Curlsmith Effortless Waves Versus Ouai Wave Spray
Updated on November 10, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe styling creams & sprays. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and fragrances
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
Curlsmith Effortless Waves 27 ingredients
Ouai Wave Spray 77 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
Curlsmith Effortless Waves 27 ingredients
Ouai Wave Spray 77 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Vp/Va Copolymer
Betaine
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic Acid
CleansingXylitol
Humectant
Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract
EmollientOcimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPiper Nigrum Seed Extract
RefreshingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingLaurtrimonium Chloride
Emulsifying
Sodium Bisulfite
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Vp/Va Copolymer, Betaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylic Acid, Xylitol, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Piper Nigrum Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Laurtrimonium Chloride, Sodium Bisulfite, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingIsobutylene/Ethylmaleimide/Hydroxyethylmaleimide Copolymer
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Emulsion Stabilising
Cocos Nucifera Water
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Nasturtium Officinale Extract
Perfuming
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Cystoseira Compressa Extract
Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningLaurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Seed Protein
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
PCA
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingSerine
Masking
Valine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Histidine
Humectant
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentTocopherol
Antioxidant
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingCystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingBHT
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantPhytic Acid
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingLinalool
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Isobutylene/Ethylmaleimide/Hydroxyethylmaleimide Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Cocos Nucifera Water, Glycerin, Panthenol, Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Cystoseira Compressa Extract, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Zea Mays Starch, Tocopherol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Polysilicone-15, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, BHT, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Phytic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, CI 42090, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
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 ParfumPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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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When to use
Curlsmith Effortless Waves 27 ingredients
Ouai Wave Spray 77 ingredients
Reviews
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