Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz

Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz — image 1
Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz — image 2
Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz — image 3
85%
93%
Moisture Retention
84%
Detangling Performance
96%
Formula Safety
83%
Value for Money
53%
Fine Hair Compatibility
88%
Cleansing Effectiveness
89%
Scent Quality
86%
Lather & Rinseability
78%
Texture & Consistency
87%
Hair Type Versatility
91%
Scalp Compatibility
82%
Color-Safe Performance
94%
Repeat Purchase Rate
More

Overview

The Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz has earned a loyal following in the textured hair care world, and the reasoning is straightforward. Design Essentials has a long track record with relaxed and natural hair formulas, and this moisture-retention cleanser reflects that focus clearly. Honey is the standout ingredient — functioning as a natural humectant, it draws moisture into the hair shaft and smooths the cuticle during the wash itself. The 32-ounce size makes practical sense for frequent washers. If dryness, persistent breakage, or stubborn tangles are your main complaints, this shampoo was built with your hair in mind.

Features & Benefits

What sets this honey creme shampoo apart from typical drugstore options comes down to what it leaves out as much as what it puts in. No sulfates, no drying alcohols, no parabens or phthalates — the formula skips the harsh synthetics that tend to strip color, disrupt moisture balance, and aggravate sensitive scalps. Honey works hard here: as a humectant, it pulls water into the hair rather than just coating the surface. The lather is light and rinses clean without the heavy, waxy buildup some cream shampoos leave behind. Importantly, this sulfate-free detangling shampoo starts softening hair during the wash itself, which makes detangling afterward a noticeably less frustrating experience.

Best For

This moisture-retention cleanser shines brightest for people dealing with chronic dryness — particularly those with type 3 and 4 natural hair, where coils and curls create natural barriers to moisture reaching every strand. It's also a strong pick for anyone with relaxed or color-treated hair who wants a gentle daily or every-other-day wash without worrying about chemical buildup undoing their treatment. Parents appreciate that the mild formula is safe enough for kids, and it handles the tricky in-between stage when someone is transitioning between relaxed and natural hair. The one group that might want to use it sparingly: those with fine, low-density hair who find that heavier cream formulas weigh strands down.

User Feedback

With nearly 10,000 ratings and a 4.7-star average, the overall reception for this honey creme shampoo is hard to argue with — but the details in individual reviews tell a more nuanced story. The most consistent praise centers on how noticeably softer hair feels after washing, and several buyers with locs and coils mention it made their next detangling session far less work. The pleasant honey scent earns mentions too, described as warm but not overbearing. On the critical side, a handful of users with finer or lower-density hair found that using it too frequently left their strands feeling a touch heavy. Many reviewers also recommend pairing it with a deep conditioner for very porous or high-density hair to get the full benefit.

#Shampoos
#Shampoo & Conditioner
#Hair Care
#Beauty & Personal Care

Pros

  • The sulfate-free formula cleanses thoroughly without stripping natural oils or disrupting color-treated hair.
  • Honey functions as a genuine humectant, pulling moisture into the hair shaft rather than just coating the surface.
  • Hair feels noticeably softer and easier to comb through after just one wash.
  • Light lather rinses out cleanly with no heavy or waxy residue left behind.
  • The honey scent is widely described as warm and pleasant without being overpowering.
  • Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and animal byproducts — a genuinely clean-label formulation.
  • The 32-ounce bottle offers solid value for frequent washers who go through shampoo quickly.
  • Mild enough for children, making it a practical choice for households with mixed hair types.
  • Safe for relaxed, natural, loc'd, color-treated, and gray hair — versatile across the whole spectrum.
  • Nearly 10,000 ratings with a 4.7-star average reflects consistent, long-term satisfaction across diverse hair types.

Cons

  • Can feel slightly heavy on fine or low-density hair, especially when used daily.
  • Not a clarifying shampoo — it won't effectively cut through heavy product buildup or hard water deposits.
  • Very porous or high-density hair types may still need a separate conditioner to fully resolve tangles.
  • Those expecting this sulfate-free detangling shampoo to act as a standalone detangler will need to adjust expectations.
  • The cream-based texture is not well-suited for anyone who prefers a lightweight, watery lather.
  • No widely available travel or trial size makes it harder to test compatibility before committing to the full bottle.
  • The honey fragrance, while mild, may be a drawback for anyone who is fragrance-sensitive or prefers unscented formulas.

