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Wella Professionals Nutricurls Curlixir Balm
Wella Professionals

Wella Professionals Nutricurls Curlixir Balm

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Linoleic acid + 17 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Wella Professionals NUTRICURLS Curlixir Balm Defining Balm for Curls is a nourishing leave-in curl balm for soft hold, definition and bounce.”
Source: Lookfantastic Australia

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: simmondsia chinensis seed oil, carthamus tinctorius seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: linoleic acid, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.5–0.75%
Linoleic acidHero· EmollientEffect: HighAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.25–0.5%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.6–5.7%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~2.3–2.8%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~1.9–2.4%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.5–1.8%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~1–1.3%
Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~0.65–1%
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten~0.55–0.8%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.3–0.6%
Sesamum indicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%
Oryza sativa bran oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.25–0.45%
Triticum vulgare germ oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).~0.2–0.35%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.2–0.4%
Ethylhexyl isononanoate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product consistency~0.2–0.4%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.25–0.45%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.15–0.3%
Orbignya oleifera seed oilUnder-dosedA plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin~0.3–0.6%
Camellia oleifera seed oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that does not leave a greasy finish~0.15–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 strong irritants: Parfum, Imidazolidinyl urea + 6 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1.1–1.4%est.
Imidazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Is more irritating than many other preservatives availableHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
PvpHelps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skinMedium~4.1–5%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~1.9–2.4%est.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to glutenMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Oenothera biennis seed extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence is lackingMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.2–0.35%est.
Camellia oleifera seed oilAn emollient that does not leave a greasy finishMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Triticum vulgare germ oilA good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).3/5~0.2–0.35%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.5–1.8%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.6–5.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Pvp~4.1–5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin

More about Pvp
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride~3.1–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps water and oil mix together and create a nice product texture

More about Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~2.3–2.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~1.9–2.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Hydroxyethylcellulose~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Cetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.8%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Parfum~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Cetyl alcohol~1–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Methyl gluceth-20~0.65–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20
Hydrolyzed wheat protein~0.55–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten

More about Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Panthenol~0.5–0.75%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Imidazolidinyl urea~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is more irritating than many other preservatives available

More about Imidazolidinyl urea
Polysorbate 60~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Amodimethicone~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a silky product texture

More about Amodimethicone
Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Orbignya oleifera seed oil~0.3–0.6%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in calming down inflammation in skin

More about Orbignya oleifera seed oil
Oenothera biennis seed extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence is lacking

More about Oenothera biennis seed extract
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Stearalkonium chloride~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Stearalkonium chloride
Sesamum indicum seed oil~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil
Propylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Linalool~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Hexyl cinnamal~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Tetrasodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Limonene~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Geraniol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Oryza sativa bran oil~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Oryza sativa bran oil
Citronellol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Alcohol denat.~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Salix alba bark extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Cetearyl nonanoate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cetearyl nonanoate
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Ethylhexyl isononanoate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product consistency

More about Ethylhexyl isononanoate
Triticum vulgare bran extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Triticum vulgare bran extract
Triticum vulgare germ oil~0.2–0.35%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).

More about Triticum vulgare germ oil
Linoleic acid~0.25–0.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-blemish

An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores

More about Linoleic acid
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Ethylparaben~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Ethylparaben
Butylparaben~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Butylparaben
Camellia oleifera seed oil~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that does not leave a greasy finish

More about Camellia oleifera seed oil
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Pvp, Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetearyl alcohol, Parfum, Cetyl alcohol, Methyl gluceth-20, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Panthenol, Imidazolidinyl urea, Polysorbate 60, Methylparaben, Amodimethicone, Propylparaben, Olea europaea fruit oil, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, Oenothera biennis seed extract, Disodium edta, Stearalkonium chloride, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Propylene glycol, Linalool, Hexyl cinnamal, Tetrasodium edta, Limonene, Geraniol, Oryza sativa bran oil, Citronellol, Citric acid, Alcohol denat., Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Salix alba bark extract, Potassium sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl nonanoate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Ethylhexyl isononanoate, Triticum vulgare bran extract, Triticum vulgare germ oil, Linoleic acid, Tocopherol, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Camellia oleifera seed oil

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/20 19:00 GMT
$26.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Wella ProfessionalsNutricurls Curlixir BalmYOUR PRODUCTflorence by millsLook Alive Eye BalmFirst Aid BeautyEye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye CreamEveredenKids Multi-Vitamin Face Cream Melon Juice
Match—47%42%42%
Price$26.00$21.47−$4.53$34.04+$8.04$9.00−$17.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 104 of 104 of 10
Key difference—GluconolactoneNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Final Report on On the Safety Assessment of Galactomannans As Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  3. 3
    Wheat in skin caremdedge.com
  4. 4
    Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
  5. 5
    Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  6. 6
    Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Wella Professionals Nutricurls Curlixir Balm
Wella ProfessionalsNutricurls Curlixir Balm
Buy on Amazon$26.00 · as of 10/20 19:00 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$26.00 · as of 10/20 19:00 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.