Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel Versus Curlsmith Shine Gel
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe gel, pomade & wax. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel 25 ingredients
Curlsmith Shine Gel 15 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel 25 ingredients
Curlsmith Shine Gel 15 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil
Antimicrobial
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Maltodextrin/Vp Copolymer
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Benzoic Acid
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Avena Sativa Peptide, Glycine Soja Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Maltodextrin, Maltodextrin/Vp Copolymer, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polyquaternium-7, Pvp, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-69
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Humulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Water, Polyquaternium-69, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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