Ratings

The scores below were generated by AI after analyzing thousands of verified buyer reviews for the Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz, with spam, incentivized, and bot-generated submissions actively filtered out before scoring. Each category reflects real-world feedback from a diverse range of hair types and use cases, capturing both what this moisture-retention cleanser does exceptionally well and where it falls short for certain buyers. The result is a transparent, category-by-category breakdown designed to help you determine whether this formula genuinely matches your hair care needs.

Moisture Retention
93%
The honey-based formula earns its reputation here — users consistently report hair feeling noticeably softer and more hydrated after just one wash, even in dry climates or during winter months when hair tends to suffer most. For those dealing with chronic dryness from heat styling or chemical treatments, the difference is typically felt within the first few uses.
For extremely porous or severely damaged hair, the moisture boost during washing is not quite enough on its own to address deep strand dryness. A follow-up deep conditioning treatment is often still needed, which adds a step that some buyers were hoping this shampoo would eliminate from their routine.
Detangling Performance
84%
Most users with coily and curly hair report a meaningful reduction in the effort needed to comb through their hair after washing, with many describing wash day as noticeably less stressful overall. The softening effect happens during the rinse itself, which is a practical advantage over detanglers that require extra application steps after shampooing.
This is a shampoo that assists detangling — not a true detangler — and buyers expecting it to fully eliminate knots without a follow-up conditioner or leave-in product may be disappointed. Those with very dense or matted hair types consistently note that additional detangling steps remain a necessary part of their routine.
Formula Safety
96%
The ingredient list is notably clean for a mass-market shampoo — no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or drying alcohols, and it is cruelty-free with no animal byproducts. Parents in particular appreciate being able to use one gentle formula across the entire family without worrying about scalp irritation in young children.
The formula does still contain fragrance to produce its honey scent, which is a real consideration for anyone with fragrance sensitivities or those following a strictly fragrance-free personal care routine. Users managing conditions like contact dermatitis or fragrance allergy are advised to patch test before committing to full regular use.
Value for Money
83%
The 32-ounce bottle is a meaningful practical advantage — frequent washers, families, and people with longer or thicker hair find the size stretches over multiple months, keeping the per-wash cost reasonable for a mid-range clean-label formula. The generous size is one of the most commonly cited reasons verified buyers return for a second or third purchase.
For infrequent washers or those with shorter hair, the upfront cost of a full 32-ounce bottle may feel like more of a commitment than their consumption rate justifies. Without a travel or trial size available, first-time buyers are taking a meaningful financial risk on a larger quantity before knowing how their hair responds.
Fine Hair Compatibility
53%
47%
For fine-haired individuals whose strands are also dry or chemically compromised — a less common but real combination — using this honey creme shampoo sparingly and infrequently can provide targeted moisture without completely overwhelming strand weight. A small number of fine-hair reviewers do report workable results when they significantly dial back the amount applied.
This is the most documented pain point among fine-hair users: the cream formula's moisture density makes fine or low-density strands feel flat, weighed down, and occasionally greasy with regular use. It is one area where the product clearly underperforms relative to its design target, and fine-haired buyers are genuinely better served by a lighter sulfate-free formula.
Cleansing Effectiveness
88%
Users across hair types report the formula removes sweat, everyday buildup, and styling product residue effectively without leaving hair feeling stripped or squeaky-clean in the way traditional shampoos often do. The sulfate-free approach demonstrates that a thorough cleanse and intact moisture balance are not mutually exclusive goals.
Where the formula falls short is in handling heavy silicone or oil-rich styling product buildup, where a periodic clarifying shampoo is still necessary for a true reset. This moisture-retention cleanser is not designed for deep-cleaning passes, so users who rely on heavy sealants should plan to cycle it with a stronger cleanser occasionally.
Scent Quality
89%
