Gift Card

We have a long list of NO ingredients we do not include in any of our products:

NO Sulfates, NO Silicones, NO Parabens, NO Formaldehydes, NO Phthalates, NO DEA/MEA, NO SLS/SLES, NO Artificial Dyes, NO Drying Alcohols, NO Mineral Oil, NO Petrolatum, Color Safe, Cruelty Free

We refer to the EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep ratings, a globally recognized source of ingredient safety in clean beauty, for the safety in use of ingredients in our products. 

Ingredients Glossary

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) 

Aminomethyl Propanol

Why we use it: We use Aminomethyl Propanol to help adjust the pH levels in formula.

EWG score: 1-3

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

AMP Acrylates Copolymer

Why we use it: Helps to provide hold to the hair, give volume & reduce frizz. This ingredient helps keep ingredients together. We use this stabilizing copolymer to bind water and oil phases in the formula together so you have a uniform product that gives you the same performance every time you use it.

EWG score: 1-2

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) 

Why we use it: Argan Oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree has many benefits. It hydrates and softens the hair, enhances hair elasticity, prevents breakage, nourishes the scalp & helps promote healthy hair growth. We use Argan Oil to provide a deep level of occlusive moisture that binds to the surface of the hair, helping the hair to retain moisture longer. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner

 

Arginine

Why we use it: Arginine or L-Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid in keratin, which we use for its many healthy hair benefits. It helps to minimize hair loss by protecting hair from damage, reduces hair breakage & supports the hair's moisture barrier.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

Beeswax

Why we use it: Sustainably sourced beeswax is rich in vitamin A, which softens & moisturizes the hair and soothes the scalp. We use beeswax as a natural emulsifier and holding agent as an alternative to synthetic petroleum-based waxes to maintain curls' texture without weighing the hair down. This is the only non-vegan ingredient in our entire product line. Beeswax is vegetarian, not vegan. We ensure that no bees are harmed during the harvesting of our beeswax. It easily washes out of the hair using our Hydrating Shampoo to prevent any product buildup.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream

 

Behentrimonium Chloride

Why we use it: It is a plant-based conditioning agent made from colza oil, obtained from the seeds of the Brassica napus plant. Since it’s plant-based it doesn’t coat the hair, but instead penetrates and conditions the hair. It helps soften & repair dry, damaged hair, and detangles and reduces frizz.

EWG score: 3-4

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia Cerifera Candelilla Wax) 

Why we use it: We use Candelilla wax, a plant-based wax obtained from the Candelilla plant that is rich in nutrients, as a moisturizing emollient to retain moisture and as a natural holding agent. It helps retain moisture in the hair and scalp, and adds gloss and lubricity to hair. It easily washes out of the hair using our Hydrating Shampoo to prevent any product buildup. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Why we use it: Derived from Coconut Oil, it conditions the hair and helps retain moisture. We use Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as a moisturizer due to its humectant properties and also as a hydrating solvent to solubilize ingredients so that they all mix well together.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Carbomer

Why we use it: Carbomer helps create a gel texture in formulas & increase the viscosity/thickness of the product. It also helps smooth hair cuticles.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Cetearyl Alcohol

Why we use it: It is a naturally derived fatty alcohol made from coconut oil that  imparts a super moisturizing feel to the hair and scalp, and also helps to thicken and stabilize formulations. We use fatty alcohols, which are long-chain alcohols, that are extremely moisturizing, softening and plant-based. These are very different from short-chain alcohols, which we AVOID in all of our products, and are extremely drying and harsh to the hair.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Cetrimonium Chloride

Why we use it: It helps to condition the hair and reduce frizz and static. It is a safe to use alternative to silicones. 

EWG score: 3-4

Products used in: Deep Conditioner, Curl Defining Cream

 

Cetyl Alcohol

Why we use it: It is a naturally derived fatty alcohol that imparts moisture and conditioning to the hair, while helping to thicken, stabilize and add emollience to formulas. We use fatty alcohols, which are long-chain alcohols, that are extremely moisturizing, softening and plant-based. These are very different from short-chain alcohols, which we AVOID in all of our products, and are extremely drying and harsh to the hair.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo

Citric Acid

Why we use it: Named for its matching qualities to the natural acid found in citrus fruits and vegetables, we use citric acid as a natural alpha hydroxy acid to help cleanse the scalp, while also adjusting pH levels in formula.

