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Score legend
HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES LEARN MORE ABOUT EWG VERIFIED™
Product score: 04

Data Availability:

Limited

Cantu for Natural Hair Shea Butter Define and Shine Custard

Cantu for Natural Hair Shea Butter Define and Shine Custard

WHERE TO BUY

CATEGORY

Styling Gel/Lotion

BRAND

Cantu

DATA LAST UPDATED

September 2022

Ingredient concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

  • LOW
    Cancer
  • HIGH
    Allergies & Immunotoxicity
  • LOW
    Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
  • MODERATE
    Use Restrictions

Ingredient scores

Ingredients are scored based on their formulation and concentration in this product. Click on an ingredient for more information.

Ingredient score: 01
WATER
Appeared as: AQUA (WATER)
Data Availability: Robust
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FUNCTION(S) solvent
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Ingredient score: 02
GLYCERIN
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent;oral health care drug, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, skin protectant, viscosity decreasing agent, perfuming, solvent
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
CELLULOSE GUM
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) binder, emulsion stabilizer, film former, fragrance ingredient, viscosity increasing agent -aqueous, binding, emulsion stabilising, film forming, masking, viscosity controlling
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 08
FRAGRANCE
Appeared as: PARFUM
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) deodorant, masking, perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Endocrine disruption (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 04
PHENOXYETHANOL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
• Occupational hazards (high)
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Ingredient score: 02
CITRIC ACID
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) chelating agent, fragrance ingredient, ph adjuster, buffering, chelating, masking
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 02
ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) deodorant agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
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Ingredient score: 01
PECTIN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) binder, emulsion stabilizer, oral health care drug, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous, binding, emulsion stabilising, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM CHLORIDE
Data Availability: Robust
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FUNCTION(S) flavoring agent, oral care agent, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER
Appeared as: BUTYROSPEMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, viscosityincreasing agent - nonaqueous, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE
Appeared as: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE (ALOE)
Data Availability: Limited
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CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
CANOLA OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, antidandruff, astringent, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, soothing, tonic
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Ingredient score: 01
AGAVE RIGIDA (SISAL) EXTRACT
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, bulking
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Ingredient score: 01
ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (MARSHMALLOW) EXTRACT
Appeared as: ALTHEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) not reported
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Ingredient score: 01
EQUISETUM ARVENSE (HORSETAIL) EXTRACT
Appeared as: EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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Ingredient score: 02
CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) cosmetic biocide
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Neurotoxicity (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous;skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous;skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, hair conditioning, masking, skin conditioning, solvent
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - emollient, emollient, masking, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
HYDROLYZED SILK
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, antistatic, hair conditioning, humectant, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM (HONEYSUCKLE) FLOWER EXTRACT
Appeared as: LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM FLOWEREXTRACT (HONEYSUCKLE)
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, astringent, masking
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Ingredient score: 01
MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA (MACADAMIA) NUT OIL
Appeared as: MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA (MACADAMIA) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient
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Ingredient score: 01
MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA EXTRACT
Appeared as: MACROCYSTISPYRIFERA (KELP) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, viscosity controlling
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Ingredient score: 01
MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED OIL
Appeared as: MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED BUTTER
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) SEED OIL
Appeared as: MELIAAZADIRACHTA (NEEM) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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Ingredient score: 01
OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) OIL
Appeared as: OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, perfuming
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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Ingredient score: 01
SILK AMINO ACIDS
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, emollient, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling
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Ingredient score: 01
VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) anticaries agent, antidandruff agent, antifungal agent, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant;oral care agent, oral health care drug, sunscreen agent, ultraviolet light absorber
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, emollient, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 02
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 03
SODIUM BENZOATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative, anticorrosive, masking
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
SODIUM SULFITE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, hair-waving/straightening agent, reducing agent, hair waving or straightening, preservative
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT

Ingredients from packaging:

AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, CELLULOSE GUM, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PECTIN, SODIUM CHLORIDE, BUTYROSPEMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE) LEAF JUICE (DECOLORIZED), CANOLA OIL, URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) EXTRACT, AGAVE RIGIDA (SISAL) EXTRACT, ALTHEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT, ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) SEED OIL, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, HYDROLYZED SILK, LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM (HONEYSUCKLE) FLOWEREXTRACT, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA (MACADAMIA) SEED OIL, MACROCYSTISPYRIFERA (KELP) EXTRACT, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) OIL, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED BUTTER, MELIAAZADIRACHTA (NEEM) SEED OIL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT, SILK AMINO ACIDS, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM SULFITE, BENZYL BENZOATE, COUMARIN, HEXYL CINNAMAL.

Product's animal testing policies

Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.


Unknown

Leading international certifiers PETA and Leaping Bunny have no information concerning this company’s use of animal testing.

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.

HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG VERIFIED™ mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Score legend
WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE APPROACH

A product’s hazard score is not an average of the ingredients’ hazard scores. It is calculated using a weight-of-evidence approach that factors in all of the hazards or health impacts associated with the ingredients.

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST
Low Availability
Moderate Availability
High Availability
NONE

Ingredients have not been assessed.

LIMITED-FAIR

There is only a modest volume of research.

GOOD-ROBUST

Ingredients have been studied extensively.

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