Target New ArrivalsHalloweenClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHome & DecorKitchen & DiningPatio, Lawn & GardenGroceryHousehold EssentialsBabyBeautyTarget Beauty StudioPersonal CareSports & OutdoorsPetsHealthWellnessSchool & Office SuppliesToys & GamesElectronics & TechVideo GamesBooks, Music & MoviesParty SuppliesGift IdeasGift CardsShop by CommunityTarget OpticalDealsClearanceNew ArrivalsBack to SchoolCollegeTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
Cantu Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream - 12 fl oz: Volumizing For Textured, Curly Hair - 2 of 4Cantu Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream - 12 fl oz: Volumizing For Textured, Curly Hair - 3 of 4Cantu Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream - 12 fl oz: Volumizing For Textured, Curly Hair - 4 of 4
Cantu Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream - 12 fl oz: Volumizing For Textured, Curly Hair - 1 of 4

Cantu Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream - 12 fl oz: Volumizing For Textured, Curly Hair

18 Questions
$5.99 ($0.50/fluid ounce)

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists
Save 5% every day
With Target Circle™ Card (restrictions apply)

At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • Style strands with moisturizing shea butter & 7 essential oils
  • Adds shine & shape to natural curls, coils & waves
  • Activates curl shape while hydrating with pure shea butter
  • Great for waves, curls, and coils
  • No Harsh Ingredients: formulated with no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin or propylene

Description

The Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream 12 oz enhances your natural curl pattern to produce definition and the added volume you crave. The award-winning blend of shea butter and essential oils nourishes dry strands and adds a natural shine. Enjoy increased curl definition with each use and elevate your curly styles no matter your hair type. This staple styling product is formulated without harsh ingredients such as mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin, and propylene glycol. To use, apply the Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream to wet hair, section by section. Style as desired. Diffuse for faster drying time and increased volume. Since the beginning, you’ve pushed us to advance skin and hair science to honor your locs, your curls, your waves, your braids, your natural. At Cantu, we support your journey with care and we celebrate all the styles you rock!
Hair Type: Curly, Textured
Product Warning: Keep out of reach of children
Product Form: Cream
Sustainability Claims: Cruelty-Free
Beauty Purpose: Volumizing
TCIN: 16970519
UPC: 817513010002
Item Number (DPCI): 063-05-1346
Origin: Made in the USA
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Ingredients:

aqua (water), glycerin, propanediol, cetearyl alcohol, butyrospermum parki (shea) butter*, parfum (fragrance), stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, polyquaternium-10, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*, biotin (vitamin b7), folic acid (vitamin b9), niacin (vitamin b3), pantothenic acid (vitamin b5, cyanocobalamin (vitamin b12), pyridoxine hcl (vitamin b6), riboflavin (vitamin b2), thiamine (vitamin b1, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, macadamia ternifolia (macadamia) seed oil, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, aloe barbadensis (aloe) leaf juice (decolorized), lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract, hydrolyzed silk, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, behentrimonium methosulfate, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate 60, polyquaternium-11, benzyl benzoate, polyquaternium-39, cetrimonium chloride, ethylhexylglycerin, coumarin, silk amino acids, hexyl cinnamal, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, benzyl salicylate, benzylalcohol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citric acid, sodium sulfite. * certified organic ingredient.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 8.81 inches length x 1.88 inches width x 1.85 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.86 pounds

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: My hair is growing out of a relaxer. Can I use cantu curl activator all over my hair?

submitted by Carolyn - 4 months ago

  • A: Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is designed for natural curls, coils, and waves. You can apply it throughout your hair for moisture and manageability, but it will not create curls on the relaxed portion of your hair. It will help hydrate the relaxed ends, while enhancing curl definition on your natural new growth. For best results, apply to damp hair and focus more product on the natural textured areas.

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 4 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Does provide any hold or do I need to layer a gel on top?

submitted by Racheljana - 1 year ago

  • A: Cantu’s Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is designed to define, moisturize, and enhance your natural curl pattern with a soft, touchable finish. It provides light hold that helps reduce frizz and boost definition, but it is not a firm-hold styler. If you’re looking for longer-lasting or stronger hold, many customers like to layer it with a styling gel on top.