EWG score: 1-2

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Why we use it: Derived from coconut oil, we use Cocamidopropyl Betaine as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent that gently cleans without irritating the scalp.  This ingredient’s EWG score is higher if used in products that will not be immediately rinsed off due to increased risk of absorption. It's use in our Hydrating Shampoo is deemed safe for intended quick rinse off. 

EWG score: 1-6

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

 

Cocamidopropylamine Oxide

Why we use it: Derived from coconut oil, we use Cocamidopropylamine Oxide as an emollient to retain moisture and as a surfactant to increase foam and cleansing performance.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Coconut Oil)

Why we use it: Coconut Oil extracted from the kernel of coconuts is rich in fatty acids, vitamins & antioxidants. We use Coconut oil as a reparative moisturizer that helps repair dry hair, reduce frizz, and prevent hair breakage and split ends, while also working as a natural solvent to mix ingredients. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Disodium EDTA

Why we use it: We use Disodium EDTA as a chelating agent to block heavy metal toxins found in tap water from depositing into the hair and scalp, and which if not blocked can cause dryness and irritation.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel

 

Ethylhexylglycerin

Why we use it: We use Ethylhexgylglycerin as a natural preservative derived from glycerin to fight and prevent bacteria, fungi and mold from growing in our products. Just like food goes bad after a few days, products using natural ingredients need preservatives to maintain a product's freshness and safety. It is a choice preservative to use because it is very safe at low levels, which we use in our products at a very low concentration. 

EWG score: 2

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

Flaxseed/Linseed Extract (Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract)

Why we use it: Flaxseed Extract is a nutrient-rich oil extracted from the seeds of the flax plant. It has many hair benefits including helping nourish, hydrate, smooth hair & improve shine. It also helps with curl definition & retaining moisture. Flaxseed Oil protects the hair & scalp, being rich in Vitamin E & Omega 3 Fatty Acids and promotes healthy hair growth.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Fragrance (Parfum) 

Why we use it: Our Rizos Curls signature fragrance is a proprietary fragrance that is custom-designed and safe for the hair blend with notes of Fresh Lemon, Citrus and Coconut. It gives our products a pleasant aroma and signature dose of Rizos Curls. It is used in very small amount in our products, just a dose, and is a blend of natural and synthetic components. In the U.S. signature fragrances are considered proprietary and confidential and thus companies are not required to publicly disclose fragrance components. So it is important that when using products with fragrance that it is from companies you trust to aim to use the best and safe ingredients, and that they use fragrance in small doses in products.  

EWG score: N/A

Products used in:  Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Glycereth-26

Why we use it: It is an oil that we use  as a humectant to lubricate the hair, keeping it smooth, providing softness. It also helps  reduce stickiness for a softer finish and helps thicken the formula. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel

 

Glycerin

Why we use it: We use plant-based Glycerin as a natural humectant and carrier for our botanical extracts and actives. It helps attract moisture into the hair and retain it, and helps define curls and keep them springy.

EWG score: 1-2

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Glycol Distearate

Why we use it: We use naturally derived Glycol Distearate in our Hydrating Shampoo for its ability to help thicken and provide foaming properties.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium

Why we use it: We use this water soluble derivative from the Guar plant, also known as cluster bean, to help condition the hair, detangle and reduce frizz without weighing hair down, and retain hair volume. It works as an emollient to improve feel and moisture, as well as to control viscosity or thickness in formula.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner

Hops Extract (Humulus Lupulus Hops Extract) 

Why we use it: Hops Extract obtained from the flowers of the Hops plant is full of antioxidants and is a natural plant astringent that helps promote healthy scalp and hair. It helps promote healthy hair growth, reduces itchiness of scalp and dandruff, and provides shine to the hair. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

Horsetail Extract (Equisetum Arvense Extract) 

Why we use it: We use Horsetail Extract, a natural, potent, therapeutic herb rich in minerals, to provide antioxidant and emollient properties. It helps promote healthy hair growth and improves hair's sheen and texture.  

