Natural Hair Care Ingredients
Andrew Miller, marketing manager—hair, body, and oral care, North America, BASF, says, “Consumers and producers will increasingly prioritize hair care products that encompass a substantial number of natural ingredients, aiming to minimize their exposure to harsh chemicals. The demand for hair care products containing natural and sustainable ingredients has been on the rise. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the potential harm synthetic chemicals may have on their hair and the environment. As a result, ingredients like plant extracts, essential oils, and botanicals have gained popularity due to their perceived gentleness and eco-friendly properties. Biopolymers for styling and rheology have also been in high demand. Additionally, APG’s have proven to be an effective and mild plant-based surfactant. Proteins are also being utilized to provide natural sourcing and strengthen hair formulations.”
Skinification
Miller continues, “The skinification trend focuses on treating the hair and scalp with the same care as the skin on our face. Recognizing the scalp as a crucial foundation for healthy hair growth, this trend promotes gentle exfoliation, moisturization, and protection from environmental stressors. Hair and scalp care products now incorporate ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to delicately exfoliate the scalp, eliminate dead skin cells, and create a healthier environment for hair follicles. Similarly, to facial serums, hair and scalp serums are specifically formulated to target scalp concerns such as dryness, flakiness, or sensitivity. Aligning with the skinification trend, hair care products that offer multiple benefits such as UV protection for the scalp, antioxidants to combat environmental damage, and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation have gained popularity. Additionally, hair care products with protective ingredients against pollution, mirroring the anti-pollution products available for skin care, have also experienced an increase in demand.”
Miller concludes, “Euperlan NL Pearl is composed of the naturally derived ingredients such as hydrogenated vegetable oil, cocamidopropyl betaine, and glycerol oleate. Approved by COSMOS, Euperlan NL Pearl offers a high-performance alternative to non-COSMOS-approved ingredients and allows you to address consumers’ demand for opacifying and pearlizing effects without using pigments. It shows outstanding attributes in hair care applications, especially on wet and dry combing tests, anti-hair breakage measurements and suppleness tests. It is biodegradable and suitable for EO and sulfate surfactant-alternative solutions. It is easy to formulate and cold processable. Formulations for shampoos, body wash, and shower gel developed with Euperlan NL Pearl allow a natural-origin content of up to 99% according to ISO 16128, depending on other ingredients.”
For the full article, check out Global Cosmetic Industry's November 2023 digital magazine.
