Cantu
Coconut Curling Cream
"A rich, affordable curl cream that delivers moisture and definition to thicker textures. Contains protein, so not for the sensitive."
Hair Compatibility
Curl Pattern
Strand Thickness
Porosity
Performance
- Hold Level
- Light Hold
- Weight
- Medium
- Finish
- Soft, No Cast
- Buildup Risk
- Low
What's Inside
Shea Butter
Deep moisture and frizz control
Coconut Fruit Extract
Nourishing and conditioning
Silk Amino Acids
Strengthens and smooths the hair shaft
Avocado Oil
Penetrating moisture and shine
View Full Ingredients List
Water (Aqua, Eau), Canola Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Fragrance (Parfum), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceteth-20, Glycol Stearate, Petrolatum, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Mangifera Indica (Seed) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Laminara Cloustoni (Sea Kelp) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, PEG-75, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal
Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.
How to Use
Best as: Styler
Alternatives to Consider
Overview
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream is a staple in the curly community for good reason. At a budget price point, it delivers rich moisture and decent definition to curly and coily textures. The shea butter and coconut oil base provides intense nourishment, while silk amino acids add strength. It’s not for fine hair, but for its intended audience, it’s excellent value.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Shea Butter - The moisture powerhouse. Seals the hair cuticle and provides long-lasting frizz control.
- Coconut Oil - One of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft, providing internal moisture.
- Silk Amino Acids - A form of protein that strengthens without being too heavy.
- Honey - Natural humectant that draws moisture from the air into the hair.
What We Love
- Budget-friendly - Accessible to everyone
- Generous size - The 340g tub lasts ages
- Rich moisture - Genuinely hydrates dry hair
- Widely available - Easy to find at most retailers
- Nice scent - Coconut fragrance is pleasant
- Effective on thick hair - Delivers where lighter creams fail
What Could Be Better
- Too heavy for fine hair - Will weigh down thinner textures
- Contains protein - Not for protein-sensitive curlies
- Light hold only - You’ll need a gel for definition
- Strong fragrance - Not for scent-averse users
How to Use
On Wet Hair
- Apply to soaking wet hair in sections
- Use praying hands to distribute evenly
- Rake through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
- Scrunch gently
- Follow with gel if more hold is needed
- Diffuse or air dry
As Part of LOC Method
Works well as the Cream in Liquid-Oil-Cream layering for high-porosity hair needing maximum moisture.
Pro Tip
Emulsify between palms with a bit of water before applying. This helps it spread more easily and prevents clumping.
The Verdict
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream sits proudly in the budget category and punches above its weight. For curly and coily textures that need rich moisture, it’s hard to beat at this price. The protein content means it’s not universal, and fine-haired curlies should avoid it, but for its target audience, it’s a reliable choice.
Our Rating: 4/5