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Why we use it: We use this water soluble derivative from the Guar plant, also known as cluster bean, to help condition the hair, detangle and reduce frizz without weighing hair down, and retain hair volume. It works as an anti-static agent to reduce flyaways, as well as to control viscosity or thickness in formula. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

 

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Why we use it: A naturally derived sugar that helps give hair a smooth and gentle feel. We use it to  provide a smooth feel in hair and balance formulas. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Lemon Balm Extract (Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract)

Why we use it: An extract of the leaves & tops of the Lemon Balm or Balm Mint plant, with healing & anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe the scalp and works as an antioxidant. 

EWG score: 2

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

Moringa Oil (Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil) 

Why we use it: Moringa Oil is derived from the seeds of the Moringa tree, we use it for its potent vitamin and mineral content to strengthen and revitalize hair. It strengthens hair follicles with vitamins and minerals, nourishes the scalp, and helps fight dandruff and split ends.  

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

 

Neem Oil (Melia Azadirachta Neem Seed Oil)

Why we use it: Neem Oil is a nutrient rich oil made from the seeds of the Neem tree, we use it as a natural plant medicine for its  anti-inflammatory properties to help maintain a healthy scalp. It helps stimulate circulation, treats the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth, and helps reduce dandruff.  

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Refresh & Detangle Spray

Nettle Leaf Extract (Urtica Dioica Nettle Extract)

Why we use it: Nettle Leaf Extract is derived from the Nettle leaf plant and is rich in vitamins and nutrients.  We use it as a natural astringent to care for the scalp and hair. It helps promote healthy hair growth and gives hair a shinier and healthier appearance. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in:  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Olive Fruit Oil)

Why we use it: Olive Oil is created by crushing the ripe Olive fruit of the Olive tree, it nourishes the scalp, moisturizes the hair from within & improves hair elasticity. We use it to improve hair health and to seal in long-lasting moisture.  

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Phenoxyethanol

Why we use it: We use  Phenoxyethanol as a  broad-spectrum preservative to  provide antimicrobial protection in our products. Just like food goes bad after a few days, products using natural ingredients need preservatives to maintain a product's freshness and safety. It is a choice preservative to use because it is very safe at low levels, which we use in our products at a very low concentration.

EWG score: 2-4

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Phytic Acid

Why we use it: It is a naturally-sourced acid that aids in restoring hair and scalp health, and also acts as a chelating agent  to block harsh heavy metals and minerals found in tap water from depositing into the hair.

EWG score: 2

Products used in: Deep Conditioner

 

Polyquaternium-7

Why we use it: We use Polyquaternium-7 as a volumizing and smoothing agent to prevent curls from becoming weighed down. It helps to provide volume to curls and reduce frizz. 

EWG score: 1-3

Products used in:  Hydrating Shampoo

 

Polyquaternium-37

Why we use it: We use Polyquaternium-37 for its ability to provide softness to the hair,  excellent conditioning and detangling properties, help reduce frizz, give volume and shine.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner

 

Polysorbate 20

Why we use it: Used in a small amount in formula as an emulsifier, which helps to keep the formula textures smooth & free of separation.

EWG score: 3

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Polyurethane-14

Why we use it: We use Polyurethane-14 as a polymer to provide strong, flexible and conditioning hold for curls. It provides long-lasting curl definition and also conditions the hair. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in:  Curl Defining Cream,  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

PPG-1 Trideceth-6

Why we use it: We use PPG-1 Trideceth-6 as an emollient that provides softness to the hair, and it also works to help keep ingredients in the formula from separating.

EWG score: 1

Products used in:  Deep Conditioner

 

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Why we use it: We use Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate for its ability to provide a good balance of moisture without weighting curls down. This ingredient offers both conditioning and moisture binding properties without oiliness. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner

Provitamin B5 (Panthenol/DL Panthenol)

Why we use it: Derived from Vitamin B, we use Provitamin B5/Panthenol as a vitamin infused emollient to bind moisture to hair. It helps provide softness and strength, locks in moisture, contributes to overall healthy hair,improve hair's shine and helps provide volume to curls. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

PVP

Why we use it: We use PVP as a polymer to provide long-lasting hold and definition to curls during the styling process. It helps to define curls and provides hold.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Rice Bran Extract (Oryza Sativa Bran Extract)

Why we use it: A nutrient-rich extract of the bran or outer layer of the rice kernel, it helps to condition & soften hair. It is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E & Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