The honey fragrance strikes a balance most buyers genuinely appreciate — warm, slightly sweet, and present enough to make the wash feel pleasant without lingering heavily on the hair throughout the day. It is consistently one of the most positively noted details across long-form verified reviews, cutting across different hair types and wash routines.
A small but consistent group of reviewers wish for a fragrance-free version, noting that even the mild honey scent can be problematic for those sensitive to fragrance or prone to headaches triggered by personal care products. The scent is light by most standards, but it is not adjustable and it is definitively present.
Lather & Rinseability
86%
The cream formula produces a quick, manageable lather that spreads easily through wet hair without requiring excessive product, and it rinses out cleanly without the waxy residue that some cream-based shampoos leave behind. Users with locs specifically highlight the clean rinse as a key reason they continue choosing this formula long-term.
Buyers accustomed to the thick, voluminous foam of traditional sulfate shampoos may find the lighter lather underwhelming at first and require a brief adjustment period before trusting the results. Some users compensate by applying a second wash round, which can lead to faster product consumption than they anticipated.
Texture & Consistency
78%
22%
The creamy texture distributes smoothly through wet hair and feels substantive without being overly thick or difficult to work through, which users with both short and longer hair appreciate during the application step of their wash routine. It blends well with water and does not require vigorous lathering effort to spread evenly.
Users who alternate between this and lighter gel or liquid shampoos sometimes find the cream consistency feels too rich after periods with thinner formulas. A small number report an adjustment period where their hair felt more loaded down than usual before their scalp and strands adapted to the heavier texture.
Hair Type Versatility
87%
The formula's effectiveness across relaxed, natural, color-treated, loc'd, and gray hair is one of its strongest practical advantages — households with mixed hair types can realistically share one bottle, and this convenience is mentioned regularly in long-term verified reviews. The full 1A to 4C coverage it achieves is broader than most shampoos at this price point.
Despite its wide coverage, the formula is clearly optimized for dry to very dry hair, and users at the oilier end of the spectrum or with straighter, finer textures consistently find it too rich for comfortable regular use. It performs best when moisture and softness are the primary concerns, not oil control.
Scalp Compatibility
91%
The absence of sulfates, parabens, and drying alcohols makes this one of the more scalp-friendly options in the mid-range category — very few users report irritation, itching, or flaking triggered by the formula, even with frequent washing. Users whose scalps have historically reacted to conventional shampoos often find this a reliable and calming alternative.
Those with naturally oily scalps or seborrheic tendencies may find the moisture-forward formula adds richness at the root where none is needed, potentially worsening congestion or heaviness over time. While undeniably gentle, its design prioritizes moisture delivery rather than sebum control or scalp oil balance.
Color-Safe Performance
82%
18%
Users with dyed, highlighted, or bleached hair consistently report that the sulfate-free formula does not accelerate color fade the way conventional shampoos do — a meaningful benefit for anyone investing time and money in salon or at-home color treatments. The gentle cleansing approach preserves vibrancy between color sessions noticeably better than harsher alternatives.
Beyond avoiding sulfates, the formula does not include dedicated color-protecting additives, UV filters, or antioxidant complexes found in shampoos specifically engineered for color care. Buyers who are serious about maximizing color longevity may still want to supplement with a purpose-built color-care product rather than relying on this shampoo alone.
Repeat Purchase Rate
94%
The proportion of confirmed repeat buyers across verified review platforms is unusually high for a shampoo in this category, signaling that initial satisfaction converts to long-term loyalty at a strong rate. Users who commit to this formula often do so for years, which speaks to consistent and reliable results across changing seasons and shifting hair conditions.
A share of long-term users note they occasionally cycle in a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to manage gradual product accumulation, suggesting exclusive use without a periodic reset wash can lead to minor buildup over time for some hair types. This is a manageable maintenance consideration, but worth factoring into a long-term hair care routine.

