14 Best Drugstore Curl Creams – 2023
Get the soft and bouncy curls of your dreams with these affordable styling formulas.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
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Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
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Expertise: Health & Wellness
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Arshiya SyedaDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness
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Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
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Using the best drugstore curl creams will make sure your bouncy curls stay intact and pretty throughout the day. Those who have curls can relate to the fact that they are way more challenging to maintain than it looks. For starters, curls are naturally dry and need to be moisturized constantly to maintain the curls. The bends in curls make way for the moisture to escape out of your hair. One way to make sure your hair does not frizz away is to use styling creams specially made for curly hair. As all hair textures are different, you can easily flaunt your curls in their best form once you find the product crafted especially for your hair. Here are the 14 highest-rated curl creams to choose from.
In This Article
Best Drugstore Curl Creams
1. Best Overall:Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Image: Cantu The award-winning Cantu Coconut Curling Cream is the one-stop solution for all curly-haired individuals. It offers weightless moisturizing while strengthening your hair right from the roots. It is enriched with shea butter which hydrates each hair follicle and gives smoother hair with defined curls. It manages your curls, making them soft and elongated. It also provides resistance to humidity. Its chemicals-free formula adds volume and shine to your curls. To understand the nuances of the product in more detail, you can check out this review.
Key ingredients: Shea butter and Coconut
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Adds shine
- Suitable for textured hair
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraffin-free
- Propylene-free
- PABA or DEA-free
Cons
None
Quick Tip2. Best De-Frizz For Curls:Maui Moisture Curl Quench+ Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie
Image: Maui Moisture Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Curl Smoothie helps detangle, defrizz, and define curls. It is formulated with coconut oil and papaya butter, which hydrates your hair and retains curls, while plumeria extract contains glycosides, giving a flake-free and moisturized scalp. This leave-in treatment for your curls enhances softness and gives shiny, bouncy curls. In addition, it helps hydrate the scalp, smoothens the curls, and gives it a shiny look. This cream is suitable for thick and coarse hair and tight curls which helps you achieve overnight curl definition effortlessly. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product.
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, Papaya butter, and Plumeria extract
Pros
- Hydrating
- Adds shine
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicones-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic dyes-free
Cons
- May cause hair loss
Remember3. Best Shining Solution:OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream
Image: Ogx OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection has an excellent formula that helps redefine, enhance, and smooth your curly hair. It is enriched with argan oil which eliminates frizz while maintaining a natural shine in your hair. In addition, this hair cream moisturizes your scalp, strengthens your hair, and increases the elasticity of the curls. Furthermore, it nourishes your hair, moisturizes curls, and makes it healthier. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product.
Key ingredient: Argan Oil
Pros
- Adds shine
- Anti-frizz
- Long-lasting effect
- Non-greasy
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol
4. Best Hydrating Formula:SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie has a brilliant formula that helps restore moisture, control frizz, and condition your hair without weighing it down. It is enriched with silk protein which repairs damaged hair while enhancing keratin production, which adds strength and moistens the curls. Its rich formula also features neem’s anti-bacterial benefits and coconut oil’s hydrating power to gives you soft, silky, and bouncy curls. In addition, it has hibiscus extracts that prevent premature graying and make your hair look healthy and lustrous. Finally, its creamy formula adds volume and bounce to your hair, making it manageable while reducing dryness.
Key ingredients: Silk protein, Neem oil, Coconut oil, and Hibiscus
Pros
- Hydrating
- Anti-frizz
- Lightweight
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Cruelty -free
Cons
- Strong scent
Pro Tip5. Best Sulfate-Free Cream:L’Oréal Paris Ever Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel
Image: L’oréal Paris L’Oréal Paris Ever Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel gives soft, manageable, and hydrated curls without any frizz. It is formulated with coconut oil, which deeply hydrates each hair strand and eliminates dryness. Its curl recall technology offers soft, manageable curls for a long-lasting effect of almost 48 hours. This non-abrasive cream is gentle on color-treated and curly hair. It conditions and shapes your curls, making them look naturally beautiful. And last but not the least, its refreshing fragrance will invigorate your senses.
