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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream versus Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm .

Last updated on October 26, 2023. Published on August 09, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe styling creams & sprays. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Styling Creams & Spray American Brand United States
Styling Creams & Spray American Brand United States

Styling Creams & Spray

Cream and spray products that help style hair. Some spray products include blowout sprays and sea-salt sprays.

Styling Creams & Spray

Cream and spray products that help style hair. Some spray products include blowout sprays and sea-salt sprays.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Reduces Irritation
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. 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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.

Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids with lauric acid making up the majority of these. It also contains linoleic acid. Due to this high fatty acid content, coconut oil helps trap moisture and soften skin.

Despite being antibacterial, coconut oil may not be great for acne-prone skin. It is comedogenic and may clog pores. This ingredient may not be safe for malassezia or fungal acne.

Coconut Oil should not replace your sunscreen for UV protection. Studies show it only blocks about 20% of UV.

This oil is non-volatile and has a light scent.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Cocos Nucifera Oil

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 3.

5
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 28.

6
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.

Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 21.

7
What it does: Emollient

We don't have a description for Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract.

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 7.

9
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.

The primary contents of olive oil are glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic.

Olive oil also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help reduce signs of aging by fighting unstable free-radical molecules. It also contains Vitamins A (retinol), D, and K.

The squalene in olive oil makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by trapping moisture in. This makes olive oil a great skin moisturizer.

Studies show olive oil to have antibacterial and antifungal properties in low concentrations. Another study found olive oil irritated sensitive oily skin. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 11.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract.

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 12.

11
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.

Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.

Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.

Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 16.

12
What it does: Refreshing, Tonic

We don't have a description for Piper Nigrum Seed Extract.

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 18.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 17.

13
What it does: Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, this component is usually removed in the leaf extract.

Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 19.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 8.

14
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract.

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 20.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 14.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.

Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

Learn more about Panthenol

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 20.

16
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 24.

17
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

Sodium Benzoate 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 Benzoate

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 29.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 25.

18
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 31.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 22.

19
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 32.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 26.

20
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream contains this as ingredient number 33.

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm contains this as ingredient number 27.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

24% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
18% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream 33 ingredients

Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm 28 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Soft (1)
Butter's avatar

Butter

4 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

I'm honestly convinced this did absolutely nothing for my hair. My hair wasn't easier to manage, my frizz was just as bad. I didn't see any...

I'm honestly convinced this did absolutely nothing for my hair. My hair wasn't easier to manage, my frizz was just as bad. I didn't see any negative effects like, more frizz, sticky, etc. but nothing positive to say either. I think my hair needs more conditioning ingredients and silicones to make it feel smooth and be frizz-free.

AnaRitaSantos's avatar

AnaRitaSantos

2 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

I have fine wavy hair and this leave-in is way too heavy and tick for me. I needed to mix a bit of water to dilute it and be able to spread it and...

I have fine wavy hair and this leave-in is way too heavy and tick for me. I needed to mix a bit of water to dilute it and be able to spread it and detangle my hair. Most of the times it weighted down and left my hair dirty after one day of use. However, I found an use case for it when I used heat tools to straighten my hair - in these cases my hair looked protected, soft and with volume.

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