Use ingredient lists as one clue rather than expecting them to predict the entire formula. The first five ingredients usually make up the bulk of the product, but the “magic” is often in the formulation technology.
What to Look For
Instead of scanning for “bad” ingredients, look for the functional categories: humectants (moisture-pullers), emollients (softeners), and polymers (hold-providers). Remember that a product is more than just a list of parts; how those ingredients are balanced and processed determines how your curls will actually look and feel.