Key ingredient: Coconut oil
Pros
- Long-lasting curls
- Color-safe
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Mild fragrance
- Vegan
- Anti-frizz
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Harsh salts-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
6. Best For Detangling:Marc Anthony Strictly Curl Defining Lotion
Image: M A R C A N T H O N Y Marc Anthony Strictly Curl Defining Lotion allows you to restore lost moisture and nourish the hair cortex and defines curls with its vitamin E enriched formula. This product is specially formulated to provide nourishment and moisture to curls while preventing detangling and frizz. In addition, it is non-alcoholic, lightweight, and non-sticky to offer bouncy and soft curls.
Key ingredients: Silk protein, Vitamin B, and E
Pros
- Frizz-free
- Lightweight
- Alcohol-free
- Non-sticky
- Sulfate-free
- Humidity-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Great fragrance
Cons
- Might dry your hair
7. Best Nourishing Formula:John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Cream Oil
Image: John Frieda Find the curl shape and definition you have been looking for with this product designed to offer flawless, bouncy curls. John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Cream Oil coats your hair with light coverage while enhancing its moisture content. It is a lightweight hair product featuring rosehip oil rich in vitamin A and D and fatty acids to eliminate dryness. In addition, it instantly reforms curls, promotes nourished, healthy-looking hair and makes you love your curls again.
Key ingredient: Rosehip oil
Pros
- Anti-frizz
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
8. Best Volume Booster:Cake The Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream
Image: Cake Beauty The award-winning Cake Beauty Curl Friend Defining Curl Cream offers the ultimate glossy, frizz-free, bouncy curls. This cream’s shea butter and natural oil content transform unruly curls into tamed, nourished, and well-defined curls like never before. At the same time, it has calendula and chamomile extracts rich in antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. In addition, this lightweight cream does not weigh down your hair and offers polished curls without any harsh chemicals.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, Calendula, and Chamomile
Pros
- Frizz-free
- Lightweight
- Mild fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Sticky
9. Best Humidity Resistant:Kenra Curl Defining Cream 5
Image: Kenra Kenra Curl Defining Cream 5 separates curls and waves while softening frizz and flyaways. Its humidity-resistant formula adds styling control and refines your curls for a velvety soft feeling. This cream does a great job of creating soft curls and has an amazing scent. It nourishes the hair with sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil for a touchable finish.
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil and Jojoba oil
Pros
- Nice fragrance
- Humidity-resistant
- Anti-frizz
Cons
None
10. Best For Hair Styling:Argan Magic Defining Curl Cream
Image: Amika Argan Magic Defining Curl Cream conditions your curls and adds shine. Its unique formula combined with biotin and argan oil nourishes and moisturizes your hair, removes frizz, and simplifies your styling routine. It enhances the natural pattern of your hair and makes them manageable and shiny. This hydrating curl cream is lightweight and provides nutrition and high definition to your curls. Its natural formula hydrates, protects, and nourishes curls, improving their strength and elasticity.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, Biotin, and Vitamins
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adds shine
- Anti-frizz
- Hydrating
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
11. Best For Hair Growth:TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Crème
Image: Bed Head The TIGI Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Cream is formulated to suit all types of hair. The main purpose of its formula is to soften your curls and reduce frizziness. This cream helps to manage stiff hair by softening it. It contains shea butter which moisturizes each hair strand and provides hold to your curls. It also has sunflower seed extract rich in minerals like zinc and iron, which promotes hair growth and repairs damaged hair strands.
Key ingredients: Shea Butter and Sunflower seed extract
Pros
- Anti-frizz
- Lightweight
- Water-based
Cons
- Might cause hair loss
12. Best Non-Sticky:MoroccanOil Intense Curl Cream
Image: Moroccanoil MoroccanOil Intense Curl Cream naturally nourishes and hydrates the curls. The cream is infused with argan oil and vitamins that add shine and definition to your gorgeous curls. It keeps the curls looking beautiful and refreshing. It is a leave-in conditioner that helps to fight frizz and avoid split ends. It can further detangle your hair without feeling sticky.
