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Miss Jessie's

Coily Custard - Curl Refresher

Styler / Gel, mixed-hold

  • Styler
  • gel
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Protein-free
Size8.5 fl oz
Price$15.49seen at one store · 8.5 oz
Price / oz$2.67/ozat 8.5 oz
Where to buy4 stores · $14.00–29.94

Scent:

The ingredient list declares fragrance. What it smells of is not stated, and we do not guess.

Manufacturer page: missjessies.com

Personal fit

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Upper-mid price for a gel

$2.67/oz at 8.5 oz — more than 55% of the 155 gels , which mostly run $1.19–3.51/oz. The cost less.

Price and stores

Great for

Protein-sensitive hairthat stiffens when protein is added
Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones
Curl definitionfilm formers hold a clump together
Silicone-free routinesno silicones appear in the list
Stretching wash daysnothing here needs a detergent to remove
Matte, textured stylesabsorbent powders do the mattifying

Maybe skip if

this product carries a scent
Dry or very humid airwhere heavy humectants work against you

Whether this hold level is right for you depends on your density, porosity, and how long your style has to last — that is what the consultation works out.

What the formula actually does

Read from the label, not the marketing

Each row says where it comes from: F means we derived it from this product’s own ingredient list, S means it is a claim the brand makes that the formula neither confirms nor contradicts.

Hold system Mixed

Gums and synthetic polymers together.

Cast risk Unlikely

Softening ingredients sit alongside the film formers, so a hard shell is unlikely.

Weight on the hair Medium

Middle of the range — noticeable on fine hair, light on coarse hair.

Oil absorption High

Absorbent powders or starches high in the list.

Oils and butters Present, lower down

Oils are present, but low enough to be a finishing touch.

Fast-drying alcohol None

No fast-drying alcohol in the list.

Needs detergent to remove No

Nothing here needs a detergent wash to remove.

Fragrance Present

Fragrance is listed; it sits below the working ingredients.

from the formula stated by the brand reported by reviewers Scale: 1 dot low · 5 dots high, within this product type.

Ingredients that matter

The ingredients that change a decision

The workhorse ingredients plus anything lower down that changes a decision. These chips name what an ingredient does — they are not safety scores, and no ingredient here is rated good or bad on its own.

IngredientWhat it doesWhy it mattersChip
WaterWATER (AQUA) solvent The base everything else is dissolved in Neutral
Glycerin humectant Pulls water into the hair Moisturizes
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch film former Lays down the film that holds a shape Holds
Polysorbate 20 solubilizer Keeps oils dissolved in water Stabilizes
Hydroxyethylcellulose gum The hold system — natural gums, softer than a synthetic polymer Holds
Xanthan Gum gum The hold system — natural gums, softer than a synthetic polymer Holds
CarrageenanCHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN) gum The hold system — natural gums, softer than a synthetic polymer Holds
Pectin gum The hold system — natural gums, softer than a synthetic polymer Holds
Fragrance fragrance The scent Fragrance
What the list leaves out, and what it carriesThe list carries no sulfates, silicones, or drying alcohols. No protein — a moisture formula, not a repair one. Fragrance is on the label.
Full ingredient list (13)

US labelling rules put ingredients above 1% in descending order of amount; below 1% they may be listed in any order. Annotations keep three readings separate: the ingredient's general function, its role in this product type, and what its position can support.

  • 1 Water · WATER (AQUA)
    General function

    The base of almost every rinse-off and cream hair product. It carries everything else and is normally the first ingredient on the label.

    Leading ingredient

    Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

    • solvent
  • 2 Glycerin
    General function

    A small water-loving molecule that draws moisture into the hair and holds it there. It is the most common softening ingredient in conditioners and leave-ins.

    Role in this product type

    In styling gel, glycerin helps retain moisture as the product dries, supporting a softer, more flexible finish. The hold itself comes from the formula's film-forming polymers.

    Leading ingredient

    Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

    May suitDry, coarse, or high-porosity hair

    May suit hair that benefits from added water retention and a softer, more flexible gel finish.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    Binds water into the outer layers of the strand, and water is what makes dry hair flexible again rather than brittle.

    DependsClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair

    Consider the climate and the complete formula: prominent humectants can behave differently in very dry air and on frizz-prone hair in high humidity.

    Cosmetic Ingredient Review
    • humectant
  • 3 Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
    General function

    A starch fragment used for light body and film, not a protein despite where it often appears on a label.

    Leading ingredient

    Listed in the first three ingredients, it is likely a structural part of this formula.

    May suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Adds grip and body with no oil attached, which is what lifts fine hair at the root instead of weighing it down.

    DependsCurls or waves needing flexible hold

    How rigid the finish is depends on which polymer it is and what the formula pairs with it, not on there being one.

    DependsMaximum-hold styling

    Starch gives texture and grip rather than a set film; firm hold usually needs a polymer alongside it.

    • film former
    • starch
  • 4 Polysorbate 20
    General function

    Keeps fragrance and oils dissolved in a watery formula so it stays clear.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    • solubilizer
    • emulsifier
  • 5 Hydroxyethylcellulose
    General function

    A cellulose thickener that gives gels and conditioners their body and adds a soft, flexible film.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    May suitCurls or waves needing flexible hold

    A polysaccharide film stays softer than a synthetic one as it dries, which is what leaves a curl defined but still able to move.

    May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    A soft film binds neighbouring strands together, which is most of what keeps flyaways lying down without stiffness.

    May not suitMaximum-hold styling

    Gum films stay soft. A style that needs firm fixation usually wants a synthetic polymer doing the holding.

    PubChem
    • gum
    • thickener
    • film former
  • 6 Xanthan Gum
    General function

    A fermented sugar gum that thickens water-based formulas and adds soft, natural hold.

    Role in this product type

    In styling gel, xanthan gum builds viscosity so the product spreads without running. It can also contribute a flexible film that supports light, natural-feeling hold.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    May suitCurls or waves needing flexible hold

    May suit curls or waves that benefit from definition with a flexible, soft-feeling film.

    May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    A soft film binds neighbouring strands together, which is most of what keeps flyaways lying down without stiffness.

    DependsMaximum-hold styling

    Consider the complete hold system when maximum fixation is the priority: xanthan contributes a flexible film, while stronger hold may depend on additional resins or polymers.

    Jungbunzlauer
    • gum
    • thickener
    • film former
  • 7 Carrageenan · CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN)
    General function

    A seaweed gum that thickens and adds slip.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    May suitCurls or waves needing flexible hold

    Gums thicken and set soft, which gives definition that bends rather than a rigid cast.

    • gum
    • thickener
  • 8 Pectin
    General function

    A fruit-derived gum that thickens water-based formulas and leaves a light, flexible film.

    Supporting ingredient

    Listed in positions 4–8, it likely makes a meaningful contribution alongside the formula's main ingredients.

    May suitCurls or waves needing flexible hold

    A polysaccharide film stays softer than a synthetic one as it dries, which is what leaves a curl defined but still able to move.

    May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    A soft film binds neighbouring strands together, which is most of what keeps flyaways lying down without stiffness.

    May not suitMaximum-hold styling

    Gum films stay soft. A style that needs firm fixation usually wants a synthetic polymer doing the holding.

    • gum
    • thickener
    • film former
  • ▾Below about this point, order stops being meaningful — these are typically used at 1% or less.
  • 9 Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
    • preservative
  • 10 Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
    General function

    One of the few oils small enough to move into the strand, which is why it is used for pre-wash treatments. It can feel heavy or stiff on protein-sensitive hair.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May suitFrizz-prone, damaged, or high-friction hair

    A thin oil layer lowers friction between strands and flattens the raised cuticle that scatters light and catches on its neighbours.

    International Journal of Trichology
    • oil
    • emollient
  • 11 Fragrance
    General function

    An undisclosed blend of scent ingredients. Regulations let it stay unlisted, so a fragrance-free product is the only way to be certain what is not in it.

    Estimated lower-concentration zone

    It appears around or below the estimated 1% line, where label order no longer indicates relative amount; its role may be minor or technical.

    May not suitFragrance-sensitive routines

    Declared fragrance. On a fragrance-sensitive routine this is the line that decides it, wherever it sits on the label.

    • fragrance
    • declared fragrance
  • 12 Diazolidinyl Urea
    • formaldehyde releaser
    • preservative
  • 13 Agave American Leaf Extract
    • botanical extract

What the whole list adds up to

  • 4 film formers
  • 4 gums
  • 4 thickeners
  • 2 preservatives
  • 1 solvent
  • 1 humectant
  • 1 starch
  • 1 solubilizer
  • 1 emulsifier
  • 1 oil
  • 1 emollient
  • 1 fragrance
  • 1 declared fragrance
  • 1 formaldehyde releaser

Ingredient list captured 2026-08-27. Formulas change — check the package in your hand when an ingredient matters to you.

Price · 8.5 oz

Seen at $15.49 lowest of 2 stores · checked Aug 30
Good value under $10 Under $1.13/oz it costs less than three-quarters of the 8 products we score as doing the same job

Priced above the products that do the same job. Stores sell it above the $10 line; products that do this job typically go for about $11 at this size.

Show the price ladder
Where we’ve seen it3 listings · 3 stores
  • Miss Jessie's
    $14.00
    8.5 oz · $1.65/oz
    Aug 25Lowest per oz
  • Target
    $15.49
    8.5 oz · $1.82/oz
    Aug 30
  • Walmart
    $29.94
    8.5 oz · $3.52/oz
    Aug 30

Sorted by price per ounce. Dated observations from our research, not live prices. Direct store pages, no affiliate links. We don’t sell this product.

How we work this out
  1. 8.5 oz is the size stores list most often; every comparison on this page is made at it. Other sizes are shown in the Sizes row and the store list.
  2. Seen at $15.49 is the price we have observed for the 8.5 oz. We need three stores before we call a price commonly seen.
  3. Good value under $10 comes from the 8 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $1.13/oz; at 8.5 oz that is $10. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
  4. About $11 is what those same products typically cost at this size — the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 8.5 oz.

Formula

Formula score
10 of 10

A complete read of the format at an ordinary price: mid-range per ounce among gels, with the working systems present.

How the score is counted
  • 6 products that do the same job cost less per ounce
  • Costs more per ounce than 55% of the 155 gels we’ve priced
  • Covers 6 of the 6 things a gel should do
  • Reviewers mention 2 things they like about how it performs
  • A hold systemThe polymer, gum, or wax that holds the shape.3 pts
  • Softeners alongside the holdWhat keeps a film flexible instead of brittle.2 pts
  • No drying alcohol in the first threeFast drying without leading on alcohol.2 pts
  • A humectantBinds water into the hair.1 pt
  • A humidity claim with a mechanismThe claim has a film former or silicone behind it.1 pt
  • Fragrance kept out of the top eightScent as a finishing touch, not a major share.1 pt

The formula score is completeness for the job: the share of the systems this product type is normally built around that we can find in this list, weighted. It is not efficacy, not quality, and it never compares across product types.

Does the same job, for less

Same derived functions — what it cleans, conditions, coats or holds — at a lower cost per ounce. Scent, texture and where you buy it can still differ.

Mielle OrganicsSame function Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie $1.24/oz $1.43/oz less
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Silicone-free
Differs
  • 12 oz bottle
  • Sold at specialty beauty counters
Compare
MielleLowest cost per oz Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard $1.13/oz $1.54/oz less
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Silicone-free
· Same function
Differs
  • 12 oz bottle
  • Sold online
Compare
Camille RoseClose function Curl Maker $1.75/oz $0.92/oz less
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Silicone-free
Function
  • Oils and butters
  • Oil absorption
Also
  • 12 oz bottle
Compare

See more alternatives in the product library

These are functional neighbours, not personal recommendations — they are close on formula, not chosen for anyone. Get the one that fits your hair, routine, and budget

Built for wavy to coily hair

Final decision

Should you buy it?

A solid pick for the hair it suits
Best user

Hair that stiffens on protein who want a protein-free formula and a curly-method-compatible formula

Biggest tradeoff

Less suited to anyone sensitive to fragrance or very dry or very humid climates

Best alternative if not

Consider Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie, for similar results at a lower price

We do not sell products or take placement fees. This page states what the formula and the prices show; the consultation is what matches it to a person.

Claims check

What the brand says, against what the formula shows

Claims are quoted from the brand. We only mark one supported, partly supported, or conflicting when the ingredient list actually speaks to it; everything else stays "stated by the brand", which is not a criticism — most claims simply cannot be read off a label.

4
SupportedBacked by ingredients
0
Partly supportedSome supporting logic
2
Stated by brandNo clear evidence
0
Potential conflictFormula works against claim
curl definition

Film formers or natural gums are present, which is what holds a clump together.

  • Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose
  • Xanthan Gum
Supported

Holds a clump together.

moisture

Humectants or rich emollients sit in the first eight ingredients.

  • Glycerin
  • Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Supported

Helps hair feel hydrated.

shine

The formula carries a recognised shine system — silicone, oil, or light ester.

  • Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Supported

Reflects light for visible shine.

frizz reduction

Silicones or film formers smooth the cuticle, which is the usual mechanism.

  • Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose
  • Xanthan Gum
Supported

Smoother strands, less frizz.

shrinkage reduction

This is a marketing claim; an ingredient list cannot speak to it.

—

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

soft curls

Not measurable from ingredients; depends on personal preference.

—

Stated by brand

Subjective feel varies by hair.

How to read this

We look at the first 10–15 ingredients and what they do in a formula — not marketing. If the list doesn't speak to a claim, we don't assume.

Reviewers

What people report

Recurring themes our researchers wrote in their own words from sourced reviews. We do not store or scrape star ratings.

Definition and moisture, especially on curly hair, e.g. one low-porosity-hair reviewer confirmed it works well and recommended pairing with the brand's leave-in

Target reviews praise definition and moisture, including on tighter curl patterns

Pleasant scent and refreshed curls

Target guest feedback mentions the scent and refreshed, moisturized curls

Greasy feel, crunch, or insufficient hold for some users

Target reviews include reports of greasiness, crunchiness, or inadequate hold

More from Miss Jessie's

How this page was made

  • Everything above is generated from our researched product record — identity, the ingredient list as printed, the brand's own claims, dated price observations, and review themes written in our researchers' own words. No part of this page is written per product.
  • The value band is a fixed label over two stored numbers: this product’s cost per ounce as a percentile of every product of this type we have priced, each at the size it is most often sold in, and how many products we score as doing the same job cost at least a quarter less per ounce.
  • Both scores out of ten are defined on this page. The formula score is completeness for the job, computed from a fixed per-format checklist shown beneath the gauge; the price score is cost per ounce against every product of this type we have priced.
  • The "Is this right for you?" panel reads only your own consultation answers, and it applies exactly the filters our recommendation engine applies. It is computed when you load the page and is never stored on it.
  • 2 sources consulted for this product (1 manufacturer or regulatory, 1 retailer, 0 editorial), last checked 2026-08-27.
  • Ingredient references are linked for 4 of 8 product-aware annotations on this page. Fit notes are conditional formulation guidance, not a conclusion about the finished product or about you.
  • We have not tested this product in a lab and we do not physically test your hair. Formula readings come from the ingredient list; behaviour claims are labelled as the brand's.
  • Ingredient order tells you relative amount only above roughly 1%. Prices are observations on the dates shown and change without notice.
  • Ingredient names link to our ingredient library, where each entry shows what it does, which product types use it, and where it usually sits on a label across everything we have researched.
  • This is cosmetic information, not medical advice, and nothing here diagnoses or treats a health condition.
  • Formula readings: derivation v22. Record last updated 2026-08-27.

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