Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.
EWG Home EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning EWG’s Food Scores Healthy Living App Open menu

EWG's Skin Deep®
Find products and ingredients Learn how Skin Deep® works Meet our experts Discover EWG VERIFIED®
GET UPDATES DONATE
Score legend
HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES LEARN MORE ABOUT EWG VERIFIED®
Product score: 06

Data Availability:

Limited

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm

Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm

WHERE TO BUY

When you make a purchase through retailer links on our site, we may earn commission through affiliate programs. All affiliate fees EWG receives support our nonprofit mission. Learn more here

CATEGORY

Styling Gel/Lotion

BRAND

Curlsmith

DATA LAST UPDATED

November 2021

Ingredient concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

  • MODERATE
    Cancer
  • HIGH
    Allergies & Immunotoxicity
  • LOW
    Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
  • HIGH
    Use Restrictions

Ingredient scores

Ingredients are scored based on their formulation and concentration in this product. Click on an ingredient for more information.

Ingredient score: 01
WATER
Data Availability: Robust
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) solvent
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
CETEARYL ALCOHOL
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) emollient, emulsifying, emulsion stabilising, foam boosting, opacifying, surfactant, viscosity controlling, emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, surfactant - foam booster, viscosity increasingagent - aqueous, viscosity increasing agent - nonaqueous
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) emollient, hair conditioning, masking, skin conditioning, solvent, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous;skin-conditioning agent - occlusive
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
GLYCERIN
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) denaturant, humectant, perfuming, solvent, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, oral care agent;oral health care drug, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, skin protectant, viscosity decreasing agent
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) bulking, viscosity controlling, bulking agent, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous
CONCERNS • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
PPG-3 BENZYL ETHER MYRISTATE
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) plasticiser, skin conditioning
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
CARAPA GUAIANENSIS SEED OIL
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) denaturant, skin conditioning, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) perfuming, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent -miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Use restrictions (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) skin conditioning, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) external analgesic, humectant, oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) OIL
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) perfuming, fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 06
OCIMUM BASILICUM (SWEET BASIL) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Robust
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) perfuming, fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) OIL
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA EXTRACT
Data Availability: None
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) emollient
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) emollient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
PIPER NIGRUM (BLACK PEPPER) SEED EXTRACT
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) refreshing, tonic, not reported
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
PHENOXYETHANOL
Data Availability: Good
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) preservative, fragrance ingredient
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
• Occupational hazards (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
CETEARETH-20
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) surfactant - cleansing agent, surfactant - solubilizing agent
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
• Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE and 1,4-DIOXANE)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
PANTHENOL
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, hair conditioning agent
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 06
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
Data Availability: Good
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) antimicrobial, antistatic, emulsifying, preservative, surfactant, antistatic agent, cosmetic biocide, surfactant - emulsifying agent
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Use restrictions (high)
• Neurotoxicity (low)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
DISODIUM EDTA
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) chelating, viscosity controlling, chelating agent
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) skin conditioning, deodorant agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Data Availability: Limited
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) preservative, fragrance ingredient
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM BENZOATE
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) anticorrosive, masking, preservative, fragrance ingredient
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 04
LIMONENE
Data Availability: Good
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
• Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 03
LINALOOL
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) deodorant, masking, fragrance ingredient
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 08
FRAGRANCE
Data Availability: Fair
Expand content Collapse content
FUNCTION(S) deodorant, masking, perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Endocrine disruption (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT

Ingredients from packaging:

WATER (AQUA), CETEARYL ALCOHOL, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL*, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE, PPG-3 BENZYL ETHER MYRISTATE, CARAPA GUAIANENSIS (ANDIROBA) SEED OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL*, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF EXTRACT, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL*, OCIMUM BASILICUM (BASIL) LEAF EXTRACT, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL*, SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT, SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA (RESURRECTION FLOWER) EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, PIPER NIGRUM (BLACK PEPPER) SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, CETEARETH-20, PANTHENOL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, DISODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM).

Product's animal testing policies

Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.


Unknown

Leading international certifiers PETA and Leaping Bunny have no information concerning this company’s use of animal testing.

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.


HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG Verified® mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Score legend
WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE APPROACH

A product’s hazard score is not an average of the ingredients’ hazard scores. It is calculated using a weight-of-evidence approach that factors in all of the hazards or health impacts associated with the ingredients.

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST
Low Availability
Moderate Availability
High Availability
NONE

Ingredients have not been assessed.

LIMITED-FAIR

There is only a modest volume of research.

GOOD-ROBUST

Ingredients have been studied extensively.

More styling gel/lotion

Qet Botanicals Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut
Qet Botanicals
Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut
EWG Verified logo
EWG VERIFIED
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Grow Conditioning Shine Gel (2019 formulation)
Shea Moisture
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Grow Conditioning...
Product score: 1
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
Inner Sense I Create Volume
Innersense
Inner Sense I Create Volume
Product score: 1
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
Healing-Scents Spiking Gel, Unscented (2019 formulation)
Healing-Scents
Spiking Gel, Unscented (2019 formulation)
Product score: 1
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
VIEW ALL styling gel/lotion

More from Curlsmith

Curlsmith Shine Shampoo, Fragrance Free
Curlsmith
Shine Shampoo, Fragrance Free
Product score: 2
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
Curlsmith Bonding Oil
Curlsmith
Bonding Oil
Product score: 2
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
CURLSMITH Hair Shine Jelly
Curlsmith
Hair Shine Jelly
Product score: 3
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
Curlsmith Super Slip Pre Biotic Primer
Curlsmith
Super Slip Pre Biotic Primer
Product score: 3
HIGH HAZARD
Data Availability:
VIEW ALL Curlsmith
Skindeep Healthy Living App

EWG research
on the go

Find personal care, cleaning, and food products on the EWG Healthy Living app.

DOWNLOAD THE APP