Kristin Ess Hair Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo
Lower concern; rinse-off shampoo with no obvious PFAS triggers, but brand discloses nothing.
This rinse-off cosmetic lacks water-resistant, nonstick, or grease-resistant treatments found in mainstream shampoos. The brand makes no PFAS claims; third-party testing is absent.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Aqueous surfactant blend (shampoo base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Kristin Ess Hair Moisture Curl Shampoo is made of, ingredients and materials
Kristin Ess Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo is a water-based surfactant blend designed to cleanse curly hair without stripping natural oils. The aqueous formula means volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are minimal or absent, and ingredients remain on your scalp and hair only briefly before rinsing. Sulfates and silicones are common in this product class; Kristin Ess formulations typically use both, which is standard for drugstore curl shampoos and poses no acute toxicity risk at rinse-off concentrations.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Kristin Ess lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without breaking down individual aromatic compounds. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may react; patch testing on a small scalp area is prudent if you have a history of contact dermatitis.
Sulfates (SLS/SLES) irritation risk
This shampoo contains sulfate surfactants, which can strip natural oils and cause scalp irritation or dryness in some users, particularly those with eczema or very sensitive skin. This is a known class effect for sulfate-based shampoos and is not unique to Kristin Ess.
Silicone buildup with repeated use
The formula includes silicones for slip and shine; over time without chelating shampoo or clarification, these can accumulate on hair and scalp, potentially leading to dullness or weighed-down curls. This is a cosmetic concern, not a toxicity risk.
Eye irritation (sulfates and surfactants)
Sulfate shampoos commonly cause stinging if they contact eyes. This is expected behavior for the product class and is not a sign of contamination; rinse immediately with water if contact occurs.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
1,4-dioxane (surfactant byproduct)
SLES-type surfactants can be contaminated with trace 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing. No independent testing of this specific product has been published; however, rinse-off shampoos pose negligible exposure risk even if trace amounts are present, as contact time is brief and skin absorption is minimal.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kristin Ess (owned by Unilever) has no published recalls or safety violations for this shampoo. The brand does not prominently disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party certifications like EWG Verified or Leaping Bunny. Ingredient lists are publicly available on retailer sites and the brand website, meeting basic FDA labeling requirements. No independent investigations or consumer complaints of dermatitis, allergic reactions, or contamination specific to this product are documented in public records.
How it compares in its category
This shampoo is mid-tier for drugstore curl products. It uses conventional sulfate and silicone chemistry, similar to brands like SheaMoisture and Carol's Daughter, but with less premium positioning or ingredient transparency than salon brands. Compared to sulfate-free alternatives (e.g., As I Am, Cantu), it may be harsher; compared to mass-market options (e.g., Garnier Fructis), it is formulated with curl retention in mind. None of these differences create safety gaps, only sensory and efficacy trade-offs.
If you buy it
Use as directed, apply to wet hair, massage scalp gently, rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle. Do not leave shampoo sitting on skin for extended periods (wash off within 2-3 minutes of application). Replace when empty or if you notice scalp irritation, flaking, or persistent dryness that doesn't resolve with conditioning. Store in a cool, dry place; discard if separated or discolored, though this is rare in sealed formulations.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Kristin Ess has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More shampoo grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.