These Tester-Approved Curl Creams Define, Hydrate, and Are onSale Starting at $14 (2025)

TL;DR

The Bumble & Bumble Curl Defining Cream is our top pick for its ability to define natural curls while minimizing frizz. For something a little more lightweight, we love the whipped texture of Curlsmith’s Hold Me Softly Style Balm. It also adds great definition and does not dry down with a crunchy feel.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: HydraSculpt blend, oil and butter blend, rich moisture mix︱Size: 2, 8.5 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

Bumble and Bumble’s Curl Defining Cream hydrates, nourishes, and defines curls for an absolutely stunning look. We were so impressed with how much bounce this product provided—even though the cream is thick, it feels super lightweight once distributed throughout the hair. The formula is nourishing, too. It left hair feeling hydrated and soft, proof that the formula’s UV Filters are effective at shielding against sun damage. Our testers loved this one, but some reviewers noted it might leave your hair feeling crunchy if you use too much.

Irianna, tester with type 3B hair: “This curl cream defines my curls and makes them bouncier while also feeling very moisturized.”

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, resurrection flower, aloe extract︱Size: 2, 8, 16 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love the lightweight, whipped texture of Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Bomb. The formula is made with coconut oil, resurrection flower, and aloe extract, leaving our tester with type 3A/B hair soft, shiny, and moisturized.

It also seriously reduces frizz. This curl cream delivers on its promises, but be sure to work it in thoroughly throughout your hair—it’s a little challenging to distribute evenly.

Kimberly, tester with type 3A/3B hair: ”It’s a lighter weight product, but it still actually does something for my hair...It feels soft and bouncy but not covered or weighed down by gunk.”

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, hydrolyzed jojoba protein︱Size: 5.1 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

DevaCurl’s SuperCream produced results worthy of curly hair dreams. It left hair looking phenomenal with more defined curls, less frizz, and just enough weight to keep styles in place. The formula has a thick consistency and is loaded with nourishing ingredients, including coconut oil, glycerin, and hydrolyzed jojoba protein.

We were really impressed by how well this curl cream enhanced natural curls and texture. There is nothing about the formula that we would change. Our only wish is for more fluid ounces per package.

Michelle, tester with type 2B hair: “My curls were more defined, tight, and curly. I noticed an immediate difference after the first use. My hair was not frizzy when using the curl cream.”

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter︱Free of: Alcohol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates︱Size: 6, 8.3 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

Look no further than Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Cream for a high-quality curl cream with a drugstore price tag. Our testers were blown away by its performance, especially how well it reduced and controlled frizz. She also loved how moisturized and nourished her curls felt after using this product.

She also noticed that, after using this product consistently for six weeks, her hair felt revitalized and refreshed. While some may enjoy the subtle lemon scent of this product, we recognize it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Kelsey, tester with type 2B/2C hair: “Without any type of curl cream my hair is a giant frizzy disaster. This curl cream does a great job of taming it and helping me get more defined curls. It provides great frizz protection for my hair which is usually hard to do.”

Key Ingredients: Tapioca starch, sea buckthorn oil, oat peptide︱Size: 6.7 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

This formula from Amika has just the right consistency to tame a thick head of curls, but it isn’t so heavy that it weighs hair down. Our tester with type 4C hair loved how hydrated and soft her hair felt after using the product, as well as its delightful scent.

The product is easy to distribute evenly into the hair, and you don’t need to use a ton of it, even on thick hair. Our only complaint is that the formula doesn’t mix well with leave-in conditioners universally, so you may need to do a little trial and error to find the right combo.

Chantia, tester with type 4C hair: "My hair felt very hydrated and nourished with this curl cream, especially when I used it for my Bantu knots—every strand got moisturized, and the cream really got to sit in there. My hair was so smooth and pleasing to touch/run my fingers through when I took the Bantu knots out."

Active Ingredients: Dimethicone, olive oil, coconut oil︱Size: 5 oz︱Cruelty-Free: No

Mizani True Textures Curl Enhance Lotion is thick enough for curls but not so thick that it weighs down fine hair types. Curls looked shiny and defined after the first application. With consistent use over time, our tester noticed that her hair became softer and smoother to the touch.