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can I use a heat styling tool after applying this product? Thanks

submitted by Retroredhead85 - 1 year ago

  • A: Cantu’s Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream defines curls and deeply hydrates textured hair, but it does not provide heat protection. If you plan to use hot tools, apply a dedicated heat protectant.

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Did they change the formula of this item?

submitted by babs29 - 2 years ago

  • A: Hey Bobbi, Great question! There is a claim on the Cantu Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream with a New & Improved Formula, up to 9x more moisture to help encourage healthy hair growth. For all your future beauty questions, get real-time answers using the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button, found on every product page.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: can I use the Cantù moisturizing curl activator cream and the next day curl revitalized together daily?

submitted by Elaine - 4 years ago

  • A: Hey Elaine, Yes! You can first use the Cantu Shea Butter Comeback Curl Enhancer and spray it all over in sections. Then you can apply the Cantu moisturizing curl activator cream in sections all over to hydrate your curls. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 4 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: will this product alone be good to give volume and definition or will i have to use more than one product

submitted by anonymous - 5 years ago

  • A: HI! This product alone will give the volume and definition your curls need! After day one styling try Cantu’s Comeback Curl to refresh and eliminate frizz .

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 5 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can this be used on synthetic hair pieces

submitted by Lori - 6 years ago

  • A: Hi Lori, we would recommend using products especially designed for synthetic wigs to prevent hair fall out.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can I dry my hair with a diffuser after using this product?

submitted by puglover123 - 6 years ago

  • A: Hi Puglover123! Yes, you can!

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this a product you'd recommend for 2C-3A hair? What else should I be using?

submitted by KP - 6 years ago

  • A: Good morning KP, Cantu’s Curl Activator Cream is a wonderful product for 2C-3A hair. It’s formulated to help enhance your natural curl pattern and produce frizz-free, bouncy curls!. One of our favorite cocktails for ‘Curls on the Go’ is the Cantu Comeback Curl Enhancer which will provide intense moisturization to help with your style’s longevity. All Cantu Natural products are formulated with no mineral oil, silicones, parabens, or sulfates so you can feel good about your hair health!

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Does this have sulphates?

submitted by Kay - 6 years ago

  • A: Great question, Kay. Cantu Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones and phthalates!

    submitted byCantu Product Expert - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
See all questions (18)

Additional product information and recommendations

Discover more options

Skip to next section

Frequently bought together

Skip to next section

Guests also viewed

Skip to next section

Guests are saying

This curl activator cream has garnered positive feedback for its ability to define and hydrate curls while minimizing frizz. Guests appreciate its pleasant scent and lightweight texture, which allows for easy application without leaving a greasy residue. Many have noted that a little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective choice for maintaining beautiful curls. However, some guests have experienced issues with hold and build-up, particularly with certain hair types.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.4 out of 5 stars with 1130 reviews
    effectiveness: 4.14 out of 5
    quality: 4.09 out of 5
    value: 4.2 out of 5
    77% would recommend
    187 recommendations
    5 out of 5 stars
    14 September, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Love that I can put it in my hair and go!
    abby
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    17 August, 2026
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Very Good!

    I love this Cream, i use it as a leave in after washing my hair and conditioning, and it really makes my hair feel super soft and helps my curls look more defined.
    Cantu21
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    12 August, 2026
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Hydrating defined curls

    [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Absolutely love this product and have been using it for well over 6 months now. I always get comments that my hair smells lovely and asking what I use. A little goes a long way and this gives me super defined curls and a lot of bounce. My hair no longer looks frizzy and looks great for 2 days before having to restyle
    Chemeeks
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    9 August, 2026

    Wonder cream for curly hair

    Wow this worked wonders on my mixed fighter. I was struggling trying to find a great product on her curly coiled hair and I’ve been doing so much research and I’m so glad I tried this one. Works so great and she doesn’t crying while I’m doing her hair.
    Ingrid
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    15 July, 2026
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Loved this product!

    Loved this product. I used it on holiday in Jamaica and I got so much compliments on my hair. Would defo recommend
    Maemae01
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    23 June, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    easy to use
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    7 March, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Only curly product you need!