Suitable for:

The Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz is a particularly strong fit for anyone whose hair tends to feel parched, brittle, or difficult to manage after washing. People with type 3 and type 4 natural hair — where tight coils and curls make even basic detangling a time-consuming chore — will likely notice a real improvement in how manageable their hair feels coming out of the shower. It's equally well-suited to those with relaxed or color-treated hair who need a gentle, non-stripping cleanser they can use several times a week without worrying about accelerating chemical damage. Anyone navigating the transitioning phase, where two different hair textures meet at the root, will appreciate that the formula is mild enough to handle both without aggravating either. Parents who want one shampoo the whole family can share — free from harsh synthetics and safe for children's scalps — will also find this a practical, low-commitment choice.

Not suitable for:

If your hair is fine, low in density, or naturally on the oilier side, the Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz may not be the best match for your wash routine. The cream-based formula is engineered to deposit moisture and softness — exactly what dry, textured hair needs — but for finer strands, that same richness can translate to limpness or a subtle heaviness that compounds with frequent use. It is also worth setting realistic expectations: this moisture-retention cleanser assists the detangling process during the wash step, but it is not a replacement for a dedicated detangler or deep conditioning treatment, and those with very dense or highly porous hair will likely still need a separate conditioner to achieve fully tangle-free results. If you are specifically looking for a clarifying shampoo to cut through heavy product buildup or hard water residue, the gentle formula here is simply not built for that task. Buyers who are fragrance-sensitive should also take note, as the honey scent, while mild to most, is still present.

Specifications

  • Volume: Each bottle contains 32 fl oz (946 ml) of formula, offering a generous supply well-suited to regular or frequent washing.
  • Product Form: The formula is a cream-style shampoo that produces a quick, manageable lather during application.
  • Key Ingredient: Honey serves as the primary active ingredient, functioning as a humectant that draws moisture into the hair shaft and helps smooth the cuticle.
  • Sulfate Status: The formula is completely sulfate-free, avoiding the aggressive cleansing agents that strip natural oils and moisture from the hair.
  • Alcohol Content: No drying alcohols are included in the formulation, helping preserve the hair's natural moisture balance after each wash.
  • Parabens: The shampoo is paraben-free, excluding this class of synthetic preservatives commonly flagged in clean-label personal care standards.
  • Phthalates: Phthalates are absent from the formula, consistent with the brand's commitment to removing commonly avoided chemical compounds.
  • Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is not used, keeping the formula free of heavy occlusive agents that can block moisture absorption over time.
  • Cruelty-Free: The product is cruelty-free and contains no animal byproducts, making it suitable for consumers who follow vegan personal care standards.
  • Hair Types: Formulated to work across the full spectrum of hair types and textures, from straight (1A) through tightly coiled (4C).
  • Suitable For: Appropriate for women, men, and children, including those with chemically relaxed, color-treated, loc'd, or gray hair.
  • Use Frequency: Gentle enough for daily or frequent washing without causing cumulative dryness or synthetic buildup on the scalp or strands.
  • Scent: The shampoo carries a honey fragrance that users widely describe as warm and mild rather than sharp or synthetic.
  • Item Weight: The filled 32 fl oz bottle has a total weight of approximately 2 pounds.
  • Bottle Dimensions: The bottle measures approximately 3.75 x 9 x 3.75 inches, fitting standard shower shelves and caddy organizers without difficulty.
  • Brand: Produced by Design Essentials, a brand manufactured by McBride Research Laboratories Inc with a long-standing focus on textured and chemically treated hair care.
  • Market Rank: Ranked #508 in the Hair Shampoo category on Amazon, reflecting strong and consistent sales performance within a highly competitive segment.

Related Reviews

SUDZZFX Whipped Crème & Honey Volumizing Shampoo 10.1oz
SUDZZFX Whipped Crème & Honey Volumizing Shampoo 10.1oz
87%
90%
Volume Boosting Effectiveness
85%
Fragrance
88%
Hydration Without Greasiness
92%
Color-Safe Formula
91%
Suitability for Fine Hair
More
Design Essentials Peppermint Aloe Anti-Itch Shampoo 8oz
Design Essentials Peppermint Aloe Anti-Itch Shampoo 8oz
79%
91%
Scalp Itch Relief
86%
Dandruff Control
83%
Moisture Retention
89%
Sensory Experience
84%
Formula Gentleness
More
Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Shampoo 32oz
Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Shampoo 32oz
80%
93%
Cleansing Efficacy
88%
Scalp Health
69%
Moisture Retention
91%
Ingredient Quality
87%
Value for Money
More
Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner Set - 32oz (2 Pack)
Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner Set - 32oz (2 Pack)
87%
91%
Frizz Control
94%
Ease of Detangling
87%
Moisturizing Effect
88%
Sulfate-Free Formula
85%
Gentleness on Sensitive Skin
More
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing/Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner Set 12 fl. oz Each
Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing/Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner Set 12 fl. oz Each
86%
93%
Effectiveness for Curly Hair
89%
Hydration & Moisture
96%
Sulfate-Free Formula
91%
Detangling Performance
85%
Texture & Feel
More
ECZEMA HONEY Nourishing Shampoo 8oz
ECZEMA HONEY Nourishing Shampoo 8oz
88%
88%
Effectiveness for Dry Scalp
92%
Moisturizing & Hydration
90%
Gentleness for Sensitive Skin
85%
Scent & Fragrance
87%
Value for Money
More
Design.Me GLOSS.ME Hydrating Shampoo 10 oz
Design.Me GLOSS.ME Hydrating Shampoo 10 oz
79%
88%
Moisturizing Performance
84%
Frizz Control
91%
Color Preservation
63%
Lather & Cleansing Feel
86%
Shine Enhancement
More
INFRA Shampoo & Treatment 32oz Duo Set
INFRA Shampoo & Treatment 32oz Duo Set
86%
88%
Effectiveness for Hair Repair
91%
Sulfate-Free Formula Performance
87%
Moisturizing and Softening
72%
Frizz Control
85%
Shine and Gloss Enhancement
More
Wild Naturals Manuka Honey 8oz Shampoo
Wild Naturals Manuka Honey 8oz Shampoo
78%
83%
Scalp Soothing Efficacy
91%
Ingredient Quality
54%
Lather & Wash Feel
85%
Moisture & Hydration
88%
Scalp pH Balance
More
Keragen Clarifying Shampoo with Keratin & Collagen, 32oz
Keragen Clarifying Shampoo with Keratin & Collagen, 32oz
85%
88%
Effectiveness in Clarifying
94%
Sulfate-Free Formula
85%
Hair Strengthening & Repair
90%
Suitability for Color-Treated Hair
87%
Removal of Product Build-Up
More