EWG score: 1-2

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract)

Why we use it: Rosemary leaf extract is produced from the leaves of the Rosemary plant, known for its many healing properties. It improves hair health, soothes dry scalp, and has antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel, Volumizing Hair Spray

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter) 

Why we use it: Shea Butter is extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, it is a nourishing moisturizer that locks in moisture without leaving hair greasy and super rich in vitamins & nutrients. It helps give hair shine and a healthy appearance. We use Shea Butter as a staple for its rich moisture and fatty acids. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo, Refresh & Detangle Spray

Slippery Elm Bark Extract (Ulmus Fulva Bark Extract) 

Why we use it: Derived from the bark of the Slippery Elm tree, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to improve hair health. It strengthens hair, promotes healthy hair growth, and improves hair volume. We use it as a natural conditioner, moisturizer and formula gelling agent. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in:  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Why we use it: We use this salt-based surfactant to help cleanse  in our Hydrating Shampoo by  removing debris and pollutants from the scalp and hair, as well as increasing foam. 

EWG score: 1-2

Products used in:  Hydrating Shampoo

 

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Why we use it: A fatty acid derived from Coconut Oil, we use it as a surfactant to cleanse the scalp and hair in our Hydrating Shampoo. It helps water to mix with oil and dirt, allowing them to be more easily rinsed away. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

 

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Why we use it: Derived from sarcosine, a natural amino acid, it is a gentle cleansing and foaming  surfactant that helps rinse away excess oil and dirt and improve the healthy appearance of hair.

EWG score: 1-3

Products used in: Hydrating Shampoo

 

Sodium Polyitaconate

Why we use it: Naturally-derived ingredient that helps provide weightless hold & anti-frizz benefits. It also helps provide volume & resist humidity.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Sorbitol

Why we use it: Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant with strong moisturizing properties. It helps retain moisture & also helps add slip to a product.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Stearyl Alcohol

Why we use it: It is a naturally derived fatty alcohol that we use  to soften, condition and moisturize the hair. It imparts a super moisturizing feel to the hair and scalp. We use fatty alcohols, which are long-chain alcohols, that are extremely moisturizing, softening and plant-based. These are very different from short-chain alcohols, which we AVOID in all of our products, and are extremely drying and harsh to the hair. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo, Refresh & Detangle Spray

Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annuus Sunflower Seed Oil) 

Why we use it: Sunflower Oil is extracted from the seeds of Sunflowers, it is rich in vitamins, helps promote healthy scalp and hair, provides extra moisture, reduces product build up and alleviates dry scalp. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Deep Conditioner,  Light Hold Gel

Tamarind Extract (Tamarindus Indica Fruit Extract) 

Why we use it: Tamarind Extract is derived from the fruit of the Tamarind tree, it has antioxidant properties that condition and nourish the hair. It helps to strengthen hair, reduce hair loss, and fight dandruff. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream

 

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate 

Why we use it: A plant-based chelating agent, which helps to stabilize pH levels in formula. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

Thyme Extract (Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract) 

Why we use it: Thyme extract is produced from the Thyme plant, which is known for its healing properties. It is known to promote healthy hair growth, is naturally scalp soothing, balancing & anti-inflammatory. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Tocopherol 

Why we use it: Tocopherol is a naturally occurring form of Vitamin E, which has moisturizing & antioxidant properties. It also helps protect hair from environmental stress, promoting healthy, stronger hair.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Trehalose

Why we use it: It is a naturally derived sugar -based humectant that helps bind moisture to the hair and retain it.

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Curl Defining Cream, Refresh & Detangle Spray

 

Triethyl Citrate

Why we use it: A natural ingredient that helps provide moisturizing functions to the hair & neutralize odor caused by sweat. 

EWG score: 1

Products used in: Light Hold Gel

 

Water (Aqua)

Why we use it: Water hydrates and cleanses the hair, it is the primary ingredient used in most hair products. In fact, they are mostly made up of water, which is important for hair health. We use water to bring hydration into the formulas and as a solvent to help dissolve ingredients in formulas.

EWG score: 1

Products used in:  Curl Defining Cream, Deep Conditioner, Hydrating Shampoo,  Light Hold Gel, Refresh & Detangle Spray