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Paul Mitchell

Clear Jelly Mask

Mask / Moisture treatment, lean

  • Mask / treatment
  • moisture
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Vegan · label states
  • Cruelty-free · PETA-listed
Size2 fl oz
Price$15seen at one store · 2 oz
Where to buy1 store

Scent:

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

“fragrance-free” — Brand page

Manufacturer page: paulmitchell.com

Personal fit

Is this right for you?

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  • Your goals, scalp, damage history, water, budget, and scent preferences all shape your plan.

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Not enough priced masks and treatments to place it

We have not priced enough masks and treatments to place this one.

Price and stores

Great for

no fragrance (parfum) on the label
free of strong smells
Protein-sensitive hairthat stiffens when protein is added
Maximum slipfor hair that tangles the moment it is wet
Dry, thirsty hairhumectants and emollients both sit up front
Curly-method routinesno sulfates and no water-insoluble silicones

Maybe skip if

Very dry or damaged hairit contains fast-drying alcohol
Hair that needs proteinthere is none in this list
Coarse, very dry hairthis is a light formula for its category
Tight budgetsit sits in the upper price tiers
If scent matters to younothing is added here

Whether your hair needs moisture, protein, or bond repair right now depends on your damage history and how your hair behaves wet — 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.

Oils and butters None

No oils or butters in the list.

Weight on the hair Light

Water-first and light: unlikely to flatten fine hair.

Protein None

No protein or amino acids in the list.

Water-binding (humectants) High

Humectants near the top — water-binding is a headline mechanism here.

Slip and detangling High

Conditioning agents sit high in the list — this is a detangling formula.

Time on the hair 5–15 min

Long enough that it is a planned step, not a shower add-on.

Needs detergent to remove No

Nothing here needs a detergent wash to remove.

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. 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, Eau) solvent The base everything else is dissolved in Neutral
Polyquaternium-37 conditioning agent Conditions and softens — this is what makes it comb through Detangles
Panthenyl Ethyl Ether humectant Pulls water into the hair Detangles
Polysorbate 20 solubilizer Keeps oils dissolved in water Stabilizes
Ethylhexylglycerin preservative Keeps the product from spoiling Softens
Isopropyl Alcohol drying alcohol A small amount, for fast drying Drying
Citric Acid pH adjuster Fine-tunes the pH pH balancer
Phenoxyethanol preservative Keeps the product from spoiling Stabilizes
What the list leaves out, and what it carriesThe list carries no sulfates, silicones, or fragrance. No protein — a moisture formula, not a repair one. Contains fast-drying alcohol. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Full ingredient list (8)

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, Eau)
    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 Polyquaternium-37
    General function

    A thickening polymer that gives creams and curl products their bounce and helps them cling to the strand.

    Leading ingredient

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

    May suitCurls or waves needing flexible hold

    Cationic polymers hold a curl loosely and stay soft, which is why they turn up in definition products rather than firm-hold ones.

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

    A cationic polymer stays on the hair through rinsing, which is what keeps static and combing friction down after the wash.

    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.

    • conditioning agent
    • film former
    • polymer
    • thickener
  • 3 Panthenyl Ethyl Ether
    General function

    A panthenol derivative used for the same softness and shine effect, with a lighter feel.

    Leading ingredient

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

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

    Deposits a lubricating layer that makes combing easier, which is most of what stops mechanical damage adding to frizz.

    May suitVery dry or highly damaged hair

    Humectants bind water into the strand, and water — not oil — is what makes dry hair flexible instead of brittle.

    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
    • conditioning agent
  • 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
  • Below about this point, order stops being meaningful — these are typically used at 1% or less.
  • 5 Ethylhexylglycerin
    General function

    A preservative booster that also adds a little softness. Almost always paired with phenoxyethanol.

    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

    Emollients fill and smooth the surface of the strand, which lowers the friction that lifts the cuticle and reads as roughness.

    PubChem
    • preservative
    • emollient
  • 6 Isopropyl Alcohol
    General function

    A fast-evaporating alcohol used as a solvent and to speed drying. Well down the list it is a processing aid; near the top it can leave hair feeling dry.

    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 suitFine or easily flattened hair

    Evaporates on contact, which is how a spray sets almost instantly and leaves no weight behind it.

    PubChem
    • drying alcohol
    • solvent
  • 7 Citric Acid
    General function

    Used to bring the product to a slightly acidic pH, which helps the cuticle lie flat. It is almost always near the end of the list.

    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 suitBuild-up-sensitive routines

    Holds hard-water minerals in solution so they rinse away instead of depositing on the hair.

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

    The acid side of pH adjustment, and the reason it matters is measured: alkaline formulas raise the fibre's surface negative charge, increase friction between strands and lift the scales, while lower-pH ones do the reverse.

