Kristin Ess · Shampoo
Kristin Ess Hair Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo
Lower concern; rinse-off shampoo with no obvious PFAS triggers, but brand discloses nothing.
Kristin Ess Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo is a rinse-off cosmetic with no disclosed water-resistant, nonstick, or grease-resistant treatments, typical of mainstream shampoos. The brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures.
Shop Kristin Ess on Amazon →Material
Aqueous surfactant blend (shampoo base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Kristin Ess Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo is a water-based surfactant blend designed to cleanse curly hair without stripping natural oils. The aqueous formula means volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are minimal or absent, and ingredients remain on your scalp and hair only briefly before rinsing. Sulfates and silicones are common in this product class; Kristin Ess formulations typically use both, which is standard for drugstore curl shampoos and poses no acute toxicity risk at rinse-off concentrations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kristin Ess (owned by Unilever) has no published recalls or safety violations for this shampoo. The brand does not prominently disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or third-party certifications like EWG Verified or Leaping Bunny. Ingredient lists are publicly available on retailer sites and the brand website, meeting basic FDA labeling requirements. No independent investigations or consumer complaints of dermatitis, allergic reactions, or contamination specific to this product are documented in public records.
How it compares in its category
This shampoo is mid-tier for drugstore curl products. It uses conventional sulfate and silicone chemistry, similar to brands like SheaMoisture and Carol's Daughter, but with less premium positioning or ingredient transparency than salon brands. Compared to sulfate-free alternatives (e.g., As I Am, Cantu), it may be harsher; compared to mass-market options (e.g., Garnier Fructis), it is formulated with curl retention in mind. None of these differences create safety gaps, only sensory and efficacy trade-offs.
If you buy it
Use as directed: apply to wet hair, massage scalp gently, rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle. Do not leave shampoo sitting on skin for extended periods (wash off within 2-3 minutes of application). Replace when empty or if you notice scalp irritation, flaking, or persistent dryness that doesn't resolve with conditioning. Store in a cool, dry place; discard if separated or discolored, though this is rare in sealed formulations.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Kristin Ess lists 'fragrance' as a single ingredient without breaking down individual aromatic compounds. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may react; patch testing on a small scalp area is prudent if you have a history of contact dermatitis.
Sulfates (SLS/SLES) irritation risk
This shampoo contains sulfate surfactants, which can strip natural oils and cause scalp irritation or dryness in some users, particularly those with eczema or very sensitive skin. This is a known class effect for sulfate-based shampoos and is not unique to Kristin Ess.
Silicone buildup with repeated use
The formula includes silicones for slip and shine; over time without chelating shampoo or clarification, these can accumulate on hair and scalp, potentially leading to dullness or weighed-down curls. This is a cosmetic concern, not a toxicity risk.
1,4-dioxane (surfactant byproduct)
SLES-type surfactants can be contaminated with trace 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing. No independent testing of this specific product has been published; however, rinse-off shampoos pose negligible exposure risk even if trace amounts are present, as contact time is brief and skin absorption is minimal.
Eye irritation (sulfates and surfactants)
Sulfate shampoos commonly cause stinging if they contact eyes. This is expected behavior for the product class and is not a sign of contamination; rinse immediately with water if contact occurs.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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Puracy
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More shampoo grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.