We appreciate how much hydration this curl cream provides. The moisturizing ingredients in this curl cream made curls look healthy and extra bouncy. We just wish the formula came in larger sizes since thick, curly hair can take a lot of product.

Samantha, tester with type 3B hair: “I noticed the difference in my curls immediately after applying. This curl lotion is lightweight and makes my hair look shiny and defined. After scrunching and diffusing it, my curls definitely felt more bouncy."

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, polyquaternium-11, hydrolyzed vegetable protein︱Size: 2.5, 8.5 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re hoping to skip the hair dryer, this Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is the curl cream for you. This formula left our tester’s curls looking fantastic, whether she used a diffuser or let them air-dry. Her curls were bouncier, fuller, and lasted longer with this cream than with any previous products she had used. The cream’s argan oil also kept her curls from frizzing out. Despite the definition she received, the baby powder scent was a bit off-putting; however, it may not bother other users.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director with type 2C/3A hair: “It never failed to give me full, bouncy, defined curls every time I used it. I love that I can let my hair air-dry and get a similar effect as when I diffuse it.”

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, apricot oil, coconut oil︱Size: 5 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

Oribe’s Curl Control Silkening Crème delivers soft waves and loose curls that look and feel silky smooth. The formula has a medium thickness and is made with avocado oil and coconut oil, which offer hydration, while apricot oil softens and smooths the hair. It’s truly a heavenly blend for wavy hair.

Our wavy-haired tester’s curls looked more defined after using this cream, and she appreciated that it didn’t leave her hair feeling crunchy or weighed down in any way. A little goes a long way, so you get your money’s worth out of this product, but we do wish it were a little less expensive.

Elizabeth, tester with type 2B/2C hair: “After I used this cream for the first time, I practically gasped—the difference was immediate and obvious. My curls looked amazing, with great definition and structure.”

Key Ingredients: Linseed, chia seed, coconut oil, babassu oil︱Size: 8 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ouai's Curl Crème is thick, creamy, and perfect for someone with thick, coarse, curly hair. Our tester really enjoyed using this one and loved how well it defined her curls. The formula contains ultra-hydrating babassu oil, which left her hair feeling oh-so-soft and reduced frizz.

A little goes a long way with this formula—a big perk for thick hair, which often requires a lot of product. It also has a lovely, floral scent. We love how much our tester said her hair health improved with consistent use of this cream.

Katlyn, tester with type 3A/3B hair: “If you have thick, coarse, curly hair, this is the product for you. It helps reduce frizz and gives you shine while providing nice definition.”

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, cacay oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil︱Size: 15 oz︱Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s a lot to like about Pattern's Styling Cream, but what stood out to us the most is that it doesn’t cause buildup—even with daily use. Also, throughout testing, our tester’s scalp never felt itchy, greasy, or affected in any way.

Beyond that, this cream left curls looking more defined, reduced frizz, and locked in moisture, likely thanks to ingredients such as shea butter, sunflower oil, and cocoa butter. We really love this product, but it’s worth noting that a little goes a long way, and using too much product can leave your curls feeling crunchy.

Amanda, tester with type 3C/4A hair: “This product, using it wet or dry, really added lots of moisture and shine to my hair. It also didn't flake after drying, even when added with other products in my regimen.”

FAQ

• What does a curl cream do?

  Curl creams create a protective film around the hair shaft, which helps to smooth the cuticle and make curls more manageable. Most formulas include nourishing ingredients that can help boost moisture or impart a shiny finish.

• How should curl cream be applied?

  Start with clean, wet hair. Use your hands to evenly distribute the product. Starting at the back of your head, work one section at a time and use one hand, suggests León. “I rake through the curls and gently squeeze at the ends,” she says. “Stay at least one inch from the scalp as creams can weigh hair down and create buildup on the scalp.”Allow your hair to air-dry, or blow-dry using a diffuser attachment to ensure the heat is evenly distributed. It’s best to start with a little bit of product and add more curl cream or water accordingly.

• Can I mix different curl creams?

  Most curl creams aren’t meant to be mixed and matched with one another, but they can play well with other leave-in creams and oils. Make sure you allow each product to set in before applying the next.