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Curls Guide
Cleansing Cream Shampoo by Cantu
shampoo
CG Friendly
Silicone Free
Cruelty Free

Cantu

Cleansing Cream Shampoo

"Budget-friendly cleansing cream that removes buildup while maintaining moisture. Perfect for thick, curly, and coily hair that needs effective cleansing without stripping."

Best for:
Thick, coarse curly and coily hair Medium to high porosity hair Those needing regular buildup removal Budget-conscious curlies Transition from traditional sulfate shampoos
Avoid if:
Fine or low-density hair (may be too heavy) Low porosity hair (can cause buildup) Sensitive to Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Strict CGM followers avoiding sulfonates

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C

Strand Thickness

medium
coarse

Porosity

medium
high

Performance

Definition 2/5
Hold 1/5
Shine 3/5
Crunch Potential 1/5
Buildup Risk 2/5
Hold Level
No Hold
Weight
Medium
Finish
Soft, No Cast
Buildup Risk
Low

What's Inside

Shea Butter

Deep moisture and nourishment

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Gentle cleansing surfactant

Panthenol

Strengthening and moisture retention

✓ CG Friendly
● Contains Protein
✓ Silicone Free
✓ Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Aqua (Water), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamide DIPA, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Steareth-4, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-150 Distearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyquaternium-39, Polyester-11, Sodium Hydroxide, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Cleanser

Pairs Well With

Cantu

Hydrating Cream Conditioner

conditioner

Cantu

Define & Shine Custard

cream

Alternatives to Consider

Noughty

Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo

Similar gentle cleansing for curls

As I Am

Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

True co-wash alternative for sulfonate-avoiders

Overview

Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo is the budget-friendly answer to cleansing curly hair without the harsh strip. Formulated with shea butter and designed specifically for natural textures, it removes product buildup and refreshes hair while maintaining the moisture curls desperately need.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Shea Butter - The hero ingredient that conditions as it cleanses, preventing dryness
  • Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate - A gentle sulfonate surfactant that cleanses without the harshness of traditional sulfates
  • Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) - Strengthens hair and helps retain moisture
  • Glycerin - Humectant that draws moisture into the hair shaft

What We Love

  1. Budget-friendly - Effective cleansing at an unbeatable price point
  2. Creamy lather - Rich, conditioning foam that feels luxurious
  3. Effective cleansing - Removes buildup without completely stripping hair
  4. Widely available - Found at most drugstores and supermarkets
  5. Great transition shampoo - Perfect bridge from traditional sulfate shampoos to gentler options
  6. Pairs perfectly - Works brilliantly with the matching Cantu conditioner

What Could Be Better

  1. Not strictly CGM - Contains Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, which some strict CGM followers avoid
  2. Can be drying - May need frequent deep conditioning if used regularly
  3. Strong fragrance - The signature Cantu scent is polarizing
  4. Too heavy for fine hair - Better suited to thicker textures
  5. May over-cleanse low porosity - Can strip natural oils on hair that doesn’t absorb moisture easily

How to Use

Standard Wash Method

  1. Wet hair thoroughly with warm water
  2. Apply a generous amount to scalp and roots
  3. Massage into scalp with fingertips (not nails)
  4. Work the lather down to ends
  5. Rinse completely—this is important to prevent residue
  6. Follow with Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner

For Heavy Buildup

  1. Apply to dry hair first (pre-poo method)
  2. Massage into scalp and through lengths
  3. Add water gradually to create lather
  4. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed
  5. Deep condition afterward

Frequency Recommendations

  • High porosity, coarse hair: 1-2 times per week
  • Medium porosity, medium hair: Once per week
  • Low porosity hair: Every 10-14 days or as needed

The Verdict

Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo is a curly hair staple for good reason. It delivers effective cleansing at a budget price, making it accessible to everyone starting their curly hair journey. While it contains a sulfonate (not a traditional sulfate), it’s significantly gentler than most drugstore shampoos and works brilliantly for the majority of curly textures.

The key is knowing your hair: if you have thick, coarse, high-porosity curls that need regular cleansing, this is your match. If you have fine, low-porosity hair or are extremely sensitive to any sulfonate cleansers, you might prefer a gentler co-wash instead.

Our Rating: 4/5