampoo | Sodium coco-sulfate | LB, CFK, PETA |
DevaCurl LowPoo (Delight and Original) | PETA | |
DevaCurl NoPoo (Original and Decadence) | PETA | |
Eden Bodyworks Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo | mild surfactant | |
Enjoy Sulfate-free Hydrating Shampoo | sulfates | |
Everyday Shea Shampoos | ||
Giovanni Shampoos (Ultra-Sleek, Repairing, Ultra-Volume, Frizz be gone) | LB | |
Jason Dandruff Relief | Very mild sulfate | LB, CFK, PETA |
Jason Normalizing Tea Tree Shampoo | sulfates | LB, CFK, PETA |
Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo | PETA | |
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo | PETA | |
Kevin Murphy Angel Wash | Water-soluble silicones | PETA, CFK |
Kevin Murphy Born Again Wash | Silicones, drying alcohols | PETA, CFK |
L’oreal EverSleek Sulfate Free Shampoo | ||
L’oreal EverCurl Sulfate Free | silicones (easily builds up, not recommended for CG beginners) | sells in mainland China |
L’oreal OleoTherapy Oil Infused Shampoo | ||
Miss Jessie's Cleansing Cream | silicones | |
Natural instinct Hydrating Daily shampoo | ||
Nature’s Gate various shampoos | not all are CG | PETA, vegan |
Not Your Mother's Naturals Linseed Chia Blend & French Plum Seed Oil Volume Boost Shampoo | polyquats | site claims no animal testing |
Not your Mother’s Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Shampoo | ||
Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo | not CG | Sold in China |
Organix Biotin & Collagen | dimethicone, glycerin (ok), not CG | Sold in China |
Ouidad VitalCurl Clear & Gentle Shampoo | CFK | |
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo | sulfates | CFK |
Ouidad SuperFruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo | milder sulfates | CFK |
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo | water-soluble silicones & glycerin | CFK |
Redken Curvaceous Cream Shampoo | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate | owned by L’oreal; no information found |
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Argan oil and Almond Milk Smooth and Tame | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Shampoo | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, & Restore | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Mafura Oil Hydration Intensive Shampoo | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Smooth and Repair Shampoo | silicones | CFK, PETA |
Simply U Moisturizing Shampoo | ||
Sukin Purifying Shampoo | mild sulfate | CFK (lists as LB certified, but couldn’t find info on LB site?) |
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Oil Shampoo | mild sulfates | CFK, PETA |
The Body Shop Volume Shampoo | not cg | CF listed by LB, CFK, and PETA; owned by L’Oreal |
Yes to Carrots Pampering Shampoo | sulfates | LB, CFK, PETA |
CVS brand (OGX style) Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo | silicones | site claims no animal testing |
Conditioners: co-washing or rinse out | CG friendly? | Ingredient notes | Cruelty free? |
As I am Coconut Co-wash | polyquats | ||
Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Aussie Moist Conditioner | silicones | PETA | |
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle | silicones | PETA | |
Aveda Be Curly Co-Wash | sulfates | CFK, PETA; owned by Estee Lauder (not CF) | |
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co–Wash | site claims no animal testing | ||
Camille Rose Naturals Caramel Cowash | |||
Curls Coconut Curlada Conditioner | |||
Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner | LB, CFK, PETA, vegan | ||
Desert Essence No Fragrance Conditioner | LB, CFK, PETA, vegan | ||
DevaCurl One Condition (Delight, Original, and Decadence) | PETA, vegan (all three) | ||
Eden Bodyworks Coconut Cowash | |||
Everyday Shea conditioners | |||
Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Conditioner | silicones (amodimethicone) | ||
Giovanni Conditioners (Frizz be gone, Ultra-Moist, Repairing, Ultra-Luxurious, Ultra-Sleek, and Ultra-Revive) | Humectants, some have protein; lightweight | LB | |
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat | menthol (irritant) | LB, CFK, PETA | |
Hair One Conditioner Cleanser and Conditioner with argan oil for curly hair | not CG | ||
Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner | not CG | ||
Kevin Murphy Angel Rinse | CFK, PETA | ||
Kevin Murphy Young Again Rinse | CFK, PETA | ||
Kinky Curly Knot Today | PETA | ||
