Ingredients in Kinky Curly Curling Custard: A Detailed Look at Formulation and Use

Good old water, aka H2O. The most common skincare ingredient of all. One more thing: the water used in cosmetics is purified and deionized (it means that almost all of the mineral ions inside it is removed).

There are two primary types of Chamomile, the German and the Roman. Both has soothing properties, but the German one contains more anti-inflammatory actives (like chamazulene). We don't have description for this ingredient yet. Aloe Vera is one of today’s magic plants. It does have some very nice properties indeed, though famous dermatologist Leslie Baumann warns us in her book that most of the evidence is anecdotal and the plant might be a bit overhyped.

What research does confirm about Aloe is that it’s a great moisturizer and has several anti-inflammatory (among others contains salicylates, polysaccharides, magnesium lactate and C-glucosyl chromone) as well as some antibacterial components. It also helps wound healing and skin regeneration in general. It’s the most commonly used version of pure vitamin E in cosmetics. You can read all about the pure form here. We don't have description for this ingredient yet.

Citric acid comes from citrus fruits and is an AHA. But according to a comparative study done in 1995, citric acid has less skin improving magic properties than glycolic or lactic acid. It's one of those things that help your cosmetics not to go wrong too soon, aka a preservative. It’s not a strong one and doesn’t really work against bacteria, but more against mold and yeast. To do that it has to break down to its active form, sorbic acid. For that to happen, there has to be water in the product and the right pH value (pH 3-4). But even if everything is right, it’s not enough on its own. If you see potassium sorbate you should see some other preservative next to it too.

Fragrance and preservatives in cosmetics

Exactly what it sounds: nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice. If you are someone who likes to know what you put on your face then fragrance is not your best friend - there's no way to know what’s really in it. Also, if your skin is sensitive, fragrance is again not your best friend. It’s the number one cause of contact allergy to cosmetics.

Normal (well kind of - it's purified and deionized) water. Usually the main solvent in cosmetic products. The famous aloe vera. A form of vitamin E that works as an antioxidant. An AHA that comes from citrus fruits. A not so strong preservative that doesn’t really work against bacteria, but more against mold and yeast. The generic term for nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice.

Kinky Curly Curling Custard: personal experience and usage notes

I mentioned in a post last month that this summer I plan to test a number of different natural hair products and styling techniques and share the ups and downs of these little experiments with my Georgia Mae readers. First on my dance card is Kinky Curly Curling Custard. I’ve heard many of my fellow natural ladies rave about this product, but I’ve always been afraid to use it because the Curling Custard is a styling gel, not a cream. When I think of gel I instantly think of stiff and sticky hair and that’s just not cute. But I had a few other factors that motivated me to give it try. First, I learned that it’s a product that works best when used alone.

As I mentioned before, I’m a fan of the Leave-In Conditioner by Mixed Chicks. However, to fight frizz I also must apply Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Milk to my tresses after combing the Mixed Chicks product through my wet hair. Though the Kinky Curly Curling Custard is expensive (a 16 ounce container will run you about $30) if I get away with only using that I’d certainly save money. Furthermore, the Curling Custard is available at my local Whole Foods store, which will save on shipping costs. I order the Mixed Chicks product online and must occasionally order the Hair Milk online as well when it’s out of stock at Sephora.

Moreover, Kinky Curly Curling Custard boasts a list of natural ingredients such as chamomile, nettle and marshmallow, aloe vera juice, agave nectar extract, and vitamin E. Before trying the custard I shampooed and deep conditioned my hair as I normally do. Then I applied the custard to my wet hair. The directions instruct those of us with thick coarse curls to divide our wet hair into small sections and then comb, brush, or rake the product into each sections. After combing the custard through my curls I let them air dry as usual.

Initially, I was worried. The custard made my hair look so shiny. I don’t mean that healthy sheen that we all want. My hair also felt a little stiff at the ends for a bit. But once my hair was dry my curls were back to their soft and bouncy selves and I didn’t look like a poster girl for Jheri Curl activator. In fact my hair looked just as good as, if not better than, it does when I use Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner and Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, but I only used one product. I did find that my curls looked and felt better on the days that I also co-washed my hair. So I’ve made this a daily habit.

I felt the same when I bought it in May 2017 for INR 1,825. KCCC is different from regular gels. Ingredients like horsetail, nettle, marshmallow, and aloe vera are humectants, which absorb water to keep hair hydrated. While I prefer using this hair gel with the leave-in, many with fine hair or thin hair in the community find that it works alone too.

• ✅ Apply on freshly washed, clarified hair. This gel works best on clean, buildup-free hair. Don’t pre-poo before using KCCC. If you use oils or butters, detox your hair regularly.
• ✅ Work on moisturized hair. Flash drying can happen if hair lacks moisture before application.
• ✅ Apply on very wet hair. For coarse hair, apply on soaking wet hair. For fine or wavy hair, try on damp hair.
• ✅ Use minimal quantities. This is the most important tip. Scoop small amounts and apply section by section using the praying hands method.
• ✅ Do apply on clean, hydrated hair. ✅ Do use in small amounts.
• ❌ Don’t expect it to fix dryness alone. Have you tried KCCC before? Share your experience below! Got a product you want me to review next?

Practical takeaways

1. Hydration is a cornerstone: humectants like aloe vera support moisture retention.
2. Use on very wet or moisturized hair for best results, especially on coarse textures.
3. Apply in small amounts and section by section to avoid weigh-down and stiffness.
4. Avoid relying on fragrance alone if sensitive skin; fragrance is a common allergen.

Table: key ingredients and their roles

tags: #ingredients #in #kinky #curly #curling #custard