3 hero ingredients.
No drying alcohols. No mineral oil. No "fragrance" hiding 47 chemicals. Here's the full list — and why each thing is in the jar.
The hero three
For the hold
Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed) Seed Extract
A plant-based polymer that locks edges in place without crunch. Unlike alcohol-based gels that "set" by drying out the hair, flaxseed gel forms a flexible film that bends with movement. It's also water-reactivating — re-wet your edges on Day 7 and they re-set.
For the shine
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil + Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
Cold-pressed castor strengthens the hairline at the follicle. Argan adds high-shine without a grease film. The combination is what makes installs photograph "wet" — laid and shiny — without looking waxy.
For the scalp
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice + Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Aloe cools the scalp during install and reduces post-braid tension. Peppermint stimulates circulation and reduces the itch that hits at Day 3. The smell is fresh, not floral — like a clean salon, not a candle.
The full INCI
Aqua (Water), Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed) Seed Extract, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-69, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.
What's NOT in it
No drying alcohols
SD Alcohol 40, Alcohol Denat — these strip moisture. Gone.
No mineral oil
Coats the hair, blocks moisture. We use plant oils only.
No parabens
Phenoxyethanol does the preservation work cleanly.
No sulfates
Not needed — there's nothing to lather. It's a gel.
No silicones
No dimethicone build-up that takes 3 washes to remove.
No synthetic fragrance
The smell comes from peppermint oil. Real plants, real smell.
If you've reacted to peppermint or castor oil before, do a 24-hour patch test on your wrist before applying to the hairline. Stop use if irritation occurs. Email hello@trymeltdown.com for a refund.