Key ingredients: Argan oil and Vitamins
Pros
- Anti-frizz
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Enhances natural curls
- Alcohol-free
- Protects the hair
- Nourishing
- Rich in texture
Cons
- Some find the scent off-putting
13. Best Lightweight Formula:MATRIX A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Leave-in Cream
Image: Matrix MATRIX A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Leave-in Cream is a leave-in treatment that provides moisture and definition without drying your curls. It is enriched with manuka honey which seals moisture into your hair and nourishes, moisturizes, and smoothens dull and dry hair. You can apply the desired amount of product on damp hair from the roots to the tip. Lastly, it does not cause any flaking or crunch.
Key ingredient: Manuka honey extract
Pros
- Lightweight
- Provides heat protection
- Hydrating
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Does not last long
14. Best For Adding Bounce:Eva NYC Gotta Bounce Curl Defining Cream
Image: Eva Nyc The Eva NYC Gotta Bounce Curl Defining Cream formulates hydration and nourishment, adding bounce and liveliness to your curls. It is enriched with natural elements to reduce frizz to moisturize and define your curls. It is safe for color-treated hair and contains no harsh chemicals. It is enriched with aloe vera and cactus flower powder which is rich in antioxidants, nourishes and
Key ingredients: Aloe vera and Cactus flower powder
Pros
- Anti-frizz
- Hydrating
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- GMO-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial colors-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
Infographic: Tips To Apply A Curl Cream The Right Way
Curl creams can help you achieve bouncy, frizz-free, and well-defined ringlets. However, understanding the right application techniques is important to make the most of your curl cream and unleash your hair’s true curl power. Check the infographic below for tips.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Managing and maintaining curl integrity is difficult. Curly hair is naturally dry and dull and needs intense moisturization. The best drugstore curling creams deeply nourish your strands and keep them hydrated. They help in volumizing your hair and defining your curls. You can also use them as heat-protectant sprays to avoid heat-damaged hair. The Cantu Coconut Curling Cream offers essential moisture, while the Marc Anthony Strictly Curl Defining Lotion nourishes the hair cortex. If you are looking for a gel with a flexible hold that helps manage the frizz, try the Kenra Curl Defining Cream 5. These drugstore curl creams are paraben-free, lightweight, and vegan. However, some curling creams may dry out the hair. Go through the product reviews to pick the best curling cream that suits your hair type and meets your styling needs.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a hair care enthusiast who has an in-depth knowledge of hair care brands, products, and formulations. She understands the science behind these formulations and how it affects various hair types. That’s why when it comes to selecting the best drugstore curl creams, she has done her share of research and read several customer reviews before curating this list especially for you. Choosing any of these moisturizing and nourishing hair creams would not only give you smooth, shiny, frizz-free hair but also help strengthen and protect your curls from environmental stressors as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use a curl cream?
Use curl creams once or twice weekly. Use them on wash days for the best results.
Does curl cream damage your hair?
No. Curl creams add moisture to the tresses, smoothen the strands, and prevents the hair from tangling. Moreover, curl creams make curly or wavy hair more cohesive.
What to do after applying a curling cream?
Gently air-dry or blow-dry your hair with a diffuser. Once the curls are dried, fluff them to add extra volume to the hair.
Can I put curl cream in dry hair?
You can use curl cream on dry hair to add extra moisture to the tresses or before styling them. However, curl creams work the best on wet hair.
Why does curling cream make my hair hard?
Overusing curling creams can make your hair hard. The formula dries over time and makes your hair feel crunchy.
Does curl cream weigh hair down?
An excessive amount of curling creams might weigh your hair down. Opt for lightweight curling cream and use them in the right quantity to prevent it from weighing down your curls.
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