Living Proof Curl Conditioning Wash | polyquat-55 | protein, glycerin | |
Living Proof Curl Leave-In Conditioner | polyquat-55 | glycerin | |
L'Oreal EverCurl Conditioner | ***the shampoo of this line has silicones*** Drying alcohol, mineral oil | sells in China | |
L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Conditioner | Drying alcohol, mineral oil | sells in China | |
L'Oreal EverPure Volume Conditioner | Drying alcohol | sells in China | |
The Mane Choice Easy on the Curls Detangling Hydration Conditioner | |||
Mane ‘n Tail | parabens | site claims no animal testing | |
Maple Holistics Super18 | Tons of protein | site claims no animal testing | |
Moogoo Cream Conditioner | behentrimonium methosulfate (detangler, not a normal sulfate) | site claims no animal testing (seems okay - openly recruits human testers) | |
Nature’s Gate Hemp Nourishing Conditioner | PETA, vegan | ||
Nature’s Gate Jojoba Revitalizing Conditioner | PETA, vegan | ||
Nature’s Gate Aloe Vera Moisturizing Conditioner | PETA, vegan | ||
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Cleansing Conditioner | Protein; glycerin | site claims no animal testing | |
Not Your Mother's Naturals Linseed Chia Blend & French Plum Seed Oil Volume Boost Conditioner | |||
Not your Mother’s Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter | |||
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner | water soluble silicones | glycerin | CFK |
Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment | CFK | ||
Ouidad VitalCurl Balancing Rinse Conditioner | glycerin | CFK | |
Renpure Organics Argan Oil Conditioner | silicones (amodimethicone) | site claims no animal testing | |
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Hair Therapy Amino Cell Rebuild Repair Rescue Conditioner | protein | ||
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Balancing Conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Mango and Carrot KIDS Extra Nourishing Conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl & Shine conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Miracle Styler Leave-in Treatment | Humectants, lightweight | CFK, PETA | |
Suave Essentials Conditioners | coconut version has protein | PETA | |
Suave Shea Butter and Almond Conditioner | silicones | PETA | |
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner | silicones, parabens | CFK, PETA | |
TREsemme Expert Botanique with Coconut Milk and Aloe Vera | |||
Tresemme Perfectly Undone Conditioner | |||
Vo5 Salon Series | silicones | ||
Vo5 Herbal Escapes | |||
Vo5 Moisture Milks | |||
Yes to Carrots Nourishing Conditioner | sodium hydroxide (mild lye) | can build up! (Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride) | LB, CFK, PETA |
Yes To Cucumbers conditioner | can build up! (Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride) | LB, CFK, PETA |
Conditioners: leave-in | CG friendly? | Ingredient notes | Cruelty Free? |
Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer | site claims no animal testing | ||
As I Am Leave-in Conditioner | |||
Camille Rose Fresh Curl | |||
Curl Junkie Coffee-Coco Curl Creme- Lite | site has statements on vegan products, but not CF | ||
DevaCurl One Condition | PETA, vegan | ||
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner | parabens | ||
Generic Value Products (GVP) Conditioning Balm | parabens | ||
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
Giovanni Direct Leave-in Weightless Moisture Conditioner | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
It’s a Ten Lightweight Leave-in | parabens | (other It’s a Ten sprays are NOT CG, this one is) | LB, CFK |
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-in Conditioner | silicones | ||
Kevin Murphy Angel Rinse | CFK, PETA | ||
Kinky Curly Knot Today | PETA | ||
The ManeChoice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restorative Mask Treatment | |||
The ManeChoice Soft As Can Be Revitalize & Refresh 3-in-1 Co-Wash, Leave In, Detangler | |||
Original Sprout Miracle Detangler | PETA | ||
Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner | amodimethicone | CFK | |
Oyin Handmade Hair Dew | site says no animal testing | ||
Paul Mitchell The Conditioner | parabens | CFK, PETA | |
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisture Detangler | CFK, PETA | ||
Suave Essentials conditioners | PETA | ||
Taliah Waajid The Great Detangler | mineral oil | ||
