MOROCCANOIL® Curl Defining Cream at Nordstrom, Size 8.5 Oz
Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This product contains beneficial ingredients like Argan Oil, which is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, which can be a source of allergens and irritants, along with several synthetic polymers and preservatives, affects its overall safety profile. The formulation includes a mix of natural and synthetic components, leading to a moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 38
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel OilVery Good
Argan Oil is a natural oil rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is highly regarded in cosmetics for its ability to improve skin and hair health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use, though rare allergic reactions may occur.
Benefits
It deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin and hair, improving elasticity and shine.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to soften the skin and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing properties and enhances the product's consistency.
Glycol StearateNeutral
Glycol Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It contributes to the creamy texture of the product. It is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps stabilize the formulation and improve product spreadability.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing benefits and improves the texture of the product.
Phenyl TrimethiconeNeutral
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone that provides a silky feel and enhances shine. It is used to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with frequent use.
Benefits
It imparts a smooth, silky finish to the hair and skin.
Polyquaternium-11Neutral
Polyquaternium-11 is a film-forming agent that provides hold and conditioning to hair. It helps to reduce static and improve manageability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use.
Benefits
It provides conditioning and styling benefits to hair.
Steareth-2Neutral
Steareth-2 is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It contributes to the stability and texture of the product. It is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps stabilize the formulation and improve product spreadability.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl SilanetriolNeutral
This ingredient is a protein-silicone complex that strengthens and protects hair. It helps to improve hair elasticity and reduce breakage. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It strengthens hair and reduces damage from styling and environmental factors.
CelluloseNeutral
Cellulose is a natural polymer used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides a smooth texture and enhances product stability.
HydroxyethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickening agent used to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize emulsions and enhance product spreadability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of the product.
PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium ChlorideNeutral
This ingredient is a conditioning agent that helps to improve hair manageability. It provides a smooth feel and reduces static. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances hair softness and reduces frizz.
Cetearyl GlucosideNeutral
Cetearyl Glucoside is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It contributes to the stability and texture of the product. It is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps stabilize the formulation and improve product spreadability.
Sorbitan OleateNeutral
Sorbitan Oleate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend oil and water components effectively. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances the stability and texture of the product.
Diphenyl DimethiconeNeutral
Diphenyl Dimethicone is a silicone used to provide a smooth application and enhance shine. It is used to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with frequent use.
Benefits
It imparts a smooth, silky finish to the hair and skin.
Polyquaternium-10Neutral
Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent that helps to improve hair manageability. It provides a smooth feel and reduces static. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use.
Benefits
It enhances hair softness and reduces frizz.
Polyquaternium-37Neutral
Polyquaternium-37 is a conditioning agent that provides hold and reduces static in hair products. It helps to improve the styling properties of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use.
Benefits
It provides styling hold and enhances product performance.
Polyquaternium-55Neutral
Polyquaternium-55 is a film-forming agent that provides hold and conditioning to hair. It helps to reduce static and improve manageability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use.
Benefits
It provides conditioning and styling benefits to hair.
PPG-1 Trideceth-6Neutral
PPG-1 Trideceth-6 is a surfactant used to improve the spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps to blend ingredients and enhance product performance. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of the product.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a humectant used to attract moisture to the skin. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps to attract moisture and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateNeutral
This ingredient is an emollient used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides moisturizing properties and enhances product consistency.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the pH balance of the product.
C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium EthosulfateNeutral
This ingredient is a conditioning agent used to improve hair manageability. It provides a smooth feel and reduces static. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances hair softness and reduces frizz.
Sodium AcetateNeutral
Sodium Acetate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the pH balance of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetic products. It helps to extend the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeNeutral
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance ingredient used to impart a pleasant scent to cosmetic products. It is commonly used in perfumes and scented products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the sensory experience of using the product.
Benzyl BenzoateNeutral
Benzyl Benzoate is a fragrance ingredient and solvent used in cosmetic products. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and enhance the scent of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the fragrance and stability of the product.
HydroxycitronellalNeutral
Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance ingredient used to impart a floral scent to cosmetic products. It is commonly used in perfumes and scented products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the sensory experience of using the product.
Behentrimonium MethosulfateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides excellent conditioning properties without causing buildup.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause buildup on hair with prolonged use.
Benefits
It forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
GlucoseBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Acrylates CopolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It provides styling hold and enhances product performance.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
It enhances the stability and shelf life of the product.
Potassium SorbateBad
Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.
LinaloolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the sensory experience of using the product.
Parfum/FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product. However, it can be a source of allergens and irritants. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.
Risks
Fragrance can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the sensory experience of using the product.
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