FAQ

Yes, because it skips sulfates and drying alcohols, it cleanses without the aggressive stripping that typically leaves hair feeling brittle after washing. For dry or textured hair types, frequent use is generally well-tolerated. If your scalp tends toward oiliness, daily washing might be more than you need, but for dry hair this is a safe everyday option.

It helps, but it is important to set realistic expectations. This moisture-retention cleanser softens the hair during the wash step, which makes detangling afterward noticeably easier — but it is not a standalone detangler or leave-in treatment. People with very dense, highly porous, or severely tangled hair will still benefit from following up with a conditioner or dedicated detangling product.

It is designed for the full range of natural textures, including 4C coils. The honey-based formula prioritizes moisture and softness, both of which are high-value benefits for tightly coiled hair. That said, if your 4C hair is very dense or highly porous, pairing it with a deep conditioner will give you the best results.

Yes, the formula is mild enough for children. It is free from sulfates, drying alcohols, parabens, and other common irritants that can be harsh on young scalps. Many parents use it as a shared family shampoo for exactly this reason.

The honey scent is present but consistently described by users as mild and warm rather than sharp, artificial, or perfume-heavy. That said, if you are highly fragrance-sensitive or specifically looking for an unscented formula, it is worth knowing the scent is still noticeable, especially during application and rinsing.

Yes, it is a solid choice for color-treated hair. The sulfate-free formula avoids the aggressive cleansers that tend to strip dye and accelerate color fade. Regular users with dyed or bleached hair generally report that it cleanses effectively without dulling their results or causing premature color washout.

For most hair types, a conditioner is still a worthwhile step, though how much you need depends on your hair's texture and porosity. This honey creme shampoo does a solid job of softening hair during the wash itself, so people with lighter hair textures sometimes find a rinse-out conditioner optional. Those with dense, coily, or highly porous hair will almost certainly benefit from following up with at least a light conditioner.

This is the most consistently raised concern from fine-haired users, and it is a legitimate one. The cream-based formula is specifically engineered for dry and textured hair that needs additional moisture, so it can feel a touch heavy on finer strands, especially with daily use. If you have fine hair, start with a smaller amount than you would normally use, or consider reserving it for less frequent washing sessions.

It depends on your hair length, thickness, and wash frequency, but for someone washing two to three times per week, a 32-ounce bottle typically stretches over several months. People with longer or thicker hair will go through it more quickly, but the generous bottle size is generally considered strong value for regular users.

Yes, people with locs frequently turn to this sulfate-free detangling shampoo because it cleanses effectively without leaving behind heavy residue — a genuine concern for loc maintenance, since buildup trapped inside locs is difficult to clear out. The lightweight lather rinses away cleanly, which helps keep locs fresh without requiring repeated washing cycles to remove leftover product.

Where to Buy

Aciana J. Hair
Design Essentials Honey Creme Detangling Shampoo 32oz
In stock $14.00
Buy Now