Eco Styler Gel: Love it or Loathe it
Have you ever used Eco styler gel? Numerous YouTube tutorials on natural hair recommend Eco styler gel. Why not? It offers maximum hold; contains 100% Olive oil and, has no alcohol! Thus, I decided to give this one a try.
As you all know [if you follow my blog] I always read ingredients. To my surprise, this one raised many flags.
Nonetheless I bought a jar for $3.99 [CDN] and left the store. Rule of thumb #1, if you can’t eat it don’t put it on your skin.
Upon getting home I compared my jar of Kinky Curly custard gel to ECO styler gel. Kinky Curly custard’s ingredients are listed as follows:
Botanical fusion of water, horsetail, chamomile, nettle and marshmallow, organic aloe vera juice, agave nectar extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), pectin, citric acid, potassium sorbate and natural fragrance.
Quite easy to read and pronounce, right?
I’m always amazed at cosmetics that have the word “natural” highlighted boldly in front of the product, but when you start reading the ingredients you quickly discover that there is nothing natural about it. In the case of Eco styler gel, ECO [a prefix relating to ecological or environmental terms (11)] and 100% Olive Oil are emphasized, but olive oil is the 10thingredient out of 15…which is way down on the list. Consequently, does this not represent green washing?
| Green washing is a form of spin in which green PR or green marketing is deceptively used to promote the perception that a company’s policies or products are environmentally friendly. (12) |
Once again, curiosity got the better of me and I did some digging. This is what I found:
Here is a list of Eco styler gel’s ingredients, in order of percentage, and as they appear on the jar: Water, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydrxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Olive oil, Fragrance, Blue #1, Yellow #11, LOVE AND PRIDE.
For starters it has so many unpronounceable ingredients, but what do they mean??
Carbomers and water are the top two ingredients inside Ecostyler Gel.
Carbomers are plasticisers used to thicken cosmetics. While they are safe ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, they are also cheap fillers. Carbomers make products feel luxurious on the skin and since the formula contains a lot of water, it will also appear to soak in quickly.(7)
Since there is a great deal of water, there is less room for oils and butters. Put simply, Carbomers are economical, so they are used to keep manufacturer’s costs down.(7)
PVP(polyvinyl pyrrolidone) is a petroleum-derived chemical used in cosmetics. According to the Organics Consumer Association, It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review Expert Panel however considers PVP safe. (1)
What is of greater concern to me is why anyone would want to put petroleum (i.e. black oil derived from the ground) on his or her skin.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: If you have Celiac disease you may want to avoid any cosmetics that contain wheat.(10)
As stated by the Organics Consumer Association, Triethanolamine is often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, as well as with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. (1)
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is NOT a natural preservative. Its allergic reactions include skin and eye irritations and those with sensitive skin are advised to stay clear from it. In truth, there have been no studies on the long-term effects of this preservative on the skin. (5)
Polysorbate-20 is a fragrance component, surfactant, an emulsifying agent, and solubilizing agent. Why is it a risk?
Polysorbate starts out as harmless sorbitol, but then it’s treated with carcinogenic ethylene oxide. It’s called Polysorbate 20 because it’s treated with 20 “parts” of ethylene oxide. The higher the number, the more ethylene oxide it has been treated with. This substance is then combined with various fatty acids. The Skin Deep Database rates it as only a “one” [meaning safe] and doesn’t pick up on the risk that it could be contaminated with ethylene oxide, and subsequently, 1,4 dioxane. In addition, it can be laced with heavy metals. (4)
Tetrasodium EDTA is a preservative that’s made from the known carcinogen, formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. It is also a penetration enhancer, meaning it breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, going right into your bloodstream. Many companies trying to be “natural” will use Tetrasodium EDTA instead of parabens to preserve their products. It is safe to say, Tetrasodium EDTA is just as bad. (9)
“Fragrance” can be one or more of 200 chemicals.
Companies don’t have to disclose the actual components of each fragrance, under the guise that their fragrances are trade secrets. Fragrance has been known to cause many side effects, including headaches and allergic reactions. Why put an unknown synthetic chemical on your skin when you don’t have to? The Environmental Working Group has an extensive database of cosmetic chemicals and their corresponding danger rankings. “Fragrance” receives one of the highest rankings possible in their score system. (1) (8)
Artificial colors, such as Blue 1 are carcinogenic.(2)
Yellow #11: suspected carcinogen. One is advised to avoid this if possible.(3)
Something else, a dear friend of mine [Yinka] used to set her hair with Aloe Vera as far back as ’97. She says the hairdresser would just use a tail comb to part the aloe vera leaf open and scrap out the gel. Then, she’ll apply it to her hair and roll it. It was sticky icky but it worked wonders. In my opinion, I prefer aloe vera plant , flaxseed gel, or kinky curly. Finally, remember I simply share what has worked for me and the products I feel comfortable using. I do plenty of research, read ingredients and stay informed. You are free to do the same if you choose to and draw your own conclusions.
