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Curls Guide
Swimcap Water Resistant Mask by Philip Kingsley
cream
Cruelty Free

Philip Kingsley

Swimcap Water Resistant Mask

"The original pre-swim protector, created for the US Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team. Forms a water-resistant barrier with castor and olive oils. Contains silicones and protein—not CGM-friendly."

Best for:
Serious swimmers who want maximum protection Pre-swim application under a cap Sun and chlorine protection combined Those who don't follow CGM strictly
Avoid if:
Following strict CGM (contains dimethicone) Protein-sensitive (contains hydrolyzed elastin) Budget-conscious (premium pricing)

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C

Strand Thickness

fine
medium
coarse

Porosity

low
medium
high

Performance

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

What's Inside

Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

Castor oil creates water-resistant barrier

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Olive oil locks in moisture and adds shine

Hydrolyzed Elastin

Adds strength and elasticity

Dimethicone

Creates protective barrier against water

Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA

UV protection for sun-exposed hair

● Contains Protein
✓ Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Aqua/Water/Eau, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Eugenol

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Leave-In

Pairs Well With

Curlsmith

Curl Reset Detox Shampoo

shampoo

Malibu C

Swimmers Wellness Shampoo

shampoo

Alternatives to Consider

Bouclème

Revive 5 Hair Oil

CGM-friendly oil barrier option

Moroccanoil

Treatment Original

Another oil-based protector (also has silicones)

Overview

Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask is the original professional pre-swim hair protector. Created specifically for the US Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team, it forms a water-resistant barrier using castor and olive oils, preventing chlorine, salt water, and sun damage from penetrating the hair shaft.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor Oil) - Creates a thick, water-resistant barrier that prevents pool water from penetrating the hair shaft.
  • Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive Oil) - Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, locks in moisture and boosts shine.
  • Hydrolyzed Elastin - Adds strength, body, and elasticity to reduce breakage.
  • Dimethicone - Creates an additional protective barrier against water.
  • Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA - UV filter that protects hair from sun damage during outdoor swimming.

What We Love

  1. Professional pedigree - Created for Olympic athletes
  2. Genuine water resistance - The oil barrier actually works
  3. UV protection - Shields from sun damage too
  4. Strengthening - Elastin adds elasticity and reduces breakage
  5. Multi-purpose - Works for pool, sea, and sun exposure

What Could Be Better

  1. Contains silicones - Dimethicone means this isn’t CGM-friendly
  2. Contains protein - Hydrolyzed elastin may not suit protein-sensitive hair
  3. Premium pricing - Significantly more expensive than DIY oil alternatives
  4. Requires clarifying - Need to properly remove after swimming
  5. Can weigh down fine hair - The oil-heavy formula may be too much

How to Use

Pre-Swim Application

  1. Apply to dry hair before swimming
  2. Work through from roots to ends
  3. Pay extra attention to ends and any previously damaged areas
  4. Secure under a swim cap for maximum protection
  5. Swim as normal
  6. Shampoo thoroughly afterward—clarifying shampoo recommended

For Beach Days

Apply before sun exposure for combined UV and salt water protection. Reapply if you’ll be in and out of water throughout the day.

The Verdict

As a premium pre-swim protector, Philip Kingsley Swimcap delivers professional-grade protection. The Olympic heritage is genuine, and the water-resistant barrier works. However, the silicone and protein content means it’s not suitable for CGM followers or protein-sensitive hair. For serious swimmers who prioritise protection over ingredient purity, it’s the best in class.

Our Rating: 4/5