    May suitGray, silver, or brass-prone hair

    Where a warm cast comes from water minerals rather than from the hair itself, holding those metals in solution is what removes it.

    International Journal of Trichology
    • pH adjuster
    • hard-water chelator
  • 8 Phenoxyethanol
    General function

    The most common modern preservative; it keeps the product free of bacteria and mould. It sits well below 1% of the formula.

    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.

    PubChem
    • preservative

What the whole list adds up to

  • 2 solvents
  • 2 preservatives
  • 1 conditioning agent
  • 1 film former
  • 1 polymer
  • 1 thickener
  • 1 humectant
  • 1 conditioning agent
  • 1 solubilizer
  • 1 emulsifier
  • 1 emollient
  • 1 drying alcohol
  • 1 pH adjuster
  • 1 hard-water chelator

Ingredient list captured 2026-08-24. Formulas change — check the package in your hand when an ingredient matters to you.

Price · 2 oz

Seen at $15 1 store · checked Aug 24
Good value under $2 Under $1.23/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 $2 line; products that do this job typically go for about $3 at this size.

Show the price ladder
Where we’ve seen it1 listing · 1 store

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. 2 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 is the price we have observed for the 2 oz. We need three stores before we call a price commonly seen.
  3. Good value under $2 comes from the 8 products we score as doing the same job as this one. A quarter of them cost less than $1.23/oz; at 2 oz that is $2. Under that line you are paying less than most of them.
  4. About $3 is what those same products typically cost at this size — the midpoint of their prices per ounce, scaled to 2 oz.

Formula

Formula score
5 of 10

Too few comparable prices in our library to place this one; that is a gap in our data, not a fact about the product.

How the score is counted
  • No rich emollients in the formula
  • Reviewers mention 3 things they like about how it performs
  • Salon tier, sold at Manufacturer and Salons
  • Salon tier
  • Rich emollientsThe depth a treatment step is built around.3 pts
  • Conditioning agents up frontWhat makes wet hair comb through.2 pts
  • Protein or amino acidsThe strengthening side of a treatment.2 pts
  • A humectantBinds water into the hair.1 pt
  • A stated dwell timeThe brand says how long to leave it on.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

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.

MielleClosest function Sea Moss Anti Shedding Gel Masque $1.44/oz
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
Function
  • Oils and butters
Also
  • Drugstore tier
  • 8 oz bottle
Compare
African PrideLowest cost per oz Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Detangle & Condition Pre-Shampoo $0.83/oz
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Lightweight
· Close function
Function
  • Film formers
Also
  • Drugstore tier
  • 12 oz bottle
Compare
L'Oreal Paris ElviveClose function EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair+ Pre-Shampoo Treatment $2.55/oz
  • Protein-free
  • Curly method
  • Silicone-free
Function
  • Weight on the hair
Also
  • Drugstore tier
  • 5.1 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

Suits every hair pattern

Final decision

Should you buy it?

Depends on your hair — see who it suits
Best user

People sensitive to fragrance — for a formula with no added fragrance and a product with no scent

Biggest tradeoff

Not ideal for very dry or high-damage hair, soft, over-stretchy hair that needs protein, or coarse, very dry hair that wants real richness

Best alternative if not

Nothing in our library matches it closely 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
4
Stated by brandNo clear evidence
0
Potential conflictFormula works against claim
made with just 8 essential ingredients

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

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

fragrance-free

No fragrance is listed.

Supported

Safer for scent-sensitive scalps.

dye-free

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

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

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

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

color-safe

It avoids sulfate detergents, which are the usual cause of fast fade.

  • Polyquaternium-37
Supported

Less fade per wash.

vegan

Our researched record has this brand or product as vegan.

Supported

Matches our researched record.

paraben-free

No parabens appear in the ingredient list.

Supported

Preserved without parabens.

gluten-free

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

Stated by brand

Can’t be confirmed from label.

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.

Leaves hair feeling silky and less frizzy; large jar seen as good value

Made hair feel silky - within a few hours my hair felt silky and not so frizzy, comes with a great amount of product

Easy-to-spread jelly texture dries frizz-free with pleasant scent

Loved it! - jelly texture made it easy to spread, dried nice with no frizz, smells good

Appreciated as a minimal-ingredient, fragrance-free formula that smooths thick/fuzzy hair

Natural ingredients that makes hair smooth - minimal ingredients, no scents, thick and fuzzy hair looks smoother

More from Paul Mitchell

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.
  • 4 sources consulted for this product (3 manufacturer or regulatory, 1 retailer, 0 editorial), last checked 2026-08-25.
  • Ingredient references are linked for 4 of 5 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 2026-08-25.