
Hair Care · Styling · Drugstore
We put Gatsby Sea Salt Spray Anti-Gravity Mat through our full ingredient analysis.
Chapter I · The Score
After analyzing 13 ingredients across four dimensions, our algorithm returned a verdict that surprised us.
Overall
Use With Caution
Chapter II · The Ingredients
We scored every ingredient individually. Some impressed us. Others raised serious questions.
DIMETHYL ETHER
Serves as a propellant and is considered largely safe in cosmetic sprays.
ALCOHOL
Has a strong drying effect on hair and scalp, which can lead to irritation with frequent use.
CETETH-40
A PEG-based emulsifier that can make the skin barrier more permeable to foreign substances.
SILICA
A natural mineral that provides grip and creates a matte finish on the hair.
DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL
Serves as a solvent and humectant, but has a low irritation potential.
C13-15 ALKANE
A biodegradable alternative to silicones that provides smoothness without weighing down.
BETAINE
A nourishing ingredient of natural origin that protects the hair from drying out.
PANTHENOL
Soothes the scalp and promotes moisture retention in the hair.
PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
This emulsifier can weaken the skin barrier and is poorly biodegradable ecologically.
FRAGRANCE
Can trigger allergic reactions or scalp irritations in sensitive individuals.
CALCIUM ALGINATE
An algae-derived thickener that is considered completely harmless.
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
An antioxidant that protects both the product from spoilage and the hair from environmental influences.
SEA SALT
Gives the hair the desired volume and the typical grippy texture.
Full ingredient list
DIMETHYL ETHER, WATER, ALCOHOL, CETETH-40, SILICA, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, C13-15 ALKANE, BETAINE, PANTHENOL, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, FRAGRANCE, CALCIUM ALGINATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SEA SALT
Chapter III · The Deep Dive
The "Gatsby Sea Salt Spray Anti-Gravity Mat" is a hair styling product specially developed for texture, volume, and a matte finish. It combines texturizing salts with mattifying minerals and nourishing ingredients.
The formulation predominantly contains harmless ingredients but is downgraded due to the use of PEG-based emulsifiers and a high alcohol content. While nourishing substances like panthenol are positive, the emulsifiers can make the skin barrier more permeable to foreign substances.
| Ingredient | Rating | Function & Effect |
|---|---|---|
| DIMETHYL ETHER | 🟢 / 🟡 | Propellant in sprays; considered safe but can irritate the respiratory tract if overused. |
| WATER | 🟢 | Water serves as a base and solvent. |
| ALCOHOL | 🟡 | Solvent and preservative; has a strong drying effect on hair and scalp. |
| CETETH-40 | 🟡 | PEG-based emulsifier; can make the skin more permeable to harmful substances. |
| SILICA | 🟢 | Silicic acid; serves as a matting agent and provides grip. |
| BETAINE | 🟢 | Conditioning agent of natural origin; has moisture-retaining properties. |
| PANTHENOL | 🟢 | Provitamin B5; has a soothing effect on the scalp and regenerates the hair. |
| PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL | 🟡 | Surfactant/emulsifier; PEG derivative that can weaken the skin's barrier function. |
| FRAGRANCE | 🟡 | Fragrances; can trigger allergies or irritations in sensitive individuals. |
| CALCIUM ALGINATE | 🟢 | Algae-based thickener; completely harmless. |
| TOCOPHERYL ACETATE | 🟢 | Vitamin E derivative; serves as an antioxidant and protects the product and hair. |
| SEA SALT | 🟢 | Sea salt; gives hair texture, volume, and the typical "beach look". |
The product contains a mixture of natural and synthetic components, with a mixed ecological evaluation.
Conclusion: The spray fulfills its purpose as a texturizer very well through the use of sea salt and silica. The composition is functional, but the high alcohol content and PEGs negatively impact the assessment regarding skin friendliness and environmental balance.
Recommendation:
Chapter IV · The Verdict
Gatsby Sea Salt Spray Anti-Gravity Mat earns a 62/100 from our algorithm. A moderate score — some effective ingredients alongside notable concerns.