Proverb of the week:
“Simplify. Choose products with fewer ingredients, and choose fewer products overall.”
Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the campaign and author of “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry.(8)
References:
1. Hampton, Aubrey. Ten Synthetic Cosmetics Ingredients to Avoid. Organic Consumers Association. N.D. Web. 10January. 2012.
2. “Cosmetics and Parsonal Care Products Can be Cancer Risks.” Cancer Prevention Coalition, n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012
3. “List of More Widely Known Dangerous Ingredients in Body & Food Products.” Pure Zing…for a better lifestyle,n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012.
4. “Polysorbate 20.” Chemical of The Day. Febuary 2, 2010. Web. 10 January. 2012
5. Dr. David. M.A. Ingredient Watch: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. Truthinskincare.com. 24 January. 2008. Web. 10 January. 2012.
6. “PVP.” Cosmetic Ingredients Review Expert Panel, n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012.
7. Tuffy, Megan. Read the label: Carbomers. The Skinny. 1. 1. Page 1 (2008). Web.
8. Elejaide-Ruiz, Alexia. Saving Face. Don’t let your cosmetics cause you health problems. How to spot ingredients that irritate. Chicago Tribune. Safecosmetics.org. 14 March 2010. Web. 10 January. 2012
9. Greenwood, Stephanie. “Top five Chemicals to Avoid.” Bubble & Bee Organic bath and body. Bubbleandbee.com. 23 August. 2007. Web. 10 January. 2012.
10. “New Cosmetic Regulations.” Canadian Celiac Association. Canadian Celiac Association, n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012.
11. “Eco.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 28 September. 2011. Web. 13 January. 2012
12. “Greenwashing.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 3 January. 2012. Web. 13 January. 2012
3. “List of More Widely Known Dangerous Ingredients in Body & Food Products.” Pure Zing…for a better lifestyle,n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012.
4. “Polysorbate 20.” Chemical of The Day. Febuary 2, 2010. Web. 10 January. 2012
5. Dr. David. M.A. Ingredient Watch: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. Truthinskincare.com. 24 January. 2008. Web. 10 January. 2012.
6. “PVP.” Cosmetic Ingredients Review Expert Panel, n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012.
7. Tuffy, Megan. Read the label: Carbomers. The Skinny. 1. 1. Page 1 (2008). Web.
8. Elejaide-Ruiz, Alexia. Saving Face. Don’t let your cosmetics cause you health problems. How to spot ingredients that irritate. Chicago Tribune. Safecosmetics.org. 14 March 2010. Web. 10 January. 2012
9. Greenwood, Stephanie. “Top five Chemicals to Avoid.” Bubble & Bee Organic bath and body. Bubbleandbee.com. 23 August. 2007. Web. 10 January. 2012.
10. “New Cosmetic Regulations.” Canadian Celiac Association. Canadian Celiac Association, n.d. Web. 10 January. 2012.
11. “Eco.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 28 September. 2011. Web. 13 January. 2012
12. “Greenwashing.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 3 January. 2012. Web. 13 January. 2012
(c) Shakara Natural tips 2012
Comments
I am not alone!!!!!!! I have seen countless natural vloggers talk about eco styler gel and for the love of me could never understand why someone would put a man made product that would un-naturally harden/stiffen the hair with the help of chemicals and think it was worth sharing in a Natural Hair Forum. When i first went natural i purchased a rather small jar of eco styler bc i thought that was part of the regime But my better sense told me not to put it onto my hair, if that was a part of the regime then i opt out. Thanks for this blogg #TrulyNotAlone
Your comment is so refreshing! I am not a fan of eco-styler either as you can tell. There are so many DIY safe gel recipes that benefit our tresses and scalp and the environment that we should opt for, i.e. flaxseed gel. Thanks again Desiree! You are not alone 🙂
It is very important to use eco-friendly things and products. We must stop clogging the planet. And I’ll try eco gels until I find the right one)) try and you!
Hi, i wanted u 2 know my experience so I copied a review I made May 5th, 2013 on amazon.
Every time i used eco olive–whether just on my edges, an entire wash and go, or mixing it with oils or conditioners– It thinned my hair. I ended up with 3 bald spots in the middle of my head, and it made my edges thin. I kept using it b/c i was in denial, but ultimately it broke my hair.
