What you should know when choosing non-toxic pomade on Welpr:

  • Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
  • We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
  • The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Pomade

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Castor & Amla Nourishing Pomade - Qhemet Biologics

Castor & Amla Nourishing Pomade - Qhemet Biologics
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.85
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-1 indicate a top choice for personal care products, have a low potential hazard rating, and good or robust ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1001588-Qhemet_Biologics_Castor__Amla_Nourishing_Pomade/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$16.50

Product Details

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  • Mineral oil-free and petroleum oil-free formulation designed to nourish the scalp and encourage growth.
  • Effective in locking in moisture for protective styling, suitable for high porosity, 4C hair.
  • Helps soften edges and ends to combat breakage and preserve hair length.
  • Enhances softness, pliability, and sheen in locs, cornrows, twists, and loose hair.
  • Contains moisturizing Castor Oil, a natural humectant that promotes hair growth and moisturizes dry, brittle hair.
  • Free from mineral oil, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes, or parabens.
  • 100% Vegan product.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Moisturizing
  • Nourishing
  • Light

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Castor (Ricinus Communis) Oil, Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) Fruit Extract And Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Castor (Ricinus Communis) Wax, Citrus Limon, Citrus Aurantium, Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut - Qet Botanicals

Nutri-Pomade & Mask with Shea & Coconut - Qet Botanicals
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.82
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The EWG Verified certification indicates that a product meets rigorous health and environmental safety standards, provide full ingredient transparency, and avoid harmful substances. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/663961-Qet_Botanicals_NutriPomade__Mask_with_Shea__Coconut/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/qet-botanicals" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$40.00

Product Details

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  • Formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils for nourishment and hydration.
  • Suitable for all hair types including curly, wavy, straight, and color-treated hair.
  • The lightweight serum formula absorbs quickly without weighing hair down.
  • Infused with a refreshing coconut scent for a pleasant aroma.
  • Provides salon-quality results with improved manageability, softness, and shine.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Nourishing
  • Lightweight
  • Scented

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Raw, Unrefined Shea Butter) Fruit*, Cocos Nucifera (Unrefined Coconut) Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E), Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower Oil*. *Organic Ingredient

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Flexible Hold Wax Pomade for Men - Brickell

Flexible Hold Wax Pomade for Men - Brickell
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/966047-Brickell_Mens_Products_Flexible_Hold_Wax_Pomade_for_Men/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$18.00

Product Details

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  • Provides a flexible hold with a natural shine finish
  • Suitable for men of any age with medium to short hair
  • Effective on any hair type for achieving flexible styles
  • Formulated with beeswax for flexible hold
  • Contains Vitamin E to condition the hair
  • Includes Castor Oil to promote hair growth
  • Composed of natural and certified organic ingredients including Beeswax, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter
  • 100% natural and 81% organic content
  • Developed by Brickell, a company whose products are sold in over 20 countries and featured in major men’s magazines

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Flexible
  • Natural
  • Lightweight

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii* (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Stearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis* (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus* (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta* (Neem) Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Beard Balm & Hair Pomade - Bevel

Beard Balm & Hair Pomade - Bevel
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/957085-Bevel_2IN1_POMADE_For_Waves__Beards/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$11.95

Product Details

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  • Melts into hair and beard to lock in moisture, helping reduce frizz and sculpt your look.
  • Designed for use on both hair and beard without leaving a sticky finish.
  • Infused with Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter for a polished look.
  • Formula excludes drying or harsh chemicals such as mineral oils, alcohols, and petroleum.
  • Suitable for styling waves and locs, ensuring an all-day hold.
  • Can be applied to damp hair for styling, ensuring even distribution by brushing downwards in each section.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Softening
  • Fragrant
  • Moisturizing

Cons Mentioned

  • Availability

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera [Coconut] Oil, Beeswax, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis [Sweet Almond] Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao [Cocoa] Seed Butter, Fragrance

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Glacial Hair Clay Pomade - Highland

Glacial Hair Clay Pomade - Highland
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$28.00

Product Details

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  • Award-winning, recognized as 'Best Hair Clay' by Esquire Grooming Awards and featured in GQ's Best Men's Hair Clay
  • Promotes hair and scalp health while styling
  • Offers medium hold and low shine with a nearly matte finish
  • Suitable for all hair types and styles
  • Made with 100% natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, and chemicals; non-toxic and cruelty-free
  • Packaging is 100% recyclable, made from infinitely recyclable aluminum

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Natural
  • Effective
  • Scent

Cons Mentioned

  • Expensive

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Arrowroot Powder, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Kaolin Clay, Canadian Glacial Clay, Vitamin E Oil, Pine & Sandalwood Oil Blend

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Waves Pomade Argan Oil and Shea Butter - SheaMoisture

Waves Pomade Argan Oil and Shea Butter - SheaMoisture
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.57
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. EWG ratings may change. Check the source for most up to date rating. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1014809-SheaMoisture_Men_Argan_Oil__Shea_Butter_Waves_Pomade_/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/sundial-brands-llc/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$14.57