Tresemme naturals conditioners (discontinued) | |||
TRESemme Naturals Radiant Volume Conditioner | |||
TRESemme Flawless Curls Curl Hydrating Conditioner | silicones | ||
Vo5 Herbal conditioners | |||
Vo5 Moisture Milk conditioners | |||
Yes to Carrots Pampering Conditioner | cetyl esters -- causes buildup for some | LB, CFK, PETA |
Deep treatments | CG friendly? | Ingredient notes | Cruelty Free? |
As I Am Leave In Conditioner | |||
Aussie Moist 3 minute miracle | silicones, sulfates, parabens | PETA | |
Back to Basics Pomegranate Moisture Conditioner | parabens | seems to be different from BTB skincare, which IS CF | |
Beyond the Zone Last Call | |||
Briogeo Don't Despair Repair deep conditioner | site claims no animal testing | ||
Camille Rose naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner | |||
Davines NOUNOU hair mask | silicones | ||
DevaCurl Heaven in Hair | PETA, vegan | ||
Drybar Mudslide conditioning mask | silicones | LB, CFK | |
Eden Bodyworks Deep Conditioner | |||
Enjoy Deep treatment | |||
Generic Value Products (GVP) Conditioning Balm | parabens | ||
Giovanni Deep treatment | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
GVP Protein Reconstructor | mineral oil, parabens | ||
Hask Henna 'n' Placenta conditioning treatment | parabens | CFK, PETA | |
Kevin Murphy Born Again Essential Treatment | CFK, PETA | ||
Kevin Murphy Young Again Masque | CFK, PETA | ||
Living Proof Restore Deep Conditioning Mask | |||
L’Oreal Oleo Therapy Deep Recovery Mask | sells in China | ||
Made Beautiful Intense Treatment Masque | Emulsifying wax is ok! | ||
Mop Top Deep Conditioner | site claims no animal testing | ||
OGX Hydrating Macadamia Intensive Moisture Mask | silicones | site claims no animal testing | |
Organix Brazilian Keratin therapy condition | silicones | Sold in China | |
Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt Down Extreme Repair Mask | amodimethicone | glycerin | CFK |
Phytorelax Tea Tree Deep Nourishing Mask with Pure Tea Tree Oil | no protein | site claims no animal testing | |
Renpure organics argan oil conditioner | site claims no animal testing | ||
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Purification Masque | CFK, PETA | ||
Yes to Carrots leave-in treatment | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
DIY/Naturals olive oil/coconut oil/grapeseed oil/jojoba oil/argan oil/apricot oil/avocado oil |
Protein treatments | CG friendly? | Cruelty Free? |
Aubrey Organics GPB protein conditioner | ||
ApHogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor | silicones | |
Colorful Products Neutral Protein Filler | ||
Shea Moisture Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment | *Recent reformulation* some versions now have castor oil | PETA |
Styling products: creams | CG friendly? | Other notes | Cruelty Free? |
AG Cosmetics Re:Coil Curl Activator | Magnesium sulfate, can be drying | CFK, PETA | |
Avalon KeraCare Natural Textures Defining Custard | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
Beyond the Zone Noodle Head Curling Creme | silicones | ||
Camille Rose naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter | |||
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream | Petrolatum | ||
DevaCurl Styling Cream | PETA, vegan | ||
Eden Bodyworks Curl Defining Creme | |||
Living Proof Curl Defining Styling Cream | glycerin | ||
L'Oreal EverCurl Cream | silicones | sells in China | |
L'Oreal Sleek It Frizz Vanisher Cream | Not CG | sells in China | |
Marc Anthony Curl Envy Cream | Not CG | ||
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream | Not CG | CFK | |
One & Only Argan Oil Curl Cream | Silicones | ||
Organix Moroccan Smooth Perfection Blow Out Cream | Sells in China | ||
Original Moxie Shape Shifter Re-forming Creme | polyquats - can build up | LB, PETA | |
Ouidad VitalCurl Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream | Water soluble silicone | CFK | |
Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding | site says no animal testing | ||
Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk | CFK, PETA | ||
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie | CFK, PETA | ||
Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream | No glycerin |
Styling products: gels | CG friendly? | Ingredient notes | Cruelty Free? |
As I am gel | |||
Aussie Instant Freeze Gel | Polyquats - can build up | PETA | |
