ECO Curl and Waive Styling Gel Review

I can't believe I am just now trying the infamous ECO gel. I used to read about this gel all the time on the hair boards before and right after I went natural. It seems everyone was using this gel...and if not this one then the Fantasia IC gels. I tried that one and then forgot about this one. They have many different versions- Olive is the one I heard most about but the one I decided to pick up was the curl and wave.

Eco claims: 

For the ones who like things curly. Curl & Wave gel is ideal for curly and wavy hair textures. Define and moisturize your locks with our high-nutrient and botanically infused lightweight styling gel.

Eco gel is more affordable than some of the fancy brands you can get your hands on. It comes in a large amount and it's pretty easy to get a hold of. I have no idea why I am just now trying it.

I'll start with the packaging- surprisingly nice. It has a flip top lid which makes it easy and quick to open. 

The gel itself is typical. A nice thick gel texture. It's pink and has visible sparkle in it that I think helps the hair to look shiny. The scent of the gel is very light...reminscent of roses. I don't notice it lingering in my hair. I like the scent...it could be stronger. But at least it doesn't smell bad. 

I think Eco gel stands out because it doesn't use alcohol. Not all alcohol is drying but a good deal of them are. That being said- I don't feel my hair looks dry. But I do tend to put a leave in conditioner under it. While not crunchy you can still tell there is some kind gel/hold product in the hair. 

I like the way it looks in my hair once it settles but when I first put it on I feel like the frizz is a lot. But I guess as it wears it settles into just enough curl definition. I also really like the shine it gives. I could probably get more definition if I rake it through small sections with a curl brush- but that takes a lot of work and usually doesn't look much different in the end...so I rarely do it.  

It doesn't get too crunchy. Doesn't flake.

The ingredients aren't my favorite. It has a few things in it  that give me pause.  Such as Carbomer which as far as I can tell is considered to be a microplastic.But then again there are much pricier hair products that contain the same type of ingredients.  Not my favorite thing. But it does have some goodies- wheat protein, tea tree oil, calendula,  and echinacea. 

Water (Aqua), Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, PVP, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Benzoate, Amyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Red 33 (CI 17200). 

Overall, it's OK. I don't see myself purchasing it again- but I didn't dislike my time using it.