Product Details

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  • Contains Fair Trade Certified Organic Shea Butter and Argan Oil for moisturization and softness.
  • Formulated with Candelilla Wax to help create lightweight hold for everyday styling.
  • Designed to help create natural-looking waves and smooth wave patterns.
  • Can be used as a hair putty or defining paste to manage frizz.
  • Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.
  • Free from silicones and sulfates, suitable for daily use.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Natural
  • Moisturizing
  • Hold

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Passion Fruit) Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Fragrance *Certified Organic Ingredient, Fair Trade Ingredient

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Organics Hair Pomade - John Masters Organics

Organics Hair Pomade - John Masters Organics
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.57
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The PETA certification identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide. <a href="https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/john-masters-organics/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$24.00

Product Details

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  • Utilizes a rich blend of ingredients for conditioning and styling hair
  • Helps combat frizz and define curls
  • Provides beachy texture and minimizes heat damage
  • Made with USDA organic certified ingredients
  • Contains 95% or more organic content
  • Cruelty-free and not tested on animals
  • Formulated with organic beeswax and mango fruit extract to lock-in moisture and protect from environmental stressors
  • Includes organic sunflower seed oil to prevent breakage

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Organic
  • Moisturizing
  • Long-lasting

Cons Mentioned

  • Greasy

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Orbignya Oleirfera (Babassu) Seed Oil*, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil*, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel) Leaf Oil*, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar) Wood Oil*, Abies Balsamea (Fir Balsam) Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Matte Hair Pomade - Ouai

Matte Hair Pomade - Ouai
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.47
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/ouai" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$26.00

Product Details

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  • Provides moldable hold, texture, and separation for creating a lived-in look.
  • Helps control frizz and leaves a matte finish.
  • Enhances limp, lifeless hair by adding texture and volume.
  • Features a French-inspired fragrance of gardenia, ylang ylang, and white musk.
  • Formulated without parabens.
  • Designed to simplify hair styling routines while nurturing hair health.
  • Part of a product line that aims to be luxurious yet affordable and user-friendly.
  • Complements with other anti-frizz products for enhanced results.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Scent
  • Texture
  • Hold

Cons Mentioned

  • Residue

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Petrolatum, Kaolin, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Paraffin, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Parfum (Fragrance), Synthetic Beeswax, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Bht, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Linalool, Stearic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Clay Pomade - Jack Henry

Clay Pomade - Jack Henry
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.47
/5
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Certifications

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<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/jack-henry" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$28.00

Product Details

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  • Provides a 48-hour hold, suitable for all hair types.
  • Offers a matte finish with zero grease or crunch.
  • Resistant to humidity and sweat, allowing for reshaping as needed.
  • Stimulates hair growth and helps fight off dandruff.
  • Highly moisturizing for both hair and scalp.
  • Includes four organic ingredients: coconut oil, bentonite clay, beeswax, and French lavender oil.
  • Free from alcohol and crafted in Southern California using organic ingredients and packaging.
  • Application method involves rubbing a small amount between fingers and distributing evenly through hair from roots.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Flexible
  • Moisturizing
  • Effective

Cons Mentioned

  • Greasy

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Organic Beeswax, Organic Coconut Oil, Bentonite Clay, Organic Lavender Essential Oil

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Pomade

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Phthalate

Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.

Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.

Sources: 
Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.

Sources: 
Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine is a chemical found in various consumer products like shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Acute exposure in humans can result in irritation of the nose, throat, and skin. However, no detailed data is available on its chronic, reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects on humans. Studies on animals reveal that acute oral exposure can influence the liver, blood, kidney, and central nervous system, while dermal exposure has been connected with an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice. Production of first-degree burns, skin irritation, occupational asthma, kidney, and liver injury risk, and potential skin sensitization are some other adverse effects associated with diethanolamine.

Phenoxyethanol

2-Phenoxyethanol is a hazardous substance toxic by all routes of exposure, and is used widely in products like cosmetics, soaps, and inks, among others. The effects of exposure to this faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid can include eye irritation, headaches, tremors, and CNS depression. It's crucial to rinse exposed eyes with tepid water for at least 15 minutes and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water in case of contact. The substance requires preheating before ignition can occur, and if involved in a fire, gentle water spray can extinguish the fire by inducing frothing.

Methylisothiazolinone

Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.

Sources: 
Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol has been shown to cause narcosis in animals during acute studies, as cited by ACGIH. However, according to research by Zimmerman, it is not hepatotoxic in either experimental animal studies or in human exposures. It's known to be a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant, and if inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause CNS depression, as indicated by the ICSC.

Octinoxate

Octinoxate, commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products such as hair color products, sunscreen, lipstick, and skin creams, is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can affect thyroid function. It has been detected in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating systemic exposure. Octinoxate's potential health concerns include its impact on cell proliferation in response to estrogen exposure, disruptions in thyroid hormones, alterations in reproductive systems, and adverse effects on the development of male and female fetuses, as well as their offspring.

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.