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Cult+King Tonik Conditioning Hair & Scalp Potion Ingredients Explained

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Updated on March 18, 2024 Submitted by MelissaN

Overview

What it is

Leave-in treatment with 33 ingredients that contains BHA

Cool Features

It is vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

It doesn't contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates

Fun facts

Cult+King is from United States.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.

You should know

Here's our breakdown of the notable ingredients, benefits, and concerns we determined from the ingredients in this product. Click any item to learn more.

Notable Ingredients

BHA

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (4)
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)

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

Ingredients Overview

Here's our quick-to-read summary of the ingredients in this product. Keep scrolling if you'd like to learn more about what each ingredient does!
Ingredient
Features
1
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
2
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3
Skin Conditioning
4
Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA IconPreservative IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconGood for Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea IconHelps brighten skin Icon
5
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Can worsen Dry Skin Icon
6
Skin Conditioning
7
Skin Conditioning
8
Skin Conditioning
9
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
10
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps fight Acne Icon
11
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance Icon
12
Skin Conditioning
13
Astringent, Emollient, Soothing, Tonic
14
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
Good for Oily Skin Icon
15
Cleansing, Masking, Perfuming, Refreshing, Soothing, Tonic
Fragrance IconOil Icon
16
Cleansing, Masking, Refreshing, Tonic
EU Allergen Icon
17
Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Can worsen Dry Skin Icon
18
Skin Conditioning
19
Skin Conditioning
20
Masking
Oil Icon
21
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconOil IconEU Allergen Icon
22
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning, Tonic
Fragrance IconOil IconEU Allergen Icon
23
Antioxidant, Perfuming
Antioxidant IconFragrance IconOil IconGood for Oily Skin Icon
24
Moisturising
25
Skin Conditioning
26
Masking, Refreshing
May cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
27
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Masking
1 / 3
28
Emollient, Emulsifying
29
Cleansing, Emulsion Stabilising
30
31
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
0 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
32
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
33
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning

Ingredients Explained

This product contains 33 ingredients. Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
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
2
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

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.

Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.

Learn more about Alcohol
3
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Vaccinium Corymbosum Fruit Extract.

4
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid
5
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Disliked

Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made used distilled parts of the witch hazel plant. The witch hazel plant is native to eastern North America.

The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation while the name 'Witch Hazel' is used when it is an active drug ingredient. Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel are distilled in denatured alcohol.

Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient. The tannin in witch hazel has a drying effect when used on skin and constricts proteins. This helps minimize the look of large pores. The tannins present and the fragrance may be sensitizing. The catechins in witch hazel have anti-inflammatory properties while the gallic acid is antibacterial.

Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation, which was then used by early settlers to North America.

Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana Water
6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Boerhavia Repens Extract.

8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.

Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. The ferulic acid may help with skin brightening and help soothe the skin.

Antioxidants may help with anti-aging due to its ability to neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage skin cells and DNA.

While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.

One thing to note is the presence of tannins. Tannins are naturally found in nature. This compound may be skin-sensitizing.

Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
9
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Centella Asiatica Extract is derived from an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. In skincare products, Centella Asiatica Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Many active components found in Centella Asiatica Extract, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Research shows Centella Asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.

The combination of all these properties makes Centella Asiatica Extract effective at soothing the skin.

Other components of Centella Asiatic Extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.

This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Extract
10
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. The antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.

Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.

Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
11
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Arnica Montana Flower Extract is a fragrance.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Arctium Lappa Root Extract is from the burdock plant. It is an antioxidant and helps soothe skin. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

In folk medicine, Arctium Lappa has been used to treat skin inflammation and digestion.

13
What it does: Astringent, Emollient, Soothing, Tonic

We don't have a description for Equisetum Arvense Extract.

14
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
Community Rating: Liked

Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.

Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.

Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.

Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.

Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.

Learn more about Salix Alba Bark Extract
15
What it does: Cleansing, Masking, Perfuming, Refreshing, Soothing, Tonic

Achillea Millefolium Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.

16
What it does: Cleansing, Masking, Refreshing, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract comes from the lavender plant. Lavender extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Many components of lavender flowers are antioxidants, such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and several flavonoids.

Traditional Iranian folk medicine uses Lavender extract to help treat inflammation.

Lavender extract may have a scent. It contains linalool, a known allergen. However, lavender extract contains less linalool than lavender essential oil.

Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
17
What it does: Antiseborrhoeic, Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Hamamelis Virginiana Extract comes from the witch hazel plant. The witch hazel plant is native to eastern North America. Many parts of this plant are used in skincare from its twigs to its leaves.

Witch Hazel is an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient. The tannin in witch hazel has a drying effect when used on skin and constricts proteins. This helps minimize the look of large pores. The tannins present and the fragrance may be sensitizing. The catechins in witch hazel have anti-inflammatory properties while the gallic acid is antibacterial.

Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation, which was then used by early settlers to North America.

Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
18
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Scutellaria Lateriflora Extract.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract.

20

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil is created from the lavender plant.

Lavender oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Many components of lavender flowers are antioxidants, such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and several flavonoids.

21
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This ingredient comes from the bark of the Cedarwood tree.

Though this oil exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also contains skin-irritating fragrances such as limonene.

In 2023, it was listed as an EU known-allergen.

Learn more about Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
22
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.

23
What it does: Antioxidant, Perfuming
Community Rating: Mixed

This tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

According to the book Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances, tea tree helps in reducing acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. This is due to the Terpinen components of tea tree oil.

Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people. This oil naturally contains fragrance such as linalool and limonene.

However, research shows irritation usually occurs when using pure tea tree oil and not in cosmetic products.

Tea tree oil was found to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in one study.

Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Another study showed it to caused damage to the nervous system of dogs and cats when applied to their skin or given orally.

Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
24
What it does: Moisturising

We don't have a description for Ulmus Fulva Bark Extract.

25
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract.

26
What it does: Masking, Refreshing
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.

Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Menthol
27
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Masking
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.

Much of the research is based on caprylic acid derived from coconut oil. Coconut oil is an emollient and helps moisturize the skin.

Caprylic Acid has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Several studies found it to be effective at treating yeast infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides cosmetics, this ingredient is also used for a variety of medical purposes such as treating digestive disorders.

This ingredient is minimally soluble in water.

Read more about a similar ingredient Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.

Learn more about Caprylic Acid
28
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate.

29
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Mixed

Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.

It is created from the fatty acids in coconut oil.

Decyl Glucoside also helps stabilize the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.

This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.

Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.

Learn more about Decyl Glucoside

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is the sodium salt from the lauric acid of glutamic acid.

It is a surfactant and helps cleanse the skin. Surfactants gather oil, dirt, and other pollutants from your skin so they may be washed away easily.

31
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
32
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Diglycerin is a humectant. It is derived from glycerin, which is naturally found in your skin.

As a humectant, it helps draw moisture to the skin from the air.

33
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Embed Ingredients

Here's what our community thinks of the 33 ingredients in this product ✨

30% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
21% are disliked or very disliked
36% have no rating yet

When to use

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

Directions

Shake before using to distribute botanicals. Spray in damp, clean hair out of the shower. Rub into scalp for maximum effect.

Shake before using to distribute botanicals. Spray in damp, clean hair out of the shower. Rub into scalp for maximum effect.

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The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.

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