Product
Giovanni Organic Hair Care Frizz Be Gone Anti-Frizz Hair Texturizing Balm
Price
$7.99 for 2.75 fl oz (78mL)
Ingredients
Cyclomethicone, *Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Dimethicone, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), *Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officalis), *Nettle (Urtica Diocia) Oil, *Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Octyl Methoxycinnamate
[*Certified Organic Ingredients]
Directions
Rub a few silky drops onto palm of hands and distribute through wet or dry hair. Use sparingly, but more for longer or thicker hair. May be used with blow dryer for straightening.
First Thoughts
I’m someone with wavy hair that is very prone to frizz, especially during the summer, so I’m always on the lookout for products to help manage my mane. I found this at a local health food store and for $8, decided to give it a whirl. Frizz Be Gone contains no animal by-products and is cruelty free.
About the Brand
Giovanni describes themselves as an eco chic company. Their products use Giovanni PureOrganic Technology™ to incorporate vitamins, herbs, minerals, proteins, nutrients, and essential oils.
Giovanni is often criticized for being a “fake” organic company. As you can see from the above ingredient list, organic ingredients don't actually make up the majority of this product.
A More Detailed Look at Ingredients
In addition to soy proteins, vitamin E, herbal extracts and oils, Frizz Be Gone contains cyclomethicone, dimethicone, and octyl methoxycinnamate.
Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone are both silicones. Cyclomethicone is often found in hair products because it is believed to help nutrients enter the hair shaft. However, it has also been linked to build-up, both on the hair and into the hair shaft. Dimethicone is used to coat the surface of the hair and lubricate it.
Cyclomethicone and dimethicone receive a 2 and 2-3 (low to medium hazard), respectively, from the Environmental Working Group and are flagged for persistence and bioaccumulation, non-reproductive organ system toxicity, ecotoxicology, and skin, eye, or lung irritation. There is also some evidence of biochemical or cellular level changes at high doses of Cyclomethicone.
Octyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound often used in sunscreen and lip balm for its ability to absorb UV-A and UV-B rays. Octyl methoxycinnamate has been proven to be absorbed by the body, and when used topically for two weeks, it was detectable in urine (study conducted by the Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen.) Estrogenic effects have also been noted in laboratory animals, as well as an increased proliferation of breast cancer cells (study conducted by the University of Zurich.) Octyl methoxycinnamate receives a 6 from the Environmental Working Group (moderate risk.)
Enough about ingredients! How does Frizz Be Gone actually perform?
I’ve tried Frizz Be Gone on both wet and dry hair, with equally disappointing results. I usually let my hair air dry, so first I tried applying Frizz Be Gone to wet hair and letting it air dry. I did not notice any differences from using no product. On dry hair, Frizz Be Gone did minimize frizz and flyaways for a short time. Unfortunately, after half an hour or immediately on stepping out into any humidity, the results were negligible. Also, if I applied more than just a few drops of product, my hair ended up looking greasy.
Final Thoughts
Frizz Be Gone does not meet my usual standards for a natural product and it falls short in performance as well. The scent was also somewhat unappealing - to me, it smells artificial and chemically. It also lingers – I noticed the smell when I move my head, right up until I wash my hair.
Overall, this is not a product I would repurchase or recommend. I have had much better results lessening frizz and flyaway hair with homemade deep conditioning treatments (Recipe to follow soon!)
Thanks for the review! My favorite product rigth now to fight frizz is the argan oil, I use one by Pro Naturals and it leaves my hair so smooth, it’s awesome since I have the frizziest hair you can imagine.
ReplyDeleteI love argan oil on my hair too!
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