CURLSMITH Essential Moisture Cleanser moisturizing shampoo — Vegan, sulfate- & silicone-free

CURLSMITH Essential Moisture Cleanser is a moisturizing, sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo that gently cleans curly, wavy and coily hair while protecting natural oils.

This gentle nourishing cleanser was formulated specifically for textured hair to remove dirt and product build-up without leaving curls feeling stripped. Infused with moisturizing actives like aloe leaf and Resurrection Flower, it supports softness, bounce and definition while keeping color-safe and cruelty-free credentials front and center. The formula creates a mild creamy foam and is vegan certified by The Vegan Society and Leaping Bunny certified.

How does this shampoo hydrate curls without weighing them down?

The blend of hydrating agents and lightweight cleansing ingredients lifts impurities while preserving the hair's natural moisture barrier. Aloe leaf soothes and replenishes, while Resurrection Flower helps retain moisture in the hair fiber. The result is clean curls that still feel soft and springy rather than dry or flat.

• Gentle surfactants cleanse without harsh stripping
• Aloe leaf extract for immediate hydration and sheen
• Resurrection Flower supports moisture retention
• Leaves curls buoyant, not weighed down

Will this work for my curl pattern and washing routine?

Yes — the formula is designed to suit all curl types and textures, from loose waves to tight coils. It's suitable for regular wash days and pairs best with the Essential Moisture Conditioner for a full hydration routine. Use as your go-to shampoo when you want clean, defined curls without heavy residues.

• Formulated for waves, curls, and coils
• Ideal for dry-to-normal curl types and dull hair
• Recommended for routine wash days
• For maximum moisture, follow with Essential Moisture Conditioner

Is this shampoo safe for color-treated or chemically processed hair?

The shampoo is color-safe and free from sulfates, silicones and drying alcohols, making it a gentle choice for color-treated, highlighted or chemically relaxed hair. Its mild cleansing system helps protect hair tone while removing build-up that can dull color. Always follow with a conditioner designed for color protection if you use color-enhancing products.

• Free from sulfates and drying alcohols
• Silicone-free, so it rinses clean without film
• Formulated to be color-safe
• Pair with conditioner to lock in color and moisture

What results can I expect and how was moisturization measured?

When used as part of the Essential Moisture system, the regimen increased hydration in clinical testing versus a control.* You can expect softer, more defined curls with improved manageability and bounce after regular use. The mild creamy foam cleans efficiently while leaving hair feeling refreshed.

• Clinically observed hydration gains when used with the conditioner*
• Soft, bouncy curl feel and enhanced definition
• Mild creamy foam that rinses clean
• Vegan and cruelty-free formulation

*Increase in moisturization (87%) reported in third-party testing when the shampoo is used as a system with the Essential Moisture Conditioner versus a control product.

Who is this for? CURLSMITH Essential Moisture Cleanser is crafted for anyone with textured hair — from loose waves to tight coils — who wants a reliable, moisturizing wash without silicones or sulfates. It’s especially well suited to dry-to-normal curls, dull hair needing renewed softness, and anyone seeking vegan, cruelty-free haircare that keeps color looking fresh. Use it on regular wash days and follow with the matching conditioner for a complete hydration boost.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua/Eau), Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Betaine, Cetyl Palmitate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Carapa Guaianensis (Andiroba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Gluconate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes.