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Ouidad

VitalCurl + Define & Shine Styling Gel Cream

Styler / Gel, mixed-hold

  • Styler
  • gel
  • gel cream
  • Sulfate-free
  • Moisture-rich
  • Cruelty-free · PETA-listed
Size6 fl oz
Price$24–26commonly seen · 6 oz
Price / oz$4.33/ozat 6 oz
Where to buy5 stores · $17.67–26.00

Add it to your products. We’ll tell you if it’s ever recalled.

Scent:

No added fragrance, no scenting essential oils, and no declared fragrance allergens on the list.

Listing used for research: ulta.com

Personal fit

Is this right for you?

Complete the consultation to see how well this product fits your hair and your goals. With 6,000+ products in our library, we can match you to the right ones.

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$49 with 60 days of follow-up questions and plan updates

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Priced above most gels

$4.33/oz at 6 oz, more than 82% of the 267 gels , which mostly run $1.13–3.78/oz.

Price and stores

Great for

no fragrance (parfum) on the label
free of strong smells
Dry, thirsty hairhumectants and emollients both sit up front
Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones
Curl definitionfilm formers hold a clump together
Coarse or dry hairthat absorbs everything you give it

Maybe skip if

Oily scalp or fine hairthat gets weighed down
Dry or very humid airwhere heavy humectants work against you
Silicone-free routinesit does contain silicones, the water-soluble kind
Tight budgetsit sits in the upper price tiers
If scent matters to younothing is added here
Picking it up locallywe’ve only seen it sold in one channel

Whether this hold suits you depends on your density, porosity and how long your style needs to last. The consultation works that 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 Rich

Heavy butters and waxes in the first eight ingredients.

Oil absorption None

No absorbent powders or starches.

Oils and butters Present, high in the list

Oils sit high in the list: a softening, coating formula.

Fast-drying alcohol None

No fast-drying alcohol in the list.

Needs detergent to remove Rinses with water

The silicones here are the water-soluble kind.

Fragrance None listed

No fragrance is listed.

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. The 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
Water solvent The base everything else is dissolved in Neutral
VP/VA Copolymer film former Lays down the film that holds a shape Holds
Propylene Glycol humectant Pulls water into the hair Moisturizes
PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone emulsifier Keeps oil and water mixed Shine
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil oil Softens the film so it does not set hard Softens
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit OilOlive Fruit Oil oil Softens the film so it does not set hard Softens
Chia Seed Oil oil Softens the film so it does not set hard Softens
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilSoybean Oil oil Softens the film so it does not set hard Softens
Hydrolyzed Silk film former A supporting film former Protein
What the list leaves out, and what it carriesNo sulfates, drying alcohols, or fragrance. Contains heavier butters.
Full ingredient list (12)

In the US, ingredients above 1% are listed from most to least. Below 1% they can appear in any order. Each note keeps three things apart: what the ingredient generally does, its role in this type of product, and what its position can tell you.

  • 1 Water
    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 VP/VA Copolymer
    General function

    A hold polymer that dries to a clear film. It sets the style and washes out with water.

    Leading ingredient

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

    May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair

    A set polymer film is a physical barrier to humidity, so a style keeps its shape longer in damp conditions.

    May suitMaximum-hold styling

    Synthetic film formers dry into a continuous film, which is what holds a shape against movement and against humid air.

    DependsBuild-up-sensitive routines

    Some acrylate copolymers rinse with water and some need a detergent; the label alone does not say which one a formula used.

    • film former
    • polymer
  • 3 Propylene Glycol
    General function

    A small humectant and solvent that keeps formulas stable and helps active ingredients spread.

    Leading ingredient

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

    May suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Light and water-binding rather than oily, so it adds less weight than oils or butters do.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    A small water-binding solvent. It holds moisture and helps the rest of the formula spread evenly over the strand.

    DependsClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair

    A humectant follows the air: it holds water in humid conditions and can give it up in very dry ones. Climate decides what it does more than the label does.

    PubChem
    • humectant
    • solvent
  • 4 PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone
    General function

    A water-soluble silicone that smooths and helps other silicones spread, without the build-up concern.

    Supporting ingredient

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

    May suitBuild-up-sensitive routines

    The PEG- and PPG-modified silicones disperse in water, so ordinary washing carries them off instead of leaving a film to accumulate.

    May suitClimate-sensitive or frizz-prone hair

    A surface film slows how quickly humidity reaches the cortex, which is what limits swelling-driven frizz in damp air.

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

    Delivers the slip and surface smoothing of a silicone without needing a detergent wash to remove it afterwards.

    • emulsifier
    • silicone
    • water-soluble silicone
  • 5 Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
    General function

    Camellia oil, light and fast-absorbing, used for shine on fine hair.

    Supporting ingredient

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

    May suitDry, coarse, or high-porosity hair

    Coats the surface and slows water leaving the strand, which is usually what coarse hair that dries out fast is missing.

    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.

    May not suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Near the top of a list an oil is weight before it is anything else, and fine hair shows that first at the roots.

    • oil
    • emollient
  • 6 Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil · Olive Fruit Oil
    General function

    A heavy, coating oil traditionally used for deep conditioning.

    Supporting ingredient

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

    May suitDry, coarse, or high-porosity hair

    Coats the surface and slows water leaving the strand, which is usually what coarse hair that dries out fast is missing.

    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.

    May not suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Near the top of a list an oil is weight before it is anything else, and fine hair shows that first at the roots.

    • oil
    • emollient
  • 7 Chia Seed Oil
    General function

    A light seed oil rich in fatty acids, used for softness without much weight.

    Supporting ingredient

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

    • oil
    • emollient
  • 8 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil · Soybean Oil
    General function

    A light plant oil used to soften and carry other oil-based ingredients.

    Supporting ingredient

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

    May suitDry, coarse, or high-porosity hair

    Coats the surface and slows water leaving the strand, which is usually what coarse hair that dries out fast is missing.

    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.

    May not suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Near the top of a list an oil is weight before it is anything else, and fine hair shows that first at the roots.

    • oil
    • emollient
  • 9 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil · Sunflower Seed Oil
    General function

    A light, widely used oil that softens without much weight.

    Secondary ingredient

    Lower in the ordered portion of the list, it is more likely playing a supporting role than defining the formula.

    May suitDry, coarse, or high-porosity hair

    Coats the surface and slows water leaving the strand, which is usually what coarse hair that dries out fast is missing.

    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.

    DependsVery dry or highly damaged hair

    It works on the surface. In the comparison that established coconut oil's penetration, sunflower oil did not reduce protein loss from washing — its fatty acids are bulkier and less linear. It softens and smooths; it does not reinforce the fibre.

    International Journal of Trichology
    • oil
    • emollient
  • 10 Hydrolyzed Silk
    General function

    A light protein used for slip and shine rather than strength.

    Secondary ingredient

    Lower in the ordered portion of the list, it is more likely playing a supporting role than defining the formula.

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

    Filling surface gaps evens out the cuticle, which is part of what makes damaged hair comb and reflect light more like undamaged hair.

    May suitMaximum-hold styling

    Film formers are what hold a style: they dry into a connected film across the strands so the shape resists movement.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    Hydrolysed fragments are small enough to sit in the gaps of a worn cuticle for a wash or two, temporarily restoring stiffness and cutting breakage in combing.

    • film former
    • protein
    • hydrolysed protein
  • 11 Milk Thistle Extract
    • botanical extract
  • 12 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.

    Secondary ingredient

    Lower in the ordered portion of the list, it is more likely playing a supporting role than defining the formula.

    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 helps flyaways lie down.

    May not suitMaximum-hold styling

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

    Jungbunzlauer
    • gum
    • thickener
    • film former

What the whole list adds up to

  • 5 oils
  • 5 emollients
  • 3 film formers
  • 2 solvents
  • 1 polymer
  • 1 humectant
  • 1 emulsifier
  • 1 silicone
  • 1 water-soluble silicone
  • 1 protein
  • 1 hydrolysed protein
  • 1 botanical extract
  • 1 gum
  • 1 thickener

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

Price · 6 oz

Commonly seen $24–26 Midpoint $26 · 4 stores · checked Oct 22
Good value under $5 Under $0.82/oz it costs less than three-quarters of the 7 products we score as doing the same job

Priced above the products that do the same job. Stores sell it above the $5 line; products that do this job typically go for about $10 at this size.

Show the price ladder
Where we’ve seen it7 listings · 5 stores

6 ozusual store sizeBest per ounce

  • Image Beauty
    $17.67
    6 oz · $2.94/oz
    Oct 22Lowest per oz
  • Ulta
    $26.00
    6 oz · $4.33/oz
    Aug 27
  • Ulta
    $26.00
    6 oz · $4.33/oz
    Aug 27
  • Ulta Beauty
    $26.00
    6 oz · $4.33/oz
    Oct 22
  • Ouidad
    $26.00
    6 oz · $4.33/oz
    Oct 22
  • Sephora
    $26.00
    6 oz · $4.33/oz
    Oct 22
  • Ulta
    $26.00
    Aug 25

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. 6 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. Commonly seen is the middle half of current prices for the 6 oz at recognised stores. We leave out the cheapest and most expensive quarters, so one sale or one overpriced listing can’t move it.
  3. Good value under $5 comes from the 7 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $0.82/oz; at 6 oz that is $5. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
  4. About $10 is what those same products typically cost at this size: the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 6 oz.

Formula

Formula score
10 of 10

It costs more per ounce than 82% of the 267 gels we’ve priced, and the formula carries the systems the format is built around. Nothing in our library comes close enough on formula to be a cheaper substitute.

How the score is counted
  • 1 products we score as doing the same job cost less per ounce
  • Costs more per ounce than 82% of the 267 gels we’ve priced
  • Covers 6 of the 6 things a gel should do
  • Reviewers mention 3 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 measures completeness for the job: a weighted share of the systems this product type is usually built around that we find in this list. It does not rate how well the product works or its quality, and it never compares across product types.

Does the same job, for less

Formulas that do the same things (cleanse, condition, coat or hold) for less per ounce. Scent, texture and where you buy them can still differ.

Camille RoseLowest cost per oz Lavender Crush Defining Gel $1.67/oz $2.66/oz less
  • Rich
· Close function
Function
  • Needs detergent to remove
Also
  • Floral scent, not unscented
  • Masstige tier
  • 12 oz bottle
Compare

See more alternatives in the product library

These products do a similar job. We haven’t matched them to you. Find the one that fits your hair, routine and budget

Built for wavy to coily hair

Final decision

Should you buy it?

An above-range pick for the hair it suits
Best user

People sensitive to fragrance who want a formula with no added fragrance and a product with no scent

Biggest tradeoff

Not ideal for oily scalps and fine hair, very dry or very humid climates, or silicone-free routines

Best alternative if not

Consider Camille Rose Lavender Crush Defining Gel, 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, and what the formula shows

Claims are quoted from the brand. We mark a claim supported, partly supported or conflicting only when the ingredient list speaks to it. Everything else stays "stated by the brand". That isn’t a criticism: most claims can’t be checked from a label.

1
SupportedBacked by ingredients
0
Partly supportedSome supporting logic
1
Stated by brandNo clear evidence
0
Potential conflictFormula works against claim
creates lasting hold that's never sticky or stiff

Synthetic hold polymers are present.

  • VP/VA Copolymer
  • Hydrolyzed Silk
  • Xanthan Gum
Supported

Structure that lasts the day.

calms frizz and fly-aways without weighing hair down

Possible from silicones or film formers, but not something the list targets.

  • VP/VA Copolymer
  • PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone
  • Hydrolyzed Silk
Stated by brand

May help, but not a primary focus.

How to read this

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

Reviewers

What people report

Themes that come up again and again in sourced reviews, written by our researchers in their own words. We don’t store or scrape star ratings.

Ringlet curl pattern returned and frizz control improved dramatically after switching to this product

Ulta reviewer

Calms hair and reduces fly-aways and frizz without weighing hair down or making it crispy

Ulta reviewer

Coils curls better than other products when layered after a leave-in

Ulta reviewer

Weighed down curls and waves, leaving hair looking straighter than intended despite a light feel on the label

Ulta reviewer with wavy hair

Left hair feeling very dry and looking dull, did not work well for their hair

Ulta reviewer

More from Ouidad

How this page was made

  • Everything above comes from our researched product record: identity, the ingredient list as printed, the brand's own claims, dated prices and review themes our researchers wrote in their own words. No part of this page is written by hand for one 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.
  • 1 source consulted for this product (0 manufacturer or regulatory, 1 retailer, 0 editorial), last checked 2026-08-27.
  • Ingredient references are linked for 3 of 9 product-aware annotations on this page. Fit notes are general formulation guidance. They aren’t a verdict on the finished product or on you.
  • We haven’t tested this product in a lab, and we don’t physically test your hair. Formula readings come from the ingredient list. Claims about how it behaves are labelled as the brand's.
  • Ingredient order tells you relative amount only above roughly 1%. Prices are what we saw on the dates shown and can change.
  • 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 v23. Record last updated 2026-08-27.

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