Beautiful Curls (by Alaffia) Wavy to Curly Defining Gel | |||
Beyond the Zone Bada Bing Gel | |||
Beyond the Zone Curl Glaze | |||
Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee | |||
Camille Rose naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel | |||
Curl Keeper Gel | |||
Curls Cashmere Curl Jelly | |||
Curls Goddess Curls Gel | |||
Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste | |||
DevaCurl Arc AnGEL | PETA, vegan | ||
DevaCurl Light Defining Gel | PETA, vegan | ||
DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel | PETA, vegan | ||
Dippity Do Gel | |||
Eco Styler gels | |||
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Gel | Polyquats - can build up | ||
Giovanni gels (LA naturals, Ultra-sleek) | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
Herbal Essences Totally twisted gel | Water soluble silicone | ||
Herbal Essences Set Me Up Gel | Water soluble silicone | ||
Jessicurl Confident Coils | Magnesium sulfate; can be drying | PETA, vegan | |
Jessicurl Rockin Ringlets | Magnesium sulfate; can be drying | PETA, vegan | |
Kinky Curly Curling Custard | PETA | ||
LA Looks Extreme Spikes | |||
LA Looks Sport Gel | parabens | ||
Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls | silicones | Protein | |
Mop Top Fuzzy Duck Gel | site claims no animal testing | ||
Original Moxie Oasis Moisture Gel | polyquats | protein, glycerin | LB, PETA |
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel | glycerin | CFK | |
Ouidad Tress Effects Gel | polyquats - can build up | CFK | |
Ouidad VitalCurl Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream | Water soluble silicone | CFK | |
Ouidad VitalCurl Tress Effects Styling Gel | glycerin | CFK | |
Pantene Curl Shaping Gel | parabens | ||
Sweet Curls Elixirs Flax Seed Defining Gel | Can also DIY this | ||
Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer | glycerin; polyquats - can build up | ||
Uncle Funky's Daughter Curl Magic | Can find at Target | PETA |
Styling products: Mousse | CG friendly? | Other notes | Cruelty Free? |
DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam | PETA, vegan | ||
Herbal Essences Body Envy Mousse | |||
Herbal Essences Set Me Up Mousse | |||
Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse | |||
Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse | |||
Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse | |||
Pantene Curl Mousse | polyquats - can build up | ||
Styling products: Sprays & Serums | CG friendly? | Ingredient notes | Cruelty Free? |
AG Cosmetics Curl Trigger Defining Spray | Magnesium sulfate; can be drying | CFK, PETA | |
Giovanni LA Hold Spritz | LB, CFK, PETA | ||
Jessicurl Gelebration Spray | Magnesium sulfate; can be drying | ||
L’Oreal Boost It Blow Out Heatspray | Parabens & non-buildup polyquats | sells in China | |
Original Moxie Hold Up Defining Serum | polyquats | protein | LB, PETA |
Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray | glycerin | CFK | |
Ouidad Texture Smoothing Frizz & Flyaway Fighter Spray | silicones | CFK | |
Shea Moisture Hold and Shine Moisture Mist | CFK, PETA | ||
Purple shampoo/conditioner (for blonde tones) | CG friendly? | Ingredient notes | Cruelty Free? |
Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo | Gentle sulfates | Protein, glycerin | CFK, PETA; owned by Estee Lauder (not CF) |
Aveda Blue Malva Conditioner | Semi-water-soluble silicone | Protein, glycerin | see above |
Blonde Sexy Hair Sulfate-Free Bright Blonde Shampoo | Gentle sulfates, polyquats, semi-water-soluble silicone | protein, glycerin | site claims no animal testing |
Davine’s Alchemic Conditioner Silver | protein | ||
DIY Mix Ion Color Brilliance semi-permanent colors (purple or orchid) from Sally's into your conditioner yourself | |||
Not your Mother's Blonde Moment Shampoo | polyquats | site claims no animal testing |
Reset shampoos | CG friendly? | Other notes | Cruelty Free? |
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo | Use ONLY for the reset wash! Use ONE of these before switching from non-CG to CG products. | Sells in China | |
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two | |||
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three | |||
Suave Essentials Shampoo Daily Clarifying | PETA | ||
TRESemme Purify & Replenish Deep Cleanse Shampoo | Protein | ||
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo | |||
Vo5 Shampoo (any shampoo, NOT 3-in-1 or 2-in-1) |