Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner

A plant-derived water or extract used mainly as a soothing humectant filler. Evidence for dramatic skin benefits beyond mild hydration and soothing is limited, but it is well tolerated by most people.

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

A quaternary ammonium conditioning agent that coats hair with a positive charge to smooth the cuticle, cut static, and ease detangling; it is one of the most common conditioning ingredients in rinse-off conditioners. CIR reviewed it as part of the trimonium family and found it safe as used, including in leave-on formulas at typical concentrations.

A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols used to thicken lotions and soften skin. It is chemically unrelated to drying alcohols like ethanol, and the CIR expert panel has found fatty alcohols safe as used in cosmetics.

A common emulsifier and texture-softener made from glycerin and stearic acid. CIR review of this class found no evidence of reproductive, carcinogenic, sensitizing, or phototoxic effects in the studies examined.

A synthetic ester used to thin out heavy formulas and help other ingredients absorb faster. It is considered safe as used by CIR, but it has a reputation among acne-prone users for feeling occlusive on skin, so people who clog easily may prefer to patch test or choose lighter alternatives.

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

A fast-evaporating solvent used to carry actives and give toners a light, "clean" feel; at the concentrations used in classic astringents it can be genuinely drying or irritating with repeated use, especially on dry or compromised skin, though it is not inherently toxic and is a normal, well-studied cosmetic ingredient.

A fatty alcohol used to soften skin and stabilize creams. Despite the name, it does not dry the skin.

A rich, solid-at-room-temperature oil that deeply softens dry skin and hair. It is well tolerated overall, but its high lauric acid content is considered comedogenic by many dermatologists, so it can trigger breakouts in people who are acne-prone.

A mild enzymatic extract from papaya fruit that softens and hydrates skin. It is generally considered safe, though those with tree fruit allergies may wish to patch test first.

A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.

A natural plant-derived starch that absorbs moisture and adds texture to powders and dry formulations. It is derived from cassava root and is well-tolerated in topical cosmetic applications.

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

A citrus-scented fragrance component. Fine for most, but it oxidizes over time into a known contact allergen, so it must be labelled in the EU.