    Best curly hair product Ive tried and the only thing I use to wear my curls. No residue. Shiny soft curls without greasy/wet appearance. Lasts days! My kids use too!!
    nicor35
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    3 March, 2026
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Moisturising

    [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Very moisturising however it didnt hold my curls for very long without gel
    Curlygirl99
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    19 February, 2026
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Love!!!

    [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This product is a 10/10!!! Really recommend it, it helped with my hair a lot!!
    Victoria
    Did you find this review helpful?
    3 out of 5 stars
    12 February, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    It's okay. Too thick for my 2b hair

    I really wanted to love this product but it was too thick for my hair. It left a residue that wasn't pleasant. I felt like it had too much build up. Not the best for my hair type. 2b
    cynthial298
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    11 February, 2026Verified purchase

    not for me.

    extremely rich, probably better for super thick curls/coils. it sort of weighs down wavy/curly hair, left mine feeling a little sticky, looks nice though. its not a light weight product at all, so if your looking for a super thick product itd be good.
    tarjehcustomer
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 3 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    27 January, 2026
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Great Curl Moisture

    This curl activator moisturizer hydrates and defines curls without weighing them down. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and less frizzy. Perfect for everyday use on curly hair.
    Beauty beyond
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    6 January, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    This product works wonderfully in my son’s curly hair!!!!
    Maggie
    effectiveness: 4 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    17 December, 2025Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    We like this product a lot
    Gina
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    1 December, 2025
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Amazing nourishment

    I have been using this for a week now and my hair is usually quite frizzy and gets tangled. This did wonders in reversing that.
    yaya200
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    1 December, 2025
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Amazing curl cream.

    I’ve been using the Cantu Curl Activator Cream for a while now, and it’s honestly one of the best products I’ve used for defining curls. The texture is rich but not too heavy, and it gives my hair amazing slip, making it easy to style. What I love most is how well it brings out curl definition without leaving my hair crunchy or stiff. I really like the packaging of this as well as its it’s really sleek and easy to transport It also adds a lot of moisture, which is perfect if your hair tends to get dry or frizzy. My curls look bouncy, soft, and shiny all day, and the product doesn’t flake or build up. The scent is light and pleasant too—not overpowering. Overall, if you’re looking for a curl cream that defines, hydrates, and keeps your hair looking healthy, this one is definitely worth it. Great value for the price and a staple in my routine!.
    sara x
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    22 November, 2025
    originally posted on cantuuk
    Image

    Cantu Beauty UK Moisturising Curl Activator Cream

    I’ve tried so many curl products over the years, but nothing has defined and hydrated my curls quite like this. The texture is rich but not heavy, and it glides through my hair effortlessly. Within minutes, my curls look bouncy, smooth, and incredibly moisturised—without any crunch or greasiness. I also love that it controls frizz throughout the day, even in humid weather. The scent is light and pleasant, and a little goes a long way, making it great value for money. Whether I’m doing a full wash-day routine or refreshing curls between washes, this cream never lets me down. If you’re looking for soft, defined, healthy-looking curls, I can’t recommend this enough. A must-have for anyone with textured or curly hair!
    Love_yaz3y
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    9 November, 2025Verified purchase

    Read How I Use This!

    Okay, this leave in conditioner is the best thing I’ve found for my fine, curly hair! After washing my hair I use about a pea size, add a touch of water and run through my hair with my fingers after combing, then shake my head and leave my hair alone. Using this Cantù conditioner this way doesn’t leave my hair greasy, crunchy like, or anything but soft and as long as it should be with my curls. It smells wonderful and I love it! Don’t use too much and always thin it with water and this might just be what you are looking for, for your curls too. If you use too much, it will be greasy and unmanageable requiring a redo. This is for us who prefer to not use tools to style just let our hair be as beautiful as it should. And that’s what makes our hair easy to deal with. This is the bomb!
    KitKat
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    5 October, 2025Verified purchase

    Irish waves

    Works great and smells heavily.
    Rachelle
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    2 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    10 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Cantu Curl Activator formula is different

    They changed the formula.
    Gaila
    effectiveness: 2 out of 5
    quality: 2 out of 5
    value: 2 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

    Privacy policy
    Terms