It was strange b/c i never saw hair fall out on my bed or in my brush, but then i would see the thinning, like it disintegrated my hair or something. I don’t know how long it’s gonna take for the nickle sized spot near my edges to fill in, but it’s already been a year.
I want to be able to slick down my edges, I don’t really care much about curl definition, but i can’t even do that. It also made my hair crunchy when i used it and stiff. No matter if i used small amounts or more, or mixed it w/ oil or conditioner, it’s garbage. I’ve got tight 4b hair that gets more loose toward the nape of my neck, btw. I’m gonna try using the blue eco hold level 5 and hopefully that works
Update: 6/1/13
After buying the blue medium hold gel, I’ve come to realize that the hardness of the hold has nothing to do with the bald spots. This solidified what already knew from my results w/ layering and mixing the eco styler w/ oils and conditioners.
When it came to function, The blue eco was alright– gave shine, definition, and it also gave me more Hair Loss. I had thinning on my edges, and a piece of hair near that nickle sized bald spot that still hasn’t gone away have shortened to half the size. I hate this brand of gel. I’ve never had any problems with balding until using this. I wouldn’t even recommend it to someone I hate.
I gave the green one away to my cousin b/c I just wanted it far away from me ages ago. She’s telling me that the product has started thinning her hair as well. My hair follicles are damaged, the bald spot is completely smooth bare. It hasn’t grown back since I noticed it a year ago, and even the blue one now has caused me problems. I am very frustrated with this product. Hopefully I can grow my curls back.
I’m not sure what it is about this gel; it’s supposed to be all natural, so I don’t know what the problem is. Is it the excessive amount of protein? W/ the eco blue, My hair wasn’t hard or tangled, and I no longer comb or brush my hair. I go in the shower, and let the water detangle while I smooth sections of hair w/ my fingers, and it get perfectly detangled.
So there’s no logical reason to me what could be causing the breakage. Maybe my hair just hates whatever is in this product. I hope someone can investigate the effects of excessive protein. My hair wasn’t particularly dry, it was pretty moisturized, and soft.
I’ve used flax seed gel, and another type of protein gel before that didn’t claim to be “all natural” but also didn’t leave me a naked spot on my head. And I’ve had natural hair for 6 years. Ah well, someone w/ this issue has to speak up about this so they can know they aren’t the only one.
Beware, pen spring tight 4b/ 4c curly girls, be vigilant and as soon as you notice your hair thinning, drop the product, it only gets worse.
Thanks so much Pinke! It’s very insightful and on point! thanks again for sharing 🙂
This is an AMAZING review! Thank you for such a detailed explanation of the product’s components! I’ll be sticking with KC.
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading!! Kinky Curly or homemade flax-seed gel are my preferred styling products 🙂
Very well researched article. I personally am a fan of both gels. I am a monthly mixer of my own Shea butter and flax seed gel. But there’s just somethings that flaxseed or aloe Vera gel can’t do i.e a Sade-esque slicked snatched bun. Everyone uses synthetic, man-made products. whether it comes to beauty products, food or even the clothes you wear (polyester, nylon etc.) everyone is in contact with synthetic products everyday. My point being, sometimes a product is just a product. Synthetic or not, sometimes I think some people can be a little eccentric with these types of things.
Thanks for this! It was so hopeful. I recently saw a great YouTube video on a wash n go from a natural who had a similar hair type to me and her turned out amazing. Another YouTuber I admire used the same method to achieve a great hairstyle as well. I started thinking about buying some more Eco Gel…I stopped buying it after I ran out of my last jar, because I figured it wasn’t the most natural alternative…but after watching that most recent vid it made me want to get some really bad. But I told myself I’d do some research first, and this article really helped me! Thank you! I don’t think I will be buying Eco Styler gel, but I will be on the hunt for a healthier alternative that works well with my hair! ^_^
I am so happy to hear this! in the next few weeks I’ll be updating the post. There are a lot of natural alternative hair gels that are affordable and awesome! Stay tuned and thanks for reading!!!
Thanks so much for posting this. I actually stumbled upon it because I was searching for products that work well with Eco Styler Olive gel(!) Got MORE info than I bargained for in the mix 🙂 It’s troubling to read some of the effects indeed. I must admit I got lazy about making batch after batch of my flaxseed gel and gave it a try when looking for an easier way to get definition. Always the way they say! Looks like it’s back to the kitchen.
Great post.
How many days will eco gel start curling my hair? i just started using it today and have not see the desired curl