Sulfates (you'll see them as sodium laureth and/or lauryl sulfate on an ingredients list) are sudsy cleaning agents used in many conventional body washes. They're super harsh on skin and can also be contaminated with carcinogens, so natural formulas forgo them for gentler surfactants derived from coconuts. If you see sulfates on the label of your body wash, it's a clear sign that the formula isn't natural. Keep an eye out for certain logos. After digging through all the panic-driven information online, I identified the source of this controversy as an ingredient known as triethanolamine, TEA, or TEOA. What is Triethanolamine (TEA)?

Eco Styling Gel Coconut 8oz / 236ml | SEPHORA UK Eco Styling Gel Coconut 8oz / 236ml | SEPHORA UK

USDA Organic, Made Safe, EcoCert, B Corp...these are all independent groups that vet everything from a product's safety to its environmental impact. Seeing their name or logo on your natural body wash is an easy way to verify that it's actually as clean and green as the label says it is. Know that natural doesn't always equal gentle. Gel is a great choice for everything from twist-outs to holding a sleek pony in place. However, some people might not enjoy the look or feel of them. Pomade doesn't offer as much control as gel, but may be gentler on hair.All hair gels are not created equal—and if you have curly, coily, or kinky natural hair, then you know that different occasions call for different gels. The right gel will provide clumping for your wash-and-go curls and definition for your twist-outs, but the wrong gel? Well, that’s just a dry, crunchy mess. Hair gel containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera, henna, amla, chamomile, jojoba, and rosemary would be the better option for people looking for cleaner formulas. These ingredients offer a healthier scalp along with providing a decent degree of hold. These high-quality hair gels with natural ingredients fight off dandruff, reduce hair graying, and eliminate scalp-related issues. Eco gel boosts your hair’s hydration level and improves its texture. This product helps properly define your beautiful curls while ensuring that your strands experience growth. Alcohol-free: Alcohol can be a problem in any hair care product. In textured hair, it can increase dryness. Since textured hair tends to err on the dryer side already, this can be damaging and can make hair look dull. Fortunately, many products on this list are free of alcohol, including CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly.

ECO Coconut Oil Styling Gel | ECO STYLE

Traditionally, however, gels contain alcohols and other ingredients that dry out natural hair and can lead to breakage and split ends. The best gel for natural hair is the one you make in your own kitchen where you can monitor the ingredients going into it.

Yes, eco gels are good for your hair. They tame your flyaways and enhance your hair’s natural shine. But you must use eco gels cautiously as overusing them can turn your hair dry and brittle.