Phyto Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask Review

Over the years I have used many hair products by Phyto, so I thought that I would revisit the brand on my last Sephora visit. One of the things that I found most interesting was the Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask in large part because I have naturally curly hair that can be dry and can easily become frizzy with little encouragement.

This hair mask was specifically formulated to "tame unruly, frizzy, and rebellious locks" so it seemed like a good choice to antidote my stubborn tresses!

Phyto suggests,
This smoothing mask has a velvety texture to help you achieve perfectly smooth, soft, and supple hair. Get up to 72-hours frizz control, rain or shine, with its fast-acting, silicone-free formula. Rich in pine pulp, this mask effectively straightens and smooths unruly hair. Red and brown algae provide restructuring properties while apricot kernel oil intensely hydrate and nourish the hair fiber for a sleek, silky result.


After using this a few days in a row here are my observations: I applied it at the beginning of my shower and rinsed it out at the very end (about 5 minutes). I noticed that it was a bit hard to rinse out without leaving behind an oily residue, but since I have dry curly hair that didn't bother me since that potentially translates to more moisture. Generally it is very hard to get a brush or a comb through my wet hair without the aid of a leave-in conditioner, or some type of emollient styling/treatment product- so I intentionally avoided this step to see what would happen. Much to my surprise, I was able to brush my hair without any additional help- so the extra slip from this product was definitely helpful in that regard. I let my hair dry naturally, and without any coaxing it fell into nice ringlets, with minimal frizz- but not entirely frizz-free. Phyto claims that this product is intensely hydrating- which may be true for people who don't have dry curly hair, but for me it's not terribly hydrating or moisturizing. In fact my hair feels a little bit dry, and definitely not sleek and silky. While I really love many of the products that Phyto makes this one is a miss for my dry curly hair. Many people swear by this product, but I suspect that their hair is probably less dry and curly than mine. I love the concept, but it just didn't do quite enough for my hair. I would suggest trying it for yourself, but if you have hair like mine I would ask for a sample before buying it.


Suggested use: For fine to medium hair: After shampooing, apply a small amount to damp hair from lengths to ends. Rinse immediately. For thick to coarse hair: After shampooing, apply a small amount to damp hair from lengths to ends. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.


Ingredients: Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Zea Mays (Corn Germ Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (Derived From Coconut Oil), Glycerin, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol (Derived From Coconut Oil), Water / Aqua, Distearyldimonium Chloride (Derived From Rapeseed Oil) Ceteareth-33 (Derived From Coconut Oil), Isopropyl Alcohol, Ricinoleamidopropyltrimonium Methosulfate (Derived From Castor Oil), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-70 (Pine Pulp Extract), Alaria Esculenta Extract, Polyquaternium-10 (Derivated From Cellulose), Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Dodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Xanthan Gum, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Gluten Extract, Polyacrylamide, Tocopherol, c13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Methylisothiazolinone, Phosphoric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Botanical & Natural Origin.


Formulated without:  Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan 


Overall assessment: While I am a huge fan of Phyto products, this particular product isn't moisturizing enough for my naturally dry curly hair. If your hair is particularly dry and curly ask for a sample and try it out before committing to a full jar. 


6.7 oz. $38.00